I AM Allegany
Melanie J. Vogel
Cumberland, Maryland
How would we know you? I have worked part-time as a clinical instructor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Allegany College in Maryland for the past five years. But you probably know me from my children’s books.
How many books have you published now? I have had seven picture books and a children’s book published. Nerfnerd was first released in 2011 and You Can’t Ride a Cat was released in 2022.
Tell us about your latest post. Looks and sounds fun! My latest book “You Can’t Ride a Cat” is a wacky picture book illustrated by Janeen Payne. It’s the story of a boy who tells his cat and dog all the places he’s been on. As he tells his stories, they only grow. It’s a child’s introduction to the unreliable narrator. I will not divulge whether or not there is a ride of cats in the book. You will have to find out for yourself.
What drew you to the world of children’s books? Children are ready for anything. Adults might not want to read about a sock puppet’s hero’s journey, but a child will.
What is it about you that others would be surprised to learn? When I was a child, I was very shy and had trouble making friends. There were a lot of similarities between me and my character Myrtle Hitchabocker from my Elsewhereville chapter book. I was bullied for my tall size and clumsy appearance when I just wanted to be like all the other kids and fit in with everyone.
Do you have any weird or guilty pleasures? Sometimes, for no reason, I put on a clown nose, 50 coats of mascara, or an antenna headband and wander around the house until my husband notices.
What do you do for fun? I try to make everything I do fun.
What makes Allegany County special? Location. Location. Location. I love the mountains and we experience all four seasons here, but the area is surprisingly temperate. We are in the countryside, but we can get to big cities and the beach in a few hours. I love Victorian architecture and there’s a lot to love here. Allegany County is like a girl who doesn’t realize she’s beautiful.
Do you have any advice for future children’s book authors? Just write, then when you’re done, go back and write some more. Then search. Research everything you can in the children’s book market. Once you’ve done that, review what you wrote and edit, edit, edit. Then you will have your first draft. Write, research, write some more, edit some more, then you might have something to show someone.
Words you live by? Yes. Everything Mr. Rogers said, specifically: “There are three ways to achieve ultimate success: The first is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.