Interview with Debut Author Andrea Hall

Happy Thursday Critters! We are kicking off September with an editor/author interview. I met Andrea years back at the Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus, Ohio. Since then she’s gone on to become the senior acquisitions editor at Beaming books and publish her debut picture book with Albert Whitman and Co. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to offer insight into her process and tell us about her new book, SHE’S ON THE MONEY, illustrated by Li Zhang.

So without further ado, please welcome Andrea Hall!

Where do you live?

I live in the Chicago area.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I knew I wanted to be a writer from a young age. I participated in writing contests in school growing up, was part of Power of the Pen in middle school, and majored in creative writing in college. I wrote a few picture books in college, but I was more focused on writing novels. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started writing picture books again.

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

It’s been a journey! I joined SCBWI a few years out of college, and it was instrumental in learning more about writing, publishing, and the whole publication process. I attended writing conferences and made a lot of connections with industry professionals and other writers. I had the idea for this book and pitched it to the team at Albert Whitman. Now here we are!

Can you share a bit about your process?

I tend to start with a pad of paper and a pen. I find the blank Word document daunting, and the words seem to flow better for me when I handwrite them. Then as I type up a manuscript, I revise as I ago. With picture books, I try to think of the scene each spread will convey and break the story down that way. I love revising, so I’ll go back and forth on a project and let it sit before I come back and tweak some more. Then I’ll share with critique partners for their feedback before doing more revising! 

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

I feel like I always have new ideas! I keep a notebook of them, so I can go back and delve into whatever idea sparks something at that time. When I need to shake the rust off, I’ll sometimes switch projects to refocus, or I’ll delve into a good book and let another author’s words inspire me.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Coffee! 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! I’m a huge fan of Madeleine L’Engle, Maurice Sendak, and Anne McCaffrey.

Dream project to work on?

This is a hard question! Honestly, any project I am able to bring to readers is a dream come true.

Tell us about your debut book.

SHE’S ON THE MONEY is a survey picture book, part women’s bio and part history of money. Women have historically been overlooked throughout the ages. I was curious about the women who have been chosen to be immortalized on money, and what accomplishments led to these women being chosen. The research was fascinating, and I learned about a few women I had never heard of! And the incredible Li Zhang illustrated. Her artwork is amazing, and I feel so lucky to have her illustrations bringing these women to life.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve got a few other picture book manuscripts I’m working on, and I also have a couple novels in first draft stage that I want to get back into.

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

Tough question! I’m a fan of John Hughes movies, but another favorite is Dirty Dancing. 

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Huge thank you to Andrea for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut and it’s wonderful to catch up with you!

ANDREA HALL is an author and children’s book editor. She holds a BA in English/creative writing from Miami University in Ohio. She’s a former book reviewer for the Ohioana Quarterly and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. When not writing, Andrea can be found baking, crafting, and reading.

FOR MORE INFO about Andrea, visit her online: andreahallbooks.com or follow her on social media: Twitter @andreadonall

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Andrea’s new book, SHE’S ON THE MONEY, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of SHE’S ON THE MONEY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 9th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Amanda Davis

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m so excited for today’s interview! This is the very first time I’m sharing a book that I was lucky enough to see early on when it was submitted through Critter Lit as a manuscript critique. How exciting is that??! My hope with Critter Lit has always been to see these projects shaped into books one day. And today we get to celebrate one that made it through! I remember the first time I read this text, I got that feeling. I just knew this had legs, it just had to get in front of the right editor. I’m thrilled I got to be a part of the process of this book coming to fruition and I can’t wait for you all to hear about this incredibly special book in today’s interview.

So without further ado…please welcome Amanda Davis!

Where do you live?

Thanks so much for having me on the blog, Lindsay! I’m excited to chat more about my journey and my debut 30,000 STITCHES! I live in Massachusetts. I grew up in a small coastal town and will always be a sea baby at heart. 

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books? 

