Interview with Author Glenys Nellist Part 3

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to have Glenys Nellist with us again today to talk about her latest book, WHEREVER YOU ARE, illustrated by Sian James, which just published with Beaming books last month. WHEREVER YOU ARE is absolutely stunning and lovely and I can wait for you all to take a peek.

So without further ado, please welcome Glenys Nellist!

It’s great to have you back!

It’s great to BE back, Lindsay! Thanks for having me.

Tell us about your latest book.

Published by Beaming Books and beautifully illustrated by Sian James, Wherever You Are explores the simple, but powerful premise… wherever you are, God is there.

I love that WHEREVER YOU ARE is so universal. It relates to so many situations and moments in life. What inspired you to create this book?

My inspiration came from a little moment I shared with my grandson eight years ago. He stood by the window watching the snow gently fall, and he was so still and quiet that I took a photo. After a moment, he turned to me and asked, in his three-year-old voice, Where’s God? I never imagined that this little moment would one day become the inspiration for a picture book, but it just goes to show that ordinary moments can become extraordinary.

With such an open-ended theme for WHEREVER YOU ARE, how did you organize the text for this book? Did you make a list of situations you wanted to weave together? What was your writing process like?

I knew that I wanted to start by referencing that little moment I shared with my grandson, and so the book begins in this way: God is in the whisper of the gently falling snow.. God is in the daffodil as she begins to grow. As soon as I started writing, the text just seemed to flow organically, without any kind of list. I didn’t really include any specific situations (all the ones you’ll see were created by the wonderful illustrator, Sian James.) Instead, I simply focused on exploring the fact that no matter where we are, or what we’re doing; no matter what time of day or night; no matter how we’re feeling… in happy times or sad times, in good times or bad times, God is with us. In this way, it was my goal to reassure the reader that God is with us in every physical space in which we find ourselves and every emotional space too.

Do you have a favorite spread in WHEREVER YOU ARE? If so, why is it your favorite?

Can I pick two? The first is the one featuring my grandson watching the snowfall. Can you believe that I was able to share the photo I’d taken that day with Sian James, and she used it as the basis for one of the first illustration in the book? 

Interior art from WHEREVER YOU ARE by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sian James, published by Beaming Books

The second is also based on a true incident. One autumn day, I was out raking leaves in the street with my neighbor, and I had such a powerful sense of God’s presence all around that I wanted to include that in the book too. I just knew, that day, that God was in the leaves, in the wind, in the sunshine, and most of all, in my neighbor. Sian used my photographs of our street to faithfully depict that little moment, and she even included the fire hydrant at the bottom of our driveaway! Here’s me and my neighbor raking leaves:

Interior art from WHEREVER YOU ARE by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sian James, published by Beaming Books

As an author, do you get to weigh in on the illustration process with your publisher?

Normally, no! It is my job to write the words, and the illustrator’s job, under the direction of the publisher, to create the illustrations. What a joy, then, to be able to collaborate with Sian James, via my editor, so that those special moments could be included.

What are some of your favorite picture books right now?

I am loving the recently published Sparrow’s Prayer, a title exploring all the different ways to pray, by Roger Hutchison, and Grandpa’s Window, a gentle book on grief, by Laura Gehl. 

What’s up next for you?

I’ll be releasing two more titles this year. Later in the summer, Little Mole is back in the fourth installment of his popular series! Published by Beaming Books. Little Mole Gives Thanks releases in August, and then in October I have a board book publishing with Zonderkidz called Read and Rhyme: The First Christmas. 

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

I’d love to share a word of encouragement about Imposter Syndrome, and the importance of battling it. I never, ever thought that I would one day be the author of over thirty books for children. So convinced was I, that I wasn’t good enough to be an author, that I gave up on my first book halfway through. If I hadn’t finished that book, I wouldn’t now be the author of all those other titles. So…whether you aspire to be an author or an illustrator, don’t quit! Work hard, keep going, improve your craft and chase those dreams—because dreams do come true.  

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Huge thank you to Glenys for stopping by Critter Lit today! Thank you for your wonderful insight and advice. It’s always lovely to have you. Congrats on your beautiful new book and exciting upcoming projects!

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GLENYS NELLIST  is the author of over thirty children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas  and the popular series Love Letters from God  and Snuggle Time. Her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Glenys, visit her online at glenysnellist.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE from Beaming Books?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 16th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Monica Acker

Happy New Year Critters! Can you believe it’s 2023?! I’m so excited about this year’s line up of amazing authors and illustrators that we have scheduled for interviews to celebrate so many amazing books in the upcoming year.

To kick off 2023, I’m thrilled to introduce you to author Monica Acker, whose debut book, BRAVE LIKE MOM, illustrated by Paran Kim, was published by Beaming Books this past November. I was lucky enough to meet Monica during a virtual retreat with SCBWI a while back. She’s a wonderful writer and I’m excited to have her as Critter Lit’s first interview to start the new year!

