ISWG: Writers on Writing: Annika Klanderlud

I'm doing something a little different for ISWG today, but read to the end of this post to see my answer to this month's question. Today I'm handing over the mic or rather the keyboard to my friend, Annika Klanderlud. We met several years ago while attending the same church and immediately bonded over writing and our experiences living overseas. Until she recently moved to Ohio, we met weekly over coffee to share pages and talk writing. Without her, I probably wouldn't have continued to press on with my writing when it got hard. She recently sold a short story to an anthology and will be speaking at the Mt. Zion Ridge Christian Writing Conference in May. I hope you will enjoy hearing from her as well!

Hi Annika! Thank you for joining us today. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you decided to become a writer.

In high school I traveled to Japan as an exchange student with the Rotary Club. Found out I had a talent for the language, and I earned a degree in Japanese Studies in college after living in Japan for a total of two years. I was successful in this field, but the language was extremely challenging. After marrying and starting a family, I realized that I had my own language—English. And I started using it to write stories. The other thing I learned from studying Japanese was that I was always translating something. But what was I translating? Rather than translating other people’s content, I wanted to create my own content. So character growth and the theme of the stories I wrote became very important to me. 

"Skeleton Key" is featured in this anthology

I love how translating led you to creating your own content! You have a short story forthcoming in This Old House: ACFW Ohio 2025 Anthology. How did you get the idea for “The Skeleton Key”? Where can readers find your story?

I wrote “The Skeleton Key” for an anthology with the theme of “This Old House.” So an old house needed to be central to the story somehow. Also, I wanted to write a middle grade contemporary story.

By the way, this anthology was the first one that the ACFW Ohio Chapter put together with the purpose of supporting young authors. All proceeds from this anthology go into a scholarship fund to support Christian teenagers throughout Ohio. I was happy to contribute a short story to this cause.

The This Old House ACFW Ohio 2025 Anthology can be purchased wherever books are sold, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

I often get inspired by prompts as well. That's where a lot of my short story ideas come from too. What are you working on now?

In 2022, my YA novel, RED ROCK, won the Cascade Christian Writers Award. After querying the novel, getting a few bites, but not quite getting it traditionally published yet, I have picked it up again, and I am now rewriting it into first person which really fits the genre a whole lot better. You can visit my website annikaklanderud.com to see descriptions of RED ROCK and a few of my other novels.

Coffee in person last August

That's very brave to rewrite the whole book. And I love how well you've done at writing contests. You have a background in public speaking. How has that helped you make connections and give back to the writing community?

As I said previously, I have a background in the Japanese language. Much of the speaking experience I have gained is from speech contests that were in Japanese. It was an amazing experience that I truly enjoyed. So I jump at the opportunity to speak when I can. I have headed up Bible study groups for women at church. I have facilitated several critique groups. And I have spoken at organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Most recently I have been asked to teach a writing workshop online for Mt. Zion Ridge Press. My passion is to revitalize the Christian writing industry. Specifically, I enjoy helping one author at a time to make their writing stronger.

 Wow, I can't imagine entering a speaking contest in a foreign language, especially such a challening one as Japanese.The Mt. Zion Writing Conference is an online conference held May 1-3 on Zoom. What is your  your upcoming webinar at the Mt. Zion Ridge Writing Conference about?

This webinar will be specifically geared toward KIDLIT authors. I will be talking a bit about the differences between middle grade and young adult novels. The guidelines and requirements will definitely be included in this workshop. Such as word count and age of the main character. Yes, the industry is pretty strict about those numbers. But this workshop will also contain some universal tips on the craft of writing in general. I specifically plan to talk about how every story well told follows the outline of the gospel and how authors can use the gospel to figure out how to make their stories read smoother.

What authors have influenced you? What is the best middle grade or YA book that you or your kids have read recently? Do you have any favorite books on the writing craft?

One thing I can say is that the dystopian genre has always been my favorite, though I have had a hard time finding a favorite author in any genre. What I find instead is that I have a lot of favorite stories by many different authors. I have a list of those books on my website: annikaklanderud.com

Some books include The Maze Runner by James Dashner and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. In the Christian market, I enjoyed There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones, Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson, More Than We Remember by Christina Suzann Nelson, and The Memoir of Johnny Devine by Camille Eide.

The best YA that I’ve read recently is THIS GOLDEN STATE by Marit Weisenberg. Hands down.

