Need a fun monster themed book for Halloween? Want a refreshingly different monster under the bed story? Check out I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll ,published by Flashlight Press."A unique monster-under-the-bed story with the perfect balance of giggles and shivers, this picture book relies on the power of humor over fear, appeals to a child’s love for creatures both alarming and absurd, and glorifies the scope of a child’s imagination. One night, when Ethan checks under his bed for his monster, Gabe, he finds a note from him instead: "Gone fishing. Back in a week." Ethan knows that without Gabe’s familiar nightly scares he doesn't stand a chance of getting to sleep, so Ethan interviews potential substitutes to see if they've got the right equipment for the job." Read the rest of Barnes & Nobles synopsis and info here.
Here are my FIVE QUESTIONS with Amanda!
1. How did you get your idea for your book?
It came about because I wished my three year old daughter would stay in bed. It wasn’t my finest parenting moment.
2. Can you tell me a little about your road to publication?
I wrote (and rewrote) the story in mid 2005. By the end of 2005 I was submitting it to publishing houses. Flashlight Press was one of the first houses I sent it to. They held it in consideration and suggested revisions. By 2007 an offer was made. It was released in April of 2009.
3. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. What is your favorite Halloween costume?
I grew up in Australia, where we didn’t celebrate Halloween, so the dressing up was new to me. My ideal costume would be something from Dr. Who, although most people are unfamiliar with the science fiction series.
4. I am a huge music lover so I have to ask. What kind of music do you enjoy? Any favorite bands?
I love to write to music. Being a child of the 80’s and having spent my teen years in Australia, I tend to gravitate to music from: Ice House, Rick Astley, Men at Work, Crowded House, Duran Duran, and Wham. I also love ABBA.
5. Any advice to share for us writers?
Start writing. Write anything. Don’t make excuses about why you can’t write, don’t wait until the *perfect* time – it doesn’t exist.
Thank you so much, Amanda! Great answers (and I love Duran Duran, too)!
