Interview with Amanda Noll, author of I NEED MY MONSTER, and a contest!

Did you know that some kids need a monster to get to sleep? Well, Amanda Noll does. Her debut book, I Need My Monster, is about a boy who cannot get to sleep until he gets the right monster--his monster--back under the bed.

"First, and foremost," says Amanda, "it’s a book about monsters under the bed." But there's a twist. This boy wants his monster. Gabe, the boy's regular monster had the nerve to take off and go fishing. How's a boy to get to sleep? Howard McWilliam illustrates an array of cutely-cranky monsters who try to appease the boy and are not happy that they won't do whether it's because of polished nails or a long tongue.

What? You don't think a long tongue is scary either? My kids have found this book to be hilarious and have been having fun quoting it and changing things around. They've been threatening each other with a long lip--the book has definitely kindled their imagination.

Amanda has stopped by to answer a few questions about her book and her writing. Plus, she's going to give away a signed copy of I Need My Monster! Just leave a comment on this post (more details at the end of the interview.)





Amanda, I Need My Monster has been getting some great reviews, what inspired you to write the story?

Wishing my 3 year old would have a monster under her bed so she would stay in bed. Then wondering why the monster was doing such a lousy job (because she was out of bed again!). Then I imagined even monsters needed a break.


(Amanda! You are funny!)


I Need My Monster is your first published book. What was your road to publication like?

The road was long and rocky, like most people's.

(Ahem. Yup.)


How many manuscripts did you write before I Need My Monster? What have you done with them?

I have written many picture books and several novels. Most of them will stay in my drawer forever. I hope one or two of my novels see the light of day.


How does it feel to be able to call yourself an author now?

Surreal.


Are there any similarities between you and your main character?

No, but after the process I looked back and recognized several family members personified as monsters!?!

(Ha! But did they recognize themselves?)


What is the most fun thing you’ve done to support the publication of your book?


I created a “toe cake” to accompany my launch party.








(Who doesn't like to eat toes?!)


Do you have any other books in the works? Tell us about your work-in-progress.

I’m a little suspicious about talking about works in progress, but I will say I have a middle grade ghost story up my sleeve.


(Oh, sorry, don't wanna jinx ya.)


If you could live in any book, which one would it be and why?

I think that I would love to be in Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Singer, because I love dragons and have always wanted a fire lizard.



I Need My Monster is published by Flashlight Press. You can read more about Amanda at her website, amandanoll.com.

Like I said, Amanda is giving away a signed copy of I Need My Monster right here! Just leave a comment on this post. If you want, you can tell us what your monster needs to keep you in bed. Mine has lots of rejection letters--they keep me in bed and writing! His name is Querrel.
The contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. I'll do the draw on Friday, May 29th at 8:00p.m. and will post then, as long as my kid's monsters keep them in bed.