In today’s Feature Interview with Elementary School Educator and Author, Leah Moser, we’ll explore the links between education and writing, a writer’s first steps in publishing, publishing timelines, and how to prepare for an author debut.
Leah, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. We’re so happy to have you join us for the Feature Interview segment today! It’s always so nice getting to have conversations with new people and learn more about them.
Where are you joining us from?
Thank you for having me on your blog! I’m joining you from the DC area.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog and the Feature Interview segment?
I first heard about this opportunity on social media; I’ve been following you on Instagram for some time! I read through the previous interviews, and I was intrigued by all the wonderful authors, illustrators, educators, librarians, and poets you’ve had on your blog. It was exciting to learn more about each person’s unique journey in this writing world.
I was excited to see on your application your background in elementary education, as well as psychology. Could you tell us more about this?
I majored in Psychology in college. I was fascinated by the human mind (thoughts, feelings, and emotions) and why people behave the way they do in certain situations. After college, I became a preschool special education assistant for a few years. I realized teaching was my passion, and I received my Master’s in Elementary Education. I worked for years as a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher before taking a hiatus to be home with my three children. Currently, I’m substitute teaching, writing, editing, and visiting schools as an author!
Were there any connections between your educational background and writing? Explain.
As an educator, I often used picture books to introduce or guide conversations with my students. I appreciated the way books could broach challenging topics in kid-friