Author: Chelsea’s World of Books

ABA Therapy Registered Behavior Technician for children with ASD ~ ADHD Girl ~ Former Children’s Librarian, current Kidlit writer, literary blogger, and Feature Interview Host ~ Author of ADHD and Me.

DECEMBER 2023 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH COPYWRITER AND CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR HOWARD PEARLSTEIN, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, and welcome back to Chelsea’s World of Books blog. It’s time for another Feature Interview. If this is your first time visiting, let me tell you a little about what makes these segments so valuable.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community, and we discuss everything publishing.

Here are some of the things we talk about:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and why it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview.

Author Bio

Howard Pearlstein is the author of nine picture books that have been translated into five languages. His upcoming titles in 2024 and 2025 include This Book Is Not For You and The Bad Book for Good Kids, both published by Familius. Howard is also the founder of Copy Rocket, an advertising copywriting agency, and has worked on some of the world’s most popular brands, including Toyota, Verizon and Mitsubishi. A California native, Howard now lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Debi. Howard has three daughters, Amanda, Jacquie and Emily, who live across the country, and one dog, Maeby, who still lives at home.

bEGINNING

I love starting these interviews by asking my guests how they ended up in the wonderful world of kidlit. Can you tell us how you arrived here?

How I ended up in the world of kidlit is a much longer story than we have time for today. But I can say that in 2018, I went through a period of self-reflection. Up until that point, my entire career had been in advertising. I loved the career and was proud of the work I had created. But, as I looked back, I realized that I hadn’t created anything for myself, anything personal. Since advertising really is telling a story with an interplay of pictures of words, I had a revelation that I should be able to write picture books. Of course, I had no idea what I was doing, so the first thing I did was Google “How to write picture books.”

And you’re the founder of a copywriting advertising agency. Can you tell us how that lends a role in your writing career?

I’ve been a copywriter since graduating from college and I truly believe that my advertising experience has provided the perfect training for writing picture books. In many ways, the process is similar:

-	You have to come up with a concept on how you will communicate an idea.
-	You have to understand who your target audience is and what motivates them.
-	You need to know what goals you’re trying to achieve.
-	You then need to create words and visuals that go together to tell the story in the most creative way possible.
-	You also need to use the fewest words possible to get across your message.
-	You want the final product to be something that speaks to the audience on an emotional level since that’s what sells.

PUBLICATION ROUTE: QUERYING & SUBMISSIONS/ AGENTS & PUBLISHING HOUSES

Can you tell us a little bit about your publication route. When did you first start querying agents/submitting to publishing houses?

After deciding to write picture books in 2018, I began querying my first manuscript, Orange Porange, in 2019. 

Were you agented for your first book deals? If not, can you explain what the submission process was like when sending manuscripts directly to publishing houses? And share some details on the timeframe that it took for you to land your first publishing book deal?

I began the submission process without an agent. In fact, I just signed with an agent last month (finally), Jes Trudel with The Rights Factory. Without an agent, the submission process is extremely tedious. First, you have to find which publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts. Then you have to research each publisher individually to see if their list aligns with your story. Then, you have to put together a query letter. Since I was so new to publishing, I again had to turn to Google and ask, “How do you get a picture book published.” Luckily, there’s a wealth of great information available. 
With Orange Porange, I started querying in July of 2019 and was lucky enough to find a home for it in August with Marshall-Cavendish.

Now I understand you recently got some very exciting news. Would you like to share this with us?

I touched on it earlier, but I finally have an agent! I had queried Jes Trudel with The Rights Factory with a new manuscript, and, on her Query Manager page, she allowed authors to submit additional manuscripts. I took advantage of that and was definitely excited when she reached out to me and wanted to talk. We had a great Zoom call, and I signed with her about a week later.
 I do hope everyone keeps in mind that I’ve been querying agents relentlessly for 5 years. In fact, one agency told me to stop querying them altogether. Querying publishers and agents is not an easy process.

CHALLENGES, ROADBLOCKS & INSPIRATION

What are some difficulties you’ve personally faced throughout your publication journey and what helped you to overcome them?

Constant rejection is by far the biggest difficulty. You receive one form rejection letter after another – or nothing at all. For me, what helped to overcome this difficulty was always keeping my commitment to my goal (to be a picture book author) front and center at all times. Challenges, obstacles, and difficulties don’t matter when you’re 100% dedicated to your destination.

I love that! "Challenges, obstacles, and difficulties don't matter when you're 100% DEDICATED TO YOUR DESTINATION."

What has been your biggest source of inspiration to keep going?

My biggest source of inspiration is my desire to make a career out of writing picture books. Right now, the royalty checks don’t come anywhere close to paying the bills, so I know I need to keep writing more (and better) books to make that goal a reality.

AUTHOR EVENTS: SCHOOL & LIBRARY VISITS AND FESTIVALS (INCLUDE PICS)

Let’s talk about author visits! Being a librarian and kidlit author myself, author visits are one of my FAVORITE things! Can you tell us a little bit about some of your experiences visiting schools/libraries/festivals?

I just had my first author visit on Halloween, and it was fantastic. I wanted to make my presentation perfect, so I spent weeks working on it. I think this idea that it had to be perfect came from my advertising background, where so much is always riding on client presentations. My wife finally told me to just relax and have fun. I did and ended up having a great time presenting to first graders and then second graders. I’ve always heard that you have to be prepared for anything with school presentations. This is definitely true – and I wasn’t prepared for one question. I read one of my books, Tribeca, about a three-legged cat, and one of the students asked if I had a pet. We recently had to put our dog to sleep, so I was caught completely off-guard by the question and didn’t know what to say. I finally answered, “I used to.” So, besides that moment, the visit was awesome.
 I’ve also recently been trying to get out into the community by having a booth at a local farmers market and a book festival. Those have been a lot of fun and very rewarding in the sense that it’s very rewarding to hand someone something you’ve created, and they pay you for it right on the spot. I’m hoping that attendance at these types of events will lead to more exposure for me beyond the events themselves.

Any suggestions for authors or illustrators who may be newly debuting on how to go about booking visits like these?

I wish I knew the secret to cracking the school visit code. I got lucky with my one school visit because it was at my wife’s former school. I’ve reached out to other local schools and haven’t heard a word back from any of them. I’m thinking the key to this, just like getting published, is to be completely committed and to not let anything deter you.

PUBLISHING RESOURCES & TIPS

If you had to share three of the greatest resources you’ve found in the kidlit publishing industry so far, what would they be, and why are they so valuable?

There are so many resources out there that it’s difficult to choose just three. When I began writing picture books, I simply scoured Google for any and all info I could find. I can’t remember all the sites I visited. However, once I started submitting, I found several good resources for finding publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts. One source for that that seems particularly thorough and up-to-date is https://bitsykemper.com/publishers/. I also listened to quite few podcasts. Two that I found the most useful The Yarn (Travis Jonker and Colby Sharp) and Literaticast (Jennifer Laughran). Finally, there’s a regular newsletter called QueryTracker Weekly Update. I think it’s by the same company that does Query Manager. Anyway, this newsletter provides updates on which agents are open for submissions and the genres they represent. It’s where I saw that Jes was open, so I highly recommend that people sign up for it.
 
Are there any tips you would like to share with our readers that you wish you had known when you were just starting down the road of kidlit publishing?

Besides not knowing anything about picture books, I also didn’t know how slow the publishing industry is. Having spent my entire career in advertising, I’m used to a start-to-finish process that can take as little as the same day to maybe a month or so for large-scale TV commercials. With publishing, everything moves slowly. For example, I signed the contract for my book that’s coming out in 2025 back in 2021. 

And now, we’re moving onto my favorite part of the interview- the books!

BOOKS!

I would love to hear about some of your books and the inspirations behind them! Could you tell us a little about them?

Here’s the inspiration for a couple of books:

Connor Crowe Can’t Let Go

•	My wife and I went out to breakfast one day and it seemed like every parent was on his or her phone rather than paying attention to their children. When the kids started getting antsy, the parents gave them their phones to occupy them. I thought this was incredibly sad to see families barely interacting with each other. I remembered a story from when I was little about a boy who pushed vegetables onto his fork with his thumb, even though his parents told him not to. He kept doing it and one day vegetables started growing from his thumb. At first it was cool, but then the vegetables grew out of control. I thought a similar premise could work for a boy who’s addicted to his device and then realizes the consequences. I wanted this story to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of choosing devices over people.

Tribeca

•	My oldest daughter Amanda, a lawyer with the department of justice, called me one day and said I should write a picture book about the three-legged cat she and her girlfriend had fostered and that was eventually adopted by a family with a three-legged dog. I told her it was a great idea, but I’d only write it if she wrote it with me. Luckily, she agreed. I wrote a first draft, sent it to Amanda, she refined it, and then we went back and forth a few times to fine tune it. Writing the story from Tribeca’s perspective and about the thoughts and fears a foster cat could have made the process a lot of fun. When we started sending out queries, one publisher, Margie Blumberg from MB Publishing, gave us some really wonderful feedback. We revised the manuscript with her insights and continued with the querying process. I really think her input helped this story get out of the slush pile.

Do you have a favorite book that you’ve published? If so, which one and why? (If you have more than one favorite- feel free to share!)

Orange Porange is near and dear to my heart because it was my first published book (and I think the story is funny and sweet). But, I have to say my favorite is The Old Man Eating Alone. First, I really love that it has such a different premise than most picture books. It covers death and dying and it’s about a friendship about an old man and a young girl. I also love the illustrations by Hilde Groven. I think they’re beautiful. But the main reason it’s my favorite is because it was inspired by my youngest daughter Emily. She has always been very empathetic and one of the things that upset her the most, from a young age, was seeing old men eating by themselves. I have no idea why. But I took this idea of an old man eating alone and thought about how I could transform this sad premise into something else. While the story has sadness and deals with dying, it gives the reader an opportunity to look at loss from a different perspective.

Do you have a favorite spread in your books? We’d love to see it/hear about it! Why is it your favorite? And who is the illustrator behind it? (feel free to share pictures of your favorite illustrations if you’d like to!)

I have so many illustrations that I love, but I’ll include one from Orange Porange. One of the main reasons that it’s so special is that it was illustrated by my friend and former advertising partner, Rob Hardison. When I was learning about picture books, everything I read said that the publisher chooses the illustrator. But when I signed the contract with Marshall-Cavendish, they said that I could choose my own illustrator. Rob and I had worked together for years and had done so many great ads. I knew he was a talented illustrator, so I asked him if he wanted to work with me on this. Luckily, he did. We conceived the idea of the characters together, but then Rob brought them to life perfectly. I chose this particular illustration because I love the way Rob made Orange and Purple look so happy. I have no idea how, with just a few lines, he was able to have them express so much joy.