So without further ado, please welcome Monica Acker!

Where do you live?

I currently live North of Boston. I love that our home is a short drive to the ocean, a short drive to the mountains, a short drive to the city, and a lovely place to be snowed in and not drive at all. 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve always loved art and books and storytelling and working with children, but it took me some time to realize that I could be the storyteller. 

After my youngest daughter was born, I had some health things that needed sorting. It was unfun to say the least, but because of that, I was reminded that I needed to care for me. Self-care can look like many different things for many different people but most importantly it includes feeding the soul. So, when I saw a posting for an event at my local bookstore, Whitelam Books, titled “So You Want to Write a Children’s Book?” and my brain answered back I think I do, I made sure to listen. I attended the panel discussion, and that was it. It was as though a piece of me fell into place that I didn’t know was missing. I’ve been writing for children ever since.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

BRAVE LIKE MOM was not written with the intention of publication. I wrote it when I heard my sister-in-law was not well enough to go for a chemo treatment. I just opened up the notes app on my phone and started writing. She improved and I didn’t look at it again for over a year. Then the story became something to tool around with while I grieved a really strong woman. Eventually the purpose of working on the story became something bigger than working through my emotions. I started to believe that maybe it could help others as well. 

Luckily, Kaitlyn, my now agent felt the same way when she read it. It is the story that got her attention and the first story we sold together. There were some changes along the way. At first the story was specifically about cancer and it was reworked to be broader. The other big change was the title, with 100% credit going to Andrea, the brilliant editor. 

Can you share a bit about your process?

I like to juggle a few projects so I can move onto to something else when I get stuck. I dedicate my one day a week when I do not work but the kids are in school to writing and writing related activities. This is not enough time, lol, so I also work in what I call writing in the nooks and crannies of life. I might outline a new idea in the waiting room at gymnastics or run to the library to read mentor texts in between soccer drop off and pick-up. 

When I write, I like to do quite a bit of pre-writing time where I let the idea grow into a story in my mind before I set pen to paper. And once I have something that resembles a story, I have a wonderful support group of critique partners that help me as I mold it into what it can be.

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

I am a huge fan of Tara Lazar’s Storystorm which gets me to start off the year with at least 30 possible ideas. Some are winners, some, like “an ode to cheese,” are not. But anytime the well is dry, I can visit that page in my notes app and pull on an idea. I also add to the list throughout the year. It is quite helpful that I am raising children and work with young children as well. They keep me fresh. 

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Tea. Currently I’m obsessed with vanilla chai tea.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many. Rajani LaRocca is such a power house. Tara Lazar is a gem in the picture book world. Pat Zietlow Miller has taught me so much in her books and through her webinars. Ame Dykeman cracks me up and makes storytelling seem effortless. Jane Yolen for her tenacity. Just to name a few.

Dream project to work on?

I’m living the dream. I think my dream project will always be the next one.

Tell us about your debut book.

BRAVE LIKE MOM, illustrated by Paran Kim, is about a daughter, her mother, and understanding that being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. When the daughter watches her mother be strong, brave, and fierce in everyday life as well as in the ways she battles a chronic illness, the daughter wants to be just as brave, strong. and fierce as mom. In the end, she discovers, she already is.

Interior Art from BRAVE LIKE MOM by Monica Acker, illustrated by Paran Kim, published by Beaming Books

What’s up next for you?

Like Dory from Nemo says “just keep swimming,” I just keep writing.

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

I’ll go with Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It was my go-to at the video rental store back in the day and I still love pretty much anything that involves dance. 

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Huge thank you to Monica for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic debut!

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Monica Acker is a writer and educator. She holds a BA in creative arts and a MAT degree in childhood education. Monica is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. She lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with her family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Monica or her work, visit her online or follow her on social media:

www.monicaacker.com

Twitter: @MonicaAcker1

Instagram: @MonicaAcker1

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of BRAVE LIKE MOM, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of BRAVE LIKE MOM?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 12th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Glenys Nellist Part 2

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are chatting with author Glenys Nellist for a second interview here on Critter Lit. I’m so happy to have Glenys back with us today to talk about her latest book in the Little Mole Series, LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL, illustrated by Sally Garland, and published by Beaming Books in July.

For those of you who missed Glenys first interview with us, you can find it here.

So without further ado, please welcome back Glenys Nellist to Critter Lit!

It’s great to have you back!

Tell us about your latest book, LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL.

Thanks Lindsay! In this third installment in the popular Little Mole series, illustrated by Sally Garland, it’s Little Mole’s first day of school, and he’s nervous. What if he's the last to know his alphabet? What if he’s not good at anything? With a good bit of anxiety, Little Mole heads to class and begins to compare himself to his peers. How will he ever measure up? But soon a crisis on the playground reveals that he has everything he needs in his own two paws to save the day. Little Mole Goes to School is really a simple story about finding your unique gifts and using them for the common good.

