Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Joana Pastro, whose debut picture book LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, comes out with Boyds Mills Press next month! I’m thrilled to have Joana with us today and I hope you all check out her wonderful new book!
So without further ado, please welcome Joana Pastro!
Where do you live?
I’m originally from Brazil, but I have been living in South Florida for the past twenty years. Time flies!
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
I always loved picture books, but I didn’t understand how someone could write one without being an illustrator or without working side-by-side with one. One day, I wrote a short story, and took it to my critique group. They suggested I make it into a picture book and told me about Carrie Charley Brown and Kirsti Call’s Read for Research Month (ReFoReMo). After participating in ReFoReMo in 2016 I was hooked, and all I wanted to write was picture books.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
I had been writing a middle grade novel for a few years, but after doing ReFoReMo in 2016, I slowly started transitioning to picture books. The following year, I joined 12x12, and in June I participated on PBPitch and caught the attention of Natascha Morris from BookEnds Literary Agency. I signed with her in September. Almost exactly a year later she sold my debut, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS to Jes Negron at Boyds Mill & Kane. (At the time it was Kane Press.)
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I step away from the computer and allow my brain to work without pressure. I’ve had some of my best ideas while walking around my neighborhood, watching a movie, looking at old photos and even cleaning the house.
Tell us about your debut book.
LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, is about a little girl who loves being a damsel, but loathes the idea of ever being in distress. Soon enough, she finds herself in danger and uses her smarts to save herself. It’s about girl power, but not only for girls. I truly hope this book appeals to all children, because it’s also about and friendship, standing up for yourself, and accepting others. And we all need that, right?
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
I always have a hard time picking anything “favorite”. The first 80s movie that came to mind is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Such a fun movie!
Huge thank you to Joana for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your debut! We can’t wait to see what you write next!
JOANA PASTRO always wanted to be an artist of some sort. So, she became an architect. But once her first child was born, all the visits to the library, and the countless story times made Joana start dreaming of becoming a children’s book author. After a lot of reading, writing and revising, her dream is coming true. Her debut picture book, LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, illustrated by Jhon Ortiz, will be published by Boyds Mills Press, an imprint of Boyds Mills & Kane, on October 20, 2020. Her second book, BISA’S CARNAVAL, illustrated by Carolina Coroa will be published by Scholastic in Fall/2021. Originally from Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her husband, her three extremely creative children and a rambunctious Morkie. You can find her on Twitter @jopastro, Instagram on @joanapastro, on her website at www.joanapastro.com.
PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK To pre-order a copy of LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS, click here. Follow the instructions below and receive bonus goodies from Joana!
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LILLYBELLE, A DAMSEL NOT IN DISTRESS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 24th! US addresses only please.