Thank you so much for being with us today, Howard, and for sharing all this great information with our readers. We’re so glad to have had you with us. But don’t go away just yet- because we’ve now arrived at our PRIZE GIVEAWAY portion of the interview.

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

During the month of December, 2023, Howard is offering the following giveaway prize to one winner:

A classroom/library visit (zoom / in person, if local) or book reading.

* LIBRARIANS AND TEACHERS, WE’RE LOOKING AT YOU!*

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of December 2023:

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done both. (If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which you’d like in the comments below.)

Entry window: December 1st-31st.

FAQ: What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing one of these books! Using the sponsored links below also helps support this blog.

Sally Ann McFidgetbottom

Orange Porange

The Invitation: An Orange Porange Story

Orange Porange: The Missing Ball 

The Magic Mirror: An Orange Porange Story

Tribeca

The Old Man Eating Alone

Conner Crowe Can’t Let Go

The Liebrary

Connect with Howard Pearlstein

Website: https://www.howardpearlstein.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howard.pearlstein

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howard.pearlstein/

X: https://twitter.com/HowPearlstein

2024 FEATURE INTERVIEW GUEST LIST WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN, CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

WOW, WOW, WOW!

Hello writing friends! Welcome to my official 2024 Feature Interview Guest List announcement post. If you've kept up with my social media, it's no secret that this year's Feature Interview candidate list was nothing short of incredible. The number of talented applicants from all over the world that flowed into my inbox in just a little over a month was astounding. So much so, in fact, that it inspired me to DOUBLE up my guest list. That's right-- now, instead of one Feature Interview a month, you'll be getting two! 

And that's not the only change coming your way in 2024. In times past, I've made it my goal to post a new Feature Interview the first of every month (rain or shine). Now, my Feature Interviews will be on a set schedule: every first and third Wednesday of the month. And... if you subscribe to my newsletter (which I hope you will) you'll get a VERY brief, one paragraph email from me on the last Friday of each month that says, "Hi! These are the guests who came on the blog this month. These are the topics we discussed. Interested in reading about them? Here are the links: Link. Link." Bada-bing. Bada-boom. That's it. Simple. Brief. Helpful.

I'm sure, you probably already know the spiel on why Feature Interviews are SO invaluable, but for anyone who doesn't know- simply put, they are a free publishing resource *AKA THE INSIDE SCOOP* directly from authors, agents, editors, illustrators, etc. AHEM. Did you hear the part where I mentioned they are FREE? Yeah. That's always a good incentive. Who doesn't love a bargain?

But, that's not what we're here to talk about right now. Chances are, many of you who are reading this blog entry today are most likely curious and antsy to find out if YOU will be one of these special guests. Well, the wait is almost over! I'm about to tell you. But first, I want to share a little bit about the process.

THE PROCESS

Please be assured, the process for choosing my final guests wasn't taken lightly. I studied and studied and studied each candidate application, giving as much consideration to a numerous list of variables, to come up with a diverse list of minds and perspectives. But, when being faced with as MANY applications as I was, it comes down to making very tough choices between equally talented and inspired voices and stories. And guess what? It was HARD.

In truth, my heart would love to have EVERYONE, but my brain reminds it that this simply would not be realistic. Blah, blah, blah. You know how brains are. So logical.

So, after many cups of tea, refills of espresso, and rants on there not being enough time in a day, I finally landed on my final 24 guests. 

Below, you will find a list of their names, as well as a "guest teaser," with a photo, brief bio, and links to find out more.

Please note: if you do not see your name on this list, please, please do not assume that your application wasn't "special enough." Because it most definitely was. The choice was not a personal reflection of you or your story- simply a matter of only having so much availability. Additionally, I would LOVE to hear about your future publications! If you have a book coming out in 2024, please drop a comment below with the title/ISBN, as well as the pub date (or estimated pub date) and I would love to add it to my library order list and help share it with my writing/reading friends!

If your name and bio are up here- CONGRATULATIONS! I can't wait to talk with you more. Make sure to keep an eye on that inbox because you'll be receiving a personalized letter very soon. (Well, I hope it will be very soon.)  If your name and bio weren't on the list... but you did submit your application within the window, I'll be sending an email your way as well. 

Thank you ALL for participating in this year's application process. It was truly a treat to read all of your heartfelt applications.

Reminder: if you haven't already, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the blog, so you don't miss out these wonderful monthly Feature Interviews. They are always filled with a ton of interesting and helpful writerly advice and information on all things publishing.

Psst! By the way... looking for great books? Visit MY SHOP PAGE on bookshop.org. There you can find my personalized book recommendations in my A MIX OF CHELSEA'S ALL TIME FAVORITES book list or browse books by my Feature Interview guests in my BOOKS BY FEATURE INTERVIEW GUESTS book list.

November 2023 Feature Interview with Children’s Book Author, Songju Ma Daemicke, Conducted by Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian, Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, and welcome back to the blog. It’s time for another Feature Interview. If this is your first time visiting, let me tell you a little about what makes these segments so invaluable.

What’s so Great About Feature Interviews?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community, and we discuss everything publishing.

Here are some of the things we talk about:

  • Writing workshops and resources
  • Diversity in literature and WHY it matters
  • Where to find support and community
  • How to improve writing craft and set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and waiting
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
  • And, of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview. This month, I’m talking to Children’s Book Author Songju Ma Daemicke.

SONGJU MA DAEMICKE Author Bio

SONGJU MA DAEMICKE, a former software engineer with Motorola, is an award-winning Chinese-American children’s book author. Her book, Tu Youyou’s Discovery – Finding a Cure for Malaria, is a finalist for the 2023 SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books; Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant was a Best STEM book, among many other honors. Her first board book, Our World: China, was released in Oct. 2023, receiving a starred review from the School Library Journal. When she is not writing, she loves attending to her garden, hiking, and shooting her next special photograph. She invites you to visit her at www.songjumadaemicke.com.

Why & How?

So, one of the first things I love asking my guests is the “why?” and “how?” Let’s take that question in two parts. 

I’ll start with the why. What made you want to become an author? 

I grew up in Jilin, China, a place with breathtaking rime on the trees alongside the Songhua River that flows through the city, a true winter wonderland. However, there was not a single public library in my beautiful hometown at that time. I would read every single book I could get my hands on: textbooks, Mao’s book ( as it was the Cultural Revolution time), and even instruction books. I was fascinated by the beauty and power of a good story and dreamed of being a writer when I grew up. 

I came to the United States in 1996 to attend graduate school. Even though I loved stories, I chose to major in Computer Science and then worked as a software engineer for Motorola. When my twin daughters were born, I became a stay-at-home mom and read to my daughters every day. Reading rekindled my love of literature. Noticing how few children's books about Chinese culture existed, and none of them being STEM-related, I decided to try writing one myself. 

Now for the “how.” How did you end up here in the lovely world of publishing? We’d love to hear about your journey! I’m especially curious to hear how you went from being a software engineer to writing for children.

I started to attend a writer’s workshop at my local library in 2009, took reading and writing classes offered by my local community college in 2011, and joined a writing critique group in 2012, most of them writing for adults. 

My first book, A Case of Sense, was actually a result of one of my writing assignments from an English class offered by a Community college for foreign students. The positive response I received for it from my teacher and classmates encouraged me to write more and pursue my interest in creative writing.

Querying & Rejections

We LOVE hearing success stories and cheering on all the happy wins! But sometimes, when you’re in the depths of query trenches, it can be disheartening, and knowing that you aren’t the only one who’s been here can be a comfort. So, I want to talk a little bit about querying and rejections. Can you share a little bit about your personal experience with both of these?

I started my first query at the end of 2012 after attending a SCBWI, Illinois conference. I submitted the story Cao Chong Weights an Elephant as I thought the elephant might be a good luck animal. However, the end result was that I got a single polite rejection letter from an agent and nothing from publishers. I found that finding an agent is harder than finding a publisher. I then focused more on publishers. I sold my first two books, A Case of Sense and Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant, in 2014 and 2015 to Arbordale Publisher without an agent. 

Each book is a great challenge. Even with multiple awards for Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant, I had trouble landing another contract for my next few manuscripts. My third book, Tu Youyou’s Discovery, was rejected by agents and publishers at least 30 times before finding a home.

About how long did it take you to find your agent match, and what was that experience like? (Who/what agency did you end up signing with?)

In 2019, I submitted my Tu Youyou’s manuscript to many agents and publishers. Janine Le was one of the agents I queried. She wrote back and asked for more of my work. After reviewing, Janine again wrote back to me. She didn’t offer me representation but pointed out a few issues that could be addressed. At the end of 2019, an editor with Albert Whitman Publishing showed an interest in the MS and worked with me on revisions. I submitted two revised MSs again back to Janine in Feb. 2020. In March 2020, I signed up with her. Janine Le of Janine Le Literary Agency remains my agent.

"Each book is a great challenge." I think this is so important for authors at all stages to remember. This is great information, Songju. Thank you for sharing.

Challenges, Roadblocks & Inspiration

The road to publishing is long filled with unexpected potholes, roadblocks, and twists and turns. What were some challenges you faced, and what helped you to keep going?

Writing in a language that is not my mother tongue remains challenging to me. There are no “articles ( the, an, a )” used in the Chinese language, so I always forgot articles. I had to do a few drafts just to focus on the articles. Chinese verbs remain in the same form for every tense. So, I needed to concentrate on the verb tenses. I then worked on plots, word choices, and other aspects. My husband and my three daughters were my cheerleaders, my first readers, and my editors. What kept me going was my love for the stories. I wanted my daughters to be able to read and enjoy these stories. 

I really love that you chose to share this personal experience about the language barrier with us today. You would never know from having a conversation with you that you had any difficulty with English not being your native language. You write it so well! But it's such an inspiration to hear about the hard work and determination that you continuously put into trying again and again until you got it just right- and how beautiful that your family was there to support your writing. 

As I'm sure we can all agree, staying inspired is an important part of continuing any journey. If you lose your spark of joy, the journey gets harder. So, what are some things that kept/keep you inspired, personally?

I enjoy photography. I love doing research for hours on technique, like the best way to shoot a glowing tent under a starry sky or how to capture a campfire at night….  I love to immerse myself in shooting and editing my photos. The experience is fun rewarding, and gives me more ideas along the way. 

I can definitely relate to this- I also love photography!

publishing Secrets & Resources

Is there anything you’ve learned that you wish you had known sooner? Share your secret!

Educate yourself and know the industry. When I started to submit, my first manuscript was 1500 words long. I didn’t know better. A paid critique from a published writer pointed this out and showed me how to simplify it. I revised it down to 800 words and then was able to sell it. A good length for a picture book manuscript word count now is about 500. Keep that in mind.