I didn’t always know I wanted to be an author but I DID know that I loved writing and art. Whether it was sketching in a sketchbook or writing poetry, it was something I always came back to. When I was twelve, my father passed away and (without knowing it) I began to use art and writing as a tool to process and cope with my feelings. This is when I realized the power of the arts to tell our stories and process the experiences in our lives. This is what led me to want to teach art, so I could help others recognize the power in it, too. Later, in 2012, I took a Continuing Education course on writing and illustrating for children, I realized this was an art form that captured all three of my passions—writing, art, and story-telling. I was hooked and never looked back.  

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

It was a long process! From the moment, I read and taught about the true story of the flag in 2011, I was intrigued and knew it was a special story. It stuck with me and lingered in my head, but needed time to flourish. After visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in 2014, and being overcome with emotion at the artifacts and the stories, it was another reminder of the importance of telling this story. Inspired by my art lesson with students and my visit to the Museum, I decided to try my hand at crafting a manuscript for 30,000 STITCHES (originally called, THE FABRIC OF AMERICA). 

I began querying back in 2017 with other picture book manuscripts and didn’t have much luck. Once I had 30,000 STITCHES polished up, which was many months later, I began to query that story to agents and editors as well. The process of landing an agent and book deal for 30,000 STITCHS was filled with ups and downs. I had many passes along the way but most were positive and many had personalized feedback, so I knew I was on the right track. I even got a few requests to revise and resubmit. I submitted to WorthyKids by snail mail through the slush pile when I was still unagented. After many months of not hearing back, I took that as a pass. I continued to query the story and later, connected with agent, Melissa Richeson who signed me for the project. Seven months later, an assistant editor from WorthyKids contacted me to ask if the story was still available. Of course, I said a big and enthusiastic YES, connected her with Melissa. The rest is history!

Long story short, it took me about nine years to get my first picture book traditionally published! It can be a long and winding road to get there, but if you keep pressing ahead, you are bound to get there.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I tend to write first drafts as the muse strikes. I’m much more intentional with my revisions and schedule time to revise. Most of my ideas for revisions stem from suggestions and brainstorm sessions with my critique groups or paid critiques through services such as Critter Lit with you, Lindsay. With this feedback in mind, I often feel inspired to revise and schedule a time to do so.  For all of my stories, they always start with research. I love doing research and am naturally a very curious person. I love to ask questions and seek to understand. Because of this, I often find myself down rabbit holes that once in a while lead to inspiration for new story ideas. I think staying curious is so important when it comes to creativity. You never know where the next story idea is lurking so we must keep our minds open and in a state of wonder. I also love talking to people and as mentioned before, learning other people’s stories. I have a background in journalism so it’s been wonderful combining my love for interviewing people into my non-fiction children’s work.   

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

I find that when my mind is free and clear, ideas flow more freely. Most of my ideas come when I let my mind wander. Most of my mind wandering takes place through meditation, nature walks, sitting near the ocean, in the shower, or when I’m driving, ha! I have oodles of notes and phrases in my Notes app on my iPhone for those moments when ideas strike. I also go in spurts. Sometimes I have lots of ideas for the art, and that is what comes first, and sometimes I have lots of ideas for the writing, and that comes first. Sometimes, too, I may have ideas for one and not the other. You never know how and when the muse will strike!!  

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw? 

Some of my must-haves for creation include: Sunlight, candles, incense, a cracked window for some fresh air (even in the winter), my computer/iPad, a cup of tea, snacks, my sketchbook, and of course my favorite furry rescue pup, Cora by my side. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I’ve often admired Nicola Davies lyrical writing and her ability to tackle tough topics in a way that is accessible to children. Some of my favorites include, THE DAY WAR CAME, KING OF THE SKY, THE POND, and her recent debut as author-illustrator, LAST: THE STORY OF A WHITE RHINO. Most recently, I’m feeling inspired by other lyrical texts such as ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by Tami Charles and Bryan Collier and THE TREE IN ME by Corinna Luyken. Back in 2018, I actually received funding for a visit with Bryan Collier for a school visit in my high school art room. It was an unforgettable event for not only the students but also for me. He talked about how he went around, door-to-door with his portfolio to the big five publishers in New York for SEVEN YEARS until he finally got his first book deal! That was truly inspiring and reminded me that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible! You can learn more about some of my teaching and student art projects here! 

Dream project to work on?

