Hen in the Bull Pen

This week the Writers-World Series visits with Amy Henrickson, known simply as Ms. Hen to her fans.
          A mother and grandmother,  Ms. Hen started writing children's books in 2011 after attending the Iowa Writers Summer Festival.  She wanted to write books that featured a smart, spunky, principled, and interesting protagonist.
           "Girls are so much more than glittery princesses; they are self-reliant problem-solvers," Ms. Hen said. "Girls can be anything: scientists, mathematicians, astronauts."
          Add successful author to that list.

Ms. Hen perches on Mark Twain's desk in Hannibal, Mo.

Stats:

Name: Amy Henrickson aka Ms.Hen

Hometeam: I live in Grandville, MI, between Lake Michigan and beer city Grand Rapids

Position:  Writer, painter, community gad-about

Batting average:

Lottie Gunderson, Girl Scientist Vol.1: Lucky Lottie & SpottyLottie;

Lottie Gunderson, Vol.2: Rocky Lottie & Lakey Lottie;

John Ball (biography);

Let’s Explore Mackinac Island

Website:

www.mshenspen.com

Opening pitch:

When working as a library supervisor in elementary schools, I was discouraged by the many thin stories of goofballs, fairies, and princesses, so I wrote the Lottie Gunderson, Girl Scientist books to inspire young readers to be curious, brave, and resourceful.

John Ball was the Forest Gump of early settlement days of West Michigan – an explorer, adventurer, land speculator, and philanthropist.  He gave the property for Grand Rapids’ zoo and park. 

Let’s Explore Mackinac Island is a guidebook with history, Q&A, walking tour, scavenger hunt, travel tips, and resources.

Considering the positions on a baseball team -- such as catcher, shortstop, left field, etc. -- which best describes the way you write and why? I would say Catcher.  I’m always on the look-out for ideas.  I catch ‘em, chew on ‘em, and then write about ‘em, and sometimes illustrate ‘em, too!

Tell us about scoring a home run:

My most recent book, Let’s Explore Mackinac Island, has been a pretty big hit on the mainland as well as on the Island.

No one wins a game alone. Who’s on your team? Although I do the writing and photography/illustrations of all of the books, my daughter, Abby Elizabeth, a graphic designer, does the lay-out and file uploading for me.  She’s a whiz and a half.

         My writing group of five people (FLAG—Four Ladies And a Gent) has been meeting faithfully for about six years.  We’ve celebrated publishing successes and continue to help and challenge each other with kindness, good humor, expertise… and snacks.

         Librarians have been a source of inspiration and encouragement.

         My friends and family --  I wish everybody had people like mine. They’re so great.

So what’s your game plan?

I’ll be selling books at Rockford,Michigan’s “Reading Rocks” event on Saturday. June 2 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

      I am also attending Princeton Seminary’s Frederick Buechner Writing Conference and Peninsula Writers' Writing Retreat at Glen Lake. And singing in the Grandville Community Choir at events in Grandville all summer.

COMING WEDNESDAY: Drive Thru Deception: Liars Don't Want You to Know These Bite-Size Clues to Deceit.