When Tara agreed to host the cover reveal for my upcoming picture book, BEST DAY EVER, my initial thought was to have a writer friend do a Q&A type interview. Unfortunately, the few other writers I actually know were unavailable—all for perfectly understandable reasons (one had emergency dog neutering, one was having elective root canal, and one said, “I’ve told you before, we’re not friends, man!” That joke never gets old.)
So instead, I had to settle for my writing nemesis, Carrie Jeschelnig “CJ” Penko. And no, I have no idea what the “CJ” stands for.
MA: Hi CJ. I realize that interviewing me must be quite an honor for you, but let’s try to keep the gushing to a minimum and focus on my fascinating back story.
CJ: Ugh. Let’s just get through this. Do you have my check, old man?
MA: Questions first.
CJ: Fine. (sighs) So, I guess tell me about the cover of your book.
MA: I’m glad you asked. The illustrator is the very talented Eglantine Ceulemans. You might know her work from NO FROGS IN SCHOOL, the Marge collection and the Pug collection.
CJ: Was her cover design what you expected?
MA: Absolutely not. In fact, I was shocked at first. And maybe that’s true with every writer when they first see an illustrator’s interpretation of their story. But the more I looked at it, it became clear to me that it was perfect. Eglantine created a funny, playful cover that not only embodies the tone and content of the story, but added new elements that had never occurred to me. And that’s true of every single spread. I feel very lucky to have her as my collaborator on this book.
CJ: That was actually a good answer. Tell me more about her. She sounds interesting.
MA: I wish I could, but I’ve never actually met her. She lives in France.
CJ: Lucky lady.
MA: Because she lives in France?
CJ: That, too.
MA: Let’s get back to me, please.
CJ: Yeah, yeah. So, this is your first book. Was publishing a picture book the last item on your bucket list?
MA: That’s pretty funny. You should try being funny when you write.
CJ: Well-played.
MA: To answer your question, I first started writing after I became a stay-at-home dad. I spent an enormous amount of time reading picture books to my daughter, and eventually it occurred to me to write one. Seemed easy enough, right? When I tried it, though, I quickly realized that this is a craft that I needed to learn and develop. Five years later a book emerged.=
Also, when you’re home alone all day with a toddler, you need to find something cerebral to do. Writing seemed like a good way to keep my brain from turning to rice cereal.
CJ: Why didn’t it work?
MA: I dunno. Years of abuse and neglect?
CJ: I’m thinking decades. Moving on. How did the idea for BEST DAY EVER originate?
MA: It was from an exercise I picked up at an SCBWI conference. I was having trouble with my word counts being too high, so the idea was to write a story with no words, just illustration notes. Mine was about a kid with a new toy who sees his neighbor having WAY more fun than him with just a stick. Over the course of the next 18 months—with the input of critique partners and friends—it evolved into BEST DAY EVER.
CJ: Is there anything you want your book to accomplish?
MA: After spending several decades in the non-profit world, I came to a conclusion: the best way to change the world is through education. And education begins with reading. So, if we can make books that kids love, it stands to reason that they will seek out more. That’s how it starts. I hope we made a book that kids will love.
Also, I want to be a famous big shot so I can burn bridges with impunity. It has always been a dream of mine.
CJ: Another item on the bucket list?
MA: (stares).
CJ: Well, it’s past three-o-clock. We should probably wrap-up since you need to get ready for dinner. Anything else you’d like to say? And remember, keep the word count low.
MA: Fine. Then I’ll just say thanks to all the critique partners, SCBWI members, FB pages, Twitter hashtags, and the entire PB writing community. It’s an incredibly supportive and generous group of people who are very giving of their time and talent. And they do it all for free.
(MA gets up and begins to leave.)
CJ: Free? Oh, no. Where are you going? I want my check. Don’t turn your hearing aids off on me, old man. Mama needs to get paid. I mean it! Come back here!
