Children have very short attention spans. It is always a challenge to keep them on task. Lynne Dempsey’s whimsical storybook, Take the Dog Out!, is written to attract the attention of the young reader. The story is based on true events, and the illustrations will keep the younger reader turning the page. Thank you Lynne, for sharing your story and for doing this interview.
Can you tell me about yourself?
I’m an award-winning children’s author, a graphic designer, and a former newspaper correspondent. More importantly, I’m mom to two amazing children, and I have a very supportive husband. Oh, there’s one more member of the family, Coconut. I can’t forget Coco. She’s the inspiration for the “Take the Dog Out!” series.
What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always wanted to write. I covered stories for my college newspaper, wrote press releases for non-profits, and worked as a correspondent for local newspapers.
When I found Coco ripping our newspaper to shreds, the idea for Take the Dog Out was born. It was a story I wanted to put into a picture book, and I wanted to do it in a way that would be really fun for kids to read.
As a mother of two, I know it can be difficult to get children to read. Sometimes, they get frustrated. My goal is to build their reading confidence. I want to make kids giggle while they learn and make reading fun.
How long did it take you to acquire the skills to become a writer?
I’m still working on becoming a better writer. I don’t think that will ever change. Every day I learn something new.
How many books have you written?
I have written three picture books for the “Take the Dog Out!” series, Take the Dog Out!, Numbers!, and Colors! They are picture books with fun illustrations and sight words for ages 3-5. In addition to reading the stories, a child can find hidden dog bones in the pictures.
Some writers go on long walks; others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?
Walks and hikes are always good for inspiration. Uninterrupted quiet is best. When you’re a busy mom, those times are rare. So, I write at the kitchen counter while I’m cooking dinner. I research book ideas between loads of wash. That’s okay. Life is my inspiration.
What are you working on now?
Mandy Newham-Cobb, the illustrator, and I are putting final touches on the third book in the series, Colors! Next, we will be releasing Spanish editions of the first two books. Cinta Garcia de la Rosa has translated the books, and I’m excited about getting them out to more children.
Where can readers find more information about you and your books?
My books are available at my Amazon.com author page.
There’s more about me at my website and Facebook,
Twitter and Google+.