Interview with Author Serena Gingold Allen

Happy Thursday Critters! I hope all of you in the Midwest and on the East Coast are staying warm this morning! We are covered in snow here in Ohio! Today we have a fabulous interview with a debut author Serena Gingold Allen, who has TWO new books out with Chronicle Books this April, SUNRISE DANCE and MOONRISE PRANCE, illustrated by the amazingly talented Teagan White! I personally can’t wait to get my copies, as my youngest son is all about novelty books about nature right now— and these books are stunning! I’m thrilled to have Serena with us today to talk about her beautiful books, road to publication, and experiences in kidlit.

So without further ado, please welcome Serena Gingold Allen!

Where do you live?

I live in El Cerrito, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I started writing picture books and board books in 2013 (Although I did have two articles published in Cobblestone Magazine when I was a teenager in the ‘90s, so if you count that it’s been a lot longer).

How did you first get published?

I submitted Moonlight Prance on my own to a small handful of publishers in early 2017. I got a few rejections almost immediately and then after six months, Chronicle Books emailed to see if the manuscript was still available. My editor and the acquisitions team liked it so much that I was asked to write a companion title (Sunrise Dance). They acquired both of them!

Do you write full-time?

I consider writing to be my full-time job, but my two young kiddos would disagree with me. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

I adore reading and the joy it brings me and I want to write books that will spark these feelings in children. My inspiration comes from my kids, things I read, conversations with friends and family, and the inspiration fairy who visits me on sleepless nights (OK, there’s no fairy, but I really do have ideas just pop into my head out of nowhere in the middle of the night).

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Two things surprised me: how long it sometimes takes between acquisition and release, and how difficult it can be to deal with constant rejection.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

For me, one of the best things is when I’m writing in rhyme and struggling to get my idea across and I finally find the perfect sequence of words that fit the meter and rhyme perfectly. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The biggest struggle is writing something that I believe in and think is great and then having other people not get it.

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

If I’m really out of ideas, I’ll turn to my favorite picture books and try to get an idea from them (I’ll look at things like the structure and topic and try to come up with my own story to go with that).

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I have an idea notebook and any time I have a new idea (even if it’s just a title or a character name) I’ll jot it down to come back to later. Each idea gets its own page so I have some space for brainstorming or to record everything I’ve thought of so far. If I think of an idea in the middle of the night, I’ll write it in the notes app on my phone. Then I transfer it to my notebook in the morning (or the next time I open the app).

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

I wound up starting a low-key book promo group with a few other debut authors and what I love is that even though most of us didn’t really know each other to begin with, we immediately became really supportive of each other. It’s nice to not be alone!

Recommended reading?

My favorite picture book right now is Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder. It’s hopeful, uplifting, and makes me smile every time I read it.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

So far it’s tied between opening the first email from my editor where she asked if Moonlight Prance was still available and opening the second email from my editor where she wrote with the news that Chronicle wanted to acquire Moonlight Prance and a companion title (I printed this email out, framed it, and put it on my desk). 

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

I wish someone had told me how hard it is to let a story go when there’s no interest in it.

Can you tell us about your newest books?

Moonlight Prance and Sunrise Dance are my twin debut books, illustrated by Teagan White. They should be in bookstores and for purchase online on April 5, 2022. Moonlight Dance: At the end of the day, nocturnal animals aren’t getting ready for bed—they’re getting ready to play! Push and pull the sturdy tabs to make foxes frolic and hedgehogs hustle through a fun-filled night. Sunrise Dance: As the sun rises, playful animals are already waking up. Push and pull the sturdy tabs to make dragonflies dance and bear cubs bustle as they prepare for a sun-filled day. 

Interior art from SUNRISE DANCE by Serena Gingold Allen, illustrated by Teagan White published by Chronicle Books, April 2022

Interior art from SUNRISE DANCE by Serena Gingold Allen, illustrated by Teagan White published by Chronicle Books, April 2022

Interior art from MOONLIGHT PRANCE by Serena Gingold Allen, illustrated by Teagan White published by Chronicle Books, April 2022

Interior art from MOONLIGHT PRANCE by Serena Gingold Allen, illustrated by Teagan White published by Chronicle Books, April 2022

What’s up next for you?