Honestly, this may sound corny, but Sally Wern Comport was on my dream collaborator list. I was a fan of her work and mixed media style ever since I saw it in Ada’s Violin and was ecstatic to be paired with her for my debut, 30,000 STITCHES. Happy I can check that box off!!  Another dream project would be to illustrate my own picture book one day. I have a picture book dummy that I am working on right now that is very close to my heart, and it would be a dream come true to see it come to life. 

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut creative nonfiction picture book is 30,000 STITCHES: THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE NATIONAL 9/11 FLAG. I love that you had a look at this story early on when I submitted it to Critter Lit for a critique. Your feedback helped solidify that I was on the right path and that there was a place for the story in the market. 

30,000 STITCHES tells the true story of the 30-foot American flag that was put up at Ground Zero in the days after 9/11. The flag became torn, tattered, and covered in dust and ash so it was taken down a few weeks later by a construction crew and tucked away in storage, where it stayed for nearly seven years. The flag was brought out of storage in 2008 when the New York Says Thank You Foundation headed to Greensburg, Kansas, a town nearly destroyed by a tornado. NYSTY brought the flag with them, sparking a grassroots restoration effort that traveled over 120,000 miles across all fifty states, bringing together thousands of people, and helping America heal and rebuild . . . hand by hand, thread by thread, one stitch at a time. The book is the story of that journey, a journey that ended at the opening of the National September 11 Museum, where the flag remains today. Along the way, the flag was restored using pieces of retired flags from every state—including a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot at Ford's Theater and threads from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which flew at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. The pieces and threads were stitched in by military veterans, first responders, educators, students, community-service heroes, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. At each stop, communities came together to remember, to heal, and to unite.

What’s up next for you?

I have lots of new ideas in the works! Many informational fiction stories and a couple of new narrative nonfiction stories, too. As mentioned before, I also have a couple picture book dummies in progress that I hope to debut as author AND illustrator with. I hope to one day explore writing a middle grade novel in verse or even YA. 

Stay tuned for more exciting virtual events for 30,000 STITCHES, too. Next up is Mass Book Bites: Boston Book Festival. You can learn more and register HERE! And with the 20th remembrance of 9/11 approaching, I hope the story can be a great resource to help us discuss the events of that day and honor, remember, and reflect.  

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

Ohh this is a hard one, I think I’d have to go with either Beetlejuice, Little Monsters, or the original Honey I Shrunk the Kids. 

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Huge thank you to Amanda for stopping by Critter Lit today! CONGRATS on your debut book— we are all cheering for you over here at Critter Lit!

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AMANDA DAVIS is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. After losing her father at the age of twelve, Amanda turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became her voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell her story. She was thus inspired to teach art and pursue her passion for writing and illustrating children's books. Through her work, Amanda empowers younger generations to tell their own stories and offers children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again. Amanda is the recipient of the 2020 Ann Whitford Paul—Writer’s Digest Most Promising Picture Book Manuscript Grant and teaches art at a public high school in Massachusetts where she was selected as 2020 Secondary Art Educator of the Year. Amanda is the author of 30,000 STITCHES: THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE NATIONAL 9/11 FLAG, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport, and has poetry and illustrations featured in The Writers’ Loft Anthology, FRIENDS AND ANEMONES: OCEAN POEMS FOR CHILDREN. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her partner and her rescue pup, Cora. You can learn more about Amanda at www.amandadavisart.com and on Twitter @amandadavisart and Instagram @amandadavis_art.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of 30,000 STITCHES click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of 30,000 STITCHES?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Debra Shumaker

Happy Thursday Critters! I hope you are all doing well! Today we have an interview with author Debra Shumaker whose debut picture book, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH, illustrated by Claire Powell, just released this week with Running Press Kids! So exciting! I love the fun facts in this book— super interesting, illustrated with gorgeous art. A new nonfiction favorite in our house!

I’m so excited to share this book with all of you, so without further ado, please welcome Debra Shumaker!

Where do you live?

In Sterling, Virginia about 45 minutes from Washington, D.C.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

When my boys were little, my favorite thing to do with them was cuddle up and read books. I fell in love with picture books and decided that I wanted to learn how to write them.

