Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Deb Adamson to talk about her road to publication, writing process, and TWO new books: THANKFUL THANKSGIVING, illustrated by Benedetta Caprotti, and GOD SENT YOU WITH LOVE, illustrated by Allessia Trunfio, published by Cottage Door Press. I’m thrilled to have Deb with us today!

So without further ado, please welcome Deb Adamson!

Where do you live?

I live on the shoreline of Connecticut.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been in publishing for nearly 30 years but took a long break from submitting, to homeschool my son. Just stepped back into querying five years ago.

How did you first get published?

I was published by Millbrook Press. My first book, is titled Monkey See Monkey Do and Animal Exercise Book for You! It is a rhyming book that encourages mimicking animal movement. It teaches a little natural history along with getting kids up and active.

Do you write full-time?

I do write full time. I also teach a weekly memoir writing class for adults. I’ve been doing that for ten years and absolutely love it!

What inspires you to create picture books?

Everything! Inspiration is really everywhere. Sometimes I can’t keep up with the ideas that spark a picture book. Of course developing an idea into a picture book is always the biggest challenge—making the idea make sense and come to life.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

How challenging the writing is. I tell my adult writing students that writing for children is even more challenging. Every word counts.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Seeing children enjoy my books. School visits that allow me to see several kids all at once having fun and being inspired.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Continuous rejection.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I sometimes take a respite from writing to paint in watercolor, garden or practice guitar. The switch in creativity seems to reboot my writing. Breaks are necessary.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I do write most days. I feel like if I don’t, then I step out of the mindset or story and it becomes more challenging to see it through to completion.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

Other kidlit authors! The moral support from others who understand the business is invaluable. We write alone so much of the time that having a support system is crucial. I’ve mostly found it on Twitter and Instagram but also have a small dependable local community too.

Recommended reading?

I just read, the picture book Every Dog In The Neighborhood by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Mathew Cordell. It is an intergenerational/dog story. Two subjects near and dear.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Staying with it long-term feels like a highlight. With so much rejection I feel proud of myself for not throwing in the towel. I enjoy the process, so most days when I can immerse in a story feel like a highlight of my career.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?

That even if an editor buys one book from you or your agent, they are not guaranteed to ever like anything else you write! Getting published doesn’t really make it any easier to get a book deal. It continues to be a competitive endeavor.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

I have TWO new board books out!

Thankful Thanksgiving, illustrated by Benedetta Caprotti is a book that encourages young children to be thankful not only on Thanksgiving day, but all year. It follows a young mouse family as they festively celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

*Interior art from THANKFUL THANKSGIVING by Deb Adamson, Illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti, published by Cottage Door Press*

God Sent You With Love is a poem of praise from a mother to her child. It’s a keepsake book meant to gift at baby showers, baptisms and births. It is beautifully illustrated by Allessia Trunfio with warm light throughout. I wrote it as someone who suffered through the challenges of infertility and when I finally got my son, felt immensely blessed.

*Interior art from GOD SENT YOU WITH LOVE by Deb Adamson, Illustrated by Alessia Trunfio, published by Cottage Door Press*

What’s up next for you?

I’ve got several school visits and bookstore signings scheduled this fall to promote these two new books! Stay tuned for new titles on the horizon.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

Find a writing community. You cannot stay with this if you don’t have support.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The Breakfast Club! A creative cast of characters.

Huge thank you to Deb for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your two new books!

Deb Adamson’s books can be silly sweet and often a combination of both.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Deb Adamson or her books visit her online or follow her on social media: Twitter and Instagram @DebAdamsonBooks

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Deb Adamson’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of THANKFUL THANKSGIVING?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, November 10th! US addresses only please.