Featured Interview With Connie T. Colon
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a Jersey Girl — born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ (attended same grade school where Judy Blume went!) My mom was a teacher and my dad was a detective. I have lived and worked in NYC several times, graduated from Syracuse University (degree in Fine Arts) and now live in Apollo Beach, FL (near Tampa) with my husband and our son who attends college down here. I have a senior shih tzu who is almost 14 who I love to bits!!!
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been an avid reader since childhood — my mom taught reading and writing! I fell in love with the Nancy Drew series in grade school. I have always been creative — started drawing in my highchair (or so I was told!) when my mom taped paper to the tray and gave me crayons. I was always good at writing, but didn’t take it seriously until I gave up my advertising career to become an at-home mom. A turning point for me was attending a week long Highlights writers workshop in 2006 in Chautauqua, NY.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have focused on writing humor for grade school kids. (I guess I’ll never truly grow up! Some of my favorite children’s writers are Richard Peck (have met him), Jerry Spinelli (worked with him on a manuscript at the Highlights workshop!!), Kate DiCamillo (met her, too!) and Lisa Yee (haven’t met her yet, but we’re Facebook friends)
Tell us a little about your latest book?
SCHOOL RULES is book #1 of the Principal Kidd chapter book series for 6 – 11 year olds (and kids of all ages!) Eleven year old whiz, Oliver Kidd, becomes principal of Eggshell Elementary and implements new rules that the students love, but the town health inspector does not. Principal Kidd is given 24 hours to fix his mess or the school will get shut down — not a good thing to happen on his first week at the job! He enlists the help of his good friends since kindergarten — and school mascot, and Oliver’s sidekick — Chelsea the chicken. Join in on the fun and giggles — just don’t step in any chicken poop!
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