BEST DAY EVER releases on May 5, 2020 from Sterling.
Editor’s Note: Mike is not quite as pompous, and CJ is not nearly as snarky in real life. They are also quite good friends.
CJ Penko is a writer and a stay-at-home mom. Follow her on Twitter @cjpenko. Visit cjpenko.com, and look for her best-selling books in the near future.
Michael Armstrong is the author of BEST DAY EVER (Sterling, May 2020). Before becoming a stay-at-home dad, he spent most of his career managing non-profit organizations. He is an active member of SCBWI. Follow him on Twitter @wrongarmstrong.
61 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 30, 2019 at 9:23 am
danielledufayet
Love your humor! Congrats on what looks like a wonderful book!
October 30, 2019 at 10:58 am
Michael J Armstrong
Thanks! Or wait…is that sarcasm? It’s so hard to tell when you have friends like mine. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 9:24 am
Kathy Halsey
Ha – your humor shines in this “interview, Mike. Can’t wait for this book.
October 30, 2019 at 11:00 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Kathy. And I can’t wait for you to buy it…them…multiple copies of them. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 9:29 am
Joanne Roberts
congratulations. I really want to read this. Thanks for the laughs!
October 30, 2019 at 9:31 am
Joanne Roberts (@BookishAmbition)
Congratulations. Thanks for the laughs this morning. I can’t wait to read your book!
October 30, 2019 at 11:03 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Joanne! I hope you like it. And just remember, no refunds! 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 9:37 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Bridge burning! #goodtohavegoals
October 30, 2019 at 11:06 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
RE: Bridge Burning. Years ago I saw Warren Zevon in concert when he had a single that was climbing the charts. Before playing it, he said, “If this record keeps selling, I’ll finally get to be the a**hole I’ve always wanted to be.”
October 30, 2019 at 9:42 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Excellent way to start my work day – thank you, and congratulations on BEST DAY EVER!
October 30, 2019 at 1:46 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Melanie!
October 30, 2019 at 9:47 am
jodieparachini
Hilarious! You two should go on tour. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 11:08 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
I’m not sure my ego could take that kind of punishment. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 9:59 am
Angie
LOL! Too funny. Congratulations!
October 30, 2019 at 10:07 am
Michele Helsel
Great interview, and yes, now I have to read the book. Mission accomplished.
October 30, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Rats. You see right through me. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 10:15 am
Pamela Harrison
Love it! You two are so funny! You play off of each other brilliantly! Congratulations on your debut book, Michael!
October 30, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Pamela! But to clarify, one of us is very funny. The other is writing this reply.
October 30, 2019 at 10:16 am
bgonsar
Excellent banter here. Enjoyed the interview.
October 30, 2019 at 10:21 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Love your humor! You should pay CJ to do all your interviews. Thanks for the laughs! And congratulations on your upcoming book! I’m looking forward to reading it.
October 30, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
I’ll gladly write her a check next time (that’s not to say she won’t have trouble cashing it). 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 10:36 am
Rita Russell
Loved the Q & A, so I’m sure I’ll love your new book, too! Congratulations!
October 30, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Rita!
October 30, 2019 at 10:39 am
amandahoving
I concur with all that has been said…time to hit the road with your comedy routine! Looking forward to reading the book!
October 30, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks! And certainly not the first time someone’s told me to, “Hit the road.”
October 30, 2019 at 10:42 am
Carrie Pearson
YAY Mike! So happy for you. I feel lucky to have been at the SCBWI critique table when BEST DAY EVER was shared with the editor who bought it!!! These things do happen. Wheeee!
October 30, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Carrie. I still regard it as the Best Conference Ever (see how clever I am?).
October 30, 2019 at 10:44 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
If the book is half as fun as the interview, it’ll be a winner! Congrats to Michael, Eglantine, and everyone involved…and thank you to CJ!
October 30, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Very kind. Thanks, Matt.
