Interview with Author Shachi Kaushik

Where do you live?

I’ve lived in Austin Texas for almost 10 years and currently I live in Vancouver, British Colombia. I love living in both parts of the world. 

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I volunteered at the Round Rock Public Library, where I hosted a bilingual Hindi-English Storytime.  I found very few books, with South Asian characters. Seeing that gap i wanted to fill that void with my work and wanted to bring stories with universal themes yet holding elements of my South Asian culture.

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

I had no idea of publishing, and I was convinced to self-publish.  But then I joined the Writing Barn class in 2019 and after my first class, the world of publishing just opened. I joined the writing communities like SCBWI and 12x12. Took classes, attended events, and continued to write.

I found my agent in 2020 and sold my book in 2021. 

Can you share a bit about your process?

I start off by answering a few questions –

Character and settings- What they want and why- The conflict- The solution. 

Ones I have clarity I start off with my first draft, get it critiqued and improvise (this is on repeat). I also do storyboard as it gives me a better picture of structure, page turns and flow.  

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

To get the rust off I go for walks, visit the library, bookstores, and the museums. I feel we are always surrounded by ideas; we just have to catch them. I’ve been more observant to the nature and my surroundings.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

My notebook and my special magic pencil. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I have so many authors and illustrators that I inspire, but if I had to pick one it would be Author Mitali Perkins and illustrator Kadir Nelson.

Dream project to work on?

Write a book series and develop a show. 

Tell us about your debut book.

Diwali In My New Home, illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon, is a story about Priya, who loves to celebrate Diwali, (an Indian holiday) with family and friends. But this year Priya and her parents are living in North America, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. But as she strings lights outside and creates rangoli art, Priya introduces the festival of lights to her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it's still Diwali.

Interior art from DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME by Shachi Kaushik, illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon

What’s up next for you?

More books to write, more shows to work on.  I just finished working on the YouTube original animated series ‘The Guava Juice Show’.  

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

Growing up in India, we had very limited access to Hollywood movies. The ones that were available became my favorite.  

Hollywood: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. 

Bollywood: Mr. India

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Huge thank you to Shachi for stopping by Critter Lit!

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Shachi Kaushik is a bilingual Hindi-English children’s media enthusiast who is passionate about sharing stories. Part of the Children's Media Industry, she creates content for children that is entertaining, enlightening, and educational. Raised in India, Shachi currently lives in Vancouver with her husband. Shachi loves taking walks on the beach and eating gelato.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Shachi or her book, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Website: storiesbyshachi.com

Twitter: @KaushikShachi

Instagram: @storiesbyshachi

LinkendIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shachi-kaushik/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Kimberly Wilson

Happy Thursday Critters! I’ve been in the blackhole of deadlines for the past few weeks— but I’m thrilled to be back this week with an interview with author Kimberly Wilson. I was lucky enough to read Kimberly’s manuscript a couple years ago as a Critter Lit critique submission— and now it’s a published book! (Congrats Kimberly, we are so excited for you!). A PENNY’S WORTH, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, published by Page Street Kids just released in April. Don’t you just love when things come full circle like that?!

So without further ado, please welcome Kimberly Wilson!

Where do you live?

I’ve lived in Charlotte, NC, for almost 22 years, but I grew up in Upstate NY.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I knew I wanted to write from the time I was in third grade. Inspired by reading L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, I spent many days outdoors, pouring my imagination onto the paper. My favorite subject in high school was English and I continued studying creative writing through college. Though it wasn’t until my girls were born that I experienced a spark of interest in picture books. 

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

A decade after that initial spark, I finally decided to dive into following my dream. That’s when I joined the SCBWI, took every picture book craft class I could, found my amazing critique groups, and began attending conferences. In fact, a critique for A Penny’s Worth at the SCBWI NJ Conference in June 2019 turned into an R&R with Page Street Kids. And a few rounds of revision later, it became an offer! After four years of working full time on writing, revising, critiquing, and querying, my debut picture book hit the shelves!

Can you share a bit about your process?

I like to start with a pitch. This way, I have all the elements of the story formulated before I begin writing––character, setting, problem, stakes, solution, and the hooks. Sometimes this can evolve over the course of months, and other times it comes quickly. Once I have it fleshed out, I paste it at the top of the page and refer to it while I write my first draft and all the way through revision.

I’m also a list maker, so I write down every pun and idiom I can find about my topic so I can puzzle piece them into the manuscript as I write. Many times, I add too many and end up cutting some later––but at least I’m never short on this type of word play!

The first draft is my biggest challenge! I do a lot of legwork before I’m able to get my story on the page (75% preparation, 25% procrastination). It also really helps to have a critique meeting on the calendar to give me a deadline.

Revision is my favorite part of the process. I love layering in the emotional arc, sneaking in educational tidbits, and infusing characters with their own unique personalities. Writing and revising dialogue is so much fun!

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

I have several go-to moves to get my brainstorming juices flowing. I either head outside for a walk, dive into an online pun and idiom search, or take a shower (this one is the clear winner!).

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

The biggest must-have, without a doubt, is coffee. My most-used tools are a Thesaurus, the Idioms by Free Dictionary site, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library app, my bookshelf, and my TUL colored gel pens. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

I could go on all day answering this question! 

I’m so lucky to be in a community with super-talented critique partners and an incredible debut group who inspire me daily.

I’ve always been captivated by Ame Dyckman’s humor. Reading books like Misunderstood Shark, Dandy, and You Don’t Want a Unicorn made me realize one of my goals is to make kids giggle through my writing. 

I also connect with books like Ben Clanton’s Rot, The Cutest in the World! and Jory John and Pete Oswald’s The Good Egg. I really love reading and writing about anthropomorphized inanimate objects! 

Some mentor texts I admired while writing A Penny’s Worth were Linus the Little Yellow Pencil, by Scott Magoon, Eraser, by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant, Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture, by Joshua David Stein and Julia Rothman, and Oliver: The Second Largest Living Thing on Earth, by Josh Crute and John Taesoo Kim. The last two have an informational spin, another thing I enjoy including in many of my manuscripts.

Dream project to work on?

Gosh, every project is a dream to me! I have an informational manuscript with a twist that is very close to my heart, and another one in the works. I find it’s these connections with stories that make them dream projects for me. It’s also a goal of mine to collaborate on a humorous early graphic novel series. It’s such a fun genre––and I get a kick out of writing the dialogue!

Tell us about your debut book.

A PENNY’S WORTH (Page Street Kids), illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, is a pun-filled story of a shiny new cent who feels like a million bucks. But when she’s told she’s not enough to slot-surf like Quarter or even pay for penny candy like Dime, she begins to doubt her value. Refusing to be short-changed, Penny sets out to find her purpose at any cost and ends up learning an important lesson about self-worth in the process. 

The story also incorporates beginner money-math as well as back matter filled with penny fun facts and history, money equivalents, and resources to learn more.

What’s up next for you?

A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM (Page Street Kids), also illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, hits shelves spring 2023. In this punny sequel to A Penny’s Worth, Big Bill is a wranglin’ change makin’ dollar. Until he learns about the glitz and glamour of the grand life and wishes he were bigger. But when he gets his wish, he realizes livin’ large might not be as one-derful as he thought. Sprinkled with humor and money math (and more puns!), readers will learn about place values and the age-old lesson that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

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

As you wish (haha!)––The Princess Bride––hands down!

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Huge Thank you to Kimberly for stopping by Critter Lit today!

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Kimberly Wilson’s prized childhood possessions included a butterfly Trapper Keeper full of her stories, an overflowing bookshelf, and a pocket thesaurus. But it took many years (and a couple careers) before she pursued her dream of writing for children. A lover of puns and wordplay, Kimberly enjoys mixing humor, heart, and educational details into her writing. A PENNY’S WORTH (Page Street Kids), illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, is her debut picture book. The sequel, A DOLLAR’S GRAND DREAM, releases in 2023. Kimberly lives in North Carolina with her husband, two daughters, and their puppy.

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

Website: www.kimberlywilsonwrites.com

Twitter: @authorkimwilson

Instagram: @kimberlywilsonwrites

Goodreads: @kimberlywilsonwrites

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of A PENNY’S WORTH, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of A PENNY’S WORTH?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 23rd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Amani Uduman

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with an author all the way from Australia! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her newest book, CEDRIC’S TAIL, illustrated by Agnès Ernoult, published by Yeehoo Press, which came out this past March.

So without further ado, please welcome Amani Uduman!

Where do you live?

I live in Melbourne, Australia. I’m originally from Sri Lanka, but my family migrated to Melbourne at the age of six.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been writing for over twelve years. During that time, I have published numerous titles in the non-profit sector and been included in several anthologies. 

How did you first get published?

My first publication was in an online children’s magazine where I wrote short stories for specific age groups. 

I also self-published an Ebook called, ‘Snakes in Class,’ which is a fun story about a school incursion featuring snakes.

Do you write full-time?

I would love to write full-time. However, with life being extremely busy as it is, I endevour to write whenever I get a chance. 

Sometimes, I’ll scribble notes on a piece of paper if inspiration suddenly comes to me and use it later as springboard for a new manuscript. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

I loved reading picture books as a child. Particularly, if they were humorous and quirky. 

Some of my favourite authors include Jon Klassen, Enid Blyton and Aaron Blabey. 

It’s a joy to reread stories that bring a smile to my face.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

The biggest surprise for me being an author was the fact that learning never ceases to exist. There is always room to refine my craft, and it’s exciting to venture into different genres of writing. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

My favourite thing about being an author is being able to contribute to the world of children’s literature. To have children and adults alike, enjoy my work and discuss their favourite stories with one another. 

It’s also exciting to see my story with the accompanying illustrations for the first time. The illustrations add a whole new dimension to my manuscript, and the illustrator does an amazing job of bringing the story to life. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

The most difficult aspect of being an author is finding the time to write. And to write without distractions. However, I find that little tasks can be put aside to focus on my passion in life- which is to write!

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

I find walking helps me with new ideas. Generally, inspiration comes suddenly and from now nowhere in particular. So, when a new idea does come into my mind, it’s often a pleasant surprise. 

I have even woken up in the middle of the night to record a new story idea.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

A nice cup of green tea is always a must!

