Theresa wrote the poem
MISCHIEVOUS MAZZIKIN
Gnome & UnGnome Facts About Theresa:
Theresa Milstein (she/her) writes middle grade and YA, as well as dabbling in poetry.
She wakes up before sunrise to write.
By day, she’s a special education teacher.
She lives in the Boston area with her family.
Luna Lovecat is her reluctant muse (mews?) who often refuses to sit in her lap but steals her seat when she stops writing. Luna Lovecat likes the dog Milo more than Theresa.
Absol’s Q&A with Theresa:
Best Day, Theresa! Thanks for being our LEGEND of the WEEK!
If you could be any magical or legendary creature, who or what would you be?
Because I never took formal swimming lessons and wish I could swim better, I’d choose to be a mermaid.
I can’t tell you how many wannabe mermaids are in your anthology group.
I know, but It would be so cool to explore the ocean without worrying about temperature or needing to breathe air. But I’d want the flexibility to turn my tail into legs to return to land anytime I wanted! I’d have to keep some spare clothes somewhere.
Well, I will say you’re the first one to mention keeping spare clothes, that’s a good call for sure.
Can you tell us a little about how you came to be a part of Gnomes & UnGnomes?
I’ve belonged to the Writers’ Loft for years. I must’ve found out about the group on Facebook from Heather Kelly. I regretted not submitting a poem to the first animal anthology, but I’m proud to have two haiku in the Friends and Anemones anthology. How often does one have a chance to be in a book with THE Jane Yolen? And now I’m happy to be a part of this anthology too.
And how did you pick my cheeky friend the Mazzik for your poem topic?
For this anthology, I used my Jewish background to write a poem about the Mazzik (Mazzikin plural). The Mazzik is an invisible mischief maker. The only evidence that a Mazzik exists is the problems the mythical creature causes in a family’s home. So the illustrator should have a challenge with my poem!
What’s great in your life right now that you want to share, personal or professional? Some wins?
Professionally, I feel lucky to be part of this kid-lit writing community. Writing can feel lonely, and it’s easy to lose confidence or compare my journey to someone who seems more successful. But so many writers are really supportive. Being in this anthology and knowing children will enjoy my poem among so many talented people is a win.
Personally, my family is happy, healthy, and feeling successful right now. That’s pretty great.
That is pretty great! Thanks for your time.
writersloftpress.com 