I am deep into revising several picture books and getting ready to submit.

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

Follow your dreams—they’re within your grasp. And don’t give up—the publishing world is so subjective, you just have to keep trying until you find someone who gets you. 

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

Finally, an easy question! Spaceballs.

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Huge thanks to Serena for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your books!

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Serena Gingold Allen is the author of Moonlight Prance and Sunrise Dance  (Chronicle Books, April 5, 2022), both novelty board books about wild animals. Growing up outside of Yosemite, Serena had many close encounters with wildlife. Most notably, she chased a 300-pound black bear out of a campsite–alone! She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, but she still spends a lot of time hiking and climbing in the great outdoors with her husband and their two young children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Serena online at https://serenagingoldallen.com/

or follow her on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSerenaGingoldAllen/

https://www.instagram.com/serenagingoldallen/

https://twitter.com/SerenaGingold

BUY THIS BOOK To order MOONLIGHT PRANCE and SUNRISE DANCE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MOONLIGHT PRANCE and SUNRISE DANCE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 10th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Deb Gruelle

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to share one final interview with you all for the year— and what a year it has been! I’m soaking up lots of family time with my husband and boys and diving deep into the holiday spirit, which has been a lovely silver lining amidst the year we’ve all had. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and cheers to a new year, which is hopefully much better that 2020!

So to send us off for the year, please welcome author Deb Gruelle, whose debut novelty book, TEN LITTLE NIGHT STARS, illustrated by Gabi Murphy, sold over 145,000 copies and counting! Her follow-up book, SLEEPY TIME COLORS, released this past August and it’s sure to be another family favorite!

So without further ado, please welcome Deb Gruelle!

Where do you live?

Northern California

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’m a recovering technical writer. My first adult nonfiction trade book was published 26 years ago in 1994, but my first children’s book wasn’t published until 2 years ago in 2018, so I’m still a newcomer to the Kidlit world.

How did you first get published?

I went to a writer’s conference and met the publisher who published my first book (without an agent). That’s also how I sold my first children’s book, many years later (with an agent).

Do you write full-time?

I live with a chronic illness, so I write when I’m able to around that.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I remember how I wanted to be a good mom and read to my kids, but by the end of the day, I was often so knackered that though bedtime was a precious bonding time, I hated when my kids picked long books to read.

So, I was inspired to write short bedtime books that young kids would hopefully love and that could also help sleep-deprived parents feel like heroes when they took a few minutes to read them to bond with their kids.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I was so surprised that my first book would be purchased by a large publisher, then sell well.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

The feedback from readers. This is one of my favorite reviews:

“This is our favorite book! … I read it so much that I memorized it and it has become what I “read” to her in the dark when she’s teething and needs to be held and rocked!”

What could be better for an author to hear than that their book is a regular part of bringing comfort to a child.

 What do you find difficult working as an author?

With each new book, I don’t know if I’ll have what it takes to write it.

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

I participate in StoryStorm and 12x12.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

When I get an idea, I write it down.

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

I love the Kidlit community. I’ve had positive experiences in SCBWI, 12x12, the StoryStorm group, and the Children’s Book Insider groups. All have been so welcoming and wanting to support other children’s writers.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

The review mentioned above under “favorite thing.”

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

It will take you 16 years to sell your first children’s book, but it will be well worth it. So keep learning and have perseverance.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest children’s book Sleepy Time Colors helps children feel secure enough to fall asleep while teaching them colors.  It’s a companion book to my bestselling going-to-bed and counting picture book, Ten Little Night Stars (with over 145,000 copies sold).

What’s up next for you?

I will keep trying to think of new stories to help teething children. : )

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

Perseverance and continued learning are both key in this industry.

