KidLit Alert!
Interview with Traditionally Published
Debut Middle-Grade Author of
Hangabout: Far From Home
Ree Augustine
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Ree, welcome to Writing Teazurs Blog! Your debut middle-grade novel just came out - Congratulations! Where did the inspiration come from?
First of all, thank you so very much for having me visit with you. I love your blog, especially how it is presented.
As for Hangabout: Far from Home, I wanted to write a story with a fear vs. love theme. I had alternating chapters between a cat (fear) and a dog (love). I sent it to an agent, and she suggested using one POV. I chose Hangabout, the dog, and after that, it was his story that led the way.
It was released on August 29, 2023!
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Your book’s main character is not a kid but a puppy. Was that easier or more difficult to write? How did you get the POV of a puppy? What did you do to understand your main character better?
Writing in the POV of a puppy wasn’t really easier or harder. I just tried to regard him as having the same emotions as a human would. What was different, though, was writing it as a young dog.
For instance, he would see the world from low on the ground, and he would not know everything a human would. So, I really just tried to envision a puppy as I wrote. I also read a lot of wolf/dog stories. They helped tremendously.
Who will love this book?
Anyone who loves adventure with an emotional pull.
You are being published with a small publishing house - Orange Blossom Publishing - how did you find them, and why did you choose them?
The publisher, Arielle, and I had critiqued each other’s picture book stories prior to her starting a publishing house. I liked what she was doing but was very hesitant to submit to her because I didn’t want to put her in a place of discomfort since she knew me a bit.
But I finally asked her if she would be okay if I submitted it, and she said to send it away. She loved the story but wanted to make sure she was not biased. So she had a second reader read it, and, fortunately, they loved the story too.
If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen - what one sentence would you yell?
I don’t like to call attention to myself, so perhaps I would whisper,
“Laugh every day.”
What was the process like from the moment you queried Orange Blossom to the editing and then the pub date?
I’ve loved this journey, as I’ve never experienced it. I could not believe it when I read that my story had been accepted.
I must have read that reply
a hundred times.
It was accepted in February of 2022, and we began the editing process in December of 2022. I really love revising. Arielle saw things that I did not, and it elevated the story. She involved me with the choice of illustrator and the book cover. It’s been such a joy to be part of everything. The anticipation for the final pub date was exciting but hard to wait, to be honest.
What is your favorite animal? Would you become that animal if you could?
I really like all animals. They bring so much to our world. The domesticated ones and the wild ones. We have a lot of deer in our area, and they are beautiful to watch. I think my favorite, though, would have to be dogs. We’ve adopted several throughout the years, and they’ve brought so much love and joy to us. I might try being a dog for a day just to experience it. But I like being human! We have too many opportunities to enjoy.
What type of guidance did Orange Blossom give you about your book? Did they edit? What help did they provide?
Yes, there were several rounds of edits. They weren’t overwhelming. Arielle wanted some lighter language to keep it more kid-friendly. And she suggested a different ending that reflected Hangabout’s conclusion more. I think she was right on both fronts.
How will you promote your book? Will it be in bookstores? Amazon? Where can readers find it?
I have a launch team that is reading the eARC and will post reviews. It will be available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, and Orange Blossom Publishing. I hope to add school visits eventually. I also have some book signings at libraries scheduled. And I had a launch party at The Next Chapter Bookstore in Sellersville, PA.
I’ve had several book signings and am hoping to do more. People can visit my Instagram for updates. @ree.augustine
Before you became an author - what did you do? How do your past experiences show up in your writing?
I was a stay-at-home mom. Prior to that, I was a CPA, but that only lasted a few years. I worked a ton of part-time jobs. I now volunteer at a thrift store. I have so much fun with the customers and the other volunteers. I don’t think specific experiences end up in my writing, but emotional tugs. Things I think we have all gone through.
If you could change one thing in the world that relates to your book - what would it be?
That everyone finds a home,
even if it’s in an unexpected place.
For my readers who are also aspiring authors - what words of advice do you have about the publishing/writing world?
Push through rejection. For me, I had to write because I loved it.
I had to decide if I would be okay
if I had written and never been published.
Once I decided that, I enjoyed it more, and all writers deserve to enjoy what they are doing. Also, find critique partners. My writing grew exponentially after I found a critique group.
How long did it take you to get published from the moment you had the book idea to the yes from Orange Blossom?
I just looked back at my first draft and, wow, did the story and character arc’s change. I started it in 2017. It’ll be published in 2023, so that’s six years. I did, however, take a few breaks as I had a picture book that went to acquisitions twice, and I worked on revisions for that. It ultimately did not get accepted. So, I think it took me about three years to write to write Hangabout: Far from Home.
How do you come up with characters, and what drives them?
It’s different every time. Like I said above, Hangabout came from a concept whereby I wanted to have a love vs. fear theme, and I thought a dog and cat would be a great way to show the story. As with all my stories, though, eventually, the character takes over, and it becomes their story, not what I had in mind at all. I really don’t know what drives them until I start writing. That discovery is special. It’s like unwrapping a gift that you didn’t know was there.
Raising two boys gives you a lot of crazy experiences to draw from. Any funny or crazy antics you’d like to share that your boys did that will end up in a book someday?
