Interview with Debut Author Lindsay H. Metcalf

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut picture book author that has not one, not two, BUT THREE picture books coming out this year! What a debut year! I’m thrilled to have today’s author with us and I can’t wait for you to read about her fantastic lineup of books this year.

So without further ado, please welcome Lindsay Metcalf!

Where do you live?

I live in rural Kansas, just three miles from the wheat, corn, and soybean farm where I grew up. My whole family lives here now, so my kids are blessed with abundant grandparent and cousin time. 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I knew the day my youngest went to preschool and I finally had a few hours to myself. I had left my job as a newspaper reporter and editor a few years earlier to be a stay-at-home mom. In those early years caring for my sons, we read together constantly. The irreverent, funny new picture books we found surprised and delighted me. I wanted to try writing one, especially for my oldest, who was born with microtia/atresia—a malformed ear and no ear canal. I wanted him to see himself in a book. The day my youngest son went to preschool, I snuggled up with my Cavalier King Charles puppy in a cozy armchair and drafted the picture book of my heart, which spilled out way too long, descriptive, and didactic. But I couldn’t stop scratching the itch to write. I read up on how the heck people got published, and later that fall, in 2015, I found SCBWI and my first critique partners. The rest is herstory.

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

Because I had been writing daily for many years, I hoped my trajectory would be shorter than others who had less experience in writing. Ha. Pretty pompous, eh? Picture books spare no one, and my learning curve was steep!

I submitted that first story to all the editors and agents on faculty at my first regional SCBWI conference in 2015. Of course I submitted waaaay too soon. Fortunately, all those rejections included glimmers of kindness and encouragement. I began to understand what I had to do: attend more conferences and small, craft-focused workshops; collect critique partners; and devour craft books such as Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books. I learned the basics in Susanna Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic course, began to thread nonfiction narratives in Kristen Fulton’s Nonfiction Archaeology course (which is no longer offered, unfortunately), and refined my craft in Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab. In the meantime I signed up educational webinars and participated in ReFoReMo, Storystorm (which was called PiBoIdMo at the time), KidLit Summer School, and other free craft challenges. I subscribed to newsletters such as KidLit 411 and joined writer-focused Facebook groups such as Sub It Club while following every kidlit blog I could find. 

Then in 2017, on the same day I won a mentorship through Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie’s Writing with the Stars contest, I had “the call” with my agent. That was probably the best day of my kidlit career thus far. It took another year and a half to sell my first book. 

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

I get a lot of my ideas from reading the news. I subscribe to four newspapers — two local ones as well as the digital editions of the New York Times and the Washington Post. Email newsletters are also essential for nonfiction ideas. My favorites include the Smithsonian, JSTOR, Library of Congress, and the National Archives. I shake off the rust by playing with my kids. Whenever they say something clever, I sneak away to record it on my phone.

Tell us about your debut books.

I have three nonfiction picture books coming out in fall 2020. I consider all of them my debuts, so I hope you don’t mind if I tell you about all three.

BEATRIX POTTER, SCIENTIST, illustrated by Junyi Wu (September 1, 2020, Albert Whitman & Company), is a picture-book biography focused on the interplay between the author's foundational love of science and burgeoning talent as an artist. As a child, Beatrix kept a meticulous cabinet of labeled and pinned insect specimens, and even boiled her pets after they died so she could articulate and study their bones. Then, as she traveled northern England and Scotland as a young woman, she fell in love with fungi and fell down a decade-long rabbit hole of obsession that ended with her breakthrough science on spore germination being presented to the Linnean Society, which wouldn’t allow her to attend because she was a woman. 

NO VOICE TOO SMALL: Fourteen Young Americans Making History (September 22, 2020, Charlesbridge) is a picture-book poetry anthology co-edited by me, Keila V. Dawson (THE KING CAKE BABY) and Jeanette Bradley (LOVE, MAMA), and illustrated by Bradley. It features short biographies about contemporary young activists who are taking the lead where grown-ups aren’t moving fast enough. Subjects include literacy activist Marley Dias, water protector Jasilyn Charger, Scout for Equality founder Zach Wahls, and immigration reformer Viridiana Sanchez Santos. Contributors include Nikki Grimes, Joseph Bruchac, Lesléa Newman, Guadalupe García McCall, Carole Boston Weatherford, Traci Sorell, Hena Khan, G. Neri, and more. You can find a complete list of our amazing contributors at the link above. 

