Read, Write, Repeat.

Almost everyone has gotten a present that made them say, “Huh?”

Maybe it was a set of custom cookware for someone who could barely boil water. Or a subscription to the ”Meat of the Month Club” for a confirmed vegetarian.  

Linda Skeers’ latest picture book, Tutus Aren’t My Style (Dial, 2010), tells the story of Emma, an active, outdoorsy girl who receives a ballerina costume from her Uncle Leo.

Now, Emma has never even considered being a ballerina. But she loves Uncle Leo and doesn’t want to let him down, so she puts on the costume and tries to do everything her friends and family tell her good ballerinas do — float, flutter, whirl and twirl.

Of course, it doesn’t work out. But instead of getting frustrated, Emma decides to make her own rules about what ballerinas do, which results in a memorable recital that pleases Emma and her uncle.

Linda joins us today to talk more about her second picture book.

Describe how Tutus Aren’t My Style came to be, from initial idea to sale.
I’m a very clumsy person and one night I tumbled down the stairs and somersaulted into my son’s room. When I stood up I told him, “I’ll never, ever be a ballerina!” Later I thought that would make a good title for a story about a clumsy little girl. I wrote and revised the story too many times to count! Finally, I sent it to my editor. She suggested I add a few characters, I did one more revision, and she bought it! 

Who’s the target audience for this book?
4-8 year olds. I especially hope it appeals to tomboys who don’t connect to all the ballerina and princess picture books out there. I know I don’t!

What are you most pleased with about the book?
I love the illustrations! Emma looks exactly how I envisioned her in my mind as I was writing. And the cat wearing the tutu cracks me up!

What costume would you have wanted to receive as a child? How about now?
I would have loved a swashbuckling pirate costume! Should I admit that I bought a pirate hat (complete with marabou feathers) on eBay and I wear it around the house?ARRRRGGGHHHH! 

Have you ever worn a tutu?
Alas, I have not. Yet.

How is the book similar to – and different from – your first book, The Impossible Patriotism Project?
Both have a main character trying to figure out something that bothers them.

Caleb wonders what patriotism means and how he can show it, and Emma is wondering how to be a ballerina when that goes against her personality. Both solve their problem by doing some soul searching. Tutus is lighter and, hopefully, funnier. 

What do you think makes a good picture book?
An interesting main character that the reader cares about. And humor!

Which authors inspire you?
So many! Jill Esbaum, Deborah Wiles, Patricia Polacco, Mo Willems, Hollie Hobby …  it’s a very long list! 

What’s your favorite picture book of all time? 
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. 

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Read. Eat. Read. Watch movies. Read some more!

What else would you like to add? If you want to sell a book in today’s market, READ what’s currently being published!

Want to learn more about Linda? Visit her Web site.  Want to meet her and get the benefit of her expertise? Sign up to attend the picture book writing workshop she holds each year with fellow Iowa author Jill Esbaum.