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

The Kit Lit community is one of encouragement and support. I found that joining organisations such as SCBWI, attending festivals and writing workshops helps build a supportive network of people, with whom I could share my love of writing.

Recommended reading?

There are so many books which I could recommend. However, if I had to pick my top five children’s books/series. they would include the following:

1. This is not my hat by Jon Klassen.

2. The Bad Guy Series by Aaron Blabey.

3. The Faraway Tree Series by Enid Blyton.

4. I’m Coming to Get You! by Tony Ross.

5. Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

My career highlight is collaborating with talented illustrators, editors and publishers who have been encouraging and supportive of my work and provided valuable feedback on how to make to make my story shine.

I’ve also met diverse authors at writing conferences and festivals who share a love of writing and children’s books.

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

I wish that someone had told me that writing is a continuous growth journey and not to feel too dejected by the dreaded rejection letter. There are various reasons as to why work can be rejected, and it’s simply a case of dust yourself off and move forward. There was one particular manuscript of mine which made it to an acquisition meeting, and although the editors loved my work, there was simply no room on their list for another picture book.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Cedric’s Tail, illustrated by Agnès Ernoult, published by Yeehoo Press, is a light-hearted story about a little boy who wishes for a tail on his birthday after examining his pets. When his wish finally comes true, Cedric must deal with the advantages and limitations of having his tail.

What’s up next for you?

I will continue to write stories as I visualise new ideas. I’m also editing and revising several manuscripts which I have previously completed. I usually take a long break from my work, so I can get back to my stories with a fresh pair of eyes.

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

I think it’s important to follow your heart and write what inspires you and what you believe in. Even if a story isn’t published, relish the experience of immersing yourself in the creative process.

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

Pretty in Pink is my favourite 80’s movie of all time.  Jon Cryer is absolutely hilarious!

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Huge THANK YOU to Amani for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on CEDRIC’S TAIL!

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Amani Uduman is a children’s author and poet. She studied at Deakin University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science (Health Promotion) and a postgraduate degree in Teaching (Primary and Secondary).

Having worked as primary school teacher, her favourite lessons involved reading and writing stories with her students. Over the years, Amani’s interest in children’s fiction continued to strengthen and she found herself immersed in the world of writing children’s literature.

Amani has published many titles within the non-profit sector. Her books include levelled readers, picture books, and non-fiction texts. Her books are translated into different languages including Lao and Tetun. 

Amani enjoys writing stories which are both humorous and quirky. Her favourite children’s authors include Jon Klassen, Aaron Blabey and Enid Blyton.

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

Twitter: @TarsheemAmani1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amani.uduman/

Website: www.amaniuduman.com.au

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of CEDRIC’S TAIL, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of CEDRIC’S TAIL?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 19th! 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 Annette Whipple

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a wonderful nonfiction picture book author with us today! I’m such a fan of nonfiction books and my boys are currently consuming lots and lots of them. I’m thrilled to have this author with us today to talk about her fabulous books, road to publication, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Annette Whipple!

Where do you live?

I live outside of a small town in southeastern Pennsylvania near Maryland and Delaware.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book was published in 2016. But I began writing for some magazines in 2012.

How did you first get published?

I met an editor at my first writing conference who focuses on work-for-hire educational books. I sent her a writing sample, and later she asked if I wanted to write a book about insects. For those curious about the educational market, I wrote about the educational market here. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2020/08/what-are-educational-and-trade.html

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

My writing-related work is full-time for the most part. My days begin early but typically end when my kids arrive home from school. I spend a lot of time preparing presentations, teaching (children and adults), and marketing outside of the writing process. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

I think this world is amazing, and I want to share what I learn with curious kids—or make them curious to know more. I also love that picture books are for ALL readers! Here’s how a middle school teacher uses picture books in her class. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2020/09/teaching-middle-school-with-picture.html

What surprised you the most working as an author?

The biggest surprises for me are how much work I do that isn’t writing for kids and how hard it is to make a living at it.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love connecting with kids! So often I’m also told by adults that they didn’t know they liked nonfiction until they read my books. I love that I can turn readers (of any age) on to nonfiction!

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Finding focus and not allowing myself to get distracted. Also finding the write structure for a book can take years!

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

Sometimes I return to my writing notebook. Other times it’s getting outside, reading a book, or watching a documentary. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I’ve learned to dedicate one day a week to writing projects. On those days I don’t email (much) or marketing or prepare presentations.

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

I’ve learned so much from others’ generosity over the year. I’ve made incredible friendships that I’m thankful for with people so much more published than me as well as new writers. 

Recommended reading?

Oh my…there are so many. Here are a few authors to check out for some great nonfiction books. Candace Fleming, Debra Kempf Shumaker, Melissa Stewart, Steve Sheinkin, Tina M. Cho, Amy Ludwig, VanDerwater, Christina Soontronvat, Laura Purdie Salas.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Holding an owl during my research for Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls. He’s a Eurasian Eagle Owl named Quincy. [Add photo]

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

That even nonfiction writers benefit a lot from having an agent. (I sold my first 12 books without an agent.) 

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is the fourth book in The Truth About series. Like the others, it’s a question-and-answer book. Each page spread asks and answers a question related to frogs. Bold photographs capture the reader’s attention. Additional illustrations add some humor and more facts about frogs. The hardcover editions of all of The Truth About series even include a full-size poster!

Interior art from RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books

Interior art from RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books

Interior art from RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books

What’s up next for you?

Later this year Meow! The Truth About Cats will release with Reycraft Books. I have an offer from a publisher (though no final contract) for a book but can’t share details yet. It’s definitely something different for me.

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

If you’re reading this, you’re taking time to learn and connect with other writers. That’s fabulous! Be sure to also join some writing groups specific to your genre and audience. Keep learning through workshops and conferences. In-person is best for connecting with others, but you’ll still learn a ton from webinars!

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

I had to check the date. But The Princess Bride came out in 1987 though I didn’t see it until the ‘90s. Who can’t love a movie that has ROUS?

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

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Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of many fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press), The Story of the Wright Brothers (Rockridge Press), and Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (Reycraft Books) in The Truth About series. When Annette’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking for her family in Pennsylvania. Get to know her and explore her resources for teachers and writers at www.AnnetteWhipple.com. 

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

https://www.annettewhipple.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteWhippleBooks

https://twitter.com/AnnetteWhipple

https://www.instagram.com/annettewhipplebooks/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 28th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Cindy Williams Schrauben

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Cindy Williams Schrauben! Her debut picture book, THIS COULD BE YOU, illustrated by Julia Seal, publishes this month by Cardinal Rule Press. I’m thrilled to have Cindy with us today to chat about her new book, road to publication, and process.

So without further ado, please welcome Cindy Williams Schrauben!

Where do you live?  

I have always lived in Michigan – I love it from May through October, but the rest of the year, I question my sanity. Winter is not my friend.

 When did you know you wanted to write picture books? 

I have ‘wanted’ to write books for kids since college, but I didn’t take serious steps to make it happen until about 8 years ago. 

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

The journey involved a great deal of patience and perseverance – not my biggest strengths. When I became an empty nester, I decided it was time to strive for my own dreams and seriously work toward publication. I attended conferences, took online classes, and lots of workshops. I read, listened to podcasts and above all else, connected with other authors. I can honestly say that without the kidlit community and their generosity I would not have stuck with it. Like many of us, I started submitting my work way too early (before it was ready), continued to hone my stories, and swallow the rejections. I submitted This Could Be You to Cardinal Rule Press in 2021 and secured my second agent shortly after.

 Can you share a bit about your process?

My writing process is a bit chaotic – completely driven by the passion to write. I tend to get excited about an idea and run with it. I have way too many ideas and the next shiny thing that pops into my head often takes precedence. I will say, though, that I think this is why writing is so therapeutic for me; when I’m writing, the rest of the world disappears – that can be a good thing and a bad thing. As far as specifics go, I write on a laptop, in my quiet office surrounded by books (and way too much clutter). 

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

Ideas are never a problem for me – I have lists coming out my ears. Sticking with a manuscript when I get stuck is the hard part. My biggest struggle is plotting. I want to just write without planning and that often gets me in trouble. When I am really struggling I read other picture books, do critiques for others, read blogs and listen to podcasts to get inspired. But, more often than not, I drop a manuscript for a while and move on to another story until inspiration strikes and I can revisit it.

 Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Coffee and quiet.

 Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Oooh, so many. I have so many friends who are published authors and are my true inspirations. I would never have achieved this dream without them, but I wouldn’t dare list them for fear of forgetting someone. This community is amazing and I can’t wait to start giving back. Historically, I have always loved Jack Prelutsky. His humor and rhyme delight me. Maybe that’s why my favorite stories to write are funny, punny, and rhyming. 

 Dream project to work on?

I would love to write a PB biography of an inspiring kid – I’m hunting for ideas. 

 Tell us about your debut book.

My debut picture book, This Could Be You, illustrated by Julia Seal will be released on April 1, 2022. Words for believing in yourself are the stars of this picture book that empowers children of all abilities and backgrounds to not only believe in themselves but to be strong and resilient in the pursuit of their dreams. A teacher, a scientist or an activist - could this be you? Through lyrical rhymes and vibrant illustrations, This Could Be You says yes, it very well could be. 

Interior Art from THIS COULD BE YOU by Cindy Williams Schrauben, Illustrated by Julia Seal, published by Cardinal Rule Press

 This Could Be You will sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other empowering books such as I Promise (by LeBron James) and I Can Do Hard Things (by Gabi Garcia). The full-color jacket is a reversible, 22 x 36 poster perfect for inspiring kids in the classroom and home with positive messages!

A free Reader’s Guide which contains interactive lesson plans that encourage children to adopt a growth mindset over a fixed one is available for free download from the publisher website.

 What’s up next for you?

I have always wanted to illustrate my own picture book. Even if it never happens, I am enjoying the journey. I am also in the process of developing a program I call Partners in Literacy in which local businesses can sponsor school visits by purchasing a book for each child. I’m really excited to kick this off after my release.

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

Footloose – music, dance, and a rebel!

