way. As I write, I tend to go back and edit
myself pretty heavily. So it’s a slow two
steps forward and one step back. I have a
lot of self-doubt as I draft, and I get very
distracted and antsy. But once a draft is
complete, I enjoy going back over it and
tweaking and polishing and making sure it
flows the way I want.

What advice do you have for kids who
want to improve their own writing?
I think the best way to improve your writing
is to actually do it. That means making sure
you write as often as you can, and to get into
the habit of letting other read your work and
critique it. A writing group, club, or critique
partner helps to keep you on track and get
you used to getting feedback. Also, read
as much as you can! It’s the easiest way to
become a better writer without even realizing
it’s happening.

TERRYCATASÚS JENNINGS
Terry Catasús Jennings is the author of a new
chapter book series, Definitely Dominguita, about
a Cuban American girl whose adventures are
inspired by the classics she reads with her abuela.

The first two titles, “The Knight of the Cape”
and “Captain Dom’s Treasure,” have just been
published by Simon and Schuster. She has also
written six children’s books about science and
history. Jennings and her husband live in Reston.

When did you first realize you wanted to
be an author?
I have always known that I wanted to be a
writer, because there was nothing that I liked
better than reading. I didn’t pursue it right
away, though. It’s hard to even think of being
an author when you are an immigrant. At
least it was for me. My parents wanted me to
have a good job. A dependable job. Because
of that and for several other reasons, I never
considered a writing career. But stories were
always rolling around in my head. When my
youngest child was in high school and I didn’t
really need to be volunteering any more, I
decided to see if I could actually write. The
first essay I ever submitted was published in
the Style section of The Washington Post, so
that was very encouraging. From then on, I
just kept trying to do better and do more.

Where do you get your ideas for
your books?
For the science books, if I see something that
interests me or that hasn’t been covered well
for children, I try to find a story to explain it.

Many of the ideas that I am working on right
now came from the immigrant experience.

Trying to show an immigrant or child of
22 Washington FAMILY MARCH 2021
immigrant character who has an adventure or
encounters a problem that has to be solved.

The character is no different than her peers,
and the adventures are those that anyone
could have. The stories just take place in a
household where Spanish words are used and
Cuban food is revered.

What do you love about writing
children’s books?
I love children, and I love writing something
that will help them laugh and maybe bring
them to the understanding that we are all the
same: all human beings with the same hopes
and dreams. But what I really love about
writing children’s books is that I get to go
into their schools and their classrooms and
talk to them. And that’s the biggest benefit of
all. Besides, when else do you get to give your
character a chocolate-covered toilet plunger
for a weapon?
What does your writing process look like?
Once I get an idea, I start thinking about
it, writing down notes on my phone and
the first paragraph in my head. I do a lot
of writing on my phone at the beginning.

It helps me not to forget good things. I try
to get a couple of chapters down so I get to
know the character and maybe find out if the
problem works. After that, I write a loose
outline. Something that lets me know where
I want to go. Fairly detailed. Sometimes I run
the idea by my agent to see what she thinks.

And from there I write my story.

What tips do you have for kids who want
to improve their own writing?
The best recommendation to being a
good writer is to read. Read, read, read.

Understand what makes the books that you
like likeable. Then write. The more you write,
the better you will write. I am the kind of
writer that needs to know where the story
is going, so I definitely recommend loose
outlines. Don’t ever think your story is bad.

But don’t ever think your story can’t be
better. Not until you’re really, really sure. n



CAMP DIRECTORY
W ith each new milestone that our children
reach comes the need for information
to guide them (and us) through this stage. This is
particularly true when our children are old enough
to attend summer camp. How do we know which
camp is right for them? In an education-centered
community like ours, there can be a lot of options—
where do we even get started? Right here, actually,
with these listings. Read about these camps, what
they offer and the ages they serve. Then visit
their websites to learn more. On our website,
WashingtonFAMILY.com, you can find even more
listings to help you in your search. Be sure to check
back on our website and in our magazine in upcom-
ing months for more stories and helpful tips.

2021 SUMMER
CAMP Note: The camps on the following pages were still
planning to be open as we went to press; however, that
may change as we get closer to summer. Please be sure
to contact the camps directly for up-to-date informa-
tion about their operating status.

Good luck! Here’s to a great summer.

Directory summer
camp NOW ENROLLING!
• Day Camp with
extended hours
• Sports and games
• Music, dance and drama
• Field trips and events
• Exciting STEM activities
Water activities
• •
• Arts and crafts
Community outreach projects
Locations throughout the Washington
metro area
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• 877-959-3746
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