If you could share three resources that you wish you had known about earlier on as a writer, what would they be?

SCBWI, Kidlit411, 12X12 for picture books. There are many helpful resources about the publishing industry and the craft of writing on their websites. Reading them all will give you a great jump start.

The Journey After Representation: Book Deals, Publishing Houses, and Waiting

Okay, so you’ve landed your agent. Let’s talk about the “after.” What were the next steps in publishing like for you?
Can you give us an idea of what going out on submission is like?

After many rounds of critiques and revisions, I sent my manuscript to my agent for review and then revised more. My agent suggested a list of editors. Afterwards, my agent would send the polished manuscript off to first round of editors. 
If there were no takers, we would revise some more as needed and submit to a 2nd round of editors. 

How long did it take you to land your first book deal?

We started to submit the Grace Lee Boggs manuscript in October 2021 and received an offer in March 2023, a year and a half later.

What was the timeframe on publication date from the time your first book deal was made?

My first book took two years to be released to the world from the time I signed the contract.

After Publication

Okay, you have your FIRST-ever book. NOW what? I saw on your website that you’ve done some different events. You’ve been a guest speaker and done author talks. And it looks like you’ve done quite a few school visits. Can you tell us more about how you were able to do both of these things? What was the process like? Did you arrange these visits, or did your agent/publishing house, OR were they requests made by schools?

Guest speakers are often chosen by the host of a conference featuring award-winning author speakers. I received notifications from my publishers. For school visits, I mostly pitch myself to schools through emails. A few of them find me through newspapers or social media. 

Do you get paid for your visits, or are they voluntary? 

I volunteered for the first year. I started to charge a modest fee starting in the second year. I continue to volunteer for the World Read Aloud Day every year. 

Have you ever done any library visits?

Yes. I just did one yesterday. I read my new board book, Our World: China and Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant. We made Chinese lanterns together afterward. Children are so creative. They decorated their lanterns in ways I had never thought of. It was so much fun. 

Thank you so much for sharing all of this wonderful information with us, Songju. And now it’s time for my FAVORITE part of the interview.

LET’S TALK BOOKS!

Tell us about your books! The floor is yours. We’d love to hear about each one (whichever you’d like to share- it can be more than one) – what they’re about, and what the inspiration behind them was. I’d also love to hear about your experience working with each illustrator and which illustration/spread from each book is your favorite and why.

A Case of Sense is about a greedy man who tries to make his neighbors pay for the delicious aromas that come from his yard. A clever judge uses his wise and convincing logic to close the case with another sense. It is a part of the Creative Mind Series of Arbordale Publishing. This book was triggered by the sign “Free Smells” I saw on the window of a restaurant.

Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant, I tell the tale of seven-year-old Cao Chong, a famous Chinese child prodigy who lived around 2,000 years ago.  He used creative thinking and a science principle (buoyancy) to determine the weight of an elephant. It was one of Best STEM book of NASA in 2018.
 It was inspired from one of my daughters’ violin concerts, a famously clever composition by Mozart, a child musical genius. This inspired me to tell the story of our most famous Chinese child prodigy, Cao Chong.

Tu Youyou’s Discovery: Finding a cure for Malaria is a biography of the first Chinese woman Nobel laureate. Tu Youyou used her background in traditional Chinese medicine to develop a new medicine, saving millions of lives. 
My inspiration was from a TV show. In beginning of 2019, I watched a BBC program called Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century. Tu Youyou, a Nobel Prize winning woman scientist, was one of four candidates in the science category. As a Chinese American, I had to share her remarkable journey. 

Our World: China Hello, Nǐ hǎo! Let’s spend a day in China! Fly kites in the square, buy sweet lychee at the market, and go paddle boating at the lake. 
I drew on my personal experiences growing up in China to create this fun board book.

My newest book, Grace Lee Boggs’s Gardens of Hope, will come out in the fall of 2024 from Albert Whitman. It is about an inspiring Chinese-American activist. This one is in the illustration process right now. Everything goes through the editor. The illustrator sends the sketches to our editor, who passes them on to me. I give my comments and ask any questions, as needed, and send back to the editor. She then passes all comments on to the illustrator. Then we do another round. 
I thoroughly enjoyed working with all the illustrators of my books. They did amazing jobs.

This is fantastic. I love hearing the "behind the scenes."

Okay. That brings us to our very last order of business. And it’s an exciting one. Drum roll, please……..

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

This month, Songju Ma Daemicke will be offering a giveaway of her most recent book, Our World: China. as a prize. NOTE: US ADDRESS ONLY.

FAQ: How do I enter for the Prize Giveaway?

During the month of November 2023:

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done both- and what prize you’d like!

Please note in order to qualify, you must follow 1-3 during the month of November 2023. Window: November 1st-30th. Deadline: November 30th. That means you have to get those subscriptions, likes, and comments in BEFORE December 1st in order to qualify for the November 2023 Giveaway Prize.

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway?

Not at all! If you subscribed PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Support your blog host & author by purchasing one of the books listed below!

Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant

Tu Youyou’s Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria (She Made History)

A Case of Sense

Our: World China

October 2023 Feature Interview with Children’s Book Author Heather Stigall, Conducted by Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, and welcome back to yet another wonderful Feature Interview. If this is your first time visiting, let me tell you a little about what makes these segments so unique.

What’s the big deal with Feature Interviews?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community, and we discuss everything publishing.

Here are some of the things we talk about:

  • Writing Workshops & Resources
  • Diversity in literature and Why it matters
  • Where to find support & community
  • How to improve writing craft & set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments & WAITING
  • Helpful tips & suggestions for aspiring authors & illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals & time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview. This month, I’m talking to Children’s Book Author Heather Stigall.

Heather Pierce Stigall: Bio

Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is the Critique Group/Meet & Greet Coordinator for the Eastern PA SCBWI Chapter, a member of the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and a wife and parent to five children and one pup. When she’s not writing, you can find Heather hanging out with her kids (hopefully at the beach), reading, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures. Her debut picture book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis Publishing) was released in August 2023 and is/will be published in five additional languages. Her second picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST, (Beaming Books) is due out fall 2026. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall.

The Beginning: First Drafts & Querying Agents: Timeframe & Challenges

For a lot of us writers and illustrators who have been involved with the industry for a while, we know that publishing takes a loooong time. I mean, a REALLY long time. And waiting can be difficult.

Something common I've noticed with new aspiring writers and illustrators who are just beginning is that many  have the idea that publishing is easy, anyone can do it, and that as soon as you start putting in the work, things will automatically just take off. And of course, when that doesn’t happen, it can be discouraging. So, I wanted to start our conversation today with the early stages- the first drafts and querying.

Can you share a little bit about the beginning of your writing journey? What did your first drafts & querying stages look like?

Thank you for having me on your blog, Chelsea. You are so right! Publishing often takes a very long time, and my path to publication story is no exception. I have always loved children and picture books and even jotted down ideas for stories over many years, but it wasn’t until my youngest child was in preschool that I decided the time was right to get serious about a writing career. That was ten years ago! I started out slowly by learning about writing picture books and children’s publishing, joining SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), joining a critique group, and doing a lot of writing and revising. I gradually became more involved with the kidlit world. My first drafts were, of course, terrible. They often still are! But, over the years I’ve learned more about how to make them better, and I think the magic comes in the revision. I heard so much advice about not querying too soon, that I was nervous to query at all. But I finally felt ready when I had three picture book manuscripts that had been through multiple revisions, critiques, and gotten the stamp of approval from my critique partners.

**Ahh. Those words are so true. For anyone reading this, please take note: THE MAGIC COMES IN THE REVISION. Remember that. It will help you down the road.**

How long did it take you to finally get your agent call?

My agent and publishing journey has been quite a roller coaster ride. To summarize how I got to where I am today: 

2018 - I started querying agents. 
2019 - In addition to agents, I began querying one story to a few smaller presses who accepted un-agented submissions.
2020/21 – In addition to agents, I queried a few more stories to a few more small presses. 
March 2021 - I was offered a book contract (while I was un-agented) for PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (expected publication date spring 2023; that got pushed to August 2023)
October 2021 - I received an agent offer (after querying a different story) and accepted; we went out on submission very shortly after.
April 2022 - While agented, I was offered a book contract for GILBERT AND THE GHOST (expected publication date fall 2024).
October 2022/January 2023 – My agent submitted another picture book to two rounds of editors.
March 2023 – My agent gave me the sad news that she decided to not represent authors any longer, but she will rep me on the story still on submission if it ever gets an offer.
May 2023 – My GILBERT editor shared cover sketches.
June 2023 – I began querying new agents; My GILBERT editor informed me her position at her publisher was eliminated; her replacement informed me the book will now not be published until fall 2026.
August to Present Day – PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY published. I’m actively querying agents, and I’m still waiting for word from a handful of editors who still have the book my former agent submitted.

I told you it was a roller coaster ride!

Whew! That's quite the list. What were some of the challenges you faced during those early stages, and how did you overcome them?

I encountered the usual challenges: struggling to find time to write, difficulty “justifying” the time and money on writing-related things on a “maybe” career; and rejection. As for how I deal with them, I have an amazingly supportive family and critique partners who have all cheered me on and helped give me the time and space I needed to devote to writing. For example, my mom took care of my youngest child at least one day a month so I could attend my critique group meetings. She gradually increased the frequency of her grandma duties so I could use that time to write. One fun thing I did, and continue to do, to help me deal with rejections is to use a “rejection jar” (I wish I knew who to credit with this idea!). Every time I get a rejection, I put a dollar in a jar. When I get a “yes,” I spend the money on something for myself. When I got my first book contract, I used the money in the jar for a massage. I got to empty the jar again when I received my agent offer and again with my second book contract. Now the jar is filling up waiting for the next “yes.”

Resources & Advice for Aspiring Writers & Illustrators

What are some of the best resources you’ve come across & how have they helped you on your writing journey?

Oh, so many! Probably the best thing I did was join SCBWI. That put me in touch with my local region of children’s writers and illustrators which opened my eyes and doors to so much more. Through that one resource, I found an amazing critique group, learned about writing and the kidlit industry by attending conferences and webinars, connected with industry professionals, and learned about many other resources out there. It also led to a fulfilling volunteer position with my region, the Eastern PA Chapter, and a great group of fellow volunteers who have become friends. As for other resources, I have actually compiled a list for children’s writers and illustrators that you can access through the Resources page of my website HERE.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in those early stages of the writing & querying process?

I really don’t think so. Any “mistakes” I might have made along the way I consider things I needed to do to learn from them.

I love that! What suggestions would you like to share with aspiring writers and illustrators?

Rely on the four “P”s: Prepare, Practice, Positive attitude, and Persist!

