Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with picture book author Ellen Leventhal whose newest book A FLOOD OF KINDNESS, illustrated by Blythe Russo, came out in April with WorthyKids. I’m thrilled to have Ellen with us today to talk about her new book, process, and road to publication.
So without further ado, please welcome Ellen Leventhal!
Where do you live?
Thank you so much for having me on Critterlit today! I appreciate it!
I live in Houston, TX.
How many years have you been in publishing?
That's kind of tricky because there have been starts and stops. However, my first published book was written with a friend, Ellen Rothberg, in 2007. That certainly doesn't mean I've been writing professionally for that long (That particular book is out of print, but an updated version of it was picked up in 2017!) In my mind, 2016 or so is when I stepped out of my comfort zone and really began to submit and get feedback (both good and not so good!)
How did you first get published?
Ellen Rothberg and I won a contest! We entered a picture book writing contest and realized we had a lot to learn! So, we took classes, found critique groups, revised more times than I can count, and surprisingly won! That first book was the original version of Don't Eat the Bluebonnets.
What inspires you to create picture books?
EVERYTHING! I get inspiration from everywhere, but just because I’m inspired, doesn't mean every idea turns into a complete story. But that's ok. It's all part of the process. Observing nature, kids, and life in general always inspires me. I taught for many years, and those kiddos and their experiences give me ideas all the time. And, of course, all the wonderful children's books I read inspire me daily.
What surprised you the most working as an author?
What surprised me the most when I was starting out was how much I didn't know! I'm still learning. A happy surprise was all the support and camaraderie I found in the Kid Lit community.
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
School visits and the friends I've made in Kid Lit are high on my list of favorite things. I cannot wait to get back into schools for in-person visits. They keep me going. I also love the flexibility of my work hours. I had zero flexibility when I taught full-time (although I loved what I did). Now, if there is something I want to or must do during the day, I can do it. I just try to arrange my schedule so I can still get work done.
What do you find difficult working as an author?
As much as I love what I do, there are definitely some things that are difficult for me. Working from home is great for the flexibility, but it also offers challenges. After all, there are always other things to do when you're at home (and the pantry full of snacks for my grandkids is just a few steps away), so, unless I have a hard deadline, focusing on a writing task can sometimes be a challenge.
As far as the actual writing and submitting, I have trouble letting go. It's hard for me to get to a point where I feel ready to submit something. I am a serial reviser, and although that can be good sometimes, I know I must hit that "send" button at some point.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
I'm trying hard to develop some good habits, but the only one I can think of now is reading, reading, reading. For me, creativity comes in spurts, and I don't always know when something will hit me. So, although I don't have any great habits that help, I have become more open to allowing free-flowing ideas to enter my head and have become a bit less self-editing in the very early stages of a manuscript. I try to let the creativity flow and worry about revision later. (But as a serial reviser, that’s difficult!)
Can you share a positive experience you've had in the Kid Lit community?
That's an easy one because I would not still be writing if it weren't for the Kid Lit community. Meeting friends along the way has been a huge boost! My critique groups are invaluable, and when I had a virtual launch for a book this past April, so many friends from the Kid Lit community were there for support. You, Lindsay, are a case in point. Thank you for supporting so many of us on our journey.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
There have been so many wonderful things, but when my latest book, A Flood of Kindness, was released, the virtual launch with friends from all over the country was a highlight for sure. I was disappointed when I realized that after a year of COVID, my release would still be during the pandemic, and thus, virtual, but it turned out well. Although that was definitely a highlight, I can't put my finger on the highlight of my career. Each time I leave a school with that feeling of "They got it" that's a highlight. Whenever I connect teachers, librarians, and kids, that's a highlight. I'm sorry I didn't answer your question, but I can't choose just one.
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?
I wish someone would have shared ways they handled rejection and enlightened me on the importance of support from the Kid Lit community. I knew that rejection would be a big part of this business, but I didn't understand how big a piece. Of course, now that I know it's just part of the process, I've developed ways to handle it, and I am generally able to shrug it off. Of course, that does not mean that I like it or that I don't need chocolate after a rejection, but I know it's just part of the deal, and I don't (usually ) take it personally. I may wallow a bit, but I am able to move on.
Can you tell us about your newest book?
My book, A Flood of Kindness was released this past April, and although it's fictional, it was inspired by real events. My house flooded three times in less than three years. After the first flood, I remembered Mr. Rogers's words to "Look for the helpers." It was easy to find them! Having written a few other books by then, a lot of people told me that I should write a kids' book about the flood. I knew if I ever did write one, it would be focused on the kindness that surrounded us, since it flowed as freely as the floodwaters. It wasn't until the third flood, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, that I decided maybe I should try to write something that validates children's feelings as well as empowering them with the knowledge that by small acts of kindness, they can help themselves and others. I felt like it was a thin line to walk, but I'm happy with how it turned out. The illustrations by Blythe Russo told so much of the story.
Interior art from A FLOOD OF KINDNESS by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Blythe Russo
Interior art from A FLOOD OF KINDNESS by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Blythe Russo
What's up next for you?
I'm working on several other picture books now as well as trying my hand at a chapter book which is fun. I do have one of those vague announcements about a book coming out in 2023. It's a picture book biography that I am proud of. I can't wait to officially share the news.
Anything else you'd like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
I'm sure I don't have anything that they haven't heard before, but I'll repeat the "mantra" of persistence and patience. Also, continue to work on your craft. I consider all the classes I take, webinars I listen to, etc. as professional development. Stay updated with the market, but write YOUR story, as opposed to writing to the trends.
Lastly (and this was and still is hard for me), try to develop a thick skin and understand that rejections or "harsh" words aren't personal. This is from the person who would cry if someone looked at her sideways when she was in school! It's hard, but find a group of like-minded people, and they will be there to cheer you on and be there for you. As I said, I wish I had known how important getting to know people in the kid lit community would be when I first started out. I may have weathered some of the early rejections better. At least I would have had people I could commiserate with.
And remember, there are a lot of ways to pursue your dream. Investigate, evaluate, and take the road best fit for your particular journey.
And last but not least, favorite 80s movie?
I couldn't remember what movies were from the 80s, so I had to look them up. WOW! ! There were so many that I can't pick one. Sorry, that seems like a theme in this interview. Don’t make me pick one!” A few I love are "Field of Dreams", "ET", and Indiana Jones movies. But there are so many more!
Huge thank you to Ellen for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on A FLOOD OF KINDNESS!
ELLEN LEVENTHAL is an educator and writer in Houston, TX. Ellen is the co-author of Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets, a 2017 Mighty Girls pick ( 2017 Clear Fork Publishing), the author of Lola Can’t Leap (2018 Clear Fork Publishing) and A Flood of Kindness, ( 2021 WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group). She has been published in magazines and newspapers, as well as in poetry and short story anthologies. Ellen frequently presents at schools and has been featured on both TV and radio. When visiting schools, she coordinates with and supports literacy programs as well as diversity and anti-bullying programs. Ellen’s best days are when she can interact directly with the students and spread her love of literacy and kindness. To find out more about Ellen’s books and writing projects, please go to www.Ellenleventhal.com
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