It’s funny. I don’t really draw on their experiences too much. I think because it is just too personal for me. I did write a picture book once about a boy swallowing a penny. That was based on one of my sons. It didn’t get acquired. One of many. That said, I love boy characters and have written novels featuring them, and hope to do more soon.
When you’re not at your desk writing - what do you do as a creative outlet?
I love to run, as it takes my mind to other places. I also sneak off to the movies during the day, and I love art museums.
Often, when I’m walking around,
I’m trying to sense an emotion
that could play out in a story.
Writing can be taxing on the body - neck aches, backaches, etc. How do you stay fit and free of pain while the butt is in the chair writing?
Honestly, I write in short stints, so I don’t get too many body aches. I run, which stops my body from turning into mush, though!
What do you mostly daydream about?
Emotions and how they feel and how they affect people. Oftentimes, an idea will pop into my head, and if I can’t get rid of it, I’ll start to think of it as a story.
What items are on your writing desk that are must haves? Example: I have a tiny singing bowl on mine that I chime before chapters.
I love the idea of a chiming bowl! I write at the kitchen table, so what’s on it changes every day. Right now, there is an adding machine, an empty container of cashews, an empty brown bag, and a stapler.
I always have a pencil and pad of paper to jot down notes as I’m writing.
I play three games of solitaire before I start to write, and I play relaxing spa music as I write.
Why write for kids? Why middle-grade?
I love the openness of kids. They are experiencing things for the first time, and that is very magical. I’d love to keep a little of that magic in everyone.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years in your writing?
I’d love to have more stories out in the world. I’m very grateful for Hangabout: Far from Home, and I hope readers enjoy it.
Are you a wine, coffee, tea, water, or soda person?
A cup of green tea in the morning. Lots of water during the day. A glass of wine with dinner.
How can my readers help you reach your goals?
If you get a chance to read Hangabout: Far from Home, perhaps post a review for me on Amazon. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Just being here is helpful. Thank you!
You’re part of MGin23 - what does that mean, and how can we help promote you and the other debut authors?
Being a part of MGin23 has been a fantastic experience. I’ve made many new friends. A debut book is such a new experience for all of us, and we’ve been able to share tips and the highs and the lows.
All of us would love support, and the best way that can happen is to simply buy one of our books or pick it up at the library. If you like it, please spread the word.
What is your favorite thing about writing and getting published, and what is the worst?
The best thing about writing is the solitude. Tuning out from the world and creating imaginary worlds is quite an experience.
I hate to sound like a Pollyanna, but there really isn’t anything I don’t like about writing. It’s such an incredible experience to create emotions on a page. The best thing about getting published is that people will get to read your story, and it will become their story. The worst thing is the fear. I’ve been writing in private for so long, and now it is out there for the world to see. I hope they like it.
I’ve had two writing partners. Both Greyhounds. Macy was my first, and she has since passed away. We waited a year before rescuing another greyhound. Her name is Chloe, and she lies next to me on a dog bed. I don’t necessarily read to her, but I pet her and tell her what I’m writing about. She’s the best because she likes whatever I write about.
What does your family think about your book and this new career?
My family has been incredibly supportive. None of them are readers, and yet they’ve championed me all the way. I couldn’t have done it without their support.
What’s the best advice you received as a newbie writer that other writers MUST know?
Be okay with the fact that writing is hard. It may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. To sit and look at a blank page and not know where you are going with it is extremely difficult. But write that first word and don’t care how ugly it looks in the beginning. My current WIP is looking pretty ugly to me right now, but it’ll blossom the more I work on it.
Who is your greatest cheerleader, and how has she or he supported you?
Aside from my husband, my critique partner, Rebecca Kraft Rector. She can read between my lines and even know if I’m just not into the writing at the moment. She’s my friend, first and foremost, but also a mentor, as she had been writing longer when we met. She’s very encouraging, and I can ask her anything.
Do you belong to a writer’s critique group or a group like SCBWI?
I belong to an online critique group with three other writers. A big mistake I made was not finding one sooner. It is critical to have others read your work and for you to read others’ works. It taught me how to see the big picture with a story. Critique partners see things in your writing that you are just completely missing. SCBWI is a great organization for connecting with other writers. They also have amazing resources, like seminars and many other things.
What’s the oddest, weirdest, or silliest thing about you?
I drink celery juice every morning.
Which character in your book is the most like you? The least? Who is your favorite character?
I love all of the characters, but my favorite would have to be Hangabout. He’s so innocent but never gives up. I might be a little like Hangabout because I believe in people, possibly at times when I should not. I’m not like Bean at all. She’s very street-savvy, and I am not.
What one question would you like to ask yourself: Do you write for yourself or for others?
The answer is both. There is something so organic to writing for me. I really don’t know what I’m going after, but it’s usually an emotion that is elusive in the beginning. After I figure that out, I see the characters and how readers will connect with them. Hopefully, they’ll remember them for a long time.
Thank you so much, Ree! That was a great interview, and like you, I, too, read to my pups. They write with me every day. I'm so happy that you have this book out in the world. Way to go! And I am excited to read more of your stories to come.
If you would like to support Ree on her writing journey, or you have a kid who would love Hangabout | Far from Home - please connect with her below.
Purchase Hangabout - Far from Home
And if you'd like to be interviewed, please reach out. I love supporting writers - traditionally published and self-published.
Write~on
Angie
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