FARMERS UNITE! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices (November 10, 2020, Calkins Creek) will be illustrated with archival photos and targeted toward more of a middle-grade audience. In the late 1970s, grain prices had tanked, farm auction notices filled newspapers, and people had forgotten that food didn’t grow in grocery stores. So, on February 5, 1979, thousands of tractors from all parts of the US took to the highways and flooded Washington, DC, in protest. Farmers wanted fair prices for their products and demanded action from Congress. After police corralled the tractors on the National Mall, the farmers and their tractors stayed through a snowstorm and dug out the city. Americans were now convinced they needed farmers, but the law took longer. I grew up on a Kansas farm, so this rarely told story of grassroots perseverance and economic justice hits home for me. I wrote it imagining that it would be illustrated traditionally and reach an audience of children about age 5-9. My editor, Carolyn Yoder, saw the potential for a 9-12 audience using photos, and although my manuscript hasn’t changed fundamentally, the book now spreads over 64 pages! It’s strange how these three are all coalescing at the same time. I started writing FARMERS in October 2016 as part of the Nonfiction Archaeology class. That story has been through thirty-plus major revisions. I began researching BEATRIX a year later. NO VOICE TOO SMALL sold first, though—on proposal in a whirlwind collaboration in 2018 that began in a private Facebook group for #kidlitwomen. 

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

Eighties me would say it’s a toss-up between “Mannequin” and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” These were my go-to sleepover flicks. My friends and I would fantasize about winning a TV dance contest or being a time-traveling mannequin while we played on a three-in-one pool, table tennis, and air hockey table and ate greasy pizza.

---

Huge thank you to Lindsay for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your THREE debuts! We can’t wait to see what you write next!

---

LINDSAY H. METCALF is a journalist and author of nonfiction picture books: Beatrix Potter, Scientist; Farmers Unite! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices; and No Voice Too Small, her co-edited poetry anthology about young change-makers. Lindsay lives in north-central Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a variety of pets. You can reach her at lindsayhmetcalf.com.

FOLLOW LINDSAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter and Instagram: @lindsayhmetcalf

Subscribe for updates: lindsayhmetcalf.com/newsletter

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copies of Lindsay’s new books, click here.

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

Interview with Debut Author Melanie Ellsworth

Happy Thursday Critters! Today on Critter Lit we have an interview with Melanie Ellsworth whose debut picture book, CLARINET AND TRUMPET, illustrated by John Herzog, comes out March 2021 with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Originally slated to come out this week, the release date has been changed to next year. So please make sure to preorder a copy and support Melanie’s debut book!

I love a punny book and this one is full of them! It also features a music-making shaker built into the book for an interactive component. You can join the orchestra too! How fun is that?!

So without further ado, please welcome Melanie Ellsworth to Critter Lit!

Where do you live?

In mid-coast Maine in an old house with an old barn attached.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I’ve always loved picture books at every age and stage of my life. During my teen years, I toted a bag of favorite picture books with me to every babysitting gig, and later I shared them while teaching ESOL and doing literacy coaching. Just for fun, while traveling through Kenya in my twenties, I wrote (and a friend illustrated) a picture book inspired by our time spent in the Kakamega Rainforest. When my daughter was born years later, I got inspired to finally follow that dream of writing picture books, and I wrote after work and during my daughter’s naps.

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

When I first started seriously writing in 2012, I joined SCBWI and quickly found a wonderful local critique group. For a time, I was actually in three critique groups! That got to be a bit much, so now I’m part of two groups. I attended the New England SCBWI conference and found a community of writers there as well, and I followed several writers on-line. There are so many brilliant blogs out there about the industry and the craft of writing. In February 2017, I was fortunate enough to get a three-month mentorship with picture book author Beth Ferry through the “Writing with the Stars” contest, and that experience gave me confidence to keep querying agents and editors. Then in September 2017, at the “Agents Editors Writers” conference in Belgrade Lakes, Maine, an editor from HMH expressed enthusiasm for my picture book Clarinet & Trumpet when it was read anonymously during the slush-pile panel. I sent the book to that editor after the conference, got a revision request, revised and re-sent it, and got a contract in June 2018! From there, I signed with my agent, and sold a second picture book to HMH. Those books are coming out in August 2020 and February 2021, and we have several more books on submission now.

