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Jill Friestad-Tate
Picture Book Author
Teacher
Speaker
Jill is available for elementary, middle school, high school, and adult presentations! As a teacher, Jill loves to share information about writing, creating, and editing as well as fun facts related to the various books she has published. Jill can share one of the following interactive presentations or create a custom presentation for your school or organization. Feel free to contact Jill Friestad-Tate for more information or to schedule a presentation.
Jill Friestad-Tate is a local author and professor who loves lists. She uses them
while writing, at work, and to keep her two boys’ schedules organized. When not teaching or writing, Jill loves to travel, spend time with her family, laugh, and pretend that everything in her life is organized.
ABOUT JILL FRIESTAD-TATE
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do you get inspiration for your books?
As an author, do you have any favorite books?
When writing nonfiction picture books, inspiration comes when I hear or read about something that intrigues me but haven’t heard about before. For fiction picture books, I tend to write about relationships and events that happen for most individuals throughout their lives. I never fully know when an idea will come, but I know I should write about it when I think, “That would make a great book!”
How did you get started as an author?
I have always enjoyed writing creatively, but I stopped writing creatively when I was in college. All of my papers were factually based, so I didn’t have time for creative writing. When I had my boys, creative ideas came to me as I played with them and read books before bedtime. My church held a writer’s conference, and I told my husband that I wanted to attend—even though it sounded crazy! That event started me on the path to writing children’s books.
Do you have any future works in the making?
I always have stories in my mind and many started as drafts! My hope is that I continue to write and create books children and parents love to read.
It is impossible to choose one book as my favorite!!! I love stories that have meaning and make your heart grow. Some of my favorite books to read with my boys include: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
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