October 30, 2019 at 10:49 am
Carole Calladine
Fun interview and it was a pleasure to take your workshop on marketing your book at SCBWI North Ohio’s annual fall conference. Love the book title, Best Day Ever.
October 30, 2019 at 1:41 pm
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Carole. I’m glad it was worth your time. The workshop, I mean.
October 30, 2019 at 10:56 am
June Sengpiehl
Interesting interview and funny too.
November 1, 2019 at 8:35 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, June!
October 30, 2019 at 11:56 am
Lisa Riddiough
Hilarious interview! Looking forward to reading this book. Congratulations Michael and Eglantine!
November 1, 2019 at 8:38 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Lisa! I hope my words live up to Eglantine’s illustrations.
October 30, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Jenny Harp
Ha ha ha ha, chuckle, chortle…yes it’s a word….Wait, no still chuckling.
November 1, 2019 at 8:41 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
No giggles, sniggles, or snickers? Tough crowd. 🙂
October 30, 2019 at 3:16 pm
David McMullin
What a delight. I look forward to the book.
November 1, 2019 at 8:53 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thank you, David.
October 30, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Linda Mitchell
Fun! Thanks and Congrats to you!
November 1, 2019 at 8:54 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Linda.
October 30, 2019 at 4:17 pm
kathydoherty1
What a fun post! And I agree…The cover is perfect!
November 1, 2019 at 8:56 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Kathy. Wait until you see the spreads. Eglantine is fantastic. Check out her website: http://eglantineceulemans.com
October 30, 2019 at 6:04 pm
tiffanydickinson
well, if the book is half as entertaining as the interview I must read it! Thank! Congratulations and good luck!
November 1, 2019 at 8:58 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Tiffany. I hope doesn’t disappoint.
October 30, 2019 at 10:28 pm
seschipper
Great post! Sure to make you smile….looking forward to reading Best Day Ever! 🙂
November 1, 2019 at 8:58 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thank you!
October 31, 2019 at 6:11 am
Dee Knabb
What a fun interview. I have to read your book, Michael.
November 1, 2019 at 9:02 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Dee. I agree. You HAVE to read it. You HAVE to buy copies for all your friends. And you HAVE to force them to leave lots of 5-star reviews. I’m so glad we contractually agree on all these things. Please sign below. 🙂 🙂 🙂
October 31, 2019 at 7:43 am
Beth Gallagher
What a fabulous interview!! 😂 I’m anxious to get this cool book for my class. 😊
November 1, 2019 at 8:52 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Beth. If you do, send me a note. I’d be happy to do a complimentary Skype Q&A .
October 31, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Arlene Schenker
Great post. Michael and CJ should do stand-up together. Looking forward to reading Michael’s book.
November 1, 2019 at 8:50 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Arlene. We tried doing stand-up once, but CJ kept hip-checking me off the stage.
October 31, 2019 at 1:58 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Fun interview! Congratulations, Michael on your debut PB! I can’t wait to read it!
November 1, 2019 at 9:04 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks, Judy!
November 1, 2019 at 4:41 am
Suzanne Lewis
What a wonderfully silly, yet informative interview! I love the picture book’s concept!
November 1, 2019 at 9:08 am
Michael Armstrong (@wrongarmstrong)
Thanks for the kind words, Suzanne. Silly is always the goal.
November 4, 2019 at 11:57 pm
Sandy Perlic
Ooh… I’m sufficiently intrigued to check this one out. Great idea for a book, and what a fun interview!
November 10, 2019 at 12:40 am
shannonstocker
This interview was hysterical! The cover is adorable, too. Thanks for sharing!
November 10, 2019 at 5:16 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Obviously a friendship forged in the Rites of Writership. Congrats on the book, Michael. CJ, I suggest garnishing his royalties.
November 11, 2019 at 8:22 pm
Laura Renauld
Hahaha! Best interview post ever. 🙂 Congrats on your book! The cover looks so fun!