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

I love Back to the Future, so I’d have to go with that.

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Huge thank you to Deb for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on your newest book!

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Deb Gruelle (grew-WELL) is a bestselling and award-winning author for children and adults. She writes for children to entertain and offer them a sense of security. Yes, she’s related to Johnny Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, and she loves being a third-generation writer for children. She feels honored to share stories with children to enrich their childhood memories and writes for adults to offer them hope.

Gruelle is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to help children in foster care navigate the court system. She’s raised three multi-ethnic children who joined her family by both birth and adoption.

Her favorite part about writing is the wonderful readers and writers she meets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Deb or her books visit her online:

DEBGRUELLE.COM

Or follow her on social media:

Facebook.com/DebGruelleAuthor

Instagram.com/DebGruelleAuthor

Twitter.com/DebGruelleAuth 

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of SLEEPY TIME COLORS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of SLEEPY TIME COLORS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, December 24th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Kayla Stark

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author/illustrator Kayla Stark whose new book FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE, which released in August with Chronicle Books, is one of the coolest lift-the-flap books I’ve seen in a long time! I’m so excited to share her work with you all today and continue our week of creatives that work with novelty and board books.

So without further ado, please welcome Kayla Stark!

Where do you live?

Nashville, TN USA

How many years have you been in publishing?

This is a rough approximation, but I think it’s been close to 4 years now!

How did you first get published?

Parallax Publishing reached out to me about illustrating a picture book called “Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That”. The author saw my work on the Women Who Draw website and then asked the editor to email me. I think that’s a pretty unusual way for the publisher to reach out, but I’m so happy they did. I did a few tests before I officially landed the job. Since this was my first time working on a picture book, Parallax wanted to make sure I was up to it. 

Do you write/illustrate full-time? 

Yes, I do! I spend more time illustrating than writing at this point, but I’m hearing the siren call of writing and I can’t stay away. It’s intimidating because I’m not as practiced in writing, but I do want to pitch my own stories—and I have so many ideas!

What inspires you to create picture books? 

That’s a good question. The picture book industry seems to be where my work best fits. In the beginning I didn’t set out to make my work fit the picture book industry, but once I became friends with other picture book illustrators and learned more about the industry I felt like I had finally found a place to park my work and settle in. 

In my work I like to ask silly questions and play with ridiculous “what ifs”. Questioning and observing everything always leads me to an idea or story that begs for further exploration. 

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

I was surprised when I saw how much work and energy went into the creation and promotion of a new book. It’s a true team effort! I’m also constantly surprised by how connected the illustration/publishing world is. Everyone knows everyone!

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind.
#1 - I love the initial stages of a job. The research phase and open possibilities give me such a rush!
#2 - Once a book/project is finished I look forward to the promotional events. Launch parties, process posts, interviews, readings, signings etc. I’m an extroverted person and getting these opportunities to travel, meet, and speak to new people fills me up!

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Sometimes the daily monotony and isolation gets to me. It can feel like I’m working in a vacuum and treading water. It’s imperative to keep up my momentum and focus in order to finish projects. Knowing I have to power through on the days I don’t feel creative is difficult. I try to spin it in my brain and think of it as leveling up my self discipline.  

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

Hmmm…I’ll try a few different things. FaceTiming a friend who gets it is the best medicine. I’m so happy (and lucky) to be friends with a number of illustrators and other artists—both local and online! I’m a part of The Warren Studio here in Nashville, TN. When I need a change of pace I’ll go in and see people, get lunch, and just have a fun day.

Some other things I’ll do when I need new ideas is— read; workout; go to a museum*; schedule a trip*; go to my list of ideas and thoughts I keep in my phone; create a new color palette and imagine what type of scene or story would use it. 

*I’m not doing these things currently due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity? 

I used to watch a little bit of TV after waking up, however I realized that when I do that my mind wants to be entertained all day instead of getting into work mode. Now when I wake up, instead of turning on the TV, I do these things in this order to feel like it’s time for work—open the blinds, brush my teeth, wash my face, grab my coffee, and walk upstairs to my desk. 