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

For me, I think the most effective thing to do is just to keep writing. When I’m not working on something new, I don’t feel as energized. Ideas come to me at any time of day, often in the form of silly titles involving puns. Some of them work better than others when I try to turn them into picture books!

Tell us about your debut book:

My debut book, Clarinet & Trumpet, illustrated by John Herzog, is somewhat autobiographical. I played the clarinet in bands and orchestras for many years and noticed a friendly rivalry between the woodwinds and brass. My book is about a friendship between Clarinet and Trumpet that falls flat when they divide into factions but reignites when they realize that every instrument and every section must come together to make the music amazing. I had a blast putting lots of musical puns into this book. I hope readers enjoy the friendship story while also learning about the different instruments and sections in an orchestra. John Herzog really made the characters come alive with his vibrant illustrations!

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

It’s a tie between Stand By Me and Back to the Future. (As a Mainer, I have to lean towards Stand By Me since it’s based on a story written by Stephen King!)

---

Huge thank you to Melanie for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited for your debut! Congrats!

---

Melanie Ellsworth dreams and writes in lovely mid-coast Maine, where her family (especially the dog), provides daily inspiration for her picture books. Her debut book, Clarinet & Trumpet, illustrated by John Herzog, comes out with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in March 2021, followed by Hip, Hip…Beret!, illustrated by Morena Forza. 

WANT TO KNOW MORE about Melanie or her books, visit her online at www.MelanieEllsworth.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter (@melanieells)

Instagram (@melaniebellsworth)

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Melanie’s new picture book, CLARINET AND TRUMPET, illustrated by John Herzog, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of CLARINET AND TRUMPET?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 3rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Elisa Boxer

Happy Thursday Critters! Well…since we last shared an interview in late February, the whole pandemic thing hadn’t really blown up yet, so needless to say things have changed quite a bit in the last few weeks. I hope you are all safe and well! Our household has become a little more chaotic now that we’ve got three kiddos at home and no school. Yet, even amidst all the crazy right now, if feels really good to sit down and do something positive, like sharing another fantastic debut author and their new book. So let’s keep it going, maintain our social distancing, and celebrate this week’s Critter Lit author…

…please welcome Elisa Boxer!

Where do you live?

I live in the southern Maine town of Scarborough. We have a foot of snow on the ground right now and just got our power back after an ice storm. Is it spring yet?

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

As soon as I could hold a magic marker! Here are a few books from my younger years:

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

Even though I've loved writing children's book manuscripts for as long as I can remember, I never really considered making a career of it. I was always busy in the trenches of newspapers and then tv stations, churning out stories on daily deadline. After that, I became a journalism instructor at the University of Southern Maine. And then, a couple of years ago, I got sidelined with Lyme disease, which left me short of breath and energy. Some days it hurt to move. Most days I couldn't leave the house.

So I decided I would re-visit my childhood passion, and began querying agents with a picture book manuscript. A couple months later, I signed with the amazing Steven Chudney. And while that first manuscript was out on submission, he emailed me about the upcoming 2020 suffrage centennial, asking if I might like to write a book about it. I've always been drawn to stories about little-known figures in history, so I started researching unsung heroes in the women's suffrage movement. When I came across the story of Febb Burn, I knew hers was a story I wanted to tell.

It was going to be a tight turnaround to get this manuscript ready for submission and hopefully publication in time for the suffrage centennial. So I dove into the research, stayed up late and got up early to write, and a few weeks later we sent out the manuscript. It couldn't have found a more perfect editor than Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press. From the editing process, to seeing the initial sketches, to holding the book in my hand, to connecting with teachers, parents, bookstores and librarians, the process has been more delightful than I can even convey. It still seems surreal. With newspaper articles and tv stories, the work is kind of a one-and-done. But books last. They convey messages and feelings that children can hold in their hands and absorb again and again. It's a sacred process, and I am beyond grateful that I get to participate in it.

Can you share a bit about your process?

As a nonfiction writer and a journalist, I spend a lot of time researching. During this phase, I hole up and dig deep into my subject matter, mining for facts and threads to weave into a story. I write everything down in notebooks, on index cards, and on pieces of paper that I spread out over the floor and tack up on bulletin boards. During this phase, it's often hard to find an empty surface in the house. But while this process is going on, I am also thinking deeply about the heart of the story, and the emotional pull that drew me to it in the first place. I try to identify early on the messages and themes I want readers to take away from the book, and I keep those at the forefront throughout the writing process. In THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE, for example, the message is: Your voice matters. Important themes include courage and, more specifically, standing up for what you believe in even when it's unpopular.