Book Deals: Time Frame & Contract Negotiations

So, we talked about the querying timeframe. Now, let’s dive into book deals. We’ve landed our dream agent- YAY! (In your case- Beth Marshea of Ladderbird Agency!) Now what?? How long did it take you to get your first book deal? And what was that process like?

As I mentioned above, my first book deal came about while I was un-agented, so I’ll share both stories about my debut picture book contract and my second book contract that came about while I was represented by Beth.

By 2021, I hadn’t had any luck signing with an agent, so I made it my goal to not only query agents but also small presses that allowed un-agented submissions. One of those presses was Clavis Books, a well-established, reputable company that publishes authors and illustrators from around the world. During the pandemic, Clavis posted several read-aloud videos, so I got a feel for their tastes and wondered if a story I had written several years prior might be a good fit for their list. I pulled PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY out of the virtual drawer, made a few small changes, and submitted it to them in February 2021. A month after submitting to Clavis, I received an email from the CEO. I scanned it quickly and read, “It is a nice and sweet story, very close to children and told from their perspective.” I expected the rest to read the typical, “but, unfortunately, it isn’t a fit for our list.” But it didn’t say that. Instead, it said, “So, we would like to consider publication.” After so many rejections, I could hardly believe what I was reading!

All the while, I was actively querying agents with other manuscripts. One of those manuscripts was about a boy who wanted to befriend a ghost he believed lived in his neighborhood. That story is the one that landed me my agent in early October 2021 and was also the one we went on submission with at the end of that same month. Beth had a couple of very minor suggestions to tweak the manuscript and the pitch, and then it was ready to go. She subbed it to a round of 11 editors. Of those, eight passed and three never responded (so we assumed passed). In February 2022, we went out on a second round to 10 editors. In March, an editor at Beaming Books said she wanted to share it with her team. A week or two later, she came back with some questions, which I answered, and then in April she extended an offer!

A lot of people who are just starting out in publishing wonder, “Why do you have to have an agent?” So, leading into that question, I want to talk a little about agents and book deals. Can you tell us, from your experience, about publishing contracts & negotiations and explain why having an agent is so important?

You certainly don’t “have” to have an agent, but being represented by an agent does have several advantages. For example, agents can submit your story to publishing houses that are otherwise closed to un-agented authors and illustrators (unless by referral or conference connection). Often these houses are the ones that offer larger advances and print runs. Agents can also often negotiate better deals than authors/illustrators can on their own. Comparing my two contracts, one with a small house that accepts un-agented submissions and the other negotiated with an agent, I can tell you that I got a better deal with the agent-negotiated contract. Part of an agent’s job is to form relationships with editors so they can get a feel for what stories might be the best fit for which editors and publishers. Plus (and I love this) the agent is the one doing the research, submitting, monitoring, following up on submissions and payments, negotiating contracts, etc., so the author/illustrator can focus on the writing and illustrating. An agent-author relationship is a partnership and, of course, I was kept aware of what was going on and had input into all the decisions made, but it was such a relief to know Beth was dealing with all the stuff I didn’t want to stress about.

Throughout the publishing process, were there any challenges you experienced? If so, what were they, and how were you able to overcome them?

I think my roller coaster timeline above covers the challenges I’ve experienced in the last couple of years. I try to have a positive attitude, and the rejection jar helps, but I also think leaning on my critique partners when I’m feeling low helps tremendously. Find your people!

Fantastic advice. I couldn't have put it any better myself.

The Best & The Worst

If you could sum up the best and worst parts of publishing, what would they be?

Worst: Publishing picture books is very competitive. And I don’t mean in a cut-throat way at all. There are so many wonderfully talented writers out there who all want, and deserve, to have their book published. But there is only so much space on the shelf and money in the pockets of publishers, so even the best-written and illustrated story might not get into the hands of young readers.

Best: I love the kidlit community! Just about all the writers, illustrators, agents, editors, educators, and, of course, young readers that I’ve encountered have been so friendly, encouraging, and supportive. 

In your opinion, what makes the journey worth it?

I just had my book launch party and, I have to say, reading a book that I wrote to a group of children is pretty darn great!

Any words of encouragement for your readers?

Focus on the things you can control (learn your craft, write, revise, read in your genre, join a critique group, research, submit, etc.), find your community (writing partners, a support system, cheerleaders), and persevere! The only guarantee to not being published is giving up, so keep at it!

Books, Illustration & Inspiration

Okay, now it’s time to talk about my favorite thing. Books! Tell us about your books & your inspiration behind them.

The origins of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY began nine years ago when I picked up my youngest child from preschool on his birthday. He climbed into his car seat, wearing a glittery birthday crown and a slight frown. The conversation began something like this:

Birthday Boy: “When is my birthday?”
Me: “Today!
Birthday Boy: (shakes his head) “No. When is my real birthday?”
Me: “Today is your real birthday!”
Birthday Boy: “It doesn’t feel like it.”

My mind began to spin. Why didn’t he feel like it was his birthday? Did something happen or not happen at school? What would it take for him to feel like it was his “real” birthday? A few questions later, I realized that he believed that on his birthday, he would instantly “feel” older; he would magically be able to do things he wasn’t able to do the day before. But I kept the conversation going during the ride home, through lunch, and for some time after that. I asked lots of questions and listened as he shared evidence for why it was most definitely not his birthday. I was enamored with his reasoning and determination, while underneath it all, I felt his disappointment that this day, one that was supposed to be special, didn’t meet his expectations. Not long after, I wrote a draft of a story about a bunny who hops out of bed the morning of her birthday, expecting to be all things “big bunny.”

As we know, in Kidlit, half of our story is in the illustration- so let’s talk about pictures! Can you share a little bit about your illustrators and how they helped bring each story and character to life?

Clavis always produces beautifully illustrated picture books, so I knew I would be in good hands, but I really hit the jackpot when they chose Natallia Bushuyeva as the illustrator! I think her sweet art style is the perfect fit for PAISLEY. Unlike most U.S. publishers, Clavis makes it a practice to connect author and illustrator so they may collaborate if they wish. But I have no business telling an illustrator what to do, so I put my full trust in Natallia, and I think that worked out beautifully. I only included two art notes in the manuscript, which were to suggest actions that might not be understood in the text. The publisher shared illustrations with me at several points along the way: interior sketches, first color illustrations, proposed Dutch cover, final cover, full interior, and later, the English cover and full interior. Natallia had some suggestions for tweaking the art before approving it to go to print, and I asked them to move some text to another page. Clavis agreed to all our requests. It was a very collaborative process.

Do you have a favorite spread or image in your books? Which ones and why?

I love all of Natallia’s illustrations, of course, but I guess I’m partial to the spread of spot illustrations where Paisley is getting ready for her party. I love the little details like Paisley’s face peeking through as she blows up the balloon and Pip observing nearby (with a worried expression) when Paisley spills the punch. I especially love the expression on Paisley’s face in the last vignette. Natallia perfectly captures the frustration Paisley is feeling at that moment. 

Thank you so much, Heather, for all of your insightful feedback. We’re so grateful to have had you with us today. Before we end our interview, we have one last item on the agenda. And it’s a big one…

October 2023 Giveaway Prize

This month, Heather will be giving away a choice of EITHER a signed copy of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY OR a written critique of a fiction picture book (up to 750 words) as a giveaway prize.

How can you enter?

During the month of October 2023:

  1. Subscribe to the blog (via email or WordPress)
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below with your prize choice

And that’s it!

Please note: in order to qualify, you must follow 1-3 during the month of October 2023. Window: October 1st-31st. Deadline: October 31st. That means you have to get those subscriptions, likes, and comments in BEFORE November 1st in order to qualify for the October 2023 Giveaway Prize. ** If you were already subscribed PRIOR to October, you do not need to subscribe again. Simply LIKE the October Feature Interview and post your comment below.**

Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing her book below! Did you know… using the direct purchase link HERE also supports this blog?!

Connect with Heather

Email: HeatherStigallCM@aol.com

Website: www.HeatherPierceStigall.com

Facebook: Heather Pierce Stigall

X @heather_stigall

Instagram: @heather_stigall7

2023 Fall Writing Frenzy Entry by Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian, Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

Hello kidlit friends, are you as pumped as I am? The only thing more exciting than pumpkins in October is the #FallWritingFrenzy!

Writing contests are a great way to find community and discover new and wonderful stories from diverse creators all over the world. Speaking of which… if you’re a kidlit writer or illustrator, please take a moment to subscribe to my blog. Trust me- you won’t regret it!

Among the many helpful blog posts I put out for readers like librarian-recommended book lists specific to reading group age or genre, one of the most exciting things I offer are monthly Feature Interview segments. On the first of every month, I publish feature interviews with members of the writing community, where we discuss all things publishing.

These interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for creators at all stages of the publishing journey. We talk about writing workshops, resources, diversity in literature and why it matters, where to find support and community, how to improve writing craft and set goals, how to deal with setbacks, disappointments, and waiting, helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators, querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames, and of course- new books!

Now that I’ve shared that little tidbit with you… back to our Fall Writing Frenzy!

I’m so excited to share my story with you all.

But before I do, I want to explain a little bit about the background of what this story means to me and why I wrote it.

From a very early age, I had a deep emotional connection to music. Though I enjoyed all music, I found a “home” in orchestras and symphonies because they allowed my mind to form a connection of understanding that I had never before experienced with people. For me, a symphony is a neurodiverse lullaby.

Being on the neurodivergent spectrum (ADHD), my mind doesn’t always stay on one path or at one volume. It ebbs and flows, sometimes unexpectedly. This can present challenges for me in everyday verbal communication because my emotions and thoughts don’t translate or flow into words in the same pattern as many of my neurotypical peers. The chaos and structure in my mind play out differently… much like a symphony.

So, now that you have an idea of my inspiration, here is the image that I associated with this story. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

All my love,

Chelsea

Photo 7 by Jonas Mohamadi

My Mind is a Symphony (199 words) by Chelsea DiCicco

When I hear the rushing sounds of the clarinet…

The zip of the flute…

The swish of the violin strings…

The calming purr of the cello…

The sharp squawk of the oboe…

The gentle strum of the harp…

I am home.

My mind whirs

Tumbles

And dances

To the warm embrace of chaos and structure

Quick! LOUD bursts

And slow, soft melodies

Blended together to create something spectacular

Like my thoughts

Never staying in one place 

…Or at one volume

S c a t t e r e d

Like wild notes

Strewn across a sheet of music

One moment, fast and excited like Flight of the Bumblebee,

The next, calm and smooth, like Moonlight Sonata.

A constantly moving orchestra of dreams…

Leaping, wriggling, cascading off one another.

Flitting from one idea to the next.

I shut my eyes and take a deep breath,

Letting the vibrations pulse through my brain,

Like a kaleidoscope of butterflies.

