Chatting with Laurie Isop, Cheerios New Author Contest Winner

An annual writer's competition run by Cheerios in partnership with Simon & Schuster publishing called the New Author Contest is well underway. While the competition is heating up I caught up with the 2009 competition winner, Laurie Isop. Her story, "How Do You Hug a Porcupine?", will be appearing in millions of Cheerios boxes this spring. I had a chance to talk with her about the competition, her feelings on winning and much more.

What prompted you to enter the 2009 Cheerios New Author Contest?

ISOP: I had drafted the story, "How Do You Hug a Porcupine?" prior to learning about the contest. My sister owns a bookstore in Stoneham, Massachusetts (shout-out to The Book Oasis!) and she sent me a link to the contest and encouraged me to enter.

What did it feel like when it was announced that you won the competition?

ISOP: Actually winning the contest was fantastic and very emotional it was something I wanted for a long time. It was like a whole new page was turning and I felt like doors were going to open for me, so that's an exciting feeling. It's all been very flattering and also validating. And, winning the contest has motivated me to write every day.

It's definitely my greatest personal accomplishment, outside of being a mom. It gives me the motivation to press on and keep trying. When you get a win, it encourages you to move forward. It also encouraged me to start a blog!

Have you always wanted to write children's books?

ISOP: Writing and storytelling has always been a passion of mine. A photographer and wedding album designer by trade, I've come to understand the importance of capturing emotion in my work, and how the blend of images and words can meld together to tell a tale. I'd been trying to crack the children's market for about 10 years when I heard about the contest.

How do you feel about your book being in over 3 million Cheerios boxes nationwide?

ISOP: Three million does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? It's overwhelming, really. I mean, we are approaching Harry Pottery numbers here.

Can you tell us a little bit more about "How do you hug a porcupine?" and what your inspiration for the book was?

ISOP: For the contest, I wanted to write something expressive and super fun to illustrate, and it had to be engaging and interactive when read aloud. It's got oodles of rhythm and rhyme, and something to make you want to turn the page. "How Do You Hug a Porcupine?" captures the essence of childhood: the inquisitive, undeterred child trying to accomplish this one thing; to embrace the impossible-to-hug porcupine.

Inspiration for the book came when my family and I were sitting around the table having dinner, and we were talking about a problem my son was having with another kid at school and it turned the focus of the conversation to "warm fuzzy" and "cold prickly" type people and how to deal with each. I decided to go with that approach for my story -- except with animals, of course.

Do you have any other books in the works that readers should be on the lookout for?

ISOP: I am working on a few different projects and I have several titles in various stages of the submission process. Submission-ready titles include:

The Grownup's Table
Stubborn Steven
The Minis
The Lion Who Couldn't Roar
Wonder Why
The Worst Week Ever!

What are some tips that you have for new authors trying to get published?

ISOP: Be persistent. Read your book to anyone that will listen yes, I read to the UPS guy and note their reaction. Are the children wide eyed and wanting you to turn the pages? I also recommend writing in different settings; I used to write in coffee shops, libraries, karate places anywhere that provided inspiration. And, of course, edit, edit, edit. Also, I urge all aspiring authors out there to check out the 2011 Cheerios New Author Contest , which is accepting entries until June 15 you never know when your big break may come!

The UPS Guy -- ? Really -- ?

ISOP: Yes -and the dojo owner, and the postal carrier, and my neighbors; basically anyone I could get to give me 5 minutes of their time. I also read it to a bunch of little ones. They were my best teachers! I learned so much from that experience.

Can you give parents advice on how to get their children excited about reading?

ISOP: Start early, and don't just read the words. Use as much inflection and drama as possible, and offer a variety of books so children have lots of options eventually they'll find a character or subject they connect with, and voila! They're hooked on reading! Also, don't be afraid to conjure up your own books. When my youngest was four, his preschool class got to visit a working construction site. That evening I wrote a little story on my computer. It was all of ten pages and had clip-art for illustrations. It was called "Erik Visits the Construction Site." I used his name on every page and he just loved it; he begged me to read it to him again and again.

When will "How do you hug a porcupine?" be available in hardback? Where can readers get a copy outside of Cheerios cereal boxes?

ISOP: The book will be available in hard copy July 26 in the general market and online.

Have you read any stories by the previous winners of the Cheerios New Author Contest? If so, do you have a favorite story that stands out?

ISOP: I've read both prior winners '" The Great Dog Wash and 1 Zany Zoo. They are super stories with catchy themes and terrific illustrations. I really couldn't say one was better than the other.

Laurie Isop's book, "How Do You Hug a Porcupine?", can be found in Cheerios boxes this spring and in regular book retailers on July 26th. Check out a copy of the award winning book and visit Ms. Isop's website. You'll be happy that you did. It should be noted also that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of "How Do You Hug a Porcupine?" will be going to Animal Rescue.