Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with the incredibly talented, two-time Caldecott honor winning Laura Vaccaro Seeger! I’m such a huge fan of her books and she has had an amazing career in publishing— I’m so thrilled she can be here with us today!
So without further ado, please welcome Laura Vaccaro Seeger!
Photo Credit: Dylan Seeger
Where do you live?
My husband and I have a home in Rockville Centre, Long Island, and an apartment in Manhattan, New York.
How many years have you been in publishing?
20.
How did you first get published?
I was extremely fortunate to have met Neal Porter - my editor and publishing soulmate - almost immediately after I began looking for a publisher. He’s been my editor for every one of my books - we're now working on my 21st book together. It’s kind of a long story, actually. You can read more about it here: https://studiolvs.com/educators-kids/2017/7
Do you write/illustrate full-time?
Yes.
What inspires you to create picture books?
Everything! But I am mostly inspired by the human condition. While my books are quite varied, I think they are all, at their core, about empathy, love, and friendship.
What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?
Hmm. That’s a tough question! I suppose what has surprised me most is the tendency in publishing for people to consider each other family. There is a real sense of sincere friendship that I find totally endearing.
What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?
Now, that’s an easy one to answer. I love that each book is a completely new blank canvas. I enjoy the process of making picture books and feel lucky that Neal and I work together so organically. I am fortunate to be able to both write and create art, and I love it that I can work at the beach, at home, anywhere! And mostly, it’s so rewarding to know that my books are (hopefully) enjoyed by children of all ages.
What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?
I find it challenging to adhere to a schedule, which is probably a common problem for most people who work at home. There are so many distractions, so discipline is a must. And even more difficult is the inevitable encounter with writer’s block!
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I go for a long run at the beach.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
Not really. It truly is an organic process.
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?
My favorite and repeated experiences are when I get to hang out with other authors at literature conferences and festivals. We always have so much fun together and I’ve made so many wonderful author friends over the years. One memory that really stands out is when Kadir Nelson, Chris Crutcher, and I were in Singapore together. One night after dinner, we decided to go carpet shopping. After an amazing and hilarious haggle session with the shop owner, we got great deals on a couple of carpets and then proceeded to carry them around the city in the rain while we (unsuccessfully) tried to hail a taxi. We laughed so hard that night and we all still talk about it.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Interacting with children is always a joy. It’s such a privilege to be able to create for and present to them. And I must admit that recognition from librarians, teachers, and publishing professionals means so much to me. We artists/writers can be very hard on ourselves, so it’s reassuring when our books win awards and receive starred reviews. But the highlight of all highlights were the two Caldecott Honors, for sure!!
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?
I’m not sure what I wish someone had told me, but I’m thankful for the advice an author friend gave me when I was working on my first book - he said the most important thing is to find my voice.
Can you tell us about your newest book?
RED will be released in a few weeks, and I’m very excited about it. It was inspired by all the division in our society, particularly the last few years. The book explores the many shades of the color red, but more importantly, it’s about red in terms of anger, conflict, rage, empathy, and love.
Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books
Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books
Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books
Interior art from RED by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Published by Holiday House Books
What’s up next for you?
Right now I’m working on a book called I’M NOT LOST.
Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
It’s really important, when trying to find a publisher, to find one that publishes books like yours. Many authors spend years getting rejections because they’ve not found the right match for their work.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
When Harry Met Sally.
Huge thank you to Laura for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so lookiing forward to RED! Congrats on your stunning collection of books!
Laura Vaccaro Seeger is the author and illustrator of nearly two dozen acclaimed picture books, including Why?, the recipient of four starred reviews, and the popular Dog and Bear series, the first of which won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. She has been awarded a Caldecott Honor twice, for First the Egg and again for Green, and a Geisel Honor twice, for First the Egg and One Boy. Blue, her companion to this book and Green, received four starred reviews. Red is the final book in her color trilogy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Laura, visit her online: studiolvs.com
Or follow her on social media:
@lauravseeger (Twitter)
@LauraVaccaroSeeger (Facebook)
BUY THIS BOOK To order Laura’s book, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of RED?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 4th! US addresses only please.