about the author
Bio:
Jennifer Ziegler is the author of several novels for young and young-at-heart readers, including Worser, Revenge of the Flower Girls, and How Not to Be Popular. She also serves as faculty co-chair of Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults. A native Texan of Mexican American heritage, Jennifer lives in Austin with her husband (and favorite author), Chris Barton, and their boss, a terrier mix named Ernie. When not teaching or creating books, Jennifer loves to visit schools, festivals, and conferences to lead workshops and presentations, urging readers and writers to recognize their own powers and use them for good.
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For rights queries, please contact Erin Murphy at the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
For more information on events and speaking engagements, please fill out my contact form.
Little-known and Somewhat Random Facts about Jennifer:
She is half Mexican.
She used to teach middle school English/Language Arts.
She used to live in Alaska.
She used to live in Germany.
She has four kids.
She is married to Chris Barton, who is another children’s book author (her favorite in fact).
She and Chris honeymooned at a librarian conference in Fort Worth.
She has written over 25 books.
Some of her books were written under other names, including a few Sweet Valley High novels and novels that tie in with TV shows.
She once hosted a cable-access show about the Austin music scene.
Even though the Beatles had broken up long before, they have been her favorite band since she was in elementary school.
She and her best childhood friend used to write plays where they double-dated John Lennon and Paul McCartney. George and Ringo would bring them sodas and popcorn.
She is pretty sure she once saw a Chupacabra.
She’s great at making salsa.
She’s great at air trumpet.
She loves karaoke (even though she isn’t great at it).
A relatively well-known rock musician once sat on her feet.
She has an alter-ego named Bolly Mickerson.
She’s afraid of geckos.
She’s double-jointed.
She once received a thank you note from Star Wars director J.J. Abrams.
She loves wordplay.
Practically everything. Some ideas come from my own experiences, or those of close friends or relatives. Some come from articles I’ve read. Some even come from dreams. Then there are times when I’m in a situation and think, “What if x had happened instead of y?” The best ideas get written down in my “Idea Book.” Some stay there forever, but others grab hold of me and keep rolling inside my head like a mini movie. That’s when I know I should at least try to write them.
I read all sorts of books and genres such as classics, contemporary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, poetry and biography. Mainly I like a story that feels real (even if it’s set in outer space). I like characters that are alive and familiar, making it seem as if you’re hanging out with friends and experiencing things along with them. I love a book that, when it ends, leaves you a bit sad even if it’s a happy ending because the characters are going away–at least for a while.
Because I live here and spent much of my childhood here and am therefore quite familiar with it; but also because it makes a great setting for novels. I love the outdoors (lakes, cedar-covered hills, natural springs, scrub desert), the indoors (hip eateries, cool clubs, colleges, funky stores), and the terrific mix of people (from rock musicians to well-dressed business types to peace-loving hippies to rodeo stars). Not everything I write is set in Texas. It’s just that, so far, I couldn’t have imagined a better place for most of my stories.
I have received valuable support and advice through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and you might see if there is a chapter in your area. Other helpful resources include the latest edition of the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market, available at many bookstores, and the websites of Cynthia Leitich Smith and Harold Underdown. Also, writing organizations like The Writers’ League of Texas, GrubStreet, and Loft offer terrific classes on the craft and business of writing.
I’m afraid I can’t do that, sorry. I simply don’t have the time. I do occasionally provide paid editorial services through Yellow Bird Editors depending on my schedule, and you can inquire about my availability through their website. If you can’t pay for professional feedback at this time, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators provides a listing of regional chapters, many of which coordinate critique groups for their local members. Also, if you sign up for an in-person or online writing class (such as through the Writers’ League of Texas, GrubStreet or Loft), you might ask your fellow students if anyone is interested in being a critique partner.
Yes. I’m married to my favorite writer, Chris Barton, and we have four kids who have served as the inspiration and test audiences for many of the stories we’ve written.
Yes. Chris and I adopted a dog, a poodle/Chihuahua/dachshund/terrier mix named Ernie who prefers belly rubs to books. Fun fact: Ernie stars in his own book!
Photo Credit: Sam Bond Photography