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Unlocking a World of Imagination

Author: Denise Watson-Quinalty
Issue: 2008 January

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If an editor offers an acceptance, then there is more waiting: waiting for negotiations to take place, contracts to be signed and for an illustrator to be chosen to complete the artwork. Then, the book is printed and sent to bookstore shelves.

“Generally, for a picture book, it takes from three to four years for an accepted manuscript to become a book,” she said.

Sauer’s children have not quite decided which of their mom’s books is their favorite. She said they offer a different answer each time they’re asked. They are, however, particularly excited about the upcoming release of No Bologna! which should be out in 2009.

Sauer did share a little secret—their added excitement over this book may have something to do with the celebration planned for the time of the book's release. She has promised to get them a frog of their own in honor of the story’s main character.

While writing is her day job, Sauer does get the chance to step back into the classroom from time to time. Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and having worked as a teacher herself, this is a role she comes back to both willingly and easily, although now she usually speaks to over 100 students at a time.

Sauer shares her love of books as well as her top ten writing secrets with children during these school visits. She also makes presentations at writer’s conferences and her Web site offers activities to help young readers explore their own creativity and really jump into her stories. Sauer believes students can benefit from these educational efforts.

“I think it’s good for young people to know that, if you believe in yourself and keep working at what you love, great things can happen,” she said. “I love to seek out the funny in a situation. I always tell students to celebrate the weird stuff in their lives because it’s good material for stories.”

Sauer’s fans often ask how they too can break into the business.

"I always give them the same advice," she said. "Read as many children's books as possible. Dedicate time to learning the craft. Study the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market Guide. Find a critique group. Network with other writers and dream big!"


Sauer’s first published book, Cowboy Camp, was released in 2005 and can be purchased at Best of Books in Edmond, Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and online. This book was a Barnes & Noble 2005 “Holiday Pick,” a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award in 2006 and the premier title chosen by the Oklahoma Center for the Book to be featured at the National Book Festival in 2007.

For more information, including a list of forthcoming books, visit www.tammisauer.com and www.myspace.com/tammisauer.

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