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

It was a very long, bumpy road lined with sweat and and a few tears, LOL. I started by taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature in 2005 when I was pregnant with my third child. We had three boys in 3 1/2 years so I didn’t write much at first. But once the youngest started preschool I dug in. I studied craft and wrote and submitted. Got lots of rejections and joined challenges, studied craft more, and wrote new things. It was 2015 before I started getting champagne rejections and revise and resubmit requests. I didn’t sign with an agent until 2017 and we didn’t get an offer until January of 2019. All told, it was about my 15th “serious” manuscript that finally got an offer.

Can you share a bit about your process?

I’m always juggling projects. One book I’ll be in polishing and submitting mode, while I’ll be thick in revisions with another, and starting the research and/or drafting phase of another. When I get stuck or frustrated with one project, I jump to a different one. I frequently put projects that don’t seem to be working on the back burner, sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months or even years. At times I’ll pull out something from that proverbial drawer to see if there is any life in some older manuscripts. In fact, the idea for FREAKY, FUNKY FISH is, in part, due to a fiction manuscript I wrote way back in 2013.

I’m also in four critique groups and do lots of swapping with various writing friends. So while I may not write 8 hours a day, I seem to be constantly doing something writing related.

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

Reading - both adult and kidlit. I like to write nonfiction, so reading books, newspapers, online articles, trivia questions, etc. gives me tons of ideas. I’m constantly checking out picture books from the library to get the feel for what is out there and what’s missing. I also love Tara Lazar’s StoryStorm to kick start new ideas. But really, I have so many ideas I’ll have to live to be over 100 in order to write them all! 

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

It’s probably not in the “can’t live without” category, but 90% of the time when I’m writing, I play a “Classical for Studying Radio” station on Pandora. I don’t like complete quiet when writing, but yet I can’t have anything with words in the background. Outside words interfere with the “inside” words I’m trying to work with. But my laptop is something I can’t live without.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oh my, SO many of them. For nature nonfiction authors, off the top of my head, I would say Melissa Stewart, Laura Purdie Salas, April Pulley Sayre, Maria Gianferrari. But so many authors inspire me in different types of picture books, I would need an entire page and too much time to list them all. I will say that the KidLit Community is bursting with inspirational and kind creators.

Dream project to work on?

I’m living my dream right now, writing all different styles of PB and finding an agent who loves my work and editors who have loved at least a few of them. Any current project I’m working on is my dream project at the moment.

Tell us about your debut book.

FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH is a rhyming nonfiction picture book about the weird and wonderful ways some fish look or act to survive in the waters they live in—one kind of fish has a see-through head, another kind coats itself in a mucus cocoon at night, and some fish play dead to lure prey or avoid being eaten. Fascinating stuff! After reading this book, I hope kids are as amazed as I am by the natural world. While the main text is sparse, I do include back matter that goes into more detail about how and why these fish do the things they do.

Interior Art for FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH by Debra Shumaker, Illustrated by Claire Powell

What’s up next for you?

My second picture book, TELL SOMEONE, comes out on October 1st with Albert Whitman, illustrated by Tristan Yuvienco. TELL SOMEONE encourages kids to talk about things—both the good stuff and the hard stuff.

And a companion to FREAKY, FUNKY FISH is in the works! PECULIAR PRIMATES is coming to bookshelves in Fall 2022 with Running Press Kids. From funny faces and colored butts, to flossing teeth and thumping chests, discover some peculiar ways primates look and act. Thankfully Claire Powell signed on to illustrate. I just saw the sketch of the cover. It will be another super fun book!

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

When Harry Met Sally. I just rewatched it last summer and it still makes me laugh and cheer for Harry and Sally when they finally get together. That ending monologue by Billy Crystal? Um, yes. I’m a romantic at heart. :-)

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

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Debra Kempf Shumaker loves weird and fascinating facts. When she isn’t reading or writing, Debra enjoys cooking, gardening, and watching Jeopardy. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons, and two cats—who miss the days the youngest son had an aquarium full of fish.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Debra or her book, visit her website or follow her on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShumakerDebra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrakshumaker/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH!? Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 13th! US addresses only please.