Fluttering

Frenzied

Free!

An ensemble of energy fills me from head to toe.

Here, only here, is my mind in complete harmony.

Finally, at peace.

My thoughts echo every long pause

And shift of volume…

And mirror each sudden blast of sound and change in tempo.

My mind is a symphony.

Thank you for reading!

If you have a friend or family member on any spectrum under the neurodiverse umbrella, and are looking for a list of neurodiverse reads (for any age) be sure to check out my personalized list of over 100 book recommendations + resources. Additionally, if you’re looking for a gentle picture book, (with gorgeous watercolor illustrations) that explores ADHD/Autism and embraces themes of finding beauty in your differences- aka “gifts,” take a peek at my book, ADHD and Me.

And now, a round of thank you’s

For everyone reading today, please give a warm thank you in the comments to all of our guest judges & prize donors who have worked so hard to volunteer their time and energy to sift through these gems and select winners from among them, to help mentor writers on their path to growth and publication. And of course, we can’t forget our wonderful host, Kaitlyn Sanchez! I believe 2023 marks the fifth year of this wonderful annual contest. If you don’t know who Kaitlyn Sanchez is… please, by all means, go and visit her website! Not only is she a champion and supporter of writers and illustrators as a Literary Agent, she’s also the host of various writing contests and events like the Spring Fling Contest, Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week, – and she offers a ton of fantastic resources to other fun writing contests and events on her website, so please, take a moment to stop by.

Host X Handle

@kaitlynleann17

Guest Judges X Handle

@Ms_Holliday93 @ebonylynnmudd

Prize Donors X handles

@AndreaYWang @chanastiefel @JStremer @amandarhill32 @AutumnLeaflet @HovorkaSarah @readbystephanie @Ms_Holliday93 @SerendipityLit @BrianGehrlein @IvanTaurisano @ErDiPasquale @ShannonStocker_ @ebonylynnmudd @kaitlynleann17 @AReynosoMorris @DianaMWrites

8 amazing books, and why you should have them in your classroom.

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Book Recommendations, View all blog posts

Finding great books can be hard, especially when you have a full schedule. So, where can you find the BEST recommendations? It’s no secret that librarians are a great resource when it comes to discovering fabulous new reads. So, here’s a list of amazing books and why you should have them in your classroom or home library, by your friendly kidlit writer, blogger, and librarian!

Book #1: Four Eyes by ReX oGLE, illustrated by dAVE vALEZA

“An adolescent masterpiece that bravely and honestly expresses the dilemmas of early tween years; from family, to friendships, and everything in between.”

Book details: Middle Grade- Juvenile Graphic Novel, Grades 3-7,

Graphic novels are one of the hottest, fastest selling items in the current literary market- and there’s more than one reason why. Not only are they filled with fun, engaging images to help perk your child’s imagination, they’re often geared to a dialogue filled text that moves quickly from page to page. This fast pace, conversational approach keeps kids interested in reading. They’re especially terrific for kids who are apprehensive to read by nature. So, if you have a child between the ages 8-12 who’s struggling with reading, graphic novels may be the perfect tool for you.

THIS BOOK DEALS WITH:

  • Disabilities
  • Navigating family/friend relationships
  • Bullying
  • Coming of age

Buy it here!

Book #2 Fungus Is Among Us! by Joy Keller, illustrated by Erica Salcedo

“A lively scientific adventure through the outdoors, told in rhyme!“

Book details: Picture Book – Informational Fiction, Grade level 1-2, Reading ages 5-10

Getting kids excited about science at a young age is one of the best ways to educate them about their surroundings. And what better way to grab their interest than by incorporating fun lyrical language, humor, and bright images? If you’re looking for a NON boring romp through science, this book is definitely for you!

THIS BOOK HAS:

  • Bright colored, fun illustrations to grab your child’s attention
  • Incorporates science and education
  • Story told in lyrical rhyme
  • Lots of fun facts about mushrooms

Buy it here!

Book #3 Anglerfish The Seadevil of the Deep, by Elaine M. Alexander, illustrated by Fiona Fog

“A deep dive into the mysterious life of the anglerfish.”

Book details: Non-Fiction Picture Book, Reading age 4-8, Preschool- 3rd grade

How much do you know about the anglerfish? Probably, not that much. And it’s no surprise why. Anglerfish aren’t a hugely common topic. Why? Well, for starters, they live way down at the bottom of the ocean. So, most of us will never come in contact with one. But, for the few who have, there’s still not much written about them. If you’re curious about learning about this mysterious seadevil of the deep, you won’t want to miss this read.

THIS STORY IS FILLED WITH:

  • Fun fish & ocean facts for animal & nature lovers!
  • Science & life cycles
  • Great vocabulary words and their definitions
  • Dramatic, vivid illustrations

Buy it here!

Book #4 a gIRL, a raccoon, AND THE mIDNIGHT mOON, BY kAREN rOMANO yOUNG, ILLUSTRATED BY jESSIXA bAGLEY

“A story shrouded in mystery, set in a city library; and a collection of spunky, lovable, and unlikely heroes…”

Book details: Middle Grade, Mystery/Light Fantasy/Fiction, Reading age 10-14, Grade level 5-9

This book was a no brainer for me. My reasons? 1. It’s setting takes place in a library. 2. That title?! I had to know more. 3. Raccoons! and 4. I love Jessixa Bagley. So, those were the beginning reasons as to why I picked this book up. Since the first time I read it, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I’ve purchased a copy for myself, multiple for my library, and a few for friends. If you love stories shrouded in mystery, with a dash of historic justice, sentimental love of libraries, and spunky heroines and unlikely friendships… pick it up today!

Things you’ll find in this book:

  • Mysteries & unlikely heroes
  • Newly formed friendships
  • Spunky, determined characters
  • A city library setting

Buy it here!

Book #5 cHEF eDNA: Quueen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis, by Melvina Noel, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

“A story about following your dreams… perfect for young readers aspiring to become chefs.”

Book details: Youth Picture Book Biography, Ages 4-8, Grades Preschool-3rd

For illustration alone… I don’t know how you couldn’t LOVE this story. But, looking beyond the brilliance of the artwork – and it is brilliant- this book is a beautiful ode to the life of Edna Lewis.

THIS STORY FEATURES:

  • Biography of Edna Lewis’s life
  • Food and cooking
  • History & traditions
  • Beautiful illustrations

Book #6 Mara Hears in Style, by Terri Clemmons, illustrated by Lucy Rogers

“An inclusive picture book that represents a young child with a hearing impairment.”

Book details: Picture Book, ages 4-8

There’s no way I could NOT be excited about sharing this book. And not just because the author is none other than one of my *amazing* critique partners, Terri Clemmons! But, this book is deeply special to me, as someone who has deaf family members. Growing up, it’s hard to remember seeing stories told from the perspective of children with disabilities- least of all with beautiful illustrations like this! Having inclusive stories in the classroom and in libraries is SO important for children to be able to see themselves in books. While we’re on the topic of inclusive children’s literature, that brings me to my next highly recommended read…

**This book is scheduled to release on February 27th of 2024, but is available for pre-order now. Keep your eyes peeled for the March Feature Interview. I’ll be interviewing the author about her books, writing journey, and tips on how to keep busy and stay sane as a kidlit writer. **

THIS BOOK FEATURES:

  • Children with disabilities, hearing impairments
  • Building new friendships at school
  • Inclusive perspective & diverse characters
  • Lovely illustrations

Buy it here!

Book #7 ADHD AND ME, by Chelsea DiCicco

“A neurodiverse story about appreciating your differences for what they are… gifts.”

Book details: Picture Book, ages 4-8

Being on the neurodivergent spectrum with A.D.H.D. I of course love seeing literature on the shelves that embrace learning differences in kids across all spectrums. This book is an excellent resource for classrooms and family discussion for a multitude of different reasons. One thing I love about this story is that it’s told from the perspective of a neurodiverse eight-year-old girl. Throughout the story, she expresses the thoughts and feelings she experiences inside her mind, as well as what she observes of others and how they feel – recognizing not just her own set of challenges, but those of her peers, teachers, and family members.

Something that makes this book an especially great resource for classrooms is the added bonus material, author’s note, and resources available at the end of the book, designed for parents and educators, that discusses how to help your child have a successful support system. And don’t forget the extra free educational downloads, like the coinciding lesson plan, coloring sheets, spot the difference pages, and much more on the author’s website, under teacher corner. (Yes, that’s MY website!)

THIS BOOK HIGHLIGHTS

  • Building empathy & understanding toward yourself & others
  • Neurodiverse characters, ADHD & AUTISM SPECTRUM
  • Caring for physical, emotional, and mental health
  • Family relationships & friendships

Buy it here!

Book #8 Me And Marvin Gardens, by Amy Sarig King

“An imaginative, eco-friendly story for nature and animal lovers; with a nice nod to history and science.”

Book details: Middle Grade Fiction, Reading age 8-11, Grade level 3-7

This was such an interesting read. New species discovered. Love of science and history of land, heritage, and rocks. Lots of perspectives shown between family relationships and growth of friendship. Truly a wonderful adolescent coming of age story for boys. (Overall, a great read for everyone!)

I loved hearing Obe’s story about his Devlin family farm and getting to enjoy the creek with him. I especially enjoyed being a part of his friendship with Annie. And I thought the author did an AMAZING job of weaving history into this story and adding just the perfect touch of world building. The tender scenes on the school bus and out in nature were just the cherry on the cupcake of this for me. It was so refreshing to see so many angles of perspectives from different families and how each person deals with loss, embarrassment, and shame differently. Just a really powerful story to make you think about more than just yourself… but the bigger part you can play in making a positive difference.

This book would be especially wonderful for classrooms for it’s exploration of science and history.

THIS BOOK DEALS WITH:

  • Ecosystems, planet health & recycling
  • Family relationships
  • Friendships & bullying
  • Science & history

Buy it here!

September 2023 Feature Interview with Children’s Author, Laurie Carmody, conducted by Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian, Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Author Bio: Laurie Carmody created “Lady Laurlox’s Lovely Library” in her Upstate NY home when she was ten, and after giving out her copies of Nancy Drew to the neighbors she decided that sharing and celebrating stories was her great passion. She now writes picture books with themes of finding inner strength, embracing uniqueness, and building empathy. She also loves a good pun and seeks to find humorous wordplay in many of her stories. Laurie lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing, she’s playing piano, daydreaming, or attempting to jog around her hilly neighborhood. She holds degrees from Ithaca College and Indiana University in Instructional Design. 

