About the Author: Tamera writes picture books, middle grade novels, and poetry for children. She is a graduate of Hamline University’s MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and she is represented by Michelle Humphrey of The Martha Kaplan Agency. Online you can find Tamera on her Website, Goodreads,  Facebook, or Twitter. In real life you may just find her fishing.

About Gone Fishing, A Novel in Verse: Nine-year-old Sam is excited about his fishing trip with his dad, so he’s not happy when his little sister Lucy wants in on the fun: “Where’s my stringer? / Something’s wrong! / This princess doll does not belong!” A wide variety of poems build the excitement of this father/son fishing adventure and humorous sibling rivalry. Black and white line drawings by Matthew Cordell accompany the poetry. The Poet’s Tackle Box at the end is for poets of any age.

We have an abbreviated Twitterview with Tamera to share! 

Pitch your book in 140 characters:  
Poetry blends excitement and humor in this illustrated fishing adventure/sibling rivalry. The Poet’s Tackle Box offers poetry-writing tips.

Who will this book appeal to: 
Children/families who like humor/adventure stories, teachers/librarians/booksellers who like sharing poetry with children, poetry writers.

Favorite moment or character in your book: 
Two favorites characters: Sam for his earnest sense of adventure and Lucy for her unwitting comic timing.

What’s your writing routine: 
Good writing day = eat, read, write, snack, write, fold laundry, write, eat, research, listen to music, write, snack, write, read, goof off.

What’s your best piece of writing advice: 
Show up and be ready to capture what comes, but also remember to play. Taking breaks, even little ones, can help get the words flowing.

What’s been the most surprising part of the publishing journey: 
More confirmation of a belief than a surprise was the huge support and care I’ve felt from my publisher and fellow writers.

What did you do when you learned your book would be published: 
Held my breath until the contract was signed, then celebrated and shared my good news.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received: 
If you want to write, then write.

What are your top three favorite books: 
Impossible to choose. I have fallen in love with so many more than three in nearly every genre.

What’s next for you: 
I work on more than one story at a time – right now I’m focused on a couple of picture books, more poetry, and a middle grade novel.

Find out more information about Tamera Will Wissnger’s Gone Fishing on Goodreads.