I also like to be left alone for the first few hours of the work day. My husband has been working from home since March and I had to set up a no talking rule for the first 3 hours of the work day. 

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

Wow, most everything has been positive. Hmm…something that stands out is getting to know others in the Kid Lit community on Instagram. It’s led to friendships, critique groups, collaboration opportunities, agents, meet ups, and a wonderfully fulfilling life/career. 

When I think about it, it’s crazy how many friends I’ve made through Instagram and the close knit connections of the kid lit community. 

Recommended reading?
All of Martin Salisbury’s books on picture books and illustration. 

The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak.

Mac Barnett’s books are always a delight.

I’ll stick to these few for this purpose, but I need to make a whole list separated into categories.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far? 

I just illustrated the covers for a new release of classic titles (The Jungle Book, Black Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island). It was surreal to see that job land on my desk and I am happy I was trusted to take on these beloved titles. I’ll be sharing those on my Instagram very soon along with some behind the scenes process posts! 

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

This is still a job, sometimes you are going to have to put in extra hours and work when you don’t feel like it. Somedays it will feel like you are going nowhere and somedays you’ll feel on top of the world, but most days you’ll feel somewhere in between. Ask for help when you need it, take care of yourself, take criticism (but not personally), and just keep going. You will never feel like you’ve “arrived”, so stop expecting that. You are doing what you love, celebrate that!

Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Friends at the Firehouse written and illustrated by me is a lift-the-flap journey through a firehouse. The annual parade is about to start and we need to find the missing Dalmatian puppy. There are 35 flaps to inspect and tons of details for kids to pour over. It’s published by Chronicle Books as part of their Double Booked series—which means the book is a unique die cut shape (a firehouse in this case) and opens from both sides as a gate fold! 

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

It’s the most complex book I’ve worked on and it took me a WHILE to wrap my mind around everything as I was laying out the illustrations. I visited 2 local fire stations before starting and took hundreds of photos. The firefighters drove me around in the truck and I got to slide down the pole like a real fire fighter!

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

What’s up next for you?

I have some stories of my own I’m going to pitch! So I’ll be going into writing mode and working on getting a manuscript and book dummy together.

I’m also working on a language learning vocabulary book! —along the lines of Richard Scarry’s Big Book of Words, but with my own world and characters. :)

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

I know this is said over and over again, but I believe it bears repeating. Create the work you want to get hired to do! All the time I see and talk to artists that are just waiting for someone to hire them for their dream job, but there are no clear examples in their portfolio to show they CAN do that job. You have to show you can already do something before someone will hire you do it. 

Draw and write a lot! Start building your social media platform now and engage with other people. It can be annoying to keep up with all the platforms, so pick 1-2 and post consistently!

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

Oooh. I’ll say The Shining. I’m not a horror nut, but there’s just something about that movie.

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Huge thank you to Kayla for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book, we can’t wait to see your upcoming projects!

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After graduating with a BFA from the University of Tennessee at Martin and working for a few years as a graphic designer; KAYLA STARK decided to shift into the world of her first love—illustration! She works both digitally and traditionally, depending on the project, and is most comfortable when settling into the beginning “research” phase of projects. The traditional media she uses most often are: watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils (she is on a constant search for the perfect, scratchy pencil texture) She is naturally very curious and asks a lot of questions—this quality is a constant fuel for inspiration.

She lives in Nashville, TN in a small house with her husband and 2 cats. Most of the time she is working upstairs in her studio, but a few days a week she joins a group of friends and fellow illustrators at a co-working space in East Nashville.

Kayla’s hobbies include playing board games, participating in (almost) any event, learning languages, and planning trips (she loves public transit). Some of Kayla’s favorite topics are birds, traveling, science, animal fun facts, and history.