Welcome back to the blog. It’s the first day of September 2023, and that means it’s time for another wonderful Feature Interview. This month I’m pleased to introduce you to our special guest, Laurie Carmody. Our topics today will include (but are not limited to): Beginning the writing journey, stepping into publishing, challenges and motivations, tips and secrets, books and where to find them, recommendations and words of wisdom, get-to-know-you questions, and finally, GIVEAWAY PRIZES and how to win them! So, make sure to read to the end. Without further ado- here we go!

Beginning the Writing Journey

How long have you been writing stories, and what kinds of genres/topics do you enjoy writing about? 

I wrote (and illustrated!) my first picture book, Andy the Armadillo when I was in 6th grade. I switched to fantasy and mystery stories through high school, then pivoted to technical writing and instructional design during and after college. I came full circle and began working on picture books again in 2019 when my children were young. I like writing humorous, heartfelt stories about connection.
   
When did you first know that you wanted to become a children’s book author? 

For as long as I can remember, my dream has been to see my book in a library. I spent hours upon hours in my library as a child, perusing the stacks for a new story to take home and devour. As an adult, I realized that nothing could be better than seeing a child reach for my story on the library shelves. 

What events led you into the wonderful world of kidlit publishing? 

Justin Colon announced a mentorship opportunity on Twitter (#PBChat) in the summer of 2019. Looking back, I was 100% not ready for a mentorship. I didn’t know nearly enough about the industry or about crafting picture books. But that opportunity introduced me to a fabulous group of critique partners. We are still connected, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without that community of creators.

Stepping into Publishing

About how long did you query literary agents before finding your agent, Natascha Morris? And for our new writers, can you share a little bit about the process of querying agents and what that entails? 

I queried for two years before I signed with my agent (Fun fact: she rejected my work in summer 2020. I worked on craft, created a new set of stories, then submitted and signed one year later!) 

A little about the process - It is going to take time (like years), and it is going to involve a lot of rejections (like hundreds). So, take your time to create something that speaks to you, take your time to work with critique partners to make it sing, and then take your time to send that work to a curated, specific list of agents. And after all that? Take your time to process any rejections before starting all over again. 

After you signed with your agent, how long did it take for you to get your first book deal? 

I had an offer for Big Truck Playdate (Beaming Books) before I signed with Natascha. She immediately jumped into the contract negotiations.

Can you tell us about the process of being on submission with editors and how it compares and differs from the querying agent's process? 

It is hard, and it is slow! No matter who you’re querying, there are rejections. The only difference is that my agent sends out the queries based on her extensive knowledge and networks. But I still see those rejections. And I still have to figure out a way to take care of and encourage the creator within me to keep going.

Challenges & Motivation

It’s a well-known fact among the writing community that publishing moves sloooowly. Can you tell us what helps you personally to deal with the slow-moving pace? 

It is indeed incredibly slowwwwww. I was upset about it after I first went on sub as an agented author. I guess I thought things would move quickly once I got through the “finding an agent” part. It definitely is not any quicker. What do I do to deal with that? 

1) Read lots of picture books to keep my head in the industry. 

2) Commiserate with my critique partner friends. If there’s one thing that readers take from this interview, it is to find writing buddies. They will keep you going. Honest. 

3) I write more stories so I’m not fixating on a timeline that is out of my control. 

Were there any challenges you met/or continue to meet during the publishing process? If so, can you share what they were/are and how you dealt /deal with them? 

The biggest challenge in the publishing process has been the post-publication life! I have spent my life as a story consumer, and I have spent 4 years as a story creator. But I have only had a few months as a story “business owner”. Putting myself out there for storytime events, checking sales data, and figuring out my website… all of these things are new and challenging to navigate! Asking friends my questions, posting in 12x12, and taking a step back when I feel overwhelmed is always helpful. 

What motivates you to continue down the path of publishing? 

I sometimes imagine that my heart is lined with paper. I have always felt safe within books, and the quiet welcoming nature of libraries and bookstores is magical. Being part of that space as a creator makes me feel deeply fulfilled. I don’t think I could ever step away. 

That's such a beautiful way of thinking about this and expressing it. I firmly believe that writers are always writers in their hearts, whether they're published yet - or ever. It's something that's a part of you. And of course, getting to see your work published is incredibly fulfilling.

Tips & Secrets

What are three things you can think of that were most beneficial in helping your writing career? 

1) Critique partners - they are my confidants, cheerleaders, and friends. 

2) Libraries - I check out around 30 books per week to study and inform my knowledge of both industry and craft. I type out my favorites to get a look at pacing, language, etc. 

3) Contests - those fun challenges that you see on social media are a great way to create drafts, learn from others, and meet awesome people. 

Are there any writing tips or secrets that you’ve discovered that you wish you had known sooner? If so, what were they? 

1) Type out your favorite picture books to study.

2) Ask questions! Find a trusted community (mine is 12x12, and my critique partners.)

3) Give yourself challenges (Example: Last summer I wrote one new draft per week to jump start my creative mind).

4) If you feel burned out, that’s ok and normal! Take a break (I like to read novels and/or do a ton of critiquing).

Looking back, is there anything that you wish you had done a little differently? If so, what would it be, and how would you change it? 

I wish I had done more reviews and library requests from the beginning. It is so incredibly helpful to support authors in that way. 

Do you have any words of encouragement to share with a writer or illustrator who’s just starting out? 

"You are in the arena," as Teddy Roosevelt said. And that is a big deal. You are going to be upset. You are going to feel defeated. You are going to feel like you want to quit. But guess what? Your stories are worthy, needed, and important. Keep going, and if you need someone to cheer for you, message me. 

What’s your all-time favorite part of writing books for kids? 

My #1 reason for doing this is because I want children to love reading, to feel connected with the world, and to feel safe and loved. My favorite part of the craft of writing, though? Picture books are a true collaboration of art and words. It is a beautiful puzzle for my mind, and I adore thinking about how pacing, language, concept, and art come together. 

Speaking of writing books for kids…

Books! And Where to Find Them

We've arrived at my FAVORITE part of the interview… the part where we talk about books! In particular, YOUR books. Can you share a little bit about your new book, Big Truck Playdate? What's your story about? 

In Big Truck Playdate, a boy who is passionate about trucks has trouble connecting with his classmates. When a big truck comes to school and is swarmed by kids, he has to figure out how to advocate for himself in his own unique way before missing a chance to touch the truck. 

What was your inspiration for writing it?
 
Corey is neurodiverse and is inspired mostly by my sister-in-law, Ashley, who has autism. She is passionate about stuffed bears in the same way that Corey loves trucks. And I love how my kids and I connect with her through her bears. Our worlds come together at that intersection.

What do you hope it will do for children/families?

I want children to have exposure to two things:

1) That there are different ways to play, and 

2) there are different friendships. Kids can take a risk, put themselves out there, and share their passions with the world.

Was there anything during the illustration process that surprised you? 

I was expecting not to hear a lot or see a lot during the process. It’s important to give the illustrator the space and time to create. With that said, I think what surprised me the most was how wonderful it felt to give up that space and time. This story may have started out in my head, but the illustration process transformed that idea into something shared. And that is bigger and better than I could have ever imagined. 

Can you tell us a little about your illustrator and what the working experience was like? 

Jennica Lounsbury is a Canadian illustrator. Although we’ve never met and we never discussed the book during the publication process, I feel this very cool connection built on mutual support and respect.  

Do you have a favorite illustration/spread in the book? If so, which one and why? 

I’ve always adored the illustration where Corey is sharing the open road with his classmates. It elevates the text and shows such a deep understanding of friendship, play, and individuality. 

Where can we find your book? 

Big Truck Playdate is available wherever books are sold. You can check out the links on my website, too! 

Favorite Bookstore? 

The Curious Iguana in Frederick, Maryland!

Get to Know You

Favorite color? 
Blue

Favorite smell? 
A campsite

Favorite animal? 
Barn Owls

Top three guilty pleasure movies? 
Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth miniseries!), Overboard, and The Count of Monte Cristo

Top three guilty pleasure songs? 
Boys of Summer by Don Henley, September by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Move by Saint Motel

Share a cheesy joke! 
Q: What did one cow say to the other cow? A: Nice calves!

Tell us something unusual/surprising about yourself that most people don’t know. 
I can write anything in cursive mirror image. It’s my parlor trick! For some reason, my brain just works that way.

Recommendations and Words of Wisdom

What are three authors/books that you’d recommend everyone read at least once? Oh jeez, this is hard! I am going to keep it broad:

1.	Read a banned book.  

2.	Read a book where the main character is not like you. (I’ve heard this referred to as a “window book” because it gives you a look into another experience.)

3.	Read a book where the main character is like you. (I’ve heard this referred to as a “mirror book” because it helps the reader reflect and learn.)

Laurie, I love, love, LOVE these recommendations. Such great words of wisdom here!

Any last words of wisdom for our readers? 

Read widely, and read diverse books. There are so many life experiences to grow our compassion and understanding of the world. Also, picture books are for everyone. You can learn so much about the world - physically and emotionally- by reading them.

Thanks so much, Laurie, for taking the time to be here today. Now it's time for the moment you've all been waiting for...

GIVEAWAY PRIZES!

For the month of September, Laurie Carmody is offering ONE of these options to our prize winner:

A signed book.
A manuscript critique of a picture book less than 1000 words (no rhyming, please).
A 30-minute AMA Zoom call.
A 30-minute virtual classroom visit.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

LIKE this Feature Interview during the month of September 2023.
SUBSCRIBE to the blog (already subscribed? You’re one step closer!)
COMMENT below this Feature Interview, letting us know which prize you’d like!


Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing her book below! Using this direct purchase link also supports this blog.

Purchase link for Big Truck Playdate

AUGUST 2023 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, JESS TOWNES, conducted by Chelsea dicicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Author Bio   Jess Townes is the author of several picture books, including the forthcoming Sometimes I Cry. A lifelong storyteller, Jess has worked in public education, non-profit development, birth, and lactation services, as a freelance writer and actress, and currently works as a bookseller at Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri, but her favorite part of any job is the connections she builds with other people. She believes there is no better path to those connections than through our stories. Jess lives outside St. Louis with her husband, two teenagers, and two black cats.

Beginnings

It's time for another great FEATURE INTERVIEW. Today, we're welcoming guest Jess Townes to the blog. It’s such a pleasure to have you with us, Jess! I loved learning about your colorful and varied work experiences as a doula and advocate for Spanish speakers in the public school district as well as your history with nonprofit fundraising, among other cool things. So, tell me, what was the series of events that landed you here in the wonderful land of children’s book writing?
 
There's an expression about endings, I think it originated with Aristotle, that says they should be "surprising, but inevitable," and that's sort of how I feel about landing in the world of children's literature. I did not grow up wanting to become an author. I'm not sure it ever made my list of what I wanted to be when I grew up, and that list was long and varied, from journalist to Rockette to the first female Catholic priest (for the record, I wasn't even Catholic). Yet, I fell in love with children's books at a very young age and never fell out of love long past the age that our culture dictates I should have. I've always been a storyteller, and most of my work has involved advocacy for children, so in a way, though it was a surprise, it was perhaps inevitable that I eventually paired my love for story and my connection with children in this way. 

