Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former computer geek who gave up writing code and took up writing fun, quirky children’s books, fulfilling a lifelong dream. My silly nature and immaturity are well suited to my writing ambition. A kid at heart with a passion for children’s literature, i may be getting a late start, but is glad to have the opportunity to do what I love.
Day Dreaming is my first book and I am hoping to release another at the end of summer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Day Dreaming is a collection of silly poems aimed at Kids of all ages. Growing up in a household with very little disposable income much of my playtime consisted of exercising my imagination. I often gave my stuffed animals personalities and carried on intricate dialogues with them. I always managed to entertain myself with their giddy escapades. Now, in retirement and approaching the age of second childhood, I find myself revisiting the world of imagination and writing down some of the stories I held dear in childhood with rhyme and rhythm. I am hoping they can be enjoyed by children and adults alike and help foster creative thinking and play. A well-developed imagination is something to cherish at any age.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually get my ideas when I’m outdoors enjoying nature. Living in Vermont I am able to enjoy the beautiful countryside and my favorite spot is dangling in a hammock chair overlooking the pond. I Often have to grab my phone to enter ideas into notes for reviewing later. I don’t know , is this unusual?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For children’s books, it’s Shel Silverstein with a little Seuss thrown in.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my second book of silly poems entitled ‘One Little Voice’ . The very talented Mr. Vaughan Duck has agreed to do the illustrations and I’m very excited to see what he comes up with. The title poem stresses how one little voice can make a big difference when it comes to discrimination, a poem with a lesson but still funny and fun to read. Other poems in the collection address how determination and hard work can help you achieve your goal. I also include poems that are just for fun because if reading is fun, kids will read!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website and Facebook page. I have an authors page on Amazon as well.
Www.Maggie-Keefe.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up – if you love it, keep doing it. You may not get rich but the sense of satisfaction you get when you complete your project and do your best makes it all worthwhile. I know this sounds cliche but I am extremely proud of my efforts and am glad I stuck wir it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Optimism is a perfectly legitimate response to failure.
Stephen King
What are you reading now?
The Testament by Margaret Atwood
What’s next for you as a writer?
A book of silly poems for seniors because why should kids have all the fun? Also have a rough draft of an early reader ‘What’s in a Name’, a series of stories aimed at children age 5 through 10. Sheila, a kindhearted animal shelter worker, has a soft spot for the misfits she meets at the shelter, learns to love, and eventually adopts.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I loved ‘Grapes of Wrath’ but it is hard to choose one.
Author Websites and Profiles
Margaret Keefe Website
Margaret Keefe Amazon Profile
Margaret Keefe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Love your book and looking forward to reading your upcoming ones!
Thanks Lisa , I’m excited about the next book and can’t wait to see what drawings Vaughan Duck comes up with!
Enjoyed reading this…
You could feel her love for children and she expressed her views so easily about how she, as a child herself, relied on silliness, to keep herself happy & entertained…
To write and share these for other children to read is awesome!
Thanks Brenda, such sweet words!