FAQ

Curious about writing in general, or about my books? I’ve learned from my mail and from visits to schools and libraries that a lot of readers have the same questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered below, send me an email and I’ll try to answer it.

How many books have you written?

Hmmn, that question has a complicated answer. I wrote a handful of novels that never got published before getting my first contract. They were my practice books. They aren’t good enough to be published, but I learned a lot writing them, and I’m proud of them! I have several books that I think are good enough to be published, but have yet to find a home. I’ve had fifteen books published, and I’m under contract for four more. So...all together, I’ve written perhaps thirty novels.

Are all of your books for kids?

Most, but not all! I’ve been lucky, and have had success in writing for children and teens. But I’m very excited about my first adult novel, which will be published in 2010. It’s a mystery called Old World Murder, which will be published by Midnight Ink. I also write poetry and essays.

What was your first book to be published?

The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry, which was published by White Mane Kids in 1996. It was pretty exciting to get that first box of books!

How did you get started with American Girl?

I had a very unusual and lucky experience--an editor from American Girl called me! Back in the late 1990s, the company was planning to create a new series called History Mysteries, and they were looking for writers. Someone recommended me to the editor. At that time I had published several historical novels, and I also had worked for the State Historical Society of Wisconsin for years. The editor called me and asked if I’d like to try writing a History Mystery. Obviously I said yes!

I published three History Mysteries before the company decided to take the series out of print, Trouble at Fort La Pointe, Whistler in the Dark, and Betrayal at Cross Creek. (I’m happy to say that the first two are back in print!)

Then my editor invited me to try writing a mystery for one of the American Girl characters. I’ve written two Kit mysteries (Danger at the Zoo and Midnight in Lonesome Hollow), one about Josefina (Secrets in the Hills), one about Kirsten (The Runaway Friend), and one about Molly (Clues in the Shadows).

Do publishers tell you what to write?

None of the publishers I’ve worked with tell me what to write. Sometimes I write a book without knowing if it will get published. When it’s finished, I try to find an editor who likes it enough to buy it. For the American Girl mysteries I have to be true to everything written previously about the main character, but I’m free to come up with my own plot.

Do you do the artwork for your books?

I wish I had the artistic talent, but I don’t! Publishers hire artists to do the cover art for novels. And usually the author has little or no input about what the cover will look like. That may seem strange, but I remind myself that I wouldn’t want an artist telling me how to write my book, and I need to respect their talents!

How long does it take you to write a book?

That varies a lot. When I’m asked to write an American Girl book, we usually work on a tight timeline of six to nine months, start to finish. When I’m developing a book of my own, I may spend years researching, writing, and revising a manuscript before it gets published. It took eight years to sell Hearts of Stone, and I worked on my only nonfiction book (Too Afraid to Cry: Maryland Civilians in the Antietam Campaign) for twelve years before I got a publishing contract.

Which of your books is your favorite?

That’s like asking a parent to name a favorite child! I’m usually most excited about whatever book I’m working on at the moment.

What are you working on now?

I don’t like to talk about books that aren’t finished. The ideas in my head feel fragile, and too much discussion might take me in the wrong direction. Whenever I have a new book coming out, though, I announce it in the “News” section of my website. And I provide frequent updates on my progress on my Facebook page (just search for “Kathleen Ernst, Author.”)

Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere! I have a good imagination (some might say an over-active imagination), and I ask “What if...?” questions a lot. What if I had lived in that old house during the Civil War, and a huge battle took place? What if I was a Highland dancer and made a big mistake on stage? Try it--you’ll soon have lots of story ideas too!

Do you outline your books?

Nope. Some authors need to know exactly what is going to happen in their novels before they start writing. I can’t work that way. I start with a general idea, and wade in. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes outliners are reluctant to make changes, because they have such a clear vision in their minds. And waders like me sometimes end up writing themselves into a corner, and have to delete sections that don’t work.

Is it hard to get a book published?

It can be. It take practice, persistence, and a working understanding of the publishing business. Learn your craft, keep at it, and study the industry.

I’ve finished a manuscript. Can you read it for me?

Unfortunately, my schedule doesn’t allow me to review manuscripts for readers. I suggest that you contact local writers’ organizations and inquire about critique groups.

Is it better to get a big publisher to buy my manuscript, or to self-publish?

It depends entirely on your goals. Getting a contract with a major publishing house may take years of hard work, with countless rejections along the way. If you are interested in getting a book in your hand now, self-publishing may be for you. A third option is to look for a small regional or specialty press that might be a good fit for your book.

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