I saw on your author’s website that you memorized Richard Scarry’s illustrations. So, I’m guessing books played a large part in your young childhood. Can you tell us more about some of your favorite childhood book memories and how they influenced you then or maybe still influence you today? Books were a foundational part of my childhood. In early elementary school, I was completely obsessed with The Babysitters Club. I loved and admired all of them. Kristy's leadership, Claudia's artistic talent, Maryanne's empathy, and Stacey's ability to adapt to change. They felt like friends to me, and when I was going through difficult moments in my own life, I turned to them for comfort and consistency. As I got a little older, I discovered Judy Blume, and her books were a revelation. She wrote things that nobody talked about but everyone experienced, and reading them stripped away shame and self-doubt. I believe she shaped the future of children's literature through her vulnerability, and so many of the books I love and sell as a bookseller today might not have ever been published had she not paved the path for them. Another thing I wanted to talk with you about is your day job! I remember you mentioning that you work as a bookseller at an independent bookstore in St. Charles, Missouri (which is so cool)! It seems like a very fitting job for someone who enjoys reading and writing. I work in a library, and I love being surrounded by books and book lovers. I imagine you do too! Can you tell us a little more about the bookstore where you work and what it’s like working there? I love my job at Main Street Books! We are located on a historic cobblestone street in St. Charles, Missouri, where many of the buildings are over two hundred years old. It's a vibrant tourism location that hosts multiple festivals every year, from a floral festival in May to Halloween to Christmas. The street is charming, and you really get to know your neighbor merchants. We are a general interest bookstore, which means we have a little bit of everything, and our staff reads across all genres. I love getting to know our local readers as well as meet people from all over the country who are visiting. Working as a bookseller gives me a behind-the-scenes peek at the other side of publishing, which I find helpful in understanding the industry. And it's always so exciting when I get the chance to sell one of my writer friend's books!

Books & Writing

When it comes to your own writing… do you ever host storytimes or book signings of your books where you work?

Yes, I launched both of my first books with a signing/storytime at Main Street Books. It's my bookish home, so it feels right to start there. 

Speaking of your books… let's talk more about those! I know you have Spellbound, which came out in January 2022; Groundhog Gets it Wrong, which came out in January 2023; and your next book, Sometimes I Cry, is coming out THIS Fall! Can you tell us about your newest book? 

Sometimes I Cry is definitely the most vulnerable of the books I've published so far. It's an exploration of all the different kinds of moments in life that can move us to tears, and as an easy crier myself, it hits very close to home. Growing up, I sometimes felt ashamed or embarrassed by how easily I cried (I'm that person that cries during commercials, for example), but once I had my own kids, it became important to me to model crying as a normal, healthy part of being human in a complex world. I started to notice the ways that boys, in particular, were discouraged from crying and wondered what our world would look like if men were able to access and express their full range of emotions in healthy ways. This book was born in my part from my desire to help create that world, and I really hope young readers see themselves on its pages. 

So now that we've wandered into the territory of one of my all-time favorite topics- books- I'd love to hear a little more in-depth of the behind-the-scenes of the creation of these stories. Can you share a little about how your books were born? What was the inspiration behind them?

Spellbound was inspired by my work as a doula. I had the privilege of watching many families welcome a new baby into their homes and the varied reactions of the existing children. While some became immediate caregivers, others took some time to adjust to a new sibling, and I wanted to honor that reality in a playful but honest way. Groundhog Gets It Wrong was inspired by a winter in my region where the groundhog called for an early spring, and it actually came true! It made me wonder how often this rodent gets it right, which got me thinking about making mistakes and the aftermath of those mistakes.

Book Publishing Territory & Timeline

I know I have a lot of readers who are at different stages of writing and publishing. Some are just starting out with finding a home in the writing community and joining their first critique groups. Others are already a part of the writing community and now have polished manuscripts that they are querying to find an agent. Some are now agented but don't yet have book deals. And others may be agented with multiple book deals. So, I like to ask questions that help give more information about each stage.
 I'll start with the beginner questions.

When you first started writing, can you tell us how/where you discovered your writing community? Were there any groups or things that helped, in particular?

There were two groups in particular that were an enormous help to me as a beginner children's writer - the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge and SCBWI. I met my first critique group through SCBWI, and they remain close friends and writing partners to this day. I attended workshops and conferences through SCBWI, eventually becoming a Co-RA of my local region. It's hard to imagine my publishing journey without this organization that I have learned so much from. Likewise, 12 x 12 continues to be a huge part of my writing life! The program helped me challenge myself to write drafts and practice craft on manuscripts that I knew would never be published, which for me, is an essential part of the process. But more importantly, I meet writers through this community that understand the ups and downs of the publishing journey and the specificity of picture book writing. I currently serve as a Critique Ninja for 12 x 12, and I am honored to give back to a community that has given me so much. 
 
From the time you first started swapping manuscripts and getting feedback on your work, how long did it take you to start querying agents, and what was that process like?

It took me a long time to be ready to swap manuscripts and seek feedback on my work. I wrote privately for a couple of years before even joining SCBWI and learning about critique groups. Once I did have those groups in place, I started querying agents about six months later and was fortunate to sign with my agent very quickly after that.
 
Once you started querying, how long did it take you to find your agent match?

I received an offer to revise and resubmit from my current agent within a month of querying agents, and I ended up signing with her a few months after that. 
 
Once you found your agent, how long did it take to get your first book deal?

Much longer! I was with my agent about a year and a half before we had our first offer. We had a couple of other manuscripts go through acquisitions more than once, so I got a lot of experience in getting oh-so-close to a deal but not quite crossing the finish line. This is a part of the process even after multiple book deals. Each time on submission is like starting over.

Discouragements, Set-backs, Words of Wisdom

We've gone over the timeline. Now let's talk a little bit about the in-betweens.
Were there any points throughout your publishing career that you felt discouraged? If so, what/who helped you overcome it?

Yes, of course. So much of publishing is outside our control, and keep in mind that my own publishing timeline fell in the middle of a global pandemic. There has been near constant uncertainty about everything from shipping to supply chains, sales, a changing market, the fate of brick-and-mortar bookstores, book challenges, and bans, the future of AI, etc. I try to remind myself that I can only impact so much. The things inside my control are the stories I write and, to a smaller extent, the ways I share my work in the world. I try to focus on what I can control, as well as the joy I find in the craft of telling a story, instead of the many things outside my control. 
 
What were some of the struggles you faced during your writing career?

Because writing is not my full-time job, it can be a struggle to give my stories the space and time they need to grow into what they could be. Balancing work, family, health challenges, volunteering, and the many things life throws at us with an extra job like writing can be a lot. Sometimes, writing is able to take the front seat and other times, it has to wait patiently in the background. I miss being away from my stories in those seasons, but I trust that something new will always be waiting. I think a lot about this advice from Stephen King -  "Put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn't in the middle of the room. Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around." 


Are things all breezy and easy now? Explain.

If you've read this far, you probably already know my answer to this! Of course not, but I don't expect there will ever be a season in my writing career where all things are breezy and easy. This is an ever-changing industry with new challenges every day. The best we can do is honor our craft and adjust the best we can. We can remind ourselves of why we write in the first place and follow that "why" as long as it makes sense to you and your life.

 
Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known earlier on that you think might be helpful for other writers?

This is a hard question because what motivates one person can discourage someone else. I like data. I like understanding the reality of the publishing industry. For me, working as a bookseller has opened my eyes to the absolute miracle it is to get a single book published, ever, much less have that book find a lasting place on the shelf. I know the numbers, I know the odds, and for me, this helps me understand why it is that so many beautifully crafted stories have a hard time finding a publishing home. Recognizing that this is out of my control is freeing to me as a writer and artist. But I always hesitate to share those numbers in a concrete fashion because I've seen it have the opposite impact on others.
 
Anything else you'd like to share?

I want to thank everyone who has ever shared one of my books with young readers. So much of this process, in the beginning, involves other adults reading your work, but there is something so deeply gratifying about the moment you finally get to share your book with kids. Their reactions, connections, and responses to my work have been the best part of this journey, so thank you to all of you who help make that happen.

Fun questions:

Favorite book(s)- and why? (I'll allow up to 5 because I know choosing favorites is hard).

Impossible! I'm a bookseller! How could you do this to me? ;) How about instead, I name five picture books from recent years that I've loved sharing with young readers?

After the Fall by Dan Santat
Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl
The Vamos! books by Raul the Third
The Longestletsgoboy by Derick Wilder and Catia Chien
Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares

Favorite color?

Green
 
Favorite place, real or imagined?

Grand Teton National Park
 
Favorite quote?
 
"Instructions for living a life. 
Pay attention. 
Be astonished. 
Tell about it." 
― Mary Oliver 

Thank you, Jess for joing us today. And now it's time for...

THE GIVEAWAY PRIZE

This month, Jess is offering multiple-choice prizes.
A signed book of your choice! Or, if you’re a teacher or librarian, a 30-minute zoom call with classroom/patrons. (This could be a fun storytime idea!)

QUESTIONS-ANSWERS

How do I enter the giveaway?

Simply like August’s Feature Interview post (the one you’re reading now) and subscribe to the blog. And that’s it! You’re entered.

How long will I have to enter the giveaway?
The entire month of August 2023
Deadline: August 31st

Already subscribed? Awesome! You’re halfway there!

Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing one of their books below! Using these direct purchase links also supports this blog.

GROUNDHOG GETS IT WRONG 
SOMETIMES I CRY
SPELLBOUND

July 2023 Feature Interview With Children’s Author, Aya Khalil, conducted by Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series 
Hello again! Welcome to the July FEATURE INTERVIEW. This month I'm excited to introduce you to a special guest, Children's Author, Aya Khalil. Aya is such an inspiration and I cant' wait for you to get to know her a little better. For those of you who might already know her- I'm sure you already know. For those who don't yet- you're in for a treat! So, enjoy the interview. And don't forget to scroll to the bottom to see this month's giveaway prize and how you can be entered to win!

Aya's Bio: Aya Khalil is the award-winning author of The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story, which is an NCTE’s Charlotte Huck Award Recommended Book and the winner of the Arab American Book Award, among other honors. She's also the author of Our World: Egypt and forthcoming picture books: The Night Before Eid and The Great Banned Books Bake Sale. Aya holds a master’s degree in education and works as a freelance journalist, whose articles have been featured in The Huffington Post and Brit & Co., among other publications. She immigrated from Egypt to the United States when she was young and currently lives with her partner and three children in Northwest Ohio. Aya invites you to visit her online at: ayakhalil.com

The beginning to publishing:

When did you first know you wanted to pursue writing? Was it something you always loved and envisioned for yourself, or did it begin later? 