She has done work for various clients including Highlights Magazine, Sleeping Bear Press and Chronicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Kayla online at www.kaylastark.com or on social media:

Instagram: @kayla_stark

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. TWO lucky winners will be announced on Thursday, October 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Terry Pierce

Happy Tuesday Critters! Today, I’m thrilled to feature an interview with author Terry Pierce, whose new board book, LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS, illustrated by Suzy Ultman, just came out with Chronicle Books this month. It’s the sweetest novelty board book, with lovely text, charming illustrations, and soft, fuzzy, felt lift-a-flaps! It’s quickly become my go-to new baby gift!

So without further ado, please welcome Terry Pierce!

Where do you live?

I lived in the California high desert for thirty-nine years but now spend most of my time in the beautiful high Sierra town of Mammoth Lakes.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I started writing for children in 1999, after 22 years of being a preprimary Montessori teacher.

How did you first get published?

This could take a while! When I decided to try my hand at writing for children, I gave myself a five-year time limit to get a book published (I know, crazy, right?). I dove into the SCBWI and all they could teach me. After I started submitting my work, all I received were form rejections, so I re-evaluated my strategy—still looking at my self-imposed five-year deadline—and decided to try my hand a joke writing (because I LOVED joke books as a kid). I wrote a sample of 25 jokes and sent them to Sterling Publishing. Within a month, I got a call with an offer to publish (although they wanted another 600 jokes!). Greatest Goofiest Jokes was my first book. It came after 160 rejection letters and three years into my writing journey.

Do you write full-time?

My husband retired two year ago, so I’m not writing quite as full-time as I used to at 35-40 hours a week. Life is too short not to take time enjoying life together with our hikes, climbs and walks. But the upside is that I draw inspiration from nature so I’m always thinking about writing even if I’m not physically doing it.

What inspires you to create picture books?

So many things! In addition to nature, my Montessori teaching experiences have inspired me, as do other children’s books. I love reading other picture books and getting an “Aha!” moment of inspiration. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

Great question! Initially, I was surprised at how hard it is to write a picture book. I just thought you’d just write it, but then I learned about plotting, characterization, page turns, allowing room for the illustrator to help tell the story, etc. The best picture books are flawless, so they look like they’d be easy to write. But they’re not. I’m always talking about this with my UCLA students. It’s probably the biggest myth about writing for children. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the creativity of it all! It’s so fun to get a spark of a story idea and play with it. I really do love playing with words. My tendency is to write in verse, with a light, lyrical approach. I can spend hours tinkering with a text and engaging in wordplay before I realize how much time has passed. I have all sorts of resources I use—books, websites, apps—that give me lots of treasures to dig through. It’s pure joy for me!

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Like many writers, the rejections are a challenge (I prefer to call them “declines”). You must have a tough skin to stick with this business, but even with that, sometimes the rejections can get to me. When that happens, I give myself a little “pity party” (always with chocolate and my co-author cat). I might step back for a day or two, but then I always put it in perspective and keep moving forward. Getting back to it sometimes means setting aside a particular manuscript (letting me get some distance) or diving back in with a new focus on how to improve. 

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

I love taking long walks or hikes by myself. I have a favorite “secret spot” I often visit in the nearby mountains where I can just think. Another great way to find inspiration is to participate in an online event such as Tara Lazar’s StoryStorm or Paula Yoo’s NaPiBoWritWee (National Picture Book Writing Week). These are fun online blog events that help inspire children’s writers. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I usually have a cup of tea and my co-author cat within arm’s reach (I have two cats, but only one is always nearby while I write). Oh, and I need quiet. I’m not one who could write a novel in a coffeehouse!

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

Just one? If it weren’t for the SCBWI and my Kid Lit connections with other authors, illustrators, editors, etc., I wouldn’t have a single book published. It’s so important to network and make friends in this business! Not only for connections to help you get published or promote a book, but most importantly, when this business gets you down (and it will due to all the rejections), you need other writers who understand what you’re going through. I’ve had high and low moments in this business where my first call wasn’t to my husband, it was to my writing partners. Because they get it.