Interior art from LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sally Garland, published by Beaming Books

I love that you address the anxiety of going to school for the first time in this book, as this is something so relevant for young children today. What inspired this story?

When we first met our little protagonist in the pages of Little Mole Finds Hope and Little Mole's Christmas Gift, he was living at home with his mama in their cozy underground burrow. If you're familiar with his character, you'll know that he's a little reticent, and I found myself wondering one day about how he would cope when the day came for him to venture out of his warm surroundings and begin kindergarten. There's so much anxiety in the real world for little ones who are starting school, and so I thought it would be good to address some of those issues in this next installment. I'm also thrilled that the book contains useful tips for helping a child who is anxious about starting school. These were written by a Child and Family Therapist.

Interior art from LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sally Garland, published by Beaming Books

Last we spoke, you had released LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, the first book in the Little Mole series. Now you are back with your third, LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL. How does it feel to be back with these characters again?

Well, it's so fun, because they feel like family! Sally Garland, the illustrator, has done a marvelous job of bringing these characters to life, and once you've met Little Mole and his friends, you feel like you know them and want to follow their adventures.

Interior art from LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sally Garland, published by Beaming Books

Will there be more Little Mole books in the future?

Yes! Everyone's favorite furry friend returns next year in a Thanksgiving-themed book called Little Mole Gives Thanks. Little Mole is excited because he's throwing a huge fancy forest feast, and he's invited three very important guests. However, what will happen when those special people can't attend? This title is another simple story that explores the importance of friendship and family.

You’ve worked on a few different series. Can you share a little bit about the process of working on a book series. What do you love about it? What do you find challenging?

There are two exciting things about developing a series. Firstly, you can show how a character grows and develops. Secondly, you also begin to accrue a whole 'fan family' of readers who follows your character from book to book and who is anxious to read about their next adventure. The challenging part in writing a series is finding fun new stories to tell!

Many of your books have a Christian theme to them. For those writers who are interested in breaking into that market, what advice would you offer?

Three things: firstly, read as many titles as you can that correlate with your genre or area of interest. Secondly, find support groups or critique groups to join. (There are many such groups on Facebook.) Thirdly, attend a Christian writers conference. (I'm a huge advocate for those, because that's how I became published.)

What do you find inspiring right now?

In the book world, I'm inspired by the plethora of wonderful children's titles being published by Beaming Books, the publisher of Little Mole Goes to School. Their purpose statement is 'helping kids thrive' and they really do achieve this, with both faith-based and general titles that are so timely and relevant to the world our children are growing up in. In the natural world, I'm inspired by the gorgeous fall colors that are all around right now! I think we all need to look up more!

Anything you are reading right now that you love and want to share with us?

If you're interested in writing, I am really enjoying Anne Lamott's book, Bird by Bird. She is funny, smart and very relevant.

What’s up next for you?

I'm SUPER excited about my next picture book releasing in February with Beaming Books, called Wherever You Are. It's based on the true story of an ordinary little moment I shared with my grandson several years ago. Anyone interested in that story can learn more here.

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

That's easy! It's a jolly little postman who rides his bike delivering letters to Nursery Rhyme characters (such as an apology note from Goldilocks to the three bears.) This ancient but innovative little book was published the year my first son was born, in 1984, and is still selling today. The Jolly Postman was the inspiration behind my first children's book, Love Letters from God.

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Huge thank you to Glenys for stopping by to chat with us again! Congrats on your latest book, we can’t wait to read what comes next!

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Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple award-winning children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That is You, and five popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, 'Twas, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David. Connect with her at www.glenysnellist.com

DOWNLOAD a free Activity Pack to accompany LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL here.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author, Illustrator, and Publisher Helen H. Wu

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author, illustrator and publisher Helen Wu of Yeehoo Press. I’ve been lucky enough to interview a few of the authors and illustrators that Helen has worked with at Yeehoo Press, and now we are lucky enough to have her too! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her journey into publishing, her process, and share her new book, TOFU TAKES TIME, illustrated by Julie Jarema, with Beaming Books, which just received a starred review from School Library Journal!

So without further ado, please welcome Helen Wu!

Where do you live?

I was born and raised in Hefei, China. Currently I live in San Diego, California.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I illustrated for a self-published picture book in 2012 and that was how I got started in children’s book publishing. So far I’ve been in the publishing industry for over 10 years.

Do you write full-time?

I have a day job as the associate publisher at Yeehoo Press. I write part-time.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’ve been passionate about writing and drawing since I was a kid; however, I never thought it would be a career option when I grew up in China. My parents were very supportive, but we didn’t have typical picture books when I grew up. We had black-and-white comic books and only in the last two decades, picture books were introduced into China. The Chinese children’s book market started much later than other markets around the world.

Picture books have the potential to pass on the joy from generation to generation, and it’s one of the channels that children can learn about the world when they snuggle on the laps of parents and grandparents. It’s a magical format that I feel can perfectly encapsulate a feeling, a moment, a subject, a place and time. As an art lover, I also find it’s very entertaining and soothing to simply enjoy the artwork of picture books. Currently I’m most into writing stories grounded in my personal immigrant experiences with Chinese cultural background. 

