Q&A: Children's Book Author Joins Hewlett-Woodmere Hall of Fame

Jill Santopolo, author of two children's mystery books starring Alec Flint and an editor for Penguin Group's Philomel, will be inducted into the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association's Hall of Fame during its 16th annual awards night this Sunday. Patch chatted with the former Hewlett resident and class of 1999 graduate about the nod and her career.

How does it feel to be honored by the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association?

It's truly an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association. were so integral in making me the person I am, that being recognized by the alumni association is an incredibly wonderful experience.

How did you get to this point in your career?

By having a dream and doing everything I could to make it come true.

When I was in college, I interned at three different children's publishing imprints — Dutton and Philomel, both part of Penguin Group, and Holiday House, a small independent children's book publisher. From there, I was hired as an editorial assistant at HaprerCollins Children's Books, where I worked for the next seven years, working my way up to senior editor. I then came back to Philomel as an executive editor in the summer of 2009 and have been here ever since.

I've published two books with Scholastic. I'm an adjunct professor at McDaniel College, developing curriculum for an online program in writing for children and teaching both a novel writing class and a workshop. After that, I was hired as a thesis adviser for MFA candidates at The New School.

How did growing up in the Five Towns help prepare you for your job?

The Hewlett-Woodmere Public School system played a huge role in turning me into a reader and a writer. From as early as kindergarten and first grade I had teachers who encouraged me to write stories and to read solely for the love of reading. I loved the daily sustained silent reading in — I read a ton of books during that time — and really appreciated the fact that offered two AP English classes — one in language and one in literature.

When I went off to college, I was already a solid writer and critical reader thanks to my Hewlett-Woodmere education. And that, of course, served as the basis for my career today as a writer and editor.

Why do you enjoy working in children's literature?

My favorite part about working in children's literature is the idea that a novel I write or edit could open up the world of reading to a child. I find that when kids fall in love with a book, they tend to become life-long readers, and if I have any part in turning even one child onto reading, that makes everything I do worthwhile.  

What should younger people know if they want to follow your career path?

The advice I'd give to someone looking to get into children's book writing is to read! Read as many books as you can. And then write. And keep writing. And don't ever stop!   

What's next for you?

Well, in addition to writing and editing, I've also been teaching graduate students, so hopefully I'll be able to continue to write, continue to edit, and continue to teach. I feel so lucky that I'm able to support myself by doing what I love, and hope to keep doing that for as long as I can.