Ask the authors
A conversation with Peter and Connie Roop, the authors of Maine Lighthouse ABC and Maine Lobster ABC.
Two authors/one book: How does that work?
Every book is different. Often Peter writes the first draft and Connie edits this draft. Manuscripts go through many, many drafts so we alternate editing after the other one rewrites. Other books, we divide up the chapters. Happily, we have a similar writing style.
If science is the topic, Connie typically writes the first draft.
Where and how do you come up with ideas?
Ideas are not one of our problems! Ideas are everywhere and we have many topics we are interested in writing about. We now realize publishing is a business and we try to select ideas that will be of interest to others that have not been extensively written about in other books at the age level we plan to aim our manuscript.
Describe how you research a new book.
Research is a huge part of our writing life. Peter is a master and tends to read every book, magazine article, and research publication available on a topic. Then, Connie reads the most important materials as she is doing the majority of household tasks. We are very careful about the source of our research. When differences in data arise, we ultimately must select the most reliable source, such as National Geographic or Smithsonian. We read current papers published by researchers in the field. If necessary, we call and discuss our questions with them. In our experience, researchers are delighted to talk with us and are pleased others are interested in the topic they are devoting their time and energy to. We use museums and libraries as they have knowledgeable staff that can often help us. Stonington lobstermen were extremely helpful in writing an accurate Maine Lobster ABC book. We are grateful for their feedback.
You’ve written more than 100 books for children, published by some of the big houses, like Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and National Geographic. Why Penobscot Books for Maine Lighthouse ABC and Maine Lobster ABC?
Penobscot Books is the BEST! We submitted Maine Lighthouse ABC to Penobscot Books when we realized they had done a few children’s books. Many of our other publishers, Scholastic, Hyperion, Simon & Schuster , etc. are not interested ins geographically specific manuscripts.
It has been a pleasure to work with the staff at Penobscot Books. We feel like respected and valued team players all working to publish the best book possible. Plus, how many editors can you hug? How many company owners invite you on a bike ride? How many illustrators can you discuss how their vision dovetails with yours?
We value our relationship with Penobscot Books and the links our research has provided to the Stonington community and other Maine residents. We are eager to hold our newest “book baby” Maine Lobster ABC.
Get ready Penobscot Books, we are almost ready to submit another manuscript!