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

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Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in Michigan where she writes books for kids that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. Before embarking on this path, she held positions as a preschool administrator, teacher, and assistant director of a children’s museum -- always striving to empower kids. When not writing, Cindy might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the floor in the bookstore, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Cindy or her work, visit her online.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THIS COULD BE YOU, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THIS COULD BE YOU?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 21st! US addresses only please.

Interview 2 with Author Brooke Hartman

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a follow-up interview with picture book author Brooke Hartman! I love getting the opportunity to check in with authors and illustrators after their debut has come out to hear all about their experiences in publishing. Brooke stopped by Critter Lit in December 2020. You can read her first interview with us here.

So without further ado, please welcome back Brooke Hartman!

It’s great to have you back on Critter Lit! We can’t wait to hear all about what you’ve been up to since your last visit!

Tell us about your latest book:

The Littlest Airplane, illustrated by John Joseph, is a nonfiction STEM title wrapped in a fun, fictional story about a bush plane who doesn’t feel his own self worth—he isn’t brawny like the cargo plane, fast like the jet plane, or nimble like the turbo prop plane—until he realizes his unique features enable him to complete a very special task. 

Interior art from THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE by Brooke Hartman, Illustrated by John Joseph, published by Alaska Northwest Books

Interior art from THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE by Brooke Hartman, Illustrated by John Joseph, published by Alaska Northwest Books

Interior art from THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE by Brooke Hartman, Illustrated by John Joseph, published by Alaska Northwest Books

Last we spoke you had released your debut book. Can you share some of your experiences since your first book came out? How are things different? How are they the same?

The Littlest Airplane is now my third title, with five more books launching over the next year, and can I just say that I never (ever, ever) thought I would get to this point in my writing career! Landing that first publication contract was a dream come true, but since then I’ve learned a LOT, not only about the writing process, but the publishing and marketing aspect too. There’s so much more to a “book making gig” than you can ever imagine until you’re up to your elbows in it!

What do you find inspiring right now?

The vast amounts of fun, educational, and uplifting KidLit releasing into the world. The pandemic brought this industry to a slow crawl, and books launched during the height of COVID, including one of my own books, suffered due to lack of in-person events and promotional opportunities, but I feel like everyone—authors, readers, and publishers alike—are truly making up for that now. Books are flying off the shelves, including The Littlest Airplane (haha)!

What has surprised you the most about working as an author?

How much marketing and publicity an author has to do on their own to enable their book to thrive. In the ‘olden golden days’ of publishing, authors went on extended paid book tours involving stretch limos and champagne receptions (that’s how I imagine it… don’t burst my bubble!), but now even bestselling authors have to rely on themselves to do much of their own promotion, from social media and web design, to arranging blogs and scheduling events. You have to wear a dozen hats and balance them all on your head at once.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

The kids who love my books. Finding out a reader enjoyed your story is simply the best feeling in the world. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Rejection. You’d think at some point a published author wouldn’t feel the sting of rejection anymore (whether from a publisher, a reader, or sometimes your own agent!), but it still hurts all the same. I’ve combated this with trying to stay focused on books I have out or my next project, but it’s still hard to get past those ever-present “No’s.”

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I do love me a good coffee shop to write in. Something about being away from my own house (and the pile of laundry, and kids asking for snacks, and closet that needs organized) helps me focus on the creative process. My neighborhood Starbucks jokes that they’re going to have my name engraved into “my” table one day!

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

There are too many to count! The KidLit community is so supportive of one another. I’m currently in a 2022 picture book marketing group called the PB RockITeers (get it?), and we’re constantly sharing Tweets and Instagram posts or reviewing one another’s books in an effort to lift up each other and our forthcoming projects. But I feel this support extends far beyond KidLit to the writing community, in general. 

Recommended reading?

My girls and I love just about anything from Josh Funk, Brian T. Higgins, Deborah Underwood, and Aaron Blabey, but occasionally we’ll pick up a fun nonfiction or nonfiction crossover, like Jocelyn Rish’s Battle of the Butts.

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

Join SCBWI, get a critique group, and go to writing conferences and workshops TODAY! Do not finish your manuscript first or wait until you think it’s perfect, because there are so many facets of your story you won’t even consider until someone else (or lots of someone elses) lay eyes on it. 

What’s up next for you?

I have one more title releasing this year, and four more releasing in 2023: Watch Out for the Lion (Page Street Kids), All Aboard the Alaska Train (West Margin Press), Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend (Hazy Dell Press), and Little Narwhal Lost (West Margin Press). I’m a little nervous about launching so many books in one year, but I keep reminding myself this is my dream! Aside from that, I have a few projects out with submission through my agent right now, so fingers crossed that dream will continue in 2024 and beyond.

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

Don’t spend too much time on one project. It’s okay to bounce around a little and let projects simmer for on the backburner. When you pull them out again, you’ll be able to look at them with fresh eyes and maybe even fresh ideas!

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

Seriously you want me to pick ONE? You are cruel. If I was forced to choose just one, it’d result in an epic battle between Gaudior the winged unicorn from A Swiftly Tilting Planet and Penelope the T-Rex from We Don’t Eat Our Classmates. I’m not sure who would win, but I’d pay serious cash for tickets to that fight.

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Huge thank you to Brooke for stopping by to visit with us again! Congrats on all your upcoming books!

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BROOKE HARTMAN is an Alaskan mom and award winning author of silly, serious, and sometimes strange stories for children and young adults. Forthcoming titles include Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend (2020, Innovation Press), Pega Sisters! (2022, Page Street Kids), and The Littlest Airplane (2022, WestMargin Press). When she isn’t writing, you can find her fishing, flying, and having fun with her family, enjoying all the magic Alaska life has to offer.

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

Twitter: @BrookesBooksAK

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE LITTLEST AIRPLANE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 7th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Sarah Bagley Steele

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Sarah Bagley Steele, whose debut picture book, THE HAPPIEST KID, illustrated by Elsa Pui Si Lo and Clarice Yunyi Cai, releases with Yeehoo Press this month. I’m thrilled to have Sarah with us today to talk about her new book, writing process, and start in kidlit.

So without further ado, please welcome Sarah Bagley Steele!

Where do you live?

Brooklyn, NY.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I started writing picture books in 2017 and sent out my first query almost exactly four years ago. 

How did you first get published?

The Happiest Kid is my debut book and I sold it directly to the publisher, Yeehoo Press. I submitted it in February 2020 after reading they had an interest in children’s books about emotions. In June 2020, I received a revise and resubmit request from my future editor, along with the most helpful, insightful feedback that led me to an “aha!” moment with the manuscript. I tore through a revision, sent it back, and received an offer the following month. 

Do you write full-time?

I do. I produced theater for many years and pivoted to writing for children when my company shuttered. It was always a dream of mine, and I was fortunate to have a window of time where I could pursue it. 

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love the shared experience of a picture book, both for the creators and the readers. Picture books are usually read together – parents reading to children in bed, teachers to classrooms. There’s a ritual to picture book reading that I find very moving. As a writer, I’m inspired by the way the illustrations and the text dance together to tell a complete story. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

The timeline surprised me. There was a busy period with a lot of activity and back and forth with my editor, then long stretches of quiet once the text was set. It made me appreciate even more just how much work and time goes into creating a picture book. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the moment when I first think of a new story idea and my mind starts racing with possibilities. It never gets old.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

Finishing a first draft. I enjoy rewriting, but the initial process of getting something new down on paper, however messy and imperfect – and with an ending – is always hard. 

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

I love a good, long walk in the park, quietly thinking and looking at the world. I like to work stories out in my head before I ever start typing. I walk, and I mutter to myself. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I like to write in silence, which often means I work at late at night once everyone has gone to bed. My husband and children love to listen to music while they work, but I can’t do it. I have difficulty writing in cafés or crowded library reading rooms. I think I just get easily distracted!

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

Being on Critter Lit is a positive experience! Thank you so much for having me. The willingness of Kid Lit creators to support and lift each other up has been so inspiring and I hope to carry that forward. 

Recommended reading?

I love a good bedtime story, and Goodnight Ganesha by Nadia Salomon and illustrated by Poonam Mistry has such beautiful language and rich cultural details, and the artwork is stunning. My whole family was fascinated by the nonfiction picture book Battle of the Butts by Jocelyn Rish, illustrated by David Creighton-Pester, about how animals use their behinds for evolutionary advantages. And in middle grade, a recent favorite was The Wolf’s Curse by Jessica Vitalis, which was magical and mythic and dreamy and had me feeling all the feels. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Last week the preorders of The Happiest Kid began arriving and my friends and family kept texting me photos – my father proudly holding the book, my best friends’ children sitting together on the floor reading it. My daughter asked me to sign her book. Sharing something from your heart with the people you love is hard to beat. 

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

Do your research. Join Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, join SCWBI, join the KidLit411 Facebook Group, follow writers you like on Twitter, read the deal announcements in Publishers Weekly. There are so many wise and generous creators out there willing to offer advice and answer your questions, but first you have to ask them.  

Can you tell us about your newest book?

The Happiest Kid, illustrated by Elsa Pui Si Lo and Clarice Yunyi Cai, is about a happy kid who wakes up one morning not feeling happy. Where she normally sees a bright sun, there is now a cloud. She doesn’t know why it’s there, but she doesn’t want anyone to see it—not her parents, not her teacher, and not her friends—so she hides it away. She stuffs it in her pocket, and zips it in her backpack. But as the day goes on, the cloud grows too big and heavy for her to carry, and she must find the courage to let it out. It’s a reassuring book about big feelings and understanding that everyone feels sad sometimes, and that’s okay. 

Interior art from THE HAPPIEST KID by Sarah Bagley Steele, illustrated by Elsa Pui Si Lo and Clarice Yunyi Cai

What’s up next for you?

I’m getting ready to submit a new picture book and am also determined to return to the unfinished middle grade manuscript that keeps haunting my dreams. 

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

Something that I still struggle with is knowing when to keep working on a manuscript that isn’t getting any bites, and when to move on to something new. It’s important to believe in your work, but also to keep growing and moving forward.  

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

Adventures in Babysitting. Please tell me I’m not the only one who used to lip sync along to the opening scene with a hairbrush microphone!

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

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Sarah Bagley Steele is a children’s author who loves stories of all kinds that not only make you feel, but help you see the world differently than when you began. 

