Peggy Collins... kidlit author, illustrator and crafty momma: The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing is a global blog tour, started in Australia, to showcase authors and illustrators and their current work. I was tagged by the lyrically talented Lizann Flatt. Thanks Lizann! I wasn't really too sure what I should talk about or show - my work has been in flux, and developing at a rapid rate this year in all sorts of directions... but I have LOTS of projects on the go, so I'll share one of them here.

So now I'll answer some questions, then pass the Q&A along to a few others who'll pick up the tour next week.

1) What is the working title of your next book?

I, ASTEROID

end of book

2) Where did the idea come from for the book?

My daughter proclaimed at dinner one day that she was an asteroid. I asked her if she knew what that was - she said, "yes. It is a princess who won't sit still at dinner." She has a wild imagination and makes me laugh constantly, and this is where the idea was born. My son is a non-fiction guy (raised on Lizann's books!) and facts... so that aspect factors into the story as well.

3) In what genre does your book fall?

Picture book for silly, wierd, intelligent kids.

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

It would have to be animated, I am not sure who would do the voices... but I SO LOVED the animation for the Fantastic Mr Fox, or anything Tim Burton - that style would be awesome.

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Inspired by a book her brother reads to her, a little girl wakes up the next morning and being super crafty (with her brother's help) becomes an asteroid.

6) Who is publishing your book?
To be Determined.

7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Not too long, I was doodling on my ipad and it just flowed on to the page... I've been using Paper by 53 and it is awesome for getting ideas out fast.

However, before I ever jot a story down it's been spinning in my brain for awhile. It's like soup. All the ingredients go in, and eventually it tastes good (or not) and all comes together. If it stinks you order pizza and start over again.

8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Petunia, Olivia, Charlie and Lola (sort of)... I put myself in fine company here, haven't I?

9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My kids. They are weird. I love that they are weird. I hope they are always this awesomely weird. I hope they never try to fit in 'that' mold. They are quizzical, intelligent and riotously funny. They also drive me a bit crazy. They talk a LOT. My son (7) spends his screen time touring around the world on google earth finding volcanoes and tiny islands, and my daughter (3) fancies herself an acrobat/linebacker/mermaid and sometimes zombie - though she really has no idea what a zombie is.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

Did you know asteroids hate asparagus?

Now I get to introduce some amazingly talented illustrators (and fellow SCBWI members) who will be posting on May 2nd, so stay tuned!:
Chris Jones