THINK QUICK with Author Lori Degman

Hi Lori! I am so excited for the upcoming August 13 release of Like a Girl! The themes of empowerment, kindness, and inspiration are so important, as well as the subtle introduction to history and biographies. All of the THINK QUICK themes below appear in your book.  Let’s see which way you lean.  Remember, THINK QUICK!

I want to preface my answers by first saying thanks so much for having me and, second, it’s hard for a Libra to answer an “or” question – sorry!

On Helping Others:

Lead the Way or Join the Crowd?

I really do a combination of both.  I like to lead the way and encourage people to help others, but there are lots of times I’ll learn of an organization or a group of people who need help, then I follow the crowd to help there – but then I’ll let other people know about it, which is like leading the way...

On Standing Up:

One Best Way or Many?

I think there are many ways to stand up for what is right, and for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

On Prevailing:

Seek Support or Go it Alone?

I think it’s important to seek support when you’re up against something difficult, but then, at some point, you need to go it alone.

On Creativity:

Born with it or Develop it?

I think some people are just born with more creativity – but there are ways to help develop it.  

On Training:

Push through Pain or Slow and Steady?

I’m not the most athletic person, so my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt.  I’m guessing that the best athletes push through the pain.

On Change:

Embrace it or Create it?

I try to follow the Gandhi quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” so I definitely say – create it!  That said, sometimes life throws you curve balls and the changes are outside your control, so in those cases I’d say embrace it.

On Asking:

Any Question or Only Some?

I’m a big questioner, so I’d say any question – but accept it if a person declines to answer.

On Fear:

Overcome it or Accept it?

I think you have to first accept and acknowledge the fears you have then work hard to overcome them.  I just wrote a picture book story about a character who overcomes his fears.  I faced my fears and submitted it for the first time, and it was just rejected.  Because I pushed through my fears and subbed it, submitting it again won’t be as scary!    

On Breakfast with Amazing Girls:

Maya Angelou or Irena Sendler?

That’s a tough one!  I could listen to Maya Angelou talk all day long – but I really admire how Irena Sendler risked her life to save the lives of Jewish children by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto.

On Books:

Think Like a Girl or Think Like a Girl?

Think Like a Girl, I think J

 

Lori Degman writes in rhyme, most of the time – but not always!  She is the author of 1 Zany Zoo – the winner of the Cheerios new Author Contest and featured title on the Illinois Reads Annual Reading List; Cock-a-Doodle Oops! – International Literacy Association Honor Book; Norbert’s Big Dream and Just Read.  Her picture book, Like a Girl comes out this fall and Travel Guide For Monsters comes out in spring 2020.  Lori was a teacher of the deaf and now divides her time between writing children’s books, doing kidlit-related stuff, and babysitting her grandkids!  She lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband and two dogs.  Visit her at Loridegman.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.