Before turning her attention to her own writing, Sarah worked in the theater industry, developing new plays and musicals off Broadway. She founded a summer theater company in Pennsylvania and produced ten seasons of free Shakespeare in the Park. 

Sarah lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband, two children and rascal puppy. When not writing, she loves reading, cooking, and crafting of all sorts. On her Instagram feed @sarah.writes.for.kids she shares book recommendations, and activity and craft ideas. You can also find her at www.sarahbagleysteele.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To order THE HAPPIEST KID, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE HAPPIEST KID?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 17th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Susan Lendroth

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author Susan Lendroth, whose newest book, PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER, illustrated by Olivia Feng, just released this month with Yeehoo Press! I adore the cover of this book— it makes me want to snuggle up and read. I’m thrilled to have Susan with us today to share her road to publication, process, and Piper!

So without further ado, please welcome Susan Lendroth!

Where do you live? 

Southern California.

How many years have you been in publishing? 

My first picture book came out in 2005, so 16 years from that date or 19 years if you count from when I began writing PB in 2002.

How did you first get published?

I sold a book on my own to Tricycle Press, which was an imprint of Tenspeed. It no longer exists because Tenspeed was acquired by Random House, but there are other smaller presses out there who give unagented authors a chance.

Do you write full-time? 

No, with a book released every couple of years, I also work full time for the Los Angeles Public Library.

What inspires you to create picture books? 

I love the final product! I love trying to find the essence of a story and editing away the extraneous bits. Even if it's not in verse (which I have a terrible tendency to write), a PB is very much like a poem, sparing of words, but often rich in feelings. Plus, an artist draws picture for it, which is the icing on the cake for me.

What surprised you the most working as an author? 

Until you try writing story arcs that conclude in a few hundred words, you do not realize how tough a challenge it can be.

What is your favorite thing about being an author? 

From my standpoint as an author, one of my favorite aspects is seeing for the first time how the illustrator envisions the story.

What do you find difficult working as an author? 

That only a few stories I have written will enter the publishing chrysalis and emerge as that winged wonder we call a book. Many manuscripts never find the right publishing home.

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

Every time I think of an idea -- even if it is only the smallest wisp of one -- I whip out my phone and email it to myself. Those ideas now comprise a very long potential story list. And if I look at that list, and none of those ideas feel ready to germinate, I sometimes just let my mind dance all over the place to see if there is some other idea ready to surface that feels like the right match for the moment.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity? 

Editing. And editing again. And again. And again. That may sound counterintuitive, since we associate creativity with the juices flowing and editing as snipping and paring. But editing, really strong editing, burnishes the story so that the imagination and creativity shine through.

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

I have spent half my career submitting on my own and half with an agent. When submitting on my own, some kind editors still read my unagented work even when their publishing house policy stated no unsolicited manuscripts.

Recommended reading? 

Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls. Beautiful PB with amazing illustrations by David Litchfield. When I read what they created, I feel more creative myself.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I'm glad you added the words "thus far" as I like to think there are highlights (plural) still to come. But I did find it exciting when my book HEY HO, TO MARS WE'LL GO was read by an astronaut on the International Space Station for Story Time from Space. 

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

Enjoy your moments, whatever they are, such as seeing your book in a bookstore for the first time or having someone ask you to sign a copy. Don't compare your success to the greater fanfare you think someone else is receiving. Enjoy YOUR moments!!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER, illustrated by Olivia Feng, is about a little girl named Piper whose constant companion for years is her favorite purple sweater. Piper finds it in a box of hand-me-downs at age 2, and simply falls in love, saying "purpa" because she can't yet pronounce the word "purple." Knowing how attached my own kid was to her lovey, I found the humor in Piper's determination to hold fast to a sweater that has become far more than a piece of clothing. But inevitably the day comes when Purpa no longer fits, and Piper must find a way to let go while still holding on to an old friend.

What’s up next for you?

I hope that I will have news to share in the near future about a new project. 

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

Study the craft and you will be far ahead of the curve with your submissions. Join the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to read what they have to offer and attend some of their events. Subscribe to Publishers Weekly's free children's newsletter to see what titles editors are buying RIGHT NOW (not 20 years ago) and to read articles about the industry. Study interviews with editors and agents and authors -- like this one! And, of course, read recent picture books. Read them at the library, and buy a few you find inspiring. Not only will you be supporting the children's writing community -- and your local bookstore -- but you will also always have on hand books you admire to spark your own creativity. And, finally, learn what to say and what NOT to say in a cover letter.

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

"Star Trek IV" when Kirk and crew go back in time (coincidentally to the 1980s) to save humpback whales and Earth's future. It is a funny, funny movie, so even if you are not a Star Trek fan -- though how could you not be?! -- it's an enjoyable romp. 

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Huge thank you to Susan for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book!

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Susan Lendroth’s picture books range from science to history to children finding their place in the world because she loves science and history and is still finding her own place in the world! She has nine published PB with her most recent, PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER!, inspired by her kid's childhood love of purple. Susan works for the Los Angeles Public Library and devotes her spare time to a needy cat named Kitten.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, follow Susan on social media:

facebook/susanlendroth

Instagram: @susanlendroth

BUY THIS BOOK To order PIPER AND PURPA FOREVER, click here.

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

Interview with Author Rosie J. Pova and Illustrator Monika Filipina

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have DOUBLE the fun with a DOUBLE interview featuring both the author and illustrator of the same book! I’m so excited to introduce to you both creators of THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY OF SUCCESS, a brand new picture book from Yeehoo Press, releasing May 10, 2022.

As you all know, making a picture book is a unique process when the writing and illustrating is done by two separate people. It’s amazing when it all comes together as one cohesive book, even though, in most cases, the author and illustrator never communicate with one another during the process. Everything is typically handled through the publisher— and yet a beautiful book is created! Like magic! Well, that and a ton of creative energy and hard work. I’m so excited to share two halves of the same book with you today.

So without further ado, please welcome author Rosie J. Pova and illustrator Monika Filipina!

Photos: Left: Rosie J. Pova, Right: Monika Filipina

Where do you live?

ROSIE: I live in Dallas, TX, but I'm originally from Bulgaria.

MONIKA: I live in Torun, Poland.

How many years have you been in publishing?

ROSIE: I've been writing for publication for over 17 years now.

MONIKA: About 10 years.

How did you first get published?

ROSIE: It only took me 12 years to get a yes from a small traditional publisher, but it was actually a triple yes as they offered me contracts on three standalone books--two picture books and one middle grade novel--and that's how I got started with traditional publishing.

MONIKA: I was starting while I was still studying at university. I first worked did small jobs designing books, then I illustrated my first book of good-night poems for a Polish publisher. After finishing my BA degree I found an agent and did small illustrating jobs. During my MA I started working as a junior designer at one of top educational publishers based in London. It was a great experience that gave me insight to the publishing work. I got to see how a book comes to life from scratch. However after a couple of month I got my first big illustration job and had to quit.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

ROSIE: I do, yes--I write full time. But I also coach and mentor emerging and pre-published authors, helping them advance their writing careers and move closer to their publishing goals.

MONIKA: Yes! I am lucky to be working as a full time illustrator.

What inspires you to create picture books?

ROSIE: Anything and everything! I love that kidlit format, and I'm definitely partial to picture books in particular, even though I write for children of all age groups--from board books to young adult. I call picture books "little geniuses" because they are such simple yet profound multi-taskers that accomplish so much, as an art form, in such little time and space.

MONIKA: I guess that my biggest inspiration at the moment are my children. I spend vast amount of time with them and it is natural that I observe how they play, move, talk and get lots of inspiration from them. Having said that, I find inspiration from many other things - I love running in the forest and spending any free time in the outside. It is just when I am lucky to see something interesting that stories and ideas come to me on its own.

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

ROSIE: How much my stories transform when a professional illustrator comes on board, the art is added to the words, and my story becomes a real book. It's such a thrill to see! Also, the amazing questions kids ask me when I visit schools!

MONIKA: Working as an illustrator has been a learning curve all the way. There is many things that nobody tells you before you got ‘out there’. What surprises me at the moment are emails with requests to illustrate an entire book within a month. It makes me wonder who are the people that can illustrate this and I must say, I would love to chat with them! It takes me 3, sometimes 4 days to finish ONE illustration so I would really love to know the trick to work faster!

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

ROSIE: My favorite thing is visiting schools, interacting with kids, and sharing my stories and my journey as a way to inspire them to pursue their own dreams.

MONIKA: I get to do what I always wanted to do! I remember that as a child I dreamt about being a children’s book illustrator. I am an individual and do not feel good working with other people so being independent freelance illustrator is absolutely great. I also manage my own timetable which means I can work when I want (though I have been working days, nights and weekends lately as I have been finishing new books!)

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

ROSIE: Definitely the long waiting at every step of the process--from finding and agent, to waiting for replies while on submission, to anxiously awaiting for the book release--it takes years! This business can be so slow and unpredictable. As a prolific writer, I'm eager to have multiple books releasing each year, so a lot of patience is required.

MONIKA: One of the most difficult things for me is pricing my work! I lack self-confidence to value my work and at times I forget how much work it took to do what I do :) I also find very difficult to manage my schedule. I tend to take on far too much work and end up working crazy hours.

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

ROSIE: I read, brainstorm, write down things my kids say, read kid lit blog posts or simply wait and trust that an idea is coming, knowing that I need to stay open to receiving it.

MONIKA: I love jogging, exercising and yoga. These are great ways to freshen up my mind. Also, taking a break and going to the woods or to the seaside work magic!

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

ROSIE: No, not really. I like being flexible with creativity and open to the unexpected.

MONIKA: I need a good breakfast in the morning before I can start to think. When I work I like to have a movie playing in the background. It is funny because when I look at the illustrations I did I can remember what movie or tv series I watched while working on that particular artwork :) at the moment I have been watching Harry Potter movies, again!

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

ROSIE: I've gotten so much help and support from the kidlit community over the years, in many forms--from critiques, advice and resources to peers helping me spread the word about my books and purchasing them... it's such a great and generous community, and I can't imagine anyone doing this alone. The support has been invaluable and so much appreciated!

MONIKA: Every bit of support, warm comment and advice is positive and helpful during the times we have now.