What inspired your newest book, TOFU TAKES TIME?

The inspiration for this story was born of my tofu-making experience with my own grandma. When I was a kid, I often sat by my grandma and watched her cooking, including making tofu. She washed vegetables, chopped meat, stirred porridge, and cooked all the meals for the whole family. While cooking, my grandma always told me stories, which brought me to faraway places and times. After I moved to the US and had my own family, once I made tofu with my kids, they asked me a lot about the process and all the tools we used. This reminded me of the sweet time I spent with my grandma in the small kitchen across the ocean. A story began to take shape. But I knew to be a story in the true sense, it had to be about something bigger and more relevant to kids. When I cooked with my own kids, they would start their imaginative play and occasionally complain about how long it takes to cook a meal. This inspired me to include the topic of patience. When I took a closer look at the tofu-making process in an imaginative way, I discovered an assortment of elements it contained to connect nature and even the universe. I’m pleased to have found a sweet spot to include food, culture, patience, nature, and intergenerational love in one book.

Interior art from TOFU TAKES TIME by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema, published by Beaming Books

Interior art from TOFU TAKES TIME by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema, published by Beaming Books

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

To see how the illustrator interprets the story in her perspective. The text and the illustrations are equally important to making a picture book. For this book, Julie and I mainly collaborated through our editor Naomi Krueger. During the phase of character design, Naomi asked me to share some photos of my grandma with Julie for inspiration. My parents in China helped me. They went through stacks of family albums and dug out some old photos of me at about 5 years old, which drew me back to sweet memories with my grandma and grandpa. I almost cried tears of joy to see the little girl that Julie drew, with my name on a children’s book representing Chinese culture! I am so incredibly grateful that I got to work with Julie on this book. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The most challenging part of writing is definitely revising. In considering so many different ways to revise my work, I always want to ensure revisions set out to strengthen the story and make it more appealing to a broad audience while staying true to my heart. Sometimes it’s best to shelve the manuscript for a little while to gain a fresh perspective and new ideas before reworking the story. 

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

Read books, watch movies, go to museums, and keep eyes open for daily delights. I believe creativity is the ability of one’s brain to connect common things in an uncommon way. 

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

I’ve had so many positive experiences in the Kid Lit community. It’s a safe place to share your good or or not so good news, ask for advice or help, seek critique and feedback. Kid Lit authors and friends are always there to offer their knowledge and help and lift each other up. 

Recommended reading?

Here are some of my favorite new books, So Not Ghoul by Karen Yin, illustrated by Bonnie Lui, The School of Failure by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum, Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation by Sylvia Liu, and Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I have achieved some milestones along the way. I got nominated by Publishers Weekly as one of the honorees of Publishers Weekly Star Watch as the associate publisher of Yeehoo Press. Recently TOFU TAKES TIME got a starred review from School Library Journal. I’ll keep it up!

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

It takes years of hard work to make your book to be seen, and make yourself to be seen.

What’s up next for you?

My next picture book, LONG GOES TO DRAGON SCHOOL, illustrated by Mae Besom, will be published by Yeehoo Press in February 2023. Inspired by my experience as a minority immigrant student, this picture book follows a Chinese dragon who struggles to breathe fire in his new Western dragon school, only to discover he must carve his own path to finding a sense of belonging. Wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, this fantasy tale celebrates perseverance, self-acceptance, and cultural differences.

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

Read other picture books and learn about what’s out in the market. Take picture book writing classes. Find a critique group and get feedback on your stories. Revise, revise, revise. Most importantly, keep writing and keep going. 

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

My Neighbor Totoro. I’m a huge fan of Studio Ghibli.

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Huge thank you to Helen for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your starred review and wonderful book!

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Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as a translator and publisher. She is the author of Tofu Takes Time, illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School, illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Helen is the Associate Publisher of Yeehoo Press, a San Diego based children’s book publisher. Being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that can empower children to understand the world and our connections. Born and raised in Hefei, China, Helen moved to the US in her 20s. Currently, she resides in sunny Southern California, with her family and two kids. Learn more about Helen at helenhwu.com and follow her on Twitter at @HelenHWu and on Instagram at @HelenHWu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Helen, visit her online at helenhwu.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter at @HelenHWu

Instagram at @HelenHWu.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of TOFU TAKES TIME, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of TOFU TAKES TIME?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 4th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Charlotte Offsay

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut author who has had her first TWO books come out this year, followed by a THIRD which will come out in March of next year! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her work, road to publication, and writing process.

So without further ado, please welcome Charlotte Offsay!

Where do you live?

I was born in England, grew up in Boston and now live in Los Angeles California with my husband and two young children, Eliana (7) and Thomas (5).

