Interview with Elizabeth Woodrum, author of 'Maisy and the Missing Mice'

Elizabeth Woodrum is a full time elementary teacher in Ohio. She began writing as early as when she was in elementary school, but more recently began writing material for use in her classroom. From that writing, grew the desire to write books for the general population of children and adults alike. The Maisy Files, a children's series, is the first series that she has published. The series currently has one book, Maisy and the Missing Mice. Elizabeth plans to add more books to the series, and would also like to publish books for adults in the future.

As a reader, Elizabeth prefers the fantasy genre, but she enjoys realistic fiction as well. Some of her favorite authors include JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Rick Riordan, Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins, and Nicholas Sparks.

Originally from Indiana, Elizabeth currently resides near Dayton, Ohio with her two pets: a cat named Butterscotch and a dog named Reese Cup

You can view more about Elizabeth Woodrum at www.elizabethwoodrum.com.

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Congrats on the release of your book, Elizabeth! Tell us, do you consider yourself to be a born writer?

I do consider myself to be a born writer.  Writing is something that has always come naturally to me. 

Tell us about your recent release. What was your inspiration for it?

My first book in my new series, The Maisy Files, is called Maisy and the Missing Mice.  It is the first in a planned series titled The Maisy Files.  I am a fourth grade teacher and my inspiration actually came while creating materials for my classroom.  I had had created a short text with questions and really liked the character, who was actually named Millie at that time.  So, I used that short text as the inspiration for my book.  I was also inspired by my little dog, Reese Cup.  Maisy’s dog in the book, Reesie, is modeled after my own dog. 

Are you a disciplined writer? What is your working style? I would not say I am incredibly disciplined.  I do have a process in which I map out the major plot points, but then I just write and insert the major points at a natural place in the story. But, I have to be in a creative mood to write.  If I force myself to sit and write with a goal of getting to a certain point, I find that I rush.  So, I tend to organize my thoughts and then I work at a natural pace.  I do always have an end date in mind, but I’m not too hard on myself if I miss it.  I’d rather be happy with my work than meet a deadline. 

Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your works?

I do have a website at www.elizabethwoodrum.com.  My website has information about The Maisy Files, including sample chapters and a sample of the audiobook. There are also Maisy games that can be played.  

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the second book in The Maisy Files series.  I hope to have it out in late February or early March. 

Where are your books available?

My books are available through Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GHA4SUK.  It is available in paperback, Kindle, and audio book editions.  It can also be found at BarnesandNoble.com and other book selling sites, such as HalfPriceBooks.com. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

I just want to say that I hope you will all check out Maisy and the Missing Mice! It’s a great, short read for elementary aged students.  They might be a little biased, but many of my own students have read it and told me that they enjoyed it.  It’s mostly aimed at girls in grades 2-5.  It’s a great little mystery with unique twists that haven’t been seen before.  If you or your children enjoy books like The Nancy Drew books or The Boxcar Children, then you’ll enjoy The Maisy Files!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maisy Sawyer is not your average fourth grade student. She is a detective with a special skill for solving mysteries. She loves black and white mystery movies, cherry lollipops, and her dog, Reesie. When a thief known as The Black Boot steals the school's mascots and her lollipops, Maisy sets out to solve the case. Can she help return the mice to their home in the science lab? Will she ever see her beloved lollipops again? Find out in the first book in The Maisy Files series.

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