Recommended reading?

ROSIE: Oh, so many new books that I can recommend, but let me mentions just a few titles:

Home for a While by by Lauren Kerstein, Illustrated by Natalia Moore

Clovis Keeps His Cool by Katelyn Aronson, Illustrated by Eve Farb

A Flood of Kindness by Ellen Leventhal, Illustrated by Blythe Russo

Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen

... and so many more!

MONIKA: Always Harry Potter! I grew up with the series and have been in love with this magical world ever since I read the first book. I also love Jo Nesbo’s books - Harry Hole series is fantastic. I have also read his other work and he is just a brilliant writer I guess. (How can it be that two of my favourite book series are about Harry?)

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

ROSIE: Definitely seeing my book, Sunday Rain, featured in The New York Times and Parents magazine, as well as having an incredible, interactive read-aloud video created by Bri Reads on her YouTube channel that now has over 73K views in just nine months! Oh, and one more to mention... when a school in San Diego told me they want to turn my upcoming book, The School of Failure: A Story about Success, into a play!! I cannot wait to see that!

MONIKA: I am proud that the first picture book I illustrated, OH WHAT A TANGLE, won Best World Picture Book at China Shanghai International Bookfair. It also always brightens my day when I receive complimentary copies of my books.

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

ROSIE: I wish someone would've told me to join a critique group right away.

MONIKA: I wish that I actually believed some things that I was told. For example I wish that I focused on developing and improving my own visual language instead of taking on commercial jobs and working the way I was told to working. I wish that I believed more in my talent instead of taking on far too many jobs in the past. I also wish that someone told me not to take on jobs that terms I am not totally happy with.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

ROSIE: Yes, I'm quite excited about it and cannot wait to share it with readers! It's a fractured fairy tale about how the road to success is paved with mistakes.

MONIKA: THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE is a truly wonderful story about success. I did my best to bring the characters to life and to make each of them unique. I really think that children need this story to believe in themselves and never give up :)

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

Interior art from THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, A STORY ABOUT SUCCESS by Rosie J. Pova, illustrated by Monika Filipina, published by Yeehoo Press

What’s up next for you?

ROSIE: Next for me is launching a new writing course for emerging picture book writers.

My agent and I are also on submission with a few different stories, so hopefully more new books will be in the pipeline for me soon.

MONIKA: I have been extremely busy and there is a few more books with my illustrations coming up soon. I plan to slow down over the summer months, rest in our caravan by the sea and learn to surf.

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

ROSIE: Read newly published books in the genre you write, find a critique group, but also invest in your craft and get professional feedback, write a lot--don't get stuck on one story--and finally, be open to feedback and don't be afraid to experiment with your work. Sometimes, you can be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

MONIKA: I don’t think I can stress this enough because this is the thing I have the most difficulties with: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Believe in your work and your talent because you have a very unique gift! Even if it does not work out, as in the SCHOOL OF FAILURE, sooner or later, you will find a way to make it work.

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

ROSIE: Dirty Dancing.

MONIKA: INDIANA JONES!

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Huge thank you to both Rosie and Monika for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic new book!

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ROSIE J. POVA is a multi-published, award-winning children's author and kid lit Writing Coach. Her latest picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in spring 2022 in both China and the USA.

Rosie loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating. 

She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women's and moms topics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Rosie visit her website: RosieJPova.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @RosiePOV [https://twitter.com/RosiePOV]

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rosiepova/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RosieWrites

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-j-pova-childrens-author/

As a daughter of two karate masters, MONIKA FILIPINA’s life was very active. From the youngest age she trained sports and was competing all over Europe and in 2000 Monika even won a gold medal at the World Karate Championships in Lisbon, Portugal! Despite such adventurous childhood, drawing was the thing that she was most passionate about. So one day, Monika simply decided to pack her bags and move to the UK to study. In 2011 she completed BA with Hons in Illustration at the University of Wolverhampton and was honored Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Visual Communications and was chosen one of Highly Commended Students at the D&AD New Blood Show. Soon after that, she moved to Cambridge and in 2014 have successfully completed Master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Arts.

In 2013 the book that Monika illustrated, “Oh! What a Tangle”, published by Digital Leaf, was awarded the Golden Pinwheel award for best International children’s book and Shanghai Children’s Book Fair! So far she was very lucky to be working with lovely clients all over the world and keeps making her dream come true every day.

She has recently founded her own baby clothes brand for which she designed all illustrated all the outfits. Monika lives with her two little kids, two not so little cats and one totally grown up husband in her hometown - Toruń, Poland. In her free time she enjoys running, yoga and fitness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Monika, visit her online: https://monikafilipina.art/

https://thebrightagency.com/uk/childrens-illustration/artists/monika-filipina

Or follow her on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/monikafilipina/

https://www.facebook.com/MonikaFilipinaIllustration

BUY THIS BOOK To order THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 17th! US addresses only please.

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 Ray A. Price

Happy New Year Critters! We are officially back for 2022! We have a ton of fantastic interviews scheduled this year that I’m so excited to share with you all! I actually just filled our last interview slot for 2022 last week so anyone looking to schedule an interview with us for 2023 please feel free to reach out to me at lindsay@critterlit.com.

To kick off the new year we have an interview with self-published author Ray A. Price! I’m thrilled to have him with us today to talk about his new book, MY BROTHER IS A WEREWOLF, illustrated by Sam Aston, his road to publication, and his creative process.

So without further ado, please welcome Ray A. Price to Critter Lit!

Where do you live?

I live in Washington Pennsylvania. It’s about 25 minutes away from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been in publishing for a year. 

How did you first get published?

I published my first story independently in 2020.

Do you write full-time?

No.

What inspires you to create picture books?

At first, my inspiration came from my daughter. When she was younger, I would guest read for her classroom. I would buy a picture book and cookies for the class. After I did this a few times my daughter looked at me and said, “Dad I know you used to write plays for stage in college, can you write a story for me?” It was a challenge I accepted. I wanted to tell stories that she would be proud of but also relatable. 

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

My favorite thing is how my stories resonate with others. The feedback from reviews or the pictures from kids holding my book is just amazing. The hard work is definitely worth it. 

What do you find difficult working as an author?

What can be difficult is finding unique voices for the characters I write. It’s challenging for sure but it’s fun creating characters that have different personalities, quirks, abilities, etc. As a writer I enjoy creating fresh characters and my goal is to tell stories that are believable with solid beginnings, middles, and ends. 

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

I’m definitely not immune to writer’s block. To keep things fresh and creative I will often times read or watch children’s literature or television. It helps me find out what they are interested in. I also have a young niece and she’s like a sponge. She absorbs so much and I like being around her. I think it’s important to be around children and to engage with what they are watching and what they are playing. It helps my writing. Children are a lot smarter than we think. 

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I always outline. For me, it’s my map of the story. The story can definitely change after my outline but I always start with an outline before writing my first draft. 

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

Yes, I had an interaction with a member who read an early copy of My Brother is a Werewolf for her blog. She gave it a really great review. She mentioned that the story was very great and that the overall presentation was amazing. That meant a lot coming from another kid lit author. 

Recommended reading?

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie has always been one of my favorite picture books. I still really enjoy classic stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and The Three Little Pigs. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

One of the highlights has been seeing how my book makes families smile and laugh. Recently a guy on social media shared an image of his kids holding my book. He posted a review about it and that was just really amazing. Anytime kids are enjoying my stories I love it. That pushes me forward to write more and to keep more people to enjoy my books.

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

I wish someone would had told me how fun this is. I’m having a blast doing this. It’s hard work but it never feels like work. I have been fortunate enough to find people on my team that feel the same. We are all so dedicated and devoted to the projects. It’s fun collaborating with individuals from around the world and creating a picture book.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest book is My Brother is a Werewolf.  The story is about a young girl named Brie. Brie wanted a puppy. But got a younger brother. Accidentally turning her five year old brother into a werewolf is the biggest mistake of her life. She’ll do anything to fix him because cleaning up werewolf poop is as bad as you think it is. Brie thinks she had caused her parents to divorce because of her mistake. As the reader, we see how divorce looks through the eyes of a child and how Brie will do anything to fix her family.

What’s up next for you?

We just released My Brother is a Werewolf so we are going to continue to promote it. We have a planned audio book version releasing later this year. 

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

Yes, it is important to find a team. Find people who are not just there for a paycheck but want to see your goal and dream come true. Interview people until you’re comfortable and do not settle. 

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

Star Wars Return of the Jedi. 

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Huge thank you to Ray for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your wonderful new book!

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RAY A. PRICE is the author of My Brother is a Werewolf. He is an author for children’s books, short stories, and comics. Ray started his interest with children’s stories when he used to read to his daughter’s elementary classes as a guest parent speaker. After many visits to her classes and dozens of cookies donated in each visit, his little girl gave him the idea to write his own children’s book. With that in mind, Ray sat down and began writing with his heart to create a story dedicated to her. Build with Bricks was Ray’s first self published children story in 2020.

Ray has many other achievements that he is very proud of. He has a bachelors degree in political science and a master degree in fraud and forensic. He is a full-time fraud investigator. During his studies, he did plenty of playwriting. Ray found his passion for writing when he wrote short stories in middle school.

When Ray is not thinking of new ideas for his next story, he likes to be family oriented. Ray likes to travel and sample new restaurants with his family. He loves playing video games and discovering new television shows. When the weather is nice, he loves taking his English Bulldog on walks. Ray listens to various podcast daily and loves reading comics.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Ray online here or follow him on Twitter: @RaymondAPrice

BUY THIS BOOK To order MY BROTHER IS A WEREWOLF, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MY BROTHER IS A WEREWOLF?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, January 27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Anitra Rowe Schulte

Happy Thursday Critters! Can you believe we’ve made it to December?! Today we have an interview with debut picture book author Anitra Rowe Schulte, who I’m thrilled to be featuring on Critter Lit! Not only is she a fellow Two Lions author who I share an editor with, but her debut picture book has received glowing and starred reviews and was just named a best book of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews. So exciting! Anitra’s book, DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, is a truly spectacular debut and one that is not to be missed!

So without further ado, please welcome Anitra Rowe Schulte!

Where do you live?