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I have always loved creative writing, but I didn’t pursue it for a long time and actually worked in corporate finance for a number of years before leaving to become a stay at home mother after my daughter Eliana was born. After my son Thomas was born, I joined a parenting group where the coordinator encouraged us all to carve out time for ourselves and do something just for us. Everyone chose something different, and I decided to sign up for Writing Picture Books for Children: A Beginning Workshop, via UCLA extension online. My children were tiny, and I didn’t have time to attend an in-person class, but an online class seemed manageable and I knew my instructor was right that I needed something outside of caring for my family that was just for me. I fell head over heels for picture books in that class, kept writing and taking classes and never looked back. 

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

I took my first picture book class via UCLA extension’s online program in the summer of 2017 and fell in love with all things picture book. From there I joined numerous groups such as SCBWI, 12x12 and Inked Voices and spent the next couple of years attending conferences, taking webinars, enrolling in online classes (Children’s Book Academy, Lyrical Language Lab etc.), as well as reading every picture book and craft book (Big Magic, Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books etc.) that I could get my hands on. 

Through these various groups and classes I connected with my invaluable critique partners and wrote countless manuscripts. In early 2019 I found myself between agents and while waiting to hear back on outstanding queries, I looked around to see how else I could get my work seen. I decided to pitch How to Return a Monster in a twitter pitch contest called #PBPitch to see if I could drum up any agent interest that way. 

I didn’t get any agent requests but to my delight I did get one from a publisher! Andrew DeYoung at Beaming Books liked my tweet/pitch and asked me to send him the manuscript. Shortly after I sent the manuscript over to Beaming Books, I signed with the wonderful Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary and we signed a contract with Beaming Books for How to Return a Monster a few months later!

Can you share a bit about your process?

Every manuscript I write seems to follow its own path but usually an idea crawls under my skin and won’t let me rest until I write and rewrite and have a completed crummy first draft. Now that my kids are a bit older, I tend to write in the mornings after dropping them off at school but as anyone with young kids knows, I have to be flexible and often find myself writing in the cracks (school pickup line) or after my kids are asleep. Once I have a draft that isn’t too embarrassing, I share it with my closest critique partners who have become my dearest friends. They help me to see what is and isn’t working and we go back and forth via email and phone until I feel ready to share it with my agent Nicole Geiger of Full Circle Literary. From there, Nicole and I figure out if there are changes that still need making, if there is a market for the story and where in our submission schedule the story should go.

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

Personally, my best stories tend to come from the things that take up the most room in my heart. I tend to mine the emotions and events in my life that I am currently consumed with and try to write about those events or emotions through a child lens. If my well is feeling particularly dry, I like to go back through my old manuscripts to see if I can take a nugget from one of them in a new direction (POV, story structure, different characters etc) as well as reading as many new picture books as I can get my hands on. 

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I prefer to write when it is quiet, and I have a good few hours all to myself. Coffee and chocolate have been known to make regular appearances during those times. That said, I have learned to make the most of the carpool line so nothing is a must!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

SO many. Julia Donaldson is my hands down favorite picture book author - I think the woman is a rhyming story telling genius. My critique partners continue to inspire me with the incredible projects they keep producing – I won’t list them though for fear of leaving anyone out. I am also continually inspired by the incredible illustrators that I follow on Instagram via accounts such as @theillustrationstation and @illustration_the_best.

Dream project to work on?

A true dream project would be any manuscript that doesn’t fight back in the revision process ☺. 

Tell us about your new book.

How to Return a Monster is a humorous how-to story about a girl who can't believe it when her parents bring home a fussy, stinky, attention-stealing monster. She hatches a plan to send it back to where it came from, with hilarious results . . . and along the way, she learns that maybe monsters--and baby siblings--aren't so bad after all. 

It is illustrated by Rea Zhai and publishes with Beaming Books on September 7, 2021. 

Interior art from HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Rea Zhai

Interior art from HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Rea Zhai

Interior art from HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Rea Zhai

What’s up next for you?

I am excited to share that my next picture book, A Grandma’s Magic, illustrated by Asa Gilland publishes on March 1, 2022 from Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House.

Description from my publisher: 

"When a child is born, a grandma is born too. Grandmas aren't like regular grown-ups. Grandmas are filled with magic."

In this charming picture book tribute to grandmas, a grandma's magic bursts through the door as soon as she comes to visit and can be seen in every wonderful thing she does: playing, exploring, baking, gardening, and in all the many ways a grandma and grandchild connect.

Filled with adorable scenes featuring a diversity of grandmas and their grandkids, this is a book that will families can enjoy together. Grandmas will love snuggling with their grandchildren as they share their love and "magic" through cuddles, kisses, and many repeat readings.

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

Fun question! The Princess Bride!

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Huge thank you to Charlotte for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your wonderful books!

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CHARLOTTE OFFSAY was born in England, grew up in Boston, and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two small children. Through her work, Charlotte hopes to make children laugh, to inspire curiosity, and to create a magical world her readers can lose themselves in time and time again. 

