photo by Gina Monroe

I would love to hear from you! The best way to contact me is through email. I can be reached at andreacremerwrites@gmail.com

All inquiries about rights to my work should be directed to Charlie Olsen at InkWell Management (charlie@inkwellmanagement.com).

You wrote a book?

I did! I did! I love it!

When I was in high school I made a list of LIFE GOALS on a sheet of notebook paper (I’ve always been an ambitious dreamer). One of the goals on that list consisted of three simple words: Write a book.

And now it’s happened. I am filled to brimming with gratitude and joy that I get to live this dream of writing novels.

Why children’s books?

I’m interested in how people become who they are and coming of age stories are one of the best ways to explore that process. Children’s books like The Chronicles of Prydain, Anne of Green Gables, and The Dark is Rising series shaped my way of thinking. I want to tell stories that bring children and adults alike into worlds that are fantastic and familiar at once.

Will there be more books?

Yes. There will be many, many more books. I never run out of new ideas for novels and I love writing more than anything else.

I heard you’re writing an adult series. Is that true?

Yes! The first of my adult novels will be published by Dutton (Penguin USA) in October 2013. These new books came about as the result of conversations with my publisher about stories I wanted to tell from the Nightshade world that featured its adult characters – doomed, erotic love stories. Coming of age stories are still my favorite, so there will be more YA novels to come as well!

How did you become a writer?

I’ve always been a writer, I only recently decided make a go of it professionally. Writing is a craft. It’s a lot of work and your writing is always evolving. If you want to be a better writer, you must write more and read often. If there’s a writer in your life who you love, don’t call what they do a ‘hobby.’ On the other hand if your long-time nemesis is a writer, be sure to undermine their confidence by referring to their life’s work as a quaint pastime.

How did you get published?

Getting published is an uphill battle and much more complicated than most novice writers realize. The complication exists because publishing is an industry and it has its own channels and rules. If you want to get published learn the rules and decide if they work for you.

If you’re serious about a writing career I’d recommend getting an agent. There are some publishers that will accept unagented submissions, but most don’t. Plus, once you take a look at a publishing contract your going to want a professional handling it for you. Not for the faint hearted.

My agent, Charlie Olsen of Inkwell Management, is my hero, as is Richard Pine, one of the partners at Inkwell, who teamed up with Charlie to sell my book and this dynamic duo is now making my dreams come true. Thank you Charlie and Richard. I LOVE you guys!

Wondering how to get an agent? Visit my Resources page for lots of helpful links about the industry.

Keep in mind that it takes persistence to get published, all those best-selling authors you and everyone else loves were at one time holding form rejections. When approaching literary agents, editors, or publishers remember that this is a profession and you should act professionally at all times. Don’t take ‘no’ personally and remember that your writing is getting better every day (as long as you are writing, keep writing!)

I’d love to review your book on my blog – how can I get a copy?

All requests for Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) should be sent to my publisher. International bloggers should contact the publishing house in their country.

Where in the world is Nightshade being published?

An updated list of foreign rights can be found on the left-hand panel of my blog. Three cheers for the amazing work of Lyndsey Blessing at InkWell for all these foreign sales. Thank you, Lyndsey!!!

Can you read my writing and give me feedback?

I wish I could. Unfortunately I only have the time to read my crit partners’ work and my students’ papers. If you’re looking for great feedback find a critique partner or a crit group. Online writing groups, local writing centers, or organizations like SCBWI are great places to find fellow critters.

Can you visit my school/library/club/coffee house/bat cave?

Yes! I love to meet new people and talk about books and writing. Arrangements for a visit can be made through Penguin. I’m happy to offer readings and signings as well as writing workshops and discussions of the historical and gender studies content that play pivotal roles in the world of Nightshade. You can find more information about author appearances at Penguin Young Readers web site.

Why do you refer to Minnesota and Wisconsin as the “Canadian Shield”?

It started as an inside joke between my baby brother (he’s 28 now) and me. When most people think of the Midwest they imagine lots and lots of farms. Now I find rolling fields of golden wheat idyllic and tall stalks of corn as satisfyingly creepy as the next girl, but that’s not where I grew up.

My hometown is nestled on the shore of Lake Superior (10% of the world’s fresh water) and surrounded by a national forest. I spent my days roaming among towering pines, discovering hidden waterfalls, and skipping rocks across the glass-still surface of lakes. My brother and I thought Canada evoked snowy, rugged wilderness in a way that stretched from the North down into our corner of the globe, and thus Canadian Shield was born.

Go taiga! It’s the best biome!

What is your favorite book?

Watership Down by Richard Adams. I’ve read this book so many times my beloved copy is falling apart.

Other authors I adore: Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Kurt Vonnegut, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Christopher Moore, Lloyd Alexander, Susan Cooper, David Eddings, J.K. Rowling, Sherman Alexie, Louise Erdich, Barbara Kingsolver, Jane Smiley, Tim O’Brien, Melissa Marr, Cassandra Clare, Maggie Stiefvater, Libba Bray, Kristin Cashore, Garth Nix, Richelle Mead, Holly Black, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Carrie Ryan, Becca Fitzpatrick, Charlaine Harris, David Levithan, John Green, and my critique partner Lisa Desrochers. And, of course, The Tenners!

If you could live in another time, when would it be?

Oooh, such a tough question. It’s hard to imagine living in another time because up until very, very recently women had a very poor lot in life. If you think things weren’t that bad in the last 40 years, just watch an episode of Mad Men.

If I had to pick though I think I’d have to head to my beloved Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century, even though they’d hang me as a witch the minute I opened my mouth.

What inspired you to write Nightshade?

I have trouble answering this question because inspiration feels spontaneous and difficult to pinpoint. The best answer I can give is that Nightshade represents a combination of my passion for history, for fantasy, and for the wilderness.

Are you going to make Nightshade into a movie?

Authors don’t have control over what books make it to the big screen – it’s all in Hollywood’s hands. I’d love to see Nightshade as a film and I hope it will happen someday. Keep your fingers crossed!