I've always loved writing. I loved writing poetry and writing in journals. In high school, I really wanted to pursue writing more professionally when I graduated. I graduated from college with a BA in communication and English Literature and also went to get my master's degree in education later.


When and how did your professional journey toward publishing begin? 

It wasn't until I had my own kids, and my oldest was about four years old when I knew I wanted to become a children's book author after finding it so hard to find books with Arab and Muslim characters. So, this was about six years ago. I was also working at a diverse school and wished there were more diverse books that represented the diverse student population. So, I got to work. 

What were some of the first steps you had to take? 

I joined a local SCBWI critique group and spent hours at my local library reading new picture books. I listened to publishing podcasts, YouTube videos and did a lot of googling. Later I joined 12x12 and took classes at Highlights and InkedVoices, and Writing Barn. 

For authors/illustrators who may be just starting out, do you have any suggestions on first steps or recommendations on sites/groups they could visit/join? 
I wish I had taken more craft classes during those earlier years with Highlights or Writing Barn or joined 12x12. But I didn't know about them! Those places are truly gems, and there are affordable options as well! There are also great resources online, like Josh Funk's Free resources and Storystorm.

Road Bumps, Tips, Encouragement:

Throughout the publishing process, are there any challenges you’ve personally had to face and if so, how were you able to overcome them? 

I faced a ton of challenges. Contrary to some belief, as an Arab American Muslim, it was very hard breaking into the industry. It's also still challenging being on submission, and I still get a lot of rejections. It's still part of the industry and part of the job. It's not personal. You write, you submit, and you get rejected. No matter how many awards your book has gotten or if your previous book was bought at auction. 

Also, my debut picture book, The Arabic Quilt, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan was on a banned list in 2021. There's more information about it here. 

But right after that, my publisher told me that two districts bought a total of 22,000 copies of the book! So, I knew the problem wasn't the book. They also asked me if I would be interested in writing another, and I was thrilled. I wrote The Great Banned Books Bake Sale, which comes out on August 1st. 


Do you have any people in your life who have been especially helpful in offering support? 

Yes, so many. I'm not sure where to start and don't want to miss anyone, but I have great support from author friends, and I don't know where I would be without them. We get on calls together at random times, send voice notes to each, and even send WhatsApp messages to each other at odd hours throughout the day. I am extremely grateful for them all, and you know who you are!  I am also grateful for my Kidlit in Color team and Highlight Foundation Muslim fellows.

We all know that publishing is a very special industry in which a lot of beauty and excitement await us. But there are also many slow moments… and sometimes disappointment. For people who may not have friends/family who are familiar with the inner workings of the publishing industry and who don’t yet have a writing community to lean on for advice/encouragement, do you have any motivational words of wisdom or recommendations on how to handle the discouraging moments of publishing? 

It's very discouraging and just part of the process, so always remind yourself of that. Sometimes it's okay to take a step back and say okay, I'm getting a ton of rejections with similar feedback; let’s fix this. Then go back to your critique partners, take more craft classes, and work on it. And also, sometimes, it's okay to set books to the side and revisit them later. Maybe a few years from now, you'll find an agent or editor who is looking for a similar concept. So it's okay to be upset about it, but just keep writing.

Books, inspiration, and illustration:

I always love talking with authors about this subject. It’s always such a happy thing to share! So, I know this year had three books scheduled to come out. One is already here and two are on their way. Can you tell us a little bit about them?

Yes! The Night Before Eid, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh came out in March of 2023, and it's about three generations bonding of Eid treats. It's such a special picture book for many different reasons, but especially because it's the childhood Eid book of my dreams.  

The Great Banned Books Bake Sales comes out in August and is a companion to The Arabic Quilt and illustrated by Anait Kanzi and her classmates find out that the new diverse books are not in the library, and so she and her classmates come up with a plan: a protest and bake sale to get the books back on the shelf! 

My First Book of Arabic Words comes out in October and is illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy and is an ABC book on Arabic Language and Culture which I am so excited about as well. 


What was your inspiration behind these stories? 

The Night Before Eid's inspiration was all of the joy and love that's connected to Eid and the night before Eid in our family. The Great Banned Books Bake Sale's inspiration is loosely based on true stories of when The Arabic Quilt was banned, and I talked about it in the backmatter.  For My First Book of Arabic Words, the publisher approached me, and I was thrilled because I would've loved to see something similar to this growing up in a bilingual Arabic-English household, plus my kids are also bilingual English-Arabic speakers, and I think they'll love it, especially Chaymaa's vibrant illustrations. 

Let’s talk a little about illustration. I’ve had a lot of people ask me about illustration. Many people who aren’t in publishing are surprised to learn that picture book writers don’t always illustrate their own stories and they also don't get to pick them *usually*. Since you are a writer, not an illustrator, I’d love to hear a little about what that is like. 

Yes! Publishers usually do choose the illustrators. For The Arabic Quilt, Anait did an incredible job, and she's an immigrant herself! With The Night Before Eid also, Rashin's work is stunning. For My First Book of Arabic Words, I actually recommended Chaymaa Sobhy to the editor as I was a huge fan of her work, and I was so excited when she was available! Plus, she's Egyptian, so it's very exciting to work with her. 

Here's a question for my readers who are still in the query trenches: 
What is the querying process like when sending queries to an agent as just a text writer? 

It's challenging, and we see many agents saying they only want author-illustrators. It's been a few years since I queried, but I hear it's even tougher now. I would say just keep working on your craft and connect with other writers who are also querying so you can talk/vent about it! 

For my readers who are newly agented with a publishing deal but haven’t yet had their manuscripts matched with an illustrator, what is that process like? 

Sometimes that takes a really long time! I'm talking months and months. So just wait and know that editors and trying their best to match your beautiful words with the best illustrator for it. They're investing a lot of money into everything and pay attention to all of the detail. 

You need a lot of patience in this industry. Querying, being on submission, waiting for your contract, waiting on being matched with the illustrator, waiting for the illustrations, waiting for it to be printed, and the list goes on. It's a long process, but it's worth the wait. 

While we’re talking about illustration, I wanted to take a moment to mention your illustrators: 

What was your experience working with them individually? How involved were you, if at all with the illustration side of things? Did you have an opportunity to offer any input? Examples? 

I was sent sketches and asked for feedback. I sent some minor suggestions and tweaks here and there for both. I think for the Eid book, I did have in the text that Zain had curly hair, but the sketches weren't too clear if his hair was clear or straight, so I wanted to make sure it was curly. 

This question goes along with the last question, but I wanted to list it separately because I think this is an area that deserves specific attention. What are your thoughts on art notes? Do you use them? If so, how much and how often do you implement them? 

I do as needed! I tend to write longer picture books, so I try to use them to make my word count shorter (haha)! I don't think I used them that much for The Night Before Eid, though, or The Great Banned Books Bake Sale. 


Were there any things that surprised you about the illustration process? Explain. 

That it's really hard to change things once the colors go in! So really take many looks during the sketches and early illustrations. And this isn't surprising, but illustrators do so much research themselves too and a lot of work goes into it all.


Do you have a favorite spread in each book that you’d like to share? If so, what’s your favorite part about them and why? 

The last spread of The Night Before Eid is so cozy and like a big hug, but I love it all. The Great Banned Books Bake Sale there are many, but I love all the ones where the classmates are together because it shows unity and solidarity, especially at the end! 


Any final words of encouragement to share with our readers today? 

Keep reading current books in the genre you write, take craft classes, it's okay to put work to the side for a bit (or for years or forever), and believe in yourself and your work. 

Such a great interview, Aya. Thank you for sharing your inspiration, wisdom, and encouragement. And congratulations again on your new books! I will make sure we have all your books ordered for my library.

Connect with Aya Khalil

Website: www.ayakhalil.com
Twitter: @ayawrites 
Instagram: @ayakhalilauthor

Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing one of their books below! Using these direct purchase links also supports this blog.

Purchase The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale
Purchase The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story
Purchase My First Book of Arabic Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Arabic Language and Culture
Purchase The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

Now it’s time to talk prizes…

For the month of July, anyone who:

1.Leaves a comment on the July Feature Interview- before or by July 31st…
2.And likes & subscribes to the blog…
Will automatically be entered into the GIVEAWAY PRIZE DRAWING!

It’s that simple.

This month, Aya is offering an exciting prize!
A FREE copy of her new book, The Great Banned Books Bake Sale, scheduled to come out in August of 2023.

So, what are you waiting for? Get those comments/likes/subscribes in!

Please note: IF YOU'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO THE BLOG, YOU WILL STILL BE ENTERED INTO THE GIVEAWAY DRAWING FOR LEAVING A COMMENT AND LIKE.

Thanks for reading!

Speaking of readers…

Is there anything you’re dying to ask an author?  

Leave your suggested question in the comments section below for a chance to see it answered in a future Feature Interview!

Barnes & Noble Book Signing in Bowling Green KY, With Children’s Author & Librarian, Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts 
Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to announce I'll be visiting the Bowling Green Barnes and Noble, located at 1680 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, Ky 42104 on Saturday, July 8th from 1 PM- 4 PM, for an author book signing. If you live locally and would like to stop by, I'd love to connect with you! 

In addition to the book signing, I'll be bringing all sorts of fun giveaway prizes, freebies, and goody bags. 

Freebies:
💙 lollipops 
💙 word searches/spot the difference worksheets 
💙 lesson plans grades k-3rd 
💙 family resource packets with websites, book recommendations, and tips for neurodiverse families.

NO PURCHASES REQUIRED


Goody Bundles:
💜 Semigloss laminated bookmark 
💜 Free author autograph 
💜 Special edition "believe in yourself" stickers 
💜 Special release ADHD AND ME coloring book 
💜 Packet of crayons 

FREE WITH THE PURCHASE OF BOOK ADHD AND ME, DAY OF SIGNING, AT BARNES AND NOBLE. SIMPLY BRING YOUR RECEIPT TO THE SIGNING TABLE TO CLAIM YOUR GOODY BUNDLE!

Prize Drawing:
Interested in winning prizes? Post a review of ADHD AND ME to Barnes & Noble website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adhd-and-me-chelsea-dicicco/1143058981?ean=9780997933413 (AND/OR post a picture of the book, ADHD AND ME to your Instagram, tagging @chelseasworldofbooks account), the day of the signing and claim your prize drawing slip from the signing table! The winner will be selected at random from the first 10 participants!

Please note: if your Instagram account is set to private, tagging will not work, so make sure to leave a review of the book to claim your drawing slip for a chance to win the giveaway prize!