Charlotte is the author of The Big Beach Cleanup, illustrated by Kate Rewse (Albert Whitman, 2021), How to Return a Monster, illustrated by Rea Zhai (Beaming Books, September 2021), and A Grandma’s Magic, illustrated by Asa Gilland (Doubleday Books for Young Readers, March 2022). 

FOR MORE INFO about Charlotte's work at charlotteoffsay.com and follow her on Twitter at @COffsay and on Instagram at @picturebookrecommendations. Charlotte is represented by Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary.

BUY THIS BOOK To order copies of Charlotte’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of HOW TO RETURN A MONSTER?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 30th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Ana Siqueira

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview an author who is releasing her first book here in the states, BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS, illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez, with Beaming Books, but began her writing career in Brazil, where her first books were published. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her road to publication, experiences, and upcoming books.

So without further ado, please welcome Ana Siqueira!

Where do you live?

I live in Palm Harbor, Florida. 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I always loved creating stories, but my teachers didn’t motivate me since they thought my stories were too confusing, too much going on. Hahaha. I still have that problem, but with the help of my critique partners, I have been able to learn how to streamline.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

I had two books published in Brazil, a loooong time ago. But when I moved to this country in 1992, I stopped writing for a looong time. I just restarted writing in 2019 when I wrote my Spanish Easy Reader - EL PATO QUIERE UVAS. I then got motivated to start writing picture books. I studied a lot, read many books, took courses, and watched zillions of webinars. I also got into many critique groups. 

So in September, I participated in a pitmad Twitter. I got a like from Naomi Krueger- Beaming Books. I sent her my story a few hours before my mami died. In November, I got an offer. In December, I got my agent Andrea Walker. And that’s how my debut book BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS was born. 

Can you share a bit about your process?

I used to be a pantser, but now I write my ideas and let them marinate in my head. Each time I have an idea for a scene or a sentence, I jot it down in a Google Doc. When I have enough information I outline my story. And only then I write it. It helped me cutting from 1000 revisions to about 30. Then it’s time to submit to my critique partners. I’m in five critique groups. 

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

I love participating in Storystorm. But also, I get ideas by reading a lot and by watching my grandkids playing. Most of my ideas come from my memories. 

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

My Google Docs. I love being able to write, make a copy, write a new version, etc. Also, I can’t survive without my critique partners.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I love all books from Anika Denise and Monica Brown. Elisa Chavarri, the illustrator from my Abuela’s Capa book, is an illustrator that inspires me. Irena Freitas, the illustrator from my Bruja’s book, is also amazing. I also get inspired by the stories from my critique partners. 

Dream project to work on?

A TV show with one of my characters. That would be amazing. 

Tell us about your debut book.

I got this inspiration from my gifted and perfectionist daughter. It is about Bella and how she quits what she barely tries because she feels she is desastre. She asks her Abuela to help her with baking, but her polovorones are as hard as a rock. She is not good at anything, she thinks. But Bella will learn that making mistakes is part of the process and that practice makes it perfect or almost perfect. 

Interior art from BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez with Beaming Books

What’s up next for you?

I have other books coming in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Now, I’m learning to write Chapter books and Nonfiction. 

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

I love so many. But my child’s heart still loves E.T. I also love all Eddie Murphy’s movies such as Coming to America and Trading Places.

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Huge thank you to Ana for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut in the states! We are so excited to share your work!

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ANA SIQUEIRA is a Spanish-language elementary teacher, an award-winning Brazilian children’s author, and is published in the Foreign Language educational market – EL PATO QUIERE UVAS. Her forthcoming picture books include BELLA’S RECIPE FOR DISASTER/SUCCESS (Beaming Books, 2021) and IF YOUR BABYSITTER IS A BRUJA/CUANDO TU NIÑERA ES UNA BRUJA (SimonKids,2022), ABUELA’S SUPER CAPA/ LA SUPER CAPA DE ABUELA (HarperCollins, 2023) and one more book to be announced. Besides writing, Ana loves to read, teach, and play with her Cuban-Brazilian-American grandchildren. T

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Ana visit her online or follow her on Twitter: @SraSiqueira1307

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of BELLA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, July 22nd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Glenys Nellist

Happy Thursday Critters! Here at Critter Lit our goal is to share interviews with authors and illustrators representative of all picture book genres in publishing. Today’s interview is with an author who has published over 20 books in the Christian market in just six years! Originally this interview was supposed to run back in February when today’s author released her newest book, but we rescheduled to June. Her latest book is titled, LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, illustrated by Sally Garland, and I can’t think of a more fitting title with everything that is going on in the world right now.

I’m thrilled to share her work with you today so without further ado, please welcome picture book author Glenys Nellist!

Where do you live?

I was born and raised in England, but for the past 20 years I've been living in Michigan, the Great Lakes State.

How many years have you been in publishing?

Six. My first book was published in 2014.

How did you first get published?

