Happy Thursday Critters! Today I’m not only celebrating my oldest son’s fifth birthday BUT we also have a fabulous interview with debut picture book author AJ Irving! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her new book, DANCE LIKE A LEAF, illustrated by Claudia Navarro, which comes out with Barefoot Books in August. This book has received a starred review from School and Library Journal (woo-hoo!). It’s a lovely, beautiful story about the connection between a child and grandmother. Make sure to check out DANCE LIKE A LEAF!
So without further ado…please welcome AJ Irving!
Where do you live?
My family moved from Seattle to Etna, Wyoming, in late December 2019. Etna is a tiny town 45 miles south of Jackson Hole. It’s a gorgeous area. I recently went on a hike in Grand Teton National Park. My friend and I saw waterfalls, moose, and a grizzly cub. The cub was only a few feet away from us. We couldn’t see the mama bear so we were pretty freaked out!
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but I rediscovered my love of kidlit after I became a mother. I started writing picture books after my twelve-year-old son was born.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing at first. My stories were too long and didn’t leave room for art. I submitted to a few houses that accepted unsolicited manuscripts. I received one form rejection. In 2014, I discovered the online kidlit community. I joined SCBWI, attended my first conference, signed up for 12x12, and connected with critique partners. My craft slowly improved. In 2017, I was selected for a mentorship with Laura Gehl through Writing with the Stars. In 2017 and 2018, I was a #PBParty finalist. I pitched my debut picture book, DANCE LIKE A LEAF, in #KidPit in 2018, and received a heart from my fabulous editor, Kate DePalma. I signed with my wonderful agent, Jordan Hamessley, shortly after I received an offer from Barefoot Books.
Can you share a bit about your process?
First of all, I think it’s important to read a wide variety of recent picture books, and really study them. My story ideas come from everywhere: things my kids say, photos, videos, life experiences, relationships with my friends and family.
Word strings come to me out of the blue, especially when I’m hiking or walking by myself. I type these lines on my phone immediately. When I get home, I piece them together on paper. I almost always write a first draft on paper. I feel more connected to my pen. There’s something magical about the hand moving across the page. It’s the best feeling in the world when words just flow out of you. Never stop writing when you’re in the zone! I usually revise a manuscript several times before I send it to my critique group. If my critique group is excited about a project, I send it to my agent.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I couldn’t create anything at all when the pandemic started. I watched a lot of webinars which definitely inspired me. I’m thankful the kidlit community has offered so many free resources during this time. Little bits of good news also help me shake the rust off. They give me hope and remind me that this is what I’m meant to do. I got out of my writing funk and was excited to return to my craft after I received requests for more work from two editors and a starred review from School Library Journal.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
I have grown close with three of my agent sisters. We have a private group called The Candle Coven. Now, I always light a candle when I write.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
Is there a word limit for this interview? So many! Laura Gehl will always be one of the most inspirational authors to me. She is prolific. She had two books come out on the same day last week! She sends me inspirational emails, which I print off and put in my writing space. We swap manuscripts, and I ask her for advice all the time. She’s a wonderful friend and an incredibly talented picture book author.
Arree Chung! Arree gives so much time and energy to help kidlit creators. He is a brilliant author/illustrator and a beautiful human being. I worked closely with Arree on a manuscript in Storyteller Academy. He boosted my confidence and taught me how to make dummies. I’m sure he’d be excited to learn that the manuscript he helped me with is currently on submission.
I also have to give a shoutout to all the members of my debut group. I’d be lost without Perfect2020pbs. It has been an honor to share my debut year with all of you!
Dream project to work on?
The fastest manuscript I’ve ever written was inspired by our Weimaraner, Charlie. She passed away from lymphoma in March. Charlie shared so many first experiences with my children. I just had to tell this story. I’ve always admired Loren Long. He is an amazing author/illustrator, and he has a Weimaraner. It would be a dream come true to work on this book with him.
Tell us about your debut book.
DANCE LIKE A LEAF was inspired by my grandma. I spent summers with her in Montana every year when I was growing up. We were also pen pals for most of my life. I wrote a letter for her when I learned that her life was nearing the end. I read this letter at her service. Several folks approached me after the service to let me know how much they were moved by my words. That’s when I knew I needed to write DANCE LIKE A LEAF. Autumn was my grandma’s favorite season. She loved tea and scarves and dancing. The story shows the special bond between a grandmother and granddaughter as they enjoy autumn together. Grandma’s health gradually declines, and after she passes away, the granddaughter continues their autumn traditions. I think it shows children a lovely way to remember loved ones after they are gone.
What’s up next for you?
There’s so much waiting in publishing. I’m crossing my fingers and toes for my submissions. In the meantime, I am excited to revise my queer girl picture book, revisit some old manuscripts, and go on a lot of hikes before the snow returns.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
Pretty in Pink! I was obsessed with Molly Ringwald when I was a kiddo. And Duckie is pretty much the best character ever. One of my favorite scenes is when he lip syncs “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding. That song used to be my ringtone. My dad still teases me about forcing him to watch this movie SO many times, but he admits he enjoyed it much more than Rainbow Brite. I introduced my daughter to Pretty in Pink. She loves it, too.
Huge thank you to AJ for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut!
AJ Irving grew up in Boise, Idaho, writing stories and daydreaming about becoming an author. Now, she writes picture books and poetry on her big back porch in a tiny town near Jackson, Wyoming. AJ reads kidlit every day and dances every chance she gets. Her debut picture book, DANCE LIKE A LEAF, releases from Barefoot Books on August 21, 2020.
As an author and former bookmobile librarian, AJ is passionate about inspiring children to read. She received a B.A. in journalism and women’s and gender studies from the University of Oregon. AJ is represented by Jordan Hamessley of New Leaf Literary.
Learn more at www.ajirving.com or follow her on social media:
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/aj_irving
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ajirvingauthor/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/aj_irving/?hl=en
BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of AJ’s debut picture book, DANCE LIKE A LEAF, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of DANCE LIKE A LEAF?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, August 6th! US addresses only please.