Happy Tuesday Critters! This week at Critter Lit we are featuring TWO interviews— so today is extra special as we typically only do interviews on Thursdays. So please join me in welcoming debut author Tina Mowrey! Her first picture book, WHAT A PRICKLY PEAR, illustrated by Sarah Williams, comes out with Spork on August 25th!
Where do you live?
Austin, Texas.
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
As an elementary teacher for 17 years, I was surrounded by picture books (and children). Reading to the children and discussing the stories was always one of my favorite things to do during the day. I fell in love with the experience and wanted to be able to write stories for children and teachers to enjoy together.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
I didn't become serious about a pursuit to publication until 2016, when I was 44 years old. I set my mind to it, wrote multiple manuscripts, researched the querying process and started my journey. After two years of querying and a handful of twitter pitch events, I connected with my agent. She sold my debut book a year later and it will be published this month on the 25th! Now, I was writing poetry and songs for years before I attempted to write my first picture book, so there were many years of "practice" writing. Also, I was reading picture books every day. Something that is essential if you are going to write picture books. Read, read, and read some more!
Can you share a bit about your process?
I am a pantser for the most part. I come up with an idea and let it roll around in my head for awhile. If it starts to take shape, I might write down the basic plot so I don't forget it. Then, I do some research if it's necessary and start writing soon thereafter. I use actual pencil and paper for the first very rough draft. I revise as I go and when the story has a beginning, middle, and end, I move to the computer. Then, it's time for multiple revision sessions before I send it to CPs. Sometimes, I rewrite a story based on feedback I receive and other times, I don't much revising at all. And of course, not all stories end up being sent to my agent. I try to pick the "special" ones and that usually means CP approved.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I give myself time. I read. I listen to family members, friends, and students. I also like to research unusual phenomena and new inventions. Research almost always ignites a creative spark from which ideas can grow.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
I like to listen to music when I write. Music has always been a part of my life, so it feels like it belongs in the background. I also like snacks. Salty and then, sweet. Or both at the same time!
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
Tara Lazar's sense of humor inspires me daily on Twitter and her books are in a league of their own; so clever! And Jacqueline Woodson is one of my favorite authors. I love the way she weaves words together to tell such important stories.
Dream project to work on?
I would love to have one of my stories illustrated by Raissa Figueroa. Her illustrations are gorgeous!
Tell us about your debut book.
Roxy and Stumpy, two clever raccoons, are known for their dumpster diving abilities. Most mornings, their bellies are full and sleep comes easy. Until one day, they aren't so lucky. Tired and hungry, Roxy and Stumpy meet a handful of unique animal friends who eat prickly pear cactus. Yes, that's right - CACTUS! Join the raccoons as they decide whether or not this spiny food is worth the trouble.
What’s up next for you?
I have two more picture books coming out in 2021. BEING BAILEY RAE by MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing and one other that has not yet been announced. I also teach full time, so that is literally what's up next for me tomorrow!
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
Only one? I guess it would be E.T. I recently watched it with my own children and cried so much they didn't know what to do! I really wanted E.T. to be able to stay.
Huge thank you to Tina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut picture book! We can’t wait to read what comes next!
A transplant from Massachusetts, TINA MOWREY lives in Austin, TX, where she was introduced to the prickly pear cactus! Having been a singer/songwriter for years, Tina decided to put pen to paper and try her hand at picture book writing. It was much harder than expected, but she loves it. When she isn’t writing picture books, Tina spends her time working as an 8th grade language arts teacher and keeping up with her family of 4 humans & 5 pets!
WANT TO KNOW MORE about Tina Mowrey and her books, visit her online or follow her on social media:
Twitter: @tmowtx
Instagram: tina.mowrey
BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Tina’s debut picture book, WHAT A PRICKLY PEAR, illustrated by Sarah Williams, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of WHAT A PRICKLY PEAR?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 25th! US addresses only please.