In 2011 I attended a Writers' Conference, where I pitched my first book proposal and manuscript to an editor. I waited a whole year before the publisher offered me a contract, and then another two years before the book was published. But the wait was worth it, because that book turned into a series.

Do you write full-time?

Yes. In addition to writing children's books, I also offer editing services to aspiring children's authors.

What inspires you to create picture books?

As a former elementary school teacher, I have always loved picture books and their ability to transport readers, of any age, to another time and place. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

As an author, I'm constantly surprised by, and enthralled with, the creative process and where it takes me. So often, I find myself reading something I've written and being amazed at where the words came from.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

My favorite thing has to be holding one of my books in my hands for the first time. It's like examining your brand-new baby from head to toe and marveling at every precious, minute detail.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

For me, edits are always hard. It's not easy to change or erase words you worked hard to create! But I have learned to trust my editors, and now it helps me to view editing as the haircut you never wanted. You don't like it at first, but after a week or so, you realize how much you needed it, and how much better it makes you look and feel.

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

When I get stuck in a rut, I try to go for a long walk! I love the great outdoors and find creative energy there.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

As a Christian writer, it's my habit to pause and pray before beginning any new project, or when I'm stuck in the middle of one.

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

I have found that authors in the Kidlit community really support each other and cheer each other on. I have the privilege of meeting a few times a year with three other Beaming Books authors and I love the creative energy and support that ensues from our conversations.To share publishing joys and frustrations with like-minded colleagues is a truly wonderful thing.

Recommended reading?

Anything by the wonderful Sally Lloyd-Jones, who writes for both the secular and Christian markets. She has a great sense of humor that shines through her writing. Her Jesus Storybook Bible is what inspired me to write. Also, I would recommend anything by the indomitable Roald Dahl. His work is not always politically correct, but as a Brit my family were raised reading his hilarious and fabulously penned tales, such as Fantastic Mr Fox, George's Marvelous Medicine and The Twits; along with perennial favorites like The BFG, The Witches and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

The highlight of my career has to be publishing twenty books in the space of six years. That is incredible to me.

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

I wish I had known how wonderful a launch team is! It seems ridiculous, but this is something I only recently discovered. Even though my newest book, Little Mole Finds Hope, is my 20th published title, it was only for this book that I assembled my first, official launch team. For my previous titles, I always had the help of influencers, endorsers and bloggers, but assembling an official 'team' where members have expectations, and where they all work together to create momentum around release day really did help to launch the book. I'll never publish another book without the help of a launch team!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Little Mole Finds Hope, published by Beaming Books, tells the story of a little mole who is feeling sad in his dark, underground home. Mama takes him on a journey to find hope and together, they find it, even when it’s hiding in the darkest place. This new picture book, written for children 3-6, has a spring theme and includes tips for parents to help a child who is feeling sad.

Interior spread from LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, written by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Garland

What’s up next for you?

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, which has a kindness/Christmas theme. Little Mole's Little Gift will be published in October this year, and in 2021 I'll have three new books published with Zonderkidz, so that's exciting!

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

When I was writing my first book (Love Letters from God) I became discouraged and gave up half-way though. I put the manuscript on the shelf, where it sat for over a year. If it hadn't been for my husband, who encouraged me, I would never have picked it up and finished it. And without that first book, I would never have written twenty more. I often think about all those half-written manuscripts, lying on dusty shelves in hope-robbed rooms. So, my advice to all aspiring authors would be.. don't give up!

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

My four children were all born in the 1980’s! When they were a little older, we had fun watching Ghostbusters, ET, and Back to the Future, with Marty McFly and Doc Brown!

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Thank you Glenys for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on all your publishing success!

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GLENYS NELLIST  is the author of multiple children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas  and the popular series Love Letters from God  and Snuggle Time. Her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Glenys, visit her online at glenysnellist.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of any of Glenys Nellist’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 11th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Paulette Bochnig Sharkey

Happy Thursday Critters! It’s so nice to be back with you all. I hope you are staying healthy and safe during this quarantine.

I’m thrilled to be sharing today’s interview with you because today is the very first time I’m interviewing a debut published author who I had the chance to work with through Critter Lit’s critique service! It’s so wonderful to see a project come full-circle. Frank and I receive lots of critique requests through the site, sometimes we get to work with people again, but most of the time we have no idea what happens to the manuscripts we critique. Generally, we are a stop along the publishing journey for many picture book authors. But with Paulette’s manuscript, I’m thrilled to say she got published! I was so excited to hear she sold her manuscript when she reached out to let me know. It’s wonderful to be apart of that process. I’m so excited for Paulette and can’t wait to share her debut book, A DOLL FOR GRANDMA, illustrated by Samantha Woo, with all of you today.

So without further ado, please welcome Paulette Bochnig Sharkey!

Where do you live?

I live in East Lansing, Michigan, home of Michigan State University. Go Green! 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I didn’t grow up with picture books. The first childhood books I remember are the ones I read to myself, starting probably around 4th grade, like Nancy Drew mysteries and the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. I still have all my hardcover copies.

