Writing From An Empty Nest

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes mid-grade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family.

Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, though not interested in children's books . Their three children are now grown and doing very well.

Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs."

WOOF: Having put off your dream of writing for so many years, if you had it all to do over, would you begin writing at an earlier age?

Margot: As the Aussies say, "Too right I would, mate!" I would find a way to fit writing in-between kids, husband, cooking, gardening and breathing.

WOOF: What advice do you have for those empty nesters out there who believe it's too late to "follow your dreams?"

Margot: It's never too late. All you need is a bit of talent, a strong will, stick-with-it-ness, and LUCK. Sending the right book, at the right time, to the right publisher, is my idea of luck. Of course being a famous pop star helps. So does knowing someone who knows someone in publishing. Join SCBWI and go to all their conferences - network with other writers, join a critique group, and listen to the wisdom of visiting editors. Read children's books. Join a couple of great online writing lists, and eavesdrop on the vast amount of writing information that flows through them.

WOOF: How has writing for children benefited your life as a WOOFer?

Margot: One thing I have as a WOOFer is TIME to write. And these days, I not only write, I do a lot of professional Manuscript Critiques. Sometimes I am swamped with them, and it's like the old (pre -WOOFER ) days, only now it's not kids and husband gobbling my time, it is critique clients wanting their manuscripts returned. That old refrain, "will I ever find the time to write" still echoes through my head.

WOOF: Besides writing, what is your passion?

Margot: Two new and utterly delightful grandkids, gardening, and reading, reading, reading. Travel too, if we have the time.

WOOF: Passions many WOOFers share, Margot! Would you also mind sharing something funny you've noticed about yourself as a direct result of aging?

Margot: I find myself feeling closer to my mother - she has been gone for many years now, but her wisdom has begun to resonate loud and clear - like a drum beat! One of Mum's gems I have come to appreciate:

"If you get up in the morning dear, and feel really terrific, don't look in the mirror - it will spoil everything!"

Fairdinkum, mate, she was right!"

Margot's latest rhyming book is "Rattlesnake Jam" - Guardian Angel Publishing - Illustrated by award winner Kevin Scott Collier. Available in both soft cover and e-book format.

This fun romp follows Pa catching rattlers, and Gran, as she cooks up her yucky green rattlesnake jam. But Pa's longs for rattler pie. Can he get Gran to bake it for him? ** Reluctant reader friendly! See Trailer Here

She also writes "Musings" - Where children's writers can find great writing help. To read more about this author and her books, go to: Margot Finke Website

As an extra bonus, Margot will give away FREE AUDIOS reading from her "Wild and Wonderful" rhyming series, to 2 people who comment or ask questions, after reading this blog interview! So, make you comment, now!

Margot, you've been a complete delight! Thanks, so much for sharing your love for writing and the passion for persuing your dream.

Mary Cunningham - Milkbone

Mary Cunningham Books