As far as the craft of writing goes, I am currently spending a lot of time going through Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody.

 

I love Tuck Everlasting, Jenny Jones (so funny), and Save the Cat has been an inspiration for me too. Thanks for joining us today! You can find Annika on her website or at the Mt. Zion Conference May 1-3.
 

This Month's ISWG Question: What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

I'd love to go on a quest with Ella from Ella Enchanted. I always thought I didn't like fantasy until I encountered Ella. If you haven't read it, think Cinderella with incredibly fun (and funny) world building and depth. She was willing to sacrifice her own desires to save her kingdom, just the type of person I'd love to count as a friend. I also wouldn't mind learning to speak a fantasy language along with her.

 

If you'd like to read more ISWG posts or sign up, please go HERE. You won't be disappointed.

Your turn

What books or authors have inspired you? How did you get started writing? What fantasy character would you like to meet?

 

MMGM: If You Love Pippi Longstocking, Try Maria Parr

This week is spring break in Oregon, so I thought I’d feature a series that is full of fun and the joy of being a kid. These would make a perfect spring break or summer read.

Don’t we need more books like that?

If you love stories about fun heroines with silly antics, you will love these books.

Think: Pippi in Norway

Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr

Lena is Trille’s best friend, even if she is a girl. And there is never an ordinary day when you’ve got a best friend like Lena.

Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it’s coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill—and sometimes an injury—to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny’s waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.
(from Amazon)

Lena, the Sea, and Me by Maria Parr

In a charming sequel to Adventures with Waffles, Trille and Lena navigate the rough waters of friendship when a new soccer coach and a new girl in school disrupt their seaside escapades.

Trille and Lena may be getting older, but they still find everyday adventure - and trouble - in their coastal village, including sinking every raft they build, getting little sisters stuck up flag poles, and attending those dreaded music lessons. But that’s not all. The arrival of a less-than-encouraging new soccer coach is putting twelve-year-old Lena's goalkeeping career in doubt. And Trille is wondering how to impress the girl who has just joined his class. As the best friends battle the elements and their own emotions, one thing is for sure: they're not giving up, not if Lena has anything to do with it! 

In Maria Parr’s follow-up to Adventures with Waffles, the acclaimed author returns to Mathildewick Cove with a rib-tickling story of growing up.
(from Amazon)

What I love about this series:

1.Lena! I had a friend a lot like Lena as a kid, although she was a little more like a frenemy than Lena is. Lena has a huge personality and often Trille is just struggling to keep up with what she’s up to. But she also has a huge heart. You’ll love her.

2. The warmth of family: Trille has a big family and a grandfather that lives with them. For Lena, at least in book 1, it is just her and her mom. Both families and parents give their kids a safe place to fall and enough freedom to explore. (Not that they don’t get in trouble at times!) I just loved spending time with these people.

3. Silliness and seriousness: Book 1 is definitely more silly than Book 2. Trille and Lena go on lots of adventures (including the aforementioned chicken sledding incident). Book 2 is a little more upper middle grade in dealing with crushes, jealousy, and girls not being allowed to play on the boys’ soccer team. I loved how Parr could combine all these elements to make a good story and a beautiful picture of growing up in Norway.

4. Norway! I loved learning about cultural traditions and foods and just how life was a little bit different than here in the States. It is so important to read outside your comfort zone sometimes and novels in translation are a perfect way to do that.

5. Humor! You can probably guess from the description that these books are both laugh out loud funny, which are my favorite types of books to read, and yet are often hard to find. I know it is a key element that my sons always look for as well. So, please, authors, include more humor. (As a writer myself that’s something I’m trying to include myself.)

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

Adventures with Waffles 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Lots of animals in this one! A horse, a chicken, but my favorite part was when Lena and Trille write an advertisement for a dad (for Lena), but someone brings them a dog instead. 

Lena, the Sea, and Me 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

Trille's new friend/crush Bridget has a dog. The best part is when Lena finds the dog in the forest and thinks it's an answer to her wish for a brother.

Good book choices this week! Hooray for Maria Parr!
 

Your Turn:

Any plans for the spring? Is it spring break where you are? What types of books do you like to read on vacation or holiday?