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

Whenever I hit a writing wall, I give my brain a rest and a treat by reading, doodling, or just sitting in stillness. Or eating chocolate. As for new ideas, the more I try to think of them, the less they come to me. Instead, they pop up while I'm driving, at the grocery store, or other times when I am least likely to be able to jot them down. And they generally first come up in terms of feelings, sensations and emotions, from which a research angle or a narrative arc will emerge.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

My crystals. And dark chocolate. And apparently lots of clutter, because every time I try to clear it away, it comes back.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oh, so many. I've always been inspired by Ruth Krauss' classic The Carrot Seed. My parents read it to me when I was young, and it was one of my favorites to read to my son when he was little. The message is ageless: Never give up on what you know to be true, regardless of what others are telling you. As for more contemporary books, I love anything by Kate Messner, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Jess Keating, Jacqueline Woodson, Gary Schmidt and Susan Hood. I'm inspired by all of the pre-published creators I see on social media, putting themselves out there and taking risks. I'm inspired by my fellow picture book creators in the Soaring 20s debut group, who have such a diverse range of talents and give their time and energy every day to help the collective.

Dream project to work on?

I'm working on it right now! So unfortunately I can't say what it is. Ack! Sorry. But it involves attempted silence and voices being heard against the odds...

Tell us about your debut book.

THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: How One Woman's Words Made History, is published by Sleeping Bear Press, and tells the little-known story of the mother who saved suffrage. She did that by writing a letter to her son, who happened to be the swing vote in Tennessee, the battleground state that was deciding whether to give women the right to vote. Illustrator Vivien Mildenberger has done a phenomenal job bringing the characters and setting to life in a way that truly makes you feel like you're back in 1920! Since we're in the suffrage centennial this year, and also given the upcoming election, it's an exciting time to be releasing this book!

What’s up next for you?

I'm in the process of writing four more picture books and a middle grade.

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

I love this question. And it's always fun to read how my colleagues answer it. For me, Molly Ringwald all the way! Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink... I remember feeling so much teenage angst in the 80s, and Molly's characters always seemed to validate it and reflect it back.

---

Huge thank you to Elisa for stopping by Critter Lit today. Congrats on your debut! We can’t wait to see what you write next!

---

ELISA BOXER is an Emmy-winning journalist and columnist whose work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Inc. and Fast Company. She has been a newspaper, magazine and television reporter, and has been writing children's stories for as long as she can remember. Elisa is especially drawn to unsung heroes, like the ones in her first book: The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Elisa, follow her on social media:

website: http://elisaboxer.com/

twitter: https://twitter.com/eboxer

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boxerelisa/

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Elisa’s book, click here.

TEACHER’S GUIDE To download a teacher’s guide for THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: HOW ONE WOMAN’S WORDS MADE HISTORY, click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: HOW ONE WOMAN’S WORDS MADE HISTORY?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, March 26th. US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Lydia Lukidis

Happy Thursday Critters! This is our last interview of 2019— what a year it has been! I’m so thrilled that Critter Lit had the opportunity to interview so many talented authors and illustrators in 2019 and can’t wait to dive into 2020 with you all! We have lots of exciting things planned. Thank you all for being apart of Critter Lit and our small contribution to the Kidlit community.

Today we have author Lydia Lukidis joining us. Lydia has written over 40 picture books for kids! I’m so excited to share her work and experiences with you all.

So without further ado…please welcome Lydia Lukidis!

Where do you live?

I live in Montreal, Canada. I’m a Canuck, eh!

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been a freelance writing and journalist for the last 20 years, and have been exclusively writing for children since 2013. Before that, I was writing children’s plays and putting on marionette shows.

How did you first get published?

My first published trade picture book was in 2014. It was with a small independent publisher and though I didn’t make much money, it was a fantastic experience and I learned a lot about the industry.

Do you write full-time?

