Congratulations with the release of MOMMY'S LITTLE WORDLINGS. It is nice to have you on 24 Carrot Writing, Linh.

Amanda, thank you so much for having me here!

1.       What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I have a fulltime job, so writing for me right now is when the kids are in bed and during the weekends. I wish there were more time in the day for writing. But don’t we all want that?

2.       At 24 Carrot Writing we talk a lot about goal setting when it comes to writing. Do you set writing goals? What are some of your writing goals for this year?

I do set goals for each day. Sometimes I can only write for an hour or two in the evening and that’s fine. My goals are usually flexible.  Right now, the goal is to have at least 1 or 2 finished stories every year, but for picture books, I also do the illustration so that takes more work to complete.

3.       What do you do to grow in your craft?

I read books and review works from my critique partners. I learn a lot from receiving critiques and giving them. Reading is extremely helpful in improving your craft. You see the techniques used by authors and compare them to your own. Finding the time to read a book is like finding time to write. It’s hard! My goal used to be read a book a week. Lately, that hasn’t happened.

4.       What is your publishing story?

My story is simple. I love to create stories, and although my day job keeps me busy, I make time to do what I love. When I had my book—MOMMY’S LITTLE WORDLINGS—completed with illustrations, I submitted it. Fortunately, a publishing house loved it too and offered a contract.

5.       What is your favorite picture book?

I don’t think I have a favorite book, just like how I don’t have a favorite author. I like different books for different reasons. But the one that came first to mind is A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce. I read it in high school and it made me think on a new level. It was about the intellectual awakening of a young man. That book was influential for me at that time.

6.       Tell us about the concept of the Little Wordlings. Why did you decide to use adjectives and expressions of endearment on their bodies? Do you see these characters in other books?

I wanted to “dress” these characters in a way that was simple and cute. I think little kids would appreciate the simple words worn on the Little Wordlings. Yes, I do see them in other books because I am creating a Daddy version of the Mommy book. But I also see them in other versions down the road too. The stories of the Little Wordlings are endless.

7.       Pick five adjectives to describe yourself. If you were a Wordling, which words would be written on your body?

Interesting question! I think the words that best describe me are: creative, imaginative, loving, kind and determined.

Linh lives with her family in Massachusetts where she gets to enjoy the four seasons. She love unique and interesting things—things that make a lasting impression. She is constantly looking for inspiration that she can use in her writing. Everything has a story to tell.

MOMMY’S LITTLE WORDLINGS was released by Anaiah Press, April 7, 2015 and is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Linh can be contacted at:

Website: http://www.linhnguyenng.com

Twitter: @linhnguyenng

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/lnguyenng

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29730214-linh-nguyen-ng

Google: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29730214-linh-nguyen-ng

 Picture Book

- by Amanda Smith

In her debut picture book, Mommy’s Little Wordlings, Linh Nguyen-Ng’s characters walk us through the many things mothers do for their children every day. The Little Wordlings are cheered up by “mommy ways” of providing for both material and emotional needs. They are grateful for the wisdom their mother imparts and talents she passes along. The charming characters wear “love words” on their bodies. These words, along with sweet illustrations, portray a caring home and tender mother-child relationship. Mommy’s Little Wordlings helps kids express love and gratitude and would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift. Mommy’s Little Wordlings from Anaiah Press was released April 7, 2015.

Be sure to read 24 Carrot Writing’s interview with Linh Nguyen-Ng on April 22.