Another book I previously featured by Maria Parr: Astrid the Unstoppable

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

MMGM: Lucky Reads: Top Middle Grade Books to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Although I am only a tiny bit Irish on my paternal grandmother’s side, this is one of my favorite holidays. We love playing Irish music, eating Irish food, and of course, eating or drinking something green. 

So, in honor of today, I picked out a few books for the middle grade set which have Irish themes. Strangely enough, these were not easy to find.

 

SET in Ireland:

 

For Younger Middle Grade and/or a Classroom Read Aloud:

 

 

Megan’s Year: An Irish Traveler’s Story (Tales of the World) by Gloria Whelan

 

Through the voice of a young girl, the life of the people known as Irish Travelers is explored. Megan spends her summers traveling around the Irish countryside with her family. They move from place to place, hauling their camper behind their old car. But they aren't on vacation. This is their way of life. Megan and her family are Travelers. As part of their summer life, Megan's father works odd jobs, from fieldwork to roofing houses. Despite the rough living, Megan loves her life and the freedom that comes from traveling the open road. But at summer's end, when there's no more work to be had, the family moves to the city of Dublin. The camper is parked and they move into a cramped house. Megan and her siblings attend the local school as their parents struggle to make ends meet. And as the seasons pass, Megan counts down the days until she can return to her summer life.  (from Amazon)

 

My Take

This book is actually a picture book but is longer and more detailed than your typical picture book. Anything by Whelan is guaranteed to be filled with rich details and research, and I found this title particular interesting because I learned so much about Irish Travelers. Megan’s father moves throughout Ireland taking odd jobs in the summer, but then during the colder months, they must live in Dublin, where she sometimes encounters prejudice, but also understanding teachers. I thought this book presented this Irish subculture in a beautiful way, and I loved how the family was depicted.

This could be an interesting book for teachers to share while learning about other cultures or Ireland.

Upper Middle 

 

Breda’s Island by Jessie Ann Foley

After Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one too many times, Breda's mom sends her to Ireland, a place she has never been, to live with the grandfather she has never met.

While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strange land, she finally gets to meet Granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history—and herself. (from Amazon)

My Take

This book for upper MG gripped me right away. Breda is sent to live with her Irish grandfather on his farm for the summer because she’d been caught stealing—and her mom has a third time you’re out policy. Grandma is difficult to live with, and Breda starts off the trip quite angry. But throughout the book, she learns how to care for animals (and helps birth a baby calf, Bo!), make friends with outsiders, and figure out the mystery of her father. I really loved the themes of forgiveness, letting go of past hurts, and how knowing a person's history helps you be more compassionate. The characters and the setting were also richly detailed. After reading this, I felt like I just came back from a trip to the Emerald Isle.

Caveat: This book does deal with some more mature themes (estrangement and abandonment, immigration issues, and abuse at an orphanage) and might not be for sensitive readers.

NOT set in Ireland, but with Irish-American characters:

 

Lower Middle Grade 

 

Sophie Steps Up by Nancy Rue
 
Sophie knows how it feels to be the new girl—different and "weird." She also remembers needing a friend. When a new girl in class is assigned to Sophie's drama group, she wants to get to know her. Sophie learns to accept her new friend's culture. But how will the other Corn Flakes teach others about acceptance if they cannot seem to learn themselves? (from Amazon)
 

My Take

Although this is the only book I've read of this series, it wasn't too difficult to pick up in the middle of Sophie's story. I loved the warmth and support of Sophie’s family, and how that didn't mean they always got along perfectly. I also enjoyed her friend group, The Corn Flakes, who treat each other and even their rivals with respect. Her imaginative daydreams were also fun. It was refreshing to see a child seeing a therapist in a positive light. But the best part of this book was Sophie’s character growth in learning to accept a new classmate from Northern Ireland, whom she doesn't like at first. It’s Sophie’s counselor and a Bible story that convince her to include stories of the classmate’s life in Northern Ireland in their play. This is a great faith-based read that also centers on family and school situations.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

 

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):
 
Megan’s Year: 5/5 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
There’s a dog in all the pictures! Even though he doesn’t get a speaking part.
 
Breda’s Island: 4/5 🦴🦴🦴🦴
I’d like to meet Bo the cow. Moo!

Sophie Steps Up: 1/5🦴
No dogs! Again!

Your Turn:

Do you have any special traditions for St. Patrick’s Day? What is your favorite read set in Ireland or about Irish-Americans?

If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.