Irene Roth, Assistant Nonfiction Editor and Book Reviewer of SFC, is a freelance writer for teens, tweens and kids. She has published over 150 Ezine articles on different topics that are relevant to self-esteem and self-confidence for girls. She maintains four blogs, one writing blog, one adolescent blog, and two book review blogs (one picture book review blog, and one YA and Adult book review blog). She also is a book reviewer for Booksneeze, Tyndale Publishers, The Muse Book Reviews, and a Contributing Editor and Reviewer for The National Writing for Children Center. She is in the middle of writing three E-books for teens and tweens.
She is a reviewer for Stories for Children Magazine, Booksneeze, Tyndale Publishers, and Voice in the Dark.
Irene S. Roth has an adolescent girl blog at http://adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com.
Irene S. Roth has an adolescent girl blog at http://adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I don't have any children myself. However, I have ten nephews and nieces that my husband and I take care of sometimes up to a few weeks at a time. Writing becomes really difficult when our little nieces and nephews are over.
What do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life?
I tend to have a preset time that I write every day. From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m every morning, I am at my desk, pounding on that keyboard. Then from 7 to 9 p.m., I send out queries and do marketing research. That way, my family life and teaching can come in between times.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was about 11 years old. I had a few pieces published in our local paper, and then I became a columnist from age 13 to 18. It was a lot of fun. When I got into my late teens and twenties, I started writing in the areas of philosophy and psychology.
What Inspired you to write?
I loved the feeling that I got when I wrote. I always felt a peace and equanimity come upon me. I kept diaries since I was 7 years old. And I always came to terms with things in writing and understood them more.
Now you are also a member of the SFC team.
Can you share with us a little about what you do?
I am an assistant nonfiction editor and a book reviewer. I thoroughly enjoy both of my posts, and I am learning so much about writing for children. I also feel a real comraderie with the SFC team.
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I usually wake up around 5:30 a.m, make myself a pot of decaffeinated coffee and sit down to write for about two to three hours, depending on the day. The only thing that is consistent is that I do write every day.
Is your family supportive of your writing?
Yes, they are supportive. My husband is also a writer. So, I don't have much difficulty convincing him that I have to get some writing done.
Have you ever suffered from writer's block?
No, mercifully, I never have.
What was the first thing you ever had published?
After I completed my Masters Degree in 1995, I had a medical ethics book published. I also had a whole rash of articles and book reviews published as well.
Now I have several articles published in Encounter for Teens and Tweens, and over 200 published Ezine articles and 300 book reviews.
What type of books do you write mostly?
I write academically in philosophy and psychology (the areas of my expertise) and for teens and tweens in the areas of psychology. I also write nonfiction picture books for kids about issues such as bullying, teasing, and self-esteem.
Can you share with us why you love writing, and working with children's lit?
I love writing for kids. I often volunteer at local elementary schools and read to the kids. I love the look on their faces when they finally understand a concept or a story.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
I love to know that I may be helping kids cope with different apects of their lives, whether it is something that is propelled from within or without.
What is the most difficult part of writing?
I think the most difficult part of writing is revising and knowing when your manuscript is ready to be submitted. That takes such a long time and it is different for each publication.
What is the best writing advice you ever received?
Never quit.
Do you find it hard to balance your personal writing time with
your other jobs?
Yes, I do sometimes, as I teach part time and have some 200 students per semester some time. I also write academically and creatively. So, there are many times that I have to put in 10 to 12 hour days.
Do you have any other works in progress? Can you share a little about them?
Yes. I have two nonfiction picture books, three nonfiction teen books, and three e-books in progress.
One of my nonfiction picture book's is about teasing and the other is about bullying. I am still in the process of redrafting them.
My three nonfiction teen books are at the second stage of redraft. I am preparing proposals for each of them as we speak.
Tell us about your writing space.
I have a small, cozy writing space. It consists of a desk, and computer desk, and all kinds of shelves with books. Despite the small amount of room that I have, I still have a comfy chair that I could sit in to read and think.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
Hmmmmmm. That's a good question. Probably that I love to write in many different genres and that I can't choose one particular one to write in. I write academically, for teens, tweens, and kids. And I love each of these types of writing.
How do you see the future of publishing, both traditional and electronic?
I love the trends in publishing that are starting up. I don't ever think that books will disappear. However, I love the idea that e-books are making books much more accessible to more individuals. I am a little more leery of picture E-books because I hate the thought of kids sitting at the computer at such a young age.
What tips can you give writing parents with children at home to help them see publication?
Carve up some consistent daily time to write, and stick to it until it becomes habit.
What well known writers do you admire most?
I love Judy Blume, and Sandra Diersch, just to name a few. I read very widely though.
Do you participate in competitions? Have you received any awards?
No, I haven't until this point.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about being a 'writing mama'?
Take your writing seriously, and try and share with your family that you are passionate about your writing. Once it becomes habit, your family will be used to your writing habits.
Thanks Irene for taking the time out of you busy day to share with my readers more about you.
You can learn more about the SFC Team at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com