My introduction to picture books came much later, when I became a mom, which was in 1984. My daughter and I shared huge stacks of books every bedtime. I loved the minimalism of picture books and decided I wanted to write one. But decades passed before I made that happen.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

When I was a stay-at-home mom, I sold a lot of nonfiction articles and word games to children’s magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, Cricket, and Hopscotch.

But it wasn’t until I retired from my job as a reference librarian that I got back to my goal of writing a picture book. I joined SCBWI and took a Writer’s Digest University course, “Writing the Picture Book.” During that 4-week course, I drafted a manuscript that, after many critiques (including a very helpful one from you, Lindsay!), became my debut picture book. 

Can you share a bit about your process?

Because I write more nonfiction than fiction, my process usually starts with research. I like hunting for interesting, even elusive nuggets of information. I think it’s the reference librarian in me. The problem is, I enjoy it so much that I sometimes have a hard time stopping the research and getting to the actual writing!

I like to have a fairly good opening line before I start writing. Of course, the opening often changes multiple times, but I seem to need it to get me going on a story. Recently, I’ve started writing a pitch before I write my first draft. I put the pitch at the top of my WIP to keep me on point.

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

Like many others, I often get ideas when I’m not at my desk. I find walking helps clear my mind to make room for new ideas. I read a lot for inspiration, heeding the advice of poet Jane Kenyon that writers need to "Read good books, have good sentences in your ears." 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when it has been hard to focus on writing at all, I’ve turned to one of my favorite anxiety-tamers for word lovers: crossword puzzles. It’s hard to worry about your problems when you’re solving a crossword.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

I need my computer, a good light source, and complete quiet. It’s nice if I have a cup of hot green tea, too, but that’s not a requirement! And I prefer to write first thing in the morning, before my mind gets cluttered with concerns of the day. I’m not a go-to-a-coffee-shop-to-write kind of person (and we can’t do that right now anyway). Too many distractions there. I’m happiest writing in my upstairs home office, with a nice view of squirrels scampering through the evergreens. 

Any authors who inspire you?

Oh, there are so many! I adore the writing of Kevin Henkes. So much humor and heart. A Weekend with Wendell is the first picture book I remember reading with my daughter that made us both laugh. In fact, I’m sure I laughed harder than she did. 

I’m a big fan of picture book biographies and am working on one myself. Two titles that I greatly admire and return to again and again for their lyrical language are Margarita Engle’s Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln and Jennifer Berne’s On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein.

And there have been some beautiful picture books about memory loss published in the last few years, like The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, The Tide by Clare Helen Welsh. Travels with My Granny by Juliet Rix, Finding Grandma’s Memories by Jiyeon Pak.

Dream project to work on?

I’m a pianist and have written several music-themed picture book manuscripts, including a biography of 19th century pianist Clara Schumann. I like projects that let me shine a light on lesser-known female musicians.

I also have an idea for a book about adoption that’s dear to my heart but I have not yet been able to find a way into that story. 

Tell us about your debut book.

A Doll for Grandma: A Story about Alzheimer’s Disease, illustrated by Samantha Woo (Beaming Books, May 2020), is a picture book about a little girl named Kiera, whose grandmother develops Alzheimer’s disease and moves into a memory-care home. There, Kiera embraces Grandma’s altered sense of reality and figures out a new way for the two of them to play together and sustain their close relationship. It’s a story about empathy, kindness, and the special bond between grandparent and grandchild. It’s about loving and accepting people as they are, even when they change.

My inspiration to write A Doll for Grandma came from many years working as a volunteer pianist in memory-care homes and from caring for family members with dementia. The best way to interact with people living with Alzheimer’s is to enter their reality, rather than trying to bring them back into our world. My main character models this behavior when she gives Grandma a baby doll. Kiera and Grandma care for their baby dolls together, sharing moments of joy and meaningful connection.

I’m fortunate to be able to donate all my author proceeds from the book to support Alzheimer’s research. We must find a cure.

What’s up next for you?

I’m querying agents and hope that 2020 is the year I receive an offer of representation!

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

Big, from 1988, a sweet, funny Tom Hanks movie, directed by Penny Marshall. There’s a great scene where Hanks and Robert Loggia play “Chopsticks”—with their feet—on a giant keyboard at an FAO Schwarz toy store.

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Huge thank you to Paulette for joining us on Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your debut!

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PAULETTE BOCHNIG SHARKEY worked for many years as a librarian, first in her home state of Michigan, and later in Australia, Nevada, and Wisconsin. She is the author of two library reference books and dozens of articles for children’s magazines. Paulette has also worked as a recipe indexer, braille transcriber, developmental editor, proofreader, and ghostwriter. A DOLL FOR GRANDMA is her first children’s book.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Paulette, visit her online or follow her on Twitter @PBSharkey

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of Paulette’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of Paulette’s debut book, A DOLL FOR GRANDMA?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 14th! US addresses only please.