I live in Geneva, Illinois, which is 30 miles west of Chicago, where suburbia ends and pumpkin patches begin.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

When I was in kindergarten, I joined my first writer’s group at my local elementary school. At the Young Authors Club, I worked on developing ideas and turning them into picture books. I was hooked! There were lots of clues along the way, leading me back to this first love, but I really started working on my craft seriously about five years ago, in 2016.

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

My road to publication was a little windy at first. As I was learning the craft, I played around and experimented a lot. But the stories that always seemed to connect most with others were those inspired by emotions and experiences that I lived through first-hand. I met my agent, Stephanie Hansen, at a live pitch session in 2017. The story that I pitched her that day never sold, but it jumpstarted a wonderful relationship. After a kidlit author friend suggested that I lean into telling my family’s story, I gave that a go and found it to be so natural and powerful! My debut, DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, is very much based on my family life. That story went on submission in 2018 and sold within a couple of months. I cannot say enough good things about my editor, Kelsey Skea, and the Two Lions team! The entire experience has been a total dream come true.

Can you share a bit about your process?

For me, a new idea usually arrives unexpectedly, like a colorful string just outside my door. I pick it up and twirl it around a bit, to see what it wants to be. Then, with an idea in my mind, I start pulling that string. I pull and pull and loop and weave until something starts to take shape. I will not stop until I run out of string or hit a nasty snag. Most of the time, I’m writing at my kitchen table. But if the string is still coming while I’m out driving my daughters to therapy or soccer or piano, I will not hesitate to write in parking garages, parking lots or someone’s driveway. My laptop never leaves my side! 

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

I am in three critique groups, and one of the things that keeps me from getting stuck is sharing stories with these three groups in separate waves. I send my first polished draft to one group. When the story is a little further along, I’ll send it to the second group. When it’s close to polished and final, I’ll send it to the third group. That way, I’m always inching a story forward, toward becoming the best story it can be, but also getting fresh eyes at every step along the way. 

I get a lot of new ideas from my three daughters and from tuning into the things that I love and make me tick. I also received great advice at a writing conference once: To think of something that you really want to impart or share with someone in your life. I’ve found that concepts conceived in this way have a built-in audience and point of view and an emotional clarity that never wavers – a true north.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

Black coffee or green tea and peanut butter spoons topped with mini M&Ms. If you’ve never tried this, I warn you: It’s life changing and dangerously good. 

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

So many! I love picture books by Margarita Engle, Kelly DiPucchio, Pat Zietlow Miller, and Kelly Starling Lyons. They always choose the perfect and most-poignant words and grab hold of your heart. I also love everything that illustrators Marla Frazee, Cindy Derby, Corinna Luyken, and Sophie Blackall create. 

Dream project to work on?

There is a middle grade story inside me, about small-town life, sister bonds, and magical circumstances that I keep noodling. I’d love to figure that story out. There is so much I want to say about what it’s like growing up with big dreams, hungry for an artistic outlet, all the while wrestling with a love + disdain for the isolating endless rows of corn and soybeans. It keeps swirling in the grain bins of my mind. Someday…  

Tell us about your debut book.

When my husband Dan was about to take our three girls to a father-daughter dance, I started imagining what the night would be like. The story that resulted was DANCING WITH DADDY. The main character of the story is inspired by my oldest daughter, who has a chromosome deletion (4p-), which is called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. After years of checking out library books, and not finding any PBs with characters that reminded me of our family, I decided to write something that I wanted to see on the shelves. Here’s the story summary:

Elsie can’t wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie’s heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and words from a book filled with pictures, she shares her excitement with her family. But when a winter storm comes, she wonders if she’ll get the chance to spin and dance her way to a dream come true.

Interior Art from DANCING WITH DADDY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions

Interior Art from DANCING WITH DADDY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions

Interior Art from DANCING WITH DADDY by Anitra Rowe Schulte, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions

What’s up next for you?

My second picture book, WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise, will be released in Fall 2022. I’ve seen sketches and a few pieces of final art, and it is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Christopher captures the mood with such gravity and tenderness. WILLOW AND BUNNY, a story about a small bunny and a protective willow tree, is inspired by the scary moments that thrust people under the same canopy, and how difficult it can be to find light on the other side of devastation. With friendship, love and courage, we can make it through tough times – it’s a message that I really wanted to convey to my children, and I hope other readers feel it in their hearts, as well. 

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

This is a real toss up – it’s gotta be either Muppets Take Manhattan or Footloose. I’ve watched each of them at least 50 times. I’ve always been a real Kermit lover (he was on my 4-year-old birthday cake), and I love all the over-the-top characters and dance numbers. This probably why I also love Footloose. Plus Kevin Bacon.

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Huge thank you to Anitra for stopping by Critter Lit! Congrats on your fantastic debut! We can’t wait for WILLOW AND BUNNY!

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Anitra Rowe Schulte is a children’s book writer, whose picture book debut DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen (Two Lions) publishes on Dec. 1, 2021. Her second picture book WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise (Two Lions) is set for Fall 2022. Anitra is a proud member of the 2021 debut group PB Debut Troupe 21 and the upcoming group PB Tales of 2022. Anitra is represented by Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency. She lives in Geneva, Illinois, with her husband, three daughters, and super-sweet kitty Pancake. Anitra is an active member of SCBWI and 12x12 and a 2021 PBChat mentor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Anitra online at www.anitraroweschulte.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @anitraschulte

Instagram: @anitraroweschulte

BUY THIS BOOK To order Anitra’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of DANCING WITH DADDY?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, December 9th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Julie Murphy

Happy Friday Critters! I know— it’s Friday not Thursday but we are here! And this week has been crazy! So although this post is a day later than our normal posting, today we have a fabulous interview with Julie Murphy, a trained zoologist and zookeeper turned author! I’m such a huge fan of books that focus on fascinating facts about animals and nature— my boys pour over books like Julie’s. I’m so happy Julie is with us today, all the way from Australia, to talk about her books (19 and counting!), road to publication, and experience in the publishing industry.

So without further ado, please welcome Julie Murphy!

Where do you live?

I live in Melbourne, Australia

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book was published in 2008. That’s also when I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

How did you first get published?

I had been writing and submitting picture book manuscripts for a couple of years, and receiving quite positive feedback but no offers to publish. Around 2007, I decided to approach education publishers for prospective work-for-hire, using my science background as a selling point to try and get my foot in the door. 

After hearing about a new local packager (a company that makes books to sell on to publishers) during a writing course I was attending, I wrote to them and crossed my fingers. I was fortunate to hear back within the week! By chance, one of their writers had just pulled out of a project at short notice, and they needed someone to step in right away. I was given the task of researching and writing a children’s non-fiction book (about nutrition!) in six weeks. Luckily, my science background trained me in how to effectively research scientific literature, which was very useful in meeting the strict deadline.

For anyone who doesn’t know, work-for-hire involves writing a book according to a specific brief provided by the packager or publisher. So, in this case, although the idea for the book wasn’t mine, the research and writing certainly was, and I was the attributed author.

This first book led to others, which allowed me to build a list of publications that led to finding work-for-hire with other publishers. That led to eventually getting my own manuscripts published. 

Do you write full-time?

No. Besides not earning enough from my writing, I learnt through the recent Covid lockdown that writing full-time would drive me crazy. I am happy writing part-time, and working part-time as an Education Officer who leads junior school groups through education programs at an urban farm. I find the mix of solitary writing and in-person teaching the perfect balance.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I am most inspired to write picture books about animals and nature because that’s what I am most passionate about. I am fortunate that the city where I live, Melbourne, has forests and beaches within a few hours’ drive. I love walking in nature, and find it an important way to stay centered in a hectic world.

Working in a big city, I meet many kids who lack a connection to nature. I aim through my books to inspire children to seek out nature for themselves, for their own physical and mental wellbeing.

What surprised you the most working as an author?

I think the fact that I never feel like a “real” author. “Imposter syndrome” sets in quite regularly, but in some ways it’s useful because I’m always learning and trying to write the best book I can.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the freedom the lifestyle fosters - that a walk in the park might lead to a new story; that my job is to be curious like a child, to play with words, and to turn a thought into something fun, uplifting, important or even profound that can be shared with children.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

It’s often difficult to work out that special hook that will bring a fresh approach to a well-known topic, to give an edge over existing books in the market about that topic.

Finding the right hook requires patience and persistence. (It needs a new angle, but not too new or publishers will run a mile.)

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

I leave my computer and do something different – walk my dog, visit a friend, do some gardening, watch a movie or documentary, or go out into nature. Once I stop thinking about my writing, that’s often when new ideas or a fresh approach come along.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

That’s an interesting question, which seems a bit paradoxical at first because I believe that creative ideas cannot be planned or forced. But you are right! Once I’ve got the idea or spark, I need to habitually sit at the computer to get the hard work done - writing the manuscript.

My daily routine is to check emails and social media first (for no more than half an hour) before then starting work on a manuscript. This seems to get me into the right frame of mind to do the work.  

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

The Kid Lit community is awesome! Your invitation to talk with you on the CritterLit blog is a wonderful example of the support and sharing that goes on. Thank you for having me here!

I must say that it took me a while to establish connections in the Kid Lit community because I’m basically an introvert. It’s easier for me to write a few sentences on Twitter than to talk person to person. However, my local SCBWI meetings were worth the initial awkwardness I felt at not knowing anyone. Through those meetings, I have found a tribe of like-minded, supportive friends and colleagues who attend each other’s’ book launches and help to spread the word of our new releases on social media.

Recommended reading?

For me, lots of picture books - fiction and non-fiction. You never know where the next idea will spring from, and it’s a great way to keep up with what’s being published, by which publishers, and to work out what (I think) works in a book and what doesn’t.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

While every step in my career has been exciting and beyond what I ever expected, the highlight is always the release of my NEXT book.

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

Looking back, I think it may have been useful to have been forewarned how looooooong things take to happen in publishing. Persistence is truly as important as doing the writing.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

ODD BODS: The World’s Unusual Animals is a non-fiction picture book (with photos instead of illustrations) about how animals that look different from the norm are just as great at surviving as familiar-looking animals. ODD BODS was released in March this year through Lerner Publishing Group (Millbrook Press). It’s aimed at children K-3. 

