If I (Erin) am going to be interviewing authors, why wouldn’t I interview our own Cari Legere? She is the author of The Children’s Home and The Mystery of the Missing Boat, after all!
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Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer and why?
A: I knew I wanted to be a writer after I took a writing course with Susan K. Marlow. I was fourteen going on fifteen at the time. I'd recently finished up The Children's Home and was hard at work on its sequel, Discovery of Secrets (now titled Dangerous Secrets). I went through the course and knew that no matter what happened, I couldn't quit writing. Then, I did Crazy Writers Week in January of 2022. Suddenly, I learned that teens could be published! That's when a new fervor for writing hit me.
Q: That sounds similar to my story! Who inspired you most on your writing journey?
A: Honestly, I'll have to say my writer friends, especially Ashley. That girl pestered me for more snippets of The Children's Home. If it weren't for her, I don't think I would've finished up that novella. Also, my YDubs friends.
Q: Again, sounds like me. Thanks for pestering me to finish my books! What inspired The Children’s Home?
A: Okay, this is going to sound silly, but the answer is a dream. I remember it so clearly. Fourteen-year-old me dreamed about these kids climbing over a wall to get to this children's paradise. Well, I started composing a story in my head. The plot changed. These kids were escaping the tyranny of an evil noblewoman (then named Lady Hammershire. I renamed her when I began writing the actual first draft. She is now Lady Christine Folman). I originally had five characters: Arwen, Winnie, Toby, Lady Folman, and Agatha. As I began writing, the cast grew immensely. Anyway, one December day I penned what would one day become chapter one of The Children's Home. The rest is history!
Q: I don’t think that is silly at all! I’ve had certain story ideas come from a dream. Do you plan on traditionally publishing one day? Why or why not?
A: I'm actually not so sure. I'd like to traditionally publish, but at the same time, I prefer the freedom of indie publishing. I say it's up to God's will.
Q: That makes sense. Do you have a piece of advice for young writers?
A: NEVER EVER quit. You will regret it. After I published my first book at eleven, I tried to write a sequel and ended up abandoning it. I then attempted a Dear America-style historical fiction book. That also failed. I went so long without writing a story (except for school). I practically quit. I regret it so much. I'm so glad that I've resumed writing now! Thanks for interviewing me, Erin!
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You’re very much welcome! One day I want to attempt a Dear America style story, but we’ll see. Thank you so much for your time, Cari!
Have you read any of Cari’s books? Comment below!
I don't know how many times I've read The Children's Home! At least ten times. I NEED THE SEQUEL!!!! 😁