The Write Space is a monthly Q&A series from Creative Collective covering a local writer and a North Shore space(s) s/he associates with writing. Questions? Contact: ellorelizabeth@gmail.com.
Give us your best writerly bio.
Annemarie Riley Guertin is a newly minted, international author. Her debut picture book How the Finch Got His Colors flew onto shelves in March 2018. Her second book, Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves released on September 1, 2019 (Familius, 2019). Annemarie graduated from Wheelock College and Fitchburg State University, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education (summa cum laude). Annemarie works as a district literacy coach and reading interventionist in Salem, MA. She lives in Haverhill, MA, with her husband Michael and their two children.
Tell us about a North Shore Write Space.
I live in the Rocks Village section of Haverhill, MA. My house abuts a farm where you can see anything from llamas to buffalo to horses in my back yard. I do have a designated writing space in my house, but I prefer to take my laptop outside on my back deck and write while listening to the sounds of nature. It’s relaxing and inspiring. When I am unable to write outside, I have a cozy little writing space in my living room that is near my fireplace. In the colder months, I sit there with a crackling fire and a cup of coffee and write my picture books.
When I’m in North Shore, not writing, I’m …
When I’m in the North Shore, not writing, I’m doing my full-time parental duties such as attending my son’s hockey games or my daughter’s cheerleading competitions or driving them to their practices. When I am not doing those things, I love to go on paddling trips with my family, take scenic walks, or visit the White Mountains of NH.
What are you working on now?
I have a lot of balls in the air at the moment. I recently signed three more book contracts so now that I’ve wrapped those projects up, I can focus my energy on my next two submissions and some other projects I am working on. My agent, Rebecca, has two more manuscripts that will go out on submission in mid-October. I am hoping to sign a few more deals in the coming months! Also, Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves just released a few weeks ago. I received a starred review from Foreward Reviews, and we just got a glowing review from School Library Journal. I am in full marketing mode with that one right now!
Aside from that, I have a few projects in various stages of development. I just finished the first draft on a picture book last night that I will send on to my critique partners for feedback. I am also working as a picture book mentee for an author/illustrator, so I am helping her with her entire project- manuscript, query, pitches, and marketing plan. We hope to have a full package to submit to editors and agents by November 1st.
And finally –
I know that you want to hear more about my upcoming picture books so I will give you a sneak peek of what’s to come…
Thundermaestro– This book is about a child who overcomes their fear of a thunderstorm by conducting the sights and sounds of a storm into a symphony. It’s an adorable book that is chuck full of onomatopoeia. I simply cannot wait to see the illustrations for this one!
Finding Mr. Trunks- This is another original, which is super exciting. When Libby accidentally drops her beloved Mr. Trunks at the airport, he must figure out how to reconnect before they’re separated forever. With help from a friendly baby, Mr. Trunks comes up with a clever plan to harness the power of social media… and #FindMr.Trunks
The third manuscript- I can’t tell you about it just yet. I am under strict orders not to say a word about it. Just know that it is as exciting as my other two projects.
Find out more at —-
You can learn more about me and my upcoming projects by visiting my website http://annemarierileyguertin.com or follow me on Twitter @Arileyguertin.
To purchase my books- How the Finch Got His Colors or Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves, please visit your local Indy Book Shop, Barnes & Noble or find them on Amazon.com
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