HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB?
Lisa Dalrymple and I sat down at a local coffee shop in Fergus, Ontario where she lives with her husband and 3 children. She began her writing journey at the age of 8 in England. She has a Masters Degree in English and is a published Author of 3 Children’s Books.
1. IF IT’S NO TROUBLE … A BIG POLAR BEAR
Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Lizz Pratt (Tuckamore Books, 2012)
2. BUBBLY TROUBLY POLAR BEAR
Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Lizz Pratt (Tuckamore Books, 2013)
3. SKINK ON THE BRINK
Written by Lisa Dalrymple / Illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo,
(Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2013)
HOW DID YOU GET THIS JOB?
We moved from England to Canada when I was 8. I don’t know when I began writing, but it was least that long ago. Lisa has a BA in English from the University Western, and a MA in English from the University of Guelph. She is a published author of 3 Children’s books.
1. If It’s No Trouble… A Big Polar Bear
2. Bubbly Troubly Polar Bear
3. Skink on the Brink
Lisa alongside the illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo of the book Skink on the Brink, were the Winner of the Writers Union of Canada’s Writing for Children’s Award, 2011.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I have learned patience. She said it might take months or years for someone to follow-up about her submissions. Through this she has honed her ability to focus on multiple projects at one time.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I get to work in my pajama’s Being a mother of 3 children she enjoys her flexibility she has with her young growing family. Although she has flexibility she follows a daily routine and tries to write every day.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN THE WORKFORCE? (Especially if they want to do what you do?)
Read a lot and talk to people about your writing and create a network of peers. Feedback is critical and appreciated to Lisa with her writing.
Find “like-minded” people. Figure out how and why they are doing well and surround yourself with this attitude! Mentor-ship is very important. She finds women or other writers to be very supportive. Yes, many writers of kids’ books are women, but I hate to sound like I’m stereotyping.
She really enjoys being part of the Canadian “kid lit” , as in kid’s literature. It takes skill, perseverance and luck!
HOW DID YOU GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Lisa works very hard at her craft. She has faced over 200 rejections from publishers and submissions but that didn’t stop her from following her dream. She knew in her heart and wanted to share her stories which she felt needed to be published for our children.
She held on to her dreams and motivation and surrounded herself with supportive people. She didn’t give up! Having personally met with Lisa and attended one of her writing workshops I know she is truly passionate and inspirational to aspiring writers and and anyone who wants to follow their dream!
WHAT ARE YOUR READING NOW?
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
FAVOURITE COLOUR?
Lisa quickly told me it was purple! She used her favourite purple pen when signing a copy of her book, “Bubbly Troubly Polar Bear” for my children.
IS THERE SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN YOUR CHILDHOOD WHICH MIGHT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
One significant memory from her childhood is sending her “Grand Pop”, who was a Champion Boxer” her writing to review. They would share letters with her family back home in England. They would offer her their feedback and reviews. This helped her support her writing craft at an early age and they continued writing for many years.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT (Work Related)?
LISA WON! Her book “Skink on the Brink”, was the WINNER of the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Writing for Children’s Award.
It is a coveted award which there were over 800 entries.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORLD – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM AND WHY?
Perseverance, do not give up. Lisa has had her share of rejections and used her patience, perseverance along with her supportive community of friends and family to overcome the 283 rejections. Until that day, July 1, 2011. Her first book would be published, “If it’s No Trouble …. A Big Polar Bear”. Later that same day she found out she was the winner of the “2011 Writers’ Union of Canada Writing for Children’s Award for her book “Skink on the Brink”.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON (Who is your mentor?)
Husband Marc and 3 children, Natalie Sage, Danielle Kate and Ethan Alexander.
WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU (or anything else you would like to add to this interview?)
Lisa will be busy writing new stories for her launch in 2014. In October 2014 with illustrator David Sturge and another book launch in the Spring of 2015.
A Moose Goes a Mummering, illustrated by David Sturge, published by Tuckamore Books, Fall 2014.
WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR BOOKS?
Look for Lisa’s books at our local book-store (Roxanne’s Reflections & Books), in Fergus, or Chapters.
Lisa has a Facebook Page. Visit her Website. She loves to visit children in local schools and organizations to share her stories, contact her for more information!