Yes, I write full time. My writing is split in three directions: trade writing for my own projects, writing work-for-hire projects for educational publishers, and giving literacy workshops and author visits in elementary schools. I think it’s important (and fun!) to work with children.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love kidlit in general. I would say my favorite, so far, are chapter books. There’s something magical about creating stories for children who are just learning to read independently. That said, I also love picture books. I appreciate how you can sum up a whole story with heart and feeling in such a short read. Picture books can have quite the impact on their audience.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I was surprised at how slow everything is, and how frequently agents/editors don’t reply. But now that I’ve been at this for a while, I totally get it. It’s a competitive industry, and agents/editors don’t have enough time either. But…it’s still slow!

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I LOVE the fact that children get to hold my books in their hands and enjoy them. I remember when I got my first “fan mail.” A child actually took the time to write me a letter and tell me how much he adored my book. That experience blew my socks off. Sure, big advances and working with the big 5 are real dreams, but that child’s letter reminded me of what’s truly important.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Apart from how slow the industry is, I find the constant slew of rejection challenging at times. Over the years, I’ve developed very tough skin and I don’t get phased by rejections. But when you get close, or your book goes to acquisitions but then they pass, it can sting.

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

I’m never at a loss for new ideas. In fact, I have way too many. The discipline and magic happens when I go through the ideas, and figure out which ones have the most potential, and focus on developing those.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I think it’s important for all writers to read a lot, both the classics and contemporary work. You need to keep reading, especially in your genre, as much as you can. You also need to do continual research of the industry. You need to know what’s happening, and who’s who etc. Subscribe to blogs and newsletters, get involved in online writing groups, these are essentials. Once you immerse yourself in the world, the ideas and inspiration will flow.

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

They are ALL positive experiences! The writing community is very generous and kind. Writers tend to support one another, and share information and resources. For example, groups like Kidlit411 and Sub it on Facebook have literally helped shape my career.

Recommended reading?

So much! Right now, here are some I currently bought and am excited to devour:

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman 

Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea 

Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born by Miranda Paul

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina 

Dory Fantasmagory (entire series) by Abby Hanlon

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat (entire series) by Julie Falatko (everything she says and writes is hilarious!)

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

My book The Broken Bees’ Nest just got nominated for a CYBILS Award! When I found out, I think I nearly fainted. It’s a big honor, especially since their picks are based on kid appeal.

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

I wish I had become a member of SCBWI right away. I didn’t know about them for a while, and literally spent a few years compiling information about publishers. Little did I know, they send you a large comprehensive book listing publishers when you become a member.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My book NO BEARS ALLOWED was published in July 2019 by Blue Whale Press. I’m proud of this book because it’s a story that helps cultivate empathy, which I think is very much needed in the world today. The story is about overcoming your fears, and also, not judging others. The main characters Rabbit and Bear seem quite different at first, but eventually develop an unlikely but beautiful friendship.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve been working on a lot of new projects, nonfiction seems to be my favorite passion right now. I have a new nonfiction picture I’m excited about which was vetted by several experts in the field, and have been querying agents with it. 

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

Here’s a lesson I learned over the years:

That even though it may sometimes feel that your actions do not get noticed, they DO MATTER. You just might not see it right away. For example, let’s say you’ve been querying some dream agents but have not been getting favorable replies. Just remember this: you never know what may happen in the future. I had this interesting experience where one of my dream agents chatted with me once, and mentioned one of my past queries. All this time, I thought my queries were getting lost in cyberspace, but- they were still being received and read. Agents and editors may feel moved by your work though they may not offer you a contract (right away). It’s often a question of timing.

The moral of the story: keep working hard towards your goals. Your path to success may not be linear, but in time, you will find your way.

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

Easy, CLUE! I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen that movie. It’s completely ridiculous and right up my alley in humor.

---

Huge thank you to Lydia for joining us on Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book and all that you have accomplished! We look forward to seeing what you do next!

---

LYDIA LUKIDIS is a children's author with a multi-disciplinary background that spans the fields of literature, science and puppetry. So far, she has 3 trade picture books, 33 eBooks, as well as over dozen educational books published. Her latest STEM book The Broken Bees’ Nest was nominated for a CYBILS Award. Lydia is also passionate about spreading the love of literacy. She regularly gives writing workshops in elementary schools across Quebec through the Culture in the Schools Program. Her aim is to help children cultivate their imagination, sharpen their writing skills and develop self-confidence.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Lydia Lukidis, follow her on social media:

Website: http://www.lydialukidis.com/

Blog: https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LydiaLukidis/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaLukidis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydialukidis/?trk=hp-identity-name