Here’s the blurb:

Long snouts, bright-red lips, pointy heads,,,the animal kingdom is full of critters with unique features. Learn about the incredible adaptations that help these creatures – and their odd bods – survive and thrive around the globe.

What’s up next for you?

I’m expecting the release of MOUNTAIN PYGMY-POSSUM: A Tiny Survivor through CSIRO Publishing (Australia) in October 2021, covid permitting. It is a narrative non-fiction picture book about a year-in-the-life of the endangered (and ultra-cute) Mountain Pygmy-possum, which is a native Australian animal that lives in only one tiny region in Australia’s highlands. And this book’s illustrations are beautiful!

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

While it’s important to attend training and information courses to hone your skills, and to get critique feedback on your manuscripts from colleagues, it’s also good to trust in yourself. With the wealth of information out there, you’re bound to discover conflicting information and suggestions that contradict each other, or which don’t suit your way of working. That’s okay. Don’t force these opinions onto yourself – follow your gut. Because if you’re in it for the long haul, you HAVE to enjoy the ride!

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

The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

In 1977, Star Wars rocked my world. (Yes, I was a kid then.) But then the three-year wait for its sequel (Empire) was excruciating. Fortunately, the wait was worth it. Empire was one of those rarities – a sequel that was even better than its predecessor.

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

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JULIE MURPHY was trained as a zoologist and zookeeper, and has been writing fiction and non-fiction books for around two decades. Her 19 picture books and information books about animals and nature have been published by Trade and Education publishers in the USA and Australia (where she lives). Several books have won or been short-listed for major awards, including the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

Julie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), and volunteer as a reviewer for the CBCA’s Reading Time, www.readingtime.com.au.

Julie writes books to inspire young readers to become lifelong readers and conservation stewards. She hopes to encourage kids to be more curious about nature and to become motivated to experience the natural world for themselves - even a park or back yard will do!

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Julie, visit her online: www.juliemurphybooks.com

Or follow her on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliekidsbooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/157536.Julie_Murphy

BUY THIS BOOK To order Julie’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of ODD BODS?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 28th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Shaunda Wenger

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with a debut author whose new book CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR!, illustrated by Jojo Ensslin, just released this month with Albert Whitman. I LOVE the premise of this book— it’s such a fantastic idea and so well executed!

So without further ado, please welcome Shaunda Wenger!

Where do you live?

I live in Northern Utah in a place called Cache Valley that offers mountain views in all directions.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

In elementary school one of my teachers introduced our class to book-making. She brought us through the creation of our own books. We developed our story ideas, created first and final drafts with illustrations, and then bound the whole book together with stitching between cardboard covers that were decorated with wallpaper. Before that experience I had never thought about how books (which I loved!) were written and created. I became hooked and started making my own books at home. I still have a couple of them.

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

It began about 25 years ago when an author Jim Fergus reached out while I was finishing my MS at Colorado State University. He wanted someone to collaborate with him on a natural history guide of Rocky Mountain National Park, and I had spent 2 years doing research there. Although Jim eventually stepped away from that project to focus on One Thousand White Women, the spark for publication had been reignited by writing for him and receiving his praise and encouragement. I went on to find Utah writing events led by the late Rick Walton and Carol Lynch Williams, as well as SCBWI. Over the years I took classes, attended conferences, and developed an appreciation for the friendships I made along the way. Currently I’m associated with four major groups: SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s PB 12x12, Bethany Hegedus’s The Writing Barn, and WIFYR, which continue to offer education and support. I’ve had articles, poems, and stories published in the educational market, and even ventured into self-publishing when ebooks became popular. In 2019 a submission opportunity through a writing event with my Utah/Idaho chapter of SCBWI captured the interest of an editor at Albert Whitman, and the rest fell into place.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Each day I schedule my writing time based on the list of chores or work that needs to get done. Based on the length of that list, I decide how much time I’ll put toward writing in the morning. Depending on how well the muse is cooperating, the to-do list might get truncated. Aside from my hours dedicated to teaching, my writing time has become the priority. Chores and to-do’s come second. Getting dinner on the table (now that I’m an empty nester), third. As for writing, I often start with a mental image. Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! started with a funny image from Jack Horner’s Ted Talk video about the connection between birds and dinosaurs. Once I have an idea, I decide on setting and the type of feeling it evokes. Then I focus on character—what the character wants and what obstacles stand in the way of getting it. Lastly, free-writing allows voice to emerge. Once I have the initial scenes down, I let the story sit for a few days before coming back to finish it. Feedback from critique partners over a several month period refines the story even more until I feel it’s ready to submit. 

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

Any sort of outdoor activity helps: walking, gardening, hiking, floating on a lake in summer…. Because I love the outdoors, getting myself moving outside clears my mind, rejuvenates my spirit, and opens the way for creative ideas to flow.

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A notebook and pen. Although I type my manuscripts and their revisions in the computer, nearly all of my drafts begin with initial lines and thoughts written down on paper.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

There are many authors and illustrators whom I admire, but those that come to mind today include: Beth Ferry, Bethany Hegedus, Jackie Azua Kramer, Juana Martinez-Neal, Kathi Appelt, Katherine Applegate, Carol Lynch Williams, Dianne White, Adam Rex, Jon Klassen, Kevin Hawkes, and the late Rick Walton.

Dream project to work on?

I’m not sure! Perhaps one that seamlessly flows from inspirational spark to finding itself in book-form in the hands of readers—and in record time! 

Tell us about your debut book.

Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! is a quirky tale with a STEM foundation in which Chicken Frank tries to convince his barnyard friends that he really is a dinosaur. But no one believes him. When DNA results inspire Frank to have a reunion with alligators, his friends fear he may become a tasty chicken nugget. Surprisingly, Frank’s quest for relatives doesn’t end there. In fact, he’s inspired to connect with others that may be equally fearsome. Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! offers a humorous introduction to evolution, extinction, and scientific debate while showing that friendship and family can be found in unexpected places. 

What’s up next for you? 

I’m continuing to write new stories all the time and remain hopeful that one will capture the interest of a publisher. I also look forward to connecting with readers and other writers in both virtual and in-person visits at schools, festivals, and conferences.  

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

Hands down: The Goonies. To this day, it still entertains.

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Huge thank you to Shaunda for stoping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your fantastic debut!

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SHAUNDA WENGER, writing as S.K. Wenger, grew up among the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire and then found another beautiful backdrop in Utah to raise three children with her husband. Holding a master’s degree in science and numerous adventures in the outdoors, Shaunda loves weaving STEM and humor into her stories and classroom. She strives to create stories that leave readers wanting to step out into the world knowing who they are and what they like, with a renewed interest in going where their curiosities lead them. She is the winner of the 2020 Fellowship Grant from the Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference for a middle grade manuscript, A SONG BY ANY MEASURE, and is excited for the publication of her debut children’s picture book, Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! (Albert Whitman). Illustrated by Jojo Ensslin, which released on October 1, 2021.

FOR MORE INFO about Shaunda’s work, visit her online: www.skwenger.com or follow her on social media:

Twitter: @SKWenger 

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

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Shaunda’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of CHICKEN FRANK, DINOSAUR! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 14th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author Karen Greenwald

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut author who found her way to picture books through the law— which I love! It’s always fascinating to me to hear how debut authors and illustrators find their way to kidlit. I’m thrilled to share Karen’s story and road to publication with all of you today in celebration of her debut picture book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, illustrated by Sian James, with Albert Whitman Books.

So without further ado, please welcome Karen Greenwald!

Where do you live?

Maryland.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

I decided in fourth grade that one day I would write a book. Then in law school I took “Literacy and the Law.” We delved into book banning history, civil rights issues, international law issues, et al—but we also had to tutor a child and create our own picture book. It was a gift to my artistic soul! The book I wrote and illustrated (inspired by Rawls’ Theory of Justice and John and Evelyn Dewey) actually won two brand strategy industry international awards and was spoken about by the Majority Leader of Congress to a room full of women leaders a few years ago.

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

I began seriously studying the art of children’s literature around five-ish years ago. One of the things that surprised me the most was how vast the difference is between the average person’s opinion/knowledge of picture book publishing versus the reality.

When I happened on a reference to Susanna Salter, I was hooked immediately. I knew I had to tell her story—especially since Salter’s history has been left to a 1954 article (and the blogs/articles, etc that use the same information). My journey from beginning to sale took about two a half years. After spending several hours over the phone with amazing librarians and genealogists at Kansas State University, I was deeply saddened to hear the next weekend that the library had burned to the ground. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. I did wonder, however, if it was a “sign”…like, don’t do this one!

For over a year and a half, in spite of various hurdles, I kept researching, trying to access anything that would give me that special something the story needed. But little could be found that fit picture book story requirements. As we know, an interesting moment or tale doesn’t necessarily fit this genre.

 Then I met (virtually) Susanna Salter’s great granddaughter. She and her brother shared with me beautiful letters, pictures, and the like. When I wrote the final draft two years in, I kept one of her letters open on my laptop desktop. I think I actually teared up when I typed the final words. (Ssh! Don’t tell anyone!)

Can you share a bit about your process?

I never knew this prior, but apparently I am a major researcher—I will not stop until I get that everything I need to make the story my own. I enjoy and am inspired by building relationships with a circle of people surrounding the topic I’m working on. This makes the experience meaningful for me. I write out the idea (I do this for art, too) in my head, moving parts around like magnetic poetry pieces. Once I feel like I have the concept, then I get typing.

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

Good question! I’ll let you know when I figure that one out!

Anything you can’t live without while you write?

A lack of distraction, my favorite thesaurus, and my dog napping (if you’ve ever been on the phone with me, you know why! Lol!)

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Who doesn’t inspire me?! I cannot go in a book store for this very reason. I have to pull out every book I go near.

Dream project to work on?

I feel like I’m living my dream right now with my debut. What could be better than shining a light on an incredible woman who changed American politics and world history? To be the first and only person to write her story is an honor.

Tell us about your debut book.

