BrickUniverse: Author bringing 'Super Happy' books, Lego bear to Raleigh fan convention
Marcie Colleen has been a teacher, an actress, a nanny, a children's author ... and now she can add Lego fan convention participant to her resume.
Posted — UpdatedThis isn't her first BrickUniverse. She's attended them with her husband, Lego artist Jonathan Lopes, who has been traveling with the show. But it's the first time she'll be signing her books at BrickUniverse under the watchful eye of a five-foot Lego version of one of the main characters from her books.
I checked in with Colleen by email to learn more about her work, her books and Legos. Here's a Q&A:
Although I was only in fifth grade at the time, I remember thinking, “I want a box like that.” Fast forward through careers in teaching and theater, the focus was always on children’s literature and entertainment. So, even though I did not become interested in writing children’s books until late 2010, I feel as if I have been on this path my whole life.
As for my readers, I think I am still six years old. I never really grew up. It's therefore easy for me to connect to that age group. So, I often find myself giggling as I write. I especially love placing little Easter eggs for adult readers, too - a little pop culture reference from the eighties here and there for all of those adults, who may be reading along with their kids. Let's just say there is a whole lotta me in these books.
So far, the reaction has been amazing! Readers have sent me fan mail letters and art. They have Skyped with me, and even a few kids have dressed up like Party Bears for Halloween. Having readers is so super cool!
And then "The Adventure of the Penguinaut," illustrated by Emma Yarlett, is about a zoo penguin named Orville, who dreams of big adventures and sets his eyes on the moon. Scholastic has targeted a winter 2018 release date for that book.
Up until now, I had simply accompanied him as a supportive wife. However, now that he has created a five-foot-tall sculpture of Ziggy, one of the Super Happy Party Bears, my role has slightly changed. Quail Ridge Books will be on hand during the convention, selling copies of my chapter book series. I will be signing books from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.
To be honest, I almost said, "no," when I was asked if I wanted to write the Super Happy Party Bears. I hadn’t the foggiest clue how to write a chapter book. I had spent the past five years studying the craft of picture books. Chapter books seemed daunting.
However, Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the things you think you cannot do”. So, I said, "yes." Then once you've said "yes" to your desire, seek out classes, other writers and conferences to help you learn the craft.
It's not easy, but life's too short to not at least try.
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