HCCWG Hosts Loren Spiotta-DiMare at Library

Saturday, Match 15, brought well-known local author, Loren Spiotta-DiMare to the Hunterdon County Library, hosted by our own writing group. Prior to our guests' arrival, Loren and Sheri took a moment for a few "photo ops" along with Loren's published works.

Loren brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her talks, and spoke to an interested group of aspiring children's book writers about her history as a writer both in children's books as well as her start in writing non-fiction books about animals.

The afternoon began with an introduction by Sheri, above left, who first informed visitors about our writers' group, the benefits of belonging, and then a brief intro for Loren.

Loren first discussed her background as a publicist for an art association, author and practiced marketer of her own books. She offered some background in her own life and why she was drawn to children's books and animals as her subject.

Next, Loren discussed the progression of her efforts to get published, her successes, and her decision to self-publish her last three children's books. One of the points that was stressed was the need for perseverance in the publishing market where it can take, as it did in the case of one of her books --11 years to become published -- or in another, less than 2.

Loren's 3 self-published titles with toy "mascot" of Daniel, one of the book's heroes.

After her talk, Loren opened the floor to a question and answer session. The session covered many topics including submissions to publishing houses, need for an agent, information on self-publishing, school visits and the need for investment of time in marketing one's own books regardless of how they are published. It became clear as the visit went on that being successful in the children's book field is much more than just the writing itself!

At the end of the Q & A session, Loren autographed books and answered additional questions in a one-on-one as time permitted. Thanks, Loren, for an informative and fun afternoon.

To learn more about Loren and her career or to purchase her books or set up author's visits, please visit Loren's web site.

Happily, the afternoon ended with a number of interested writers signing up to join HCCWG!