Recommended reading?

Rather than recommend specific books, I recommend that other writers develop a canon of authors whose work you admire and study those texts (read, reread, type them out). For me, the top of the list includes Eve Bunting, Lisa Wheeler, Phyllis Root, Tammi Sauer, and Kathi Appelt.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

This is a tough question! On a personal level, graduating from Vermont College of Fine Arts was a huge accomplishment and milestone for me. This opened the door for me to teach for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, which I love. Book-wise, I’d say the huge success of my first board book, Mama Loves You So, has been a highlight. I never expected such strong sales and all the tremendous feedback I’ve received. Just knowing that parents and their babies are bonding over my book warms my heart. I’m hoping parents will have a similar response to Love Can Come in Many Ways.

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

I wish someone would have told me: 1) the level of commitment it takes to get published (the dedication to learning the craft, time, expense), and 2) that on the average, picture book writers (picture books, easy reader, board books) don’t earn nearly as much compared to other writers. Neither probably wouldn’t have changed my mind about writing but it would have been nice to know those things before I started.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Love Can Come in Many Ways is my first novelty board book. It’s all about ways in which animals, and humans, show affection toward one another. When I wrote the book, I just wanted to bring a little more love into the lives of young children, but Chronicle envisioned so much more. They wanted to create an interactive novelty board book full of cuddles, snuggles, hugs and love, by using felt lift-a-flaps. The illustrator, Suzy Ultman has a fun, whimsical artistic style that I know young children will enjoy. I’m really excited for readers who loved my first board book, Mama Loves You So, because this book is also a great book for bonding with little ones.

Interior art from Love Can Come in Many Ways written by Terry Pierce, Illustrated by Suzy Ultman

Interior art from Love Can Come in Many Ways written by Terry Pierce, Illustrated by Suzy Ultman

Interior art from Love Can Come in Many Ways written by Terry Pierce, Illustrated by Suzy Ultman

What’s up next for you?

My next board book, Eat Up, Bear! (Yosemite Conservancy) comes out on April 13, 2021, so I’m already looking forward to that. It’s another book that’s near and dear to my heart, about how to be good stewards of wild bears (but in a super cute fun way). I’m also currently working on some other picture book manuscripts and a chapter book series.

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

If you’re just starting, I’d recommend reading Ann Whitford Paul’s marvelous craft book, Writing Picture Books. And if you can, take a writing course on the genre you’re most interested in pursuing. I teach online courses for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and have had many students go on to publication. Writing courses are a great way to do a deep dive into the craft.

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

So many choices but I’d have to say the Back to the Future trilogy. My favorite is the third one (something about the wild west tickles my fancy) but I most recently watched the second one. They’re all great!

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Huge thank you to Terry for stopping by Critter Lit today! We absolutely LOVE your new book and can’t wait to see what comes next!

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TERRY PIERCE is the author of twenty-five children’s books, including MAMA LOVES YOU SO (Little Simon, ill. Simone Shin), SOCCER TIME! (Random House, ill. Bob McMahon), and TAE KWON DO! (Random House, ill. Todd Bonita, 2007 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books). Her upcoming books include LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS (Chronicle, ill. Suzy Ultman) and EAT UP, BEAR! (Yosemite Conservancy, ill. Nadja Sarell).

Terry holds a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Development and an International A.M.I. Montessori teaching diploma.  She was a Montessori teacher for twenty-two years before following her dream of writing for children. Terry has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, including the Picture Book Concentration certification. She’s also an online instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. 

She lives in eastern California, dividing her time between the high desert and the high Sierra. She lives with her husband and is a servant to two crazy cats.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Terry online at https://www.terrypiercebooks.com or on social media:

Twitter: @terrycpierce

Facebook: @TerryPierceAuthor

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LOVE CAN COME IN MANY WAYS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. TWO lucky winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 27th! US addresses only please.