As I mentioned, this is a story I am so proud to tell. Susanna Salter made international history in 1887-1888. I am still surprised to the reaction I get when discussing her with everyone from elected officials to educators. Even those who think they know the story mostly have their information from this 1954 article. Her impact has never truly been taught, discussed, or considered. In all of the news coverage that she received, nobody ever asked a very important question. I wanted to tell a deeper story. Thanks to the generosity of two of her great-grandchildren and my own research, I was able to discover her heart.

What’s up next for you?

Hmm…what is next?;)

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

This is actually the hardest one of your questions—lol! Can I give a few? Clearly, When Harry Met Sally, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (the creativity of the post ending-ending), and St. Elmo’s Fire (because I’m a Georgetown alum—though, it was actually filmed at University of MD)…I really could go on… 

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Huge thank you to Suzanna for stopping by Critter Lit today!

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Karen M. Greenwald has a wide range of government, campaign, and branding experience. She’s won international awards for STEM creative, writing, video, rebranding, and self-promotion. Bylined credits include online, print magazines, and The Washington Post. Karen belongs to SCBWI, 12×12, and co-founded #SunWriteFun—a NF/Info Fic. summer contest that raises money for kidlit charities. Her picture book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR, debuts in October (Albert Whitman). It has held steady since February on two of Amazon’s Hot New Releases lists for kids. A Phi Beta Kappa, she earned undergraduate and JD degrees from Georgetown University. Before turning to branding, Karen worked as an attorney and focused on international environmental compliance issues.

FOR MORE INFO about Karen’s work, visit her online www.karenmgreenwald.com or follow her on social media @karenmgreenwald

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Karen’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 7th! 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 Tina Athaide

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fantastic interview with the incredibly talented Tina Athaide! I’m thrilled to have her with us today to share her experience writing both middle grade novels and picture books, road to publication, and creative process.

So without further ado, please welcome Tina Athaide!

Where do you live

I'm in Southern California right now, but grew up between London and Canada.

When did you know you wanted to write picture books?

As a child, l loved keeping a journal, so there's always been that part of me that likes storytelling. I was motivated to write stories when I started teaching and noticed that the books in my classroom and in the curriculum didn't represent the students in my classroom.

So, my first books were leveled readers with South Asian characters involved in everyday activities, similar to those experienced by my students.

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

It has been like riding the Colossus roller coaster at Six Flags, full of twists and turns. My debut middle grade book, Orange for the Sunsets, about the expulsion of Asian Indians from Uganda was rejected thirty times before it was accepted for publication. It morphed from a picture book into a middle grade book with at least five different versions in between.

The whole process took me ten years, but during that time, I attended SCBWI conferences, joined critique groups, and kept reading and writing.

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

When I'm working on a new story or in the middle of revisions, here are my top five go to things to keep the momentum flowing.

1. Brew a cup of tea and nibble on something sweet.

2. Yoga (A few stretches and the quiet do wonders to clear the mind)

3. I grab my black lab, Butler, and we go for a walk.

4. Pull a book from my "To be read pile" and read.

5. Draw (I draw the scene or a character or doodle)

Anything you can't live without while you write?

I must have a kettle to boil hot water for tea and a journal for those inspirational ideas that may strike at any time.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

As a child, I loved the Narnia series by C.S.Lewis and Nancy Drew Mysteries. Uma Krishnaswami inspires me because she broke boundaries and published stories with diverse characters. Her book, Book Uncle and Me, is a favorite of mine and I share it with my students.

Dream project to work on?

This is completely a dream project, but I would love to work with a producer/director to bring the story of Asha and Yesofu from Orange for the Sunsets, to the big screen. I even have a few selected directors...yes this is my dream.

Tell us about your debut book?

Meena's Mindful Moment, my picture book, debuts early November 2021 and is close to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, the main character is full of exuberance, which sometimes causes problems. She represents some of my students, who similar to Meena, find themselves getting in trouble at school. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone. Meena was just like them and that it is okay. Secondly, the story takes place in India and the places that Meena goes with her grandfather are the same places my own grandfather took me when I'd visited as a child.

What's up next for you?

I'm working on another picture book also set in Goa, India and a middle grade book set in the early 1970s.

My favorite 80s movie.

BIG. It's the story of a boy who wakes up and finds himself in an adult body after wishing to be bigger at a magic wish machine at a fair. As a child, I wondered what it would be like to be in an adult body, but these days, I wish I could live in my nine and ten year old body for a day.

Tell us about your debut picture book?

Meena's Mindful Moment, my picture book, illustrated by Asa Gilland, debuts early November 2021 and is close to my heart for two reasons. Firstly, the main character is full of exuberance, which sometimes causes problems. She represents some of my students, who similar to Meena, find themselves getting in trouble at school. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone. Meena was just like them and that it is okay. Secondly, the story takes place in India and the places that Meena goes with her grandfather are the same places my own grandfather took me when I'd visited as a child.

Book Case from MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT by Tina Athaide, illustrated by Asa Gilland

Interior art from MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT by Tina Athaide, illustrated by Asa Gilland published by Page Street Kids

What's up next for you?

I'm working on another picture book also set in Goa, India and a middle grade book set in the early 1970s.

My favorite 80s movie.

BIG. It's the story of a boy who wakes up and finds himself in an adult body after wishing to be bigger at a magic wish machine at a fair. As a child, I wondered what it would be like to be in an adult body, but these days, I wish I could live in my nine and ten year old body for a day.

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Huge thank you to Tina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your debut picture book, it’s lovely!

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TINA ATHAIDE was born in Uganda and grew up in London and Canada. While her family left Entebbe just prior to the expulsion, she has memories of refugee family and friends staying with them in their London home. The stories and conversations she listened to through the years became the inspiration for her book Orange for the Sunsets. Tina now lives in California with her husband, Ron, and their daughter, Isabella.

FOR MORE INFO about Tina, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Website: tinaathaide.com

Twitter: @tathaide

Instagram: tinaathaide

Facebook: tinaathaide

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Tina’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of MEENA’S MINDFUL MOMENT?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 23rd! US addresses only please.

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 Author Candy Wellins | Part 2

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are revisiting with one of our debut authors who we spoke with a little over a year ago. I’m thrilled to have this author back and chat about what’s new since her debut came out. We will have a few more interviews like this coming up— which I think is so important to feature. One of the trickiest things about being in this business is staying in it. Publishing a book is huge accomplishment, but then what? What comes next? How do authors and illustrators stay relevant with their work? How does one book become a career in publishing? These are some big questions. I’m hoping to explore these and more with our “part 2” interviews with previous debut authors. We hope you find it inspiring and helpful along your own publishing journey.

So without further ado, please welcome Candy Wellins back to Critter Lit!

It’s great to have you back!

Thank you for having me again. I’m always happy to be here.  

Tell us about your latest book.

The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space is a biography of the first American to walk in space. It’s a little different from most picture book biographies though. This is a lyrical biography suitable for all ages, but super accessible for the youngest readers. A lot of readers have told me it reads like a lullaby.  

Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books

Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books

Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books

Last we spoke you had released your debut book. Can you share some of your experiences since your first book came out? How are things different? How are they the same?

Well, we were in the grips of a pandemic then and we still are now! I wish I could say that I’ve visited a ton of schools, libraries and bookstores in the interim, but the truth is I’m still mostly operating in a virtual world. Still, it’s been fun seeing Saturdays Are for Stella travel the world. I’ve seen it read at the Met, in a bookshop in the Bahamas, and by young readers everywhere. That is definitely fun to see.   

What do you find inspiring right now?

I have a two-year-old and I’ve noticed that nursery rhymes and fairy tales have worked their way into my writing lately. Also, I am constantly inspired by nonfiction topics. Real people, things and events make such fascinating stories. I’m working on a few that are just begging to be told.    

What has surprised you the most about working as an author?

I still pinch myself that I am an author. Writing books has been a lifelong dream and now that I’m doing it, I sometimes have to remind myself that it’s all real.  

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love connecting with my readers. I’ve done a couple of school visits and it’s so great connecting with kids.  I love hearing their stories and sharing the things I do as a writer. They are often surprised to know they lead similar writing lives to published authors.  

What do you find difficult working as an author?

I am not a patient person and there is definitely a lot of waiting in this field. Waiting while on submission can take weeks, months or years. I used to constantly check my inbox, but I’ve learned to let it go and leave the stressing to my agent.  

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

A lot of people work in coffee shops or with music playing in the background. I don’t know how they do it. I need a fairly quiet environment for writing. I also find a good long walk helps clear my head and sort out my thoughts before I try to put anything on paper. 

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

I would struggle to share a negative one!  I’m in two debut groups and the other members are always great about snapping photos of my book when they find it out in the wild.  

Recommended reading?

I finished George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain this summer. It’s his dissection of several Russian short stories and what makes them successful. I’d recommend the book to any writer because he offers so many great thoughts on storytelling.   

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

This goes way back, but as a kid, I was taught that you write a rough draft (double-spaced, of course). Then the teacher corrects it (in red pen), you rewrite it (single-spaced this time) and voila, you’re done. In reality, good writing requires many drafts and usually many edits (from yourself and others). It’s not quite the linear process it was presented as. I wished I learned earlier that you might not get it how you want on the first, second or even fiftieth try, but keep at it, because each draft is a new learning experience for you and your story.  

What’s up next for you?

I have two books under contract—a young graphic novel about the world’s largest species of burrowing clams and a picture book about growing up with divorced parents—something I have firsthand experience with.  

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

As Winston Churchill said best, “never, never, never give up.”  The road is long and hard, but the fight is worth it.  

And last, but not least, since I’ve already asked you your favorite 80s movie, and it’s usually my go to last question, this time we want to know who your favorite children's book character is?

Oh Ramona Quimby for sure. Quirky, stubborn and perfectly imperfect, she’s just so relatable. Or maybe that’s just me!  

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Huge thank you to Candy for stopping by Critter Lit again! We are thrilled to chat with you again and can’t wait to see all your wonderful upcoming books!

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CANDY WELLINS is a former elementary school teacher who now spends her days as a full-time mother and author. Her debut picture book, Saturdays Are for Stella, is set to publish in 2020 from Page Street Kids. Candy lives in Central Texas.

FOR MORE INFO about Candy or her books, visit her online: candywellins.com or follow her on social media: Twitter @candy_wellins and on Instagram @candywellins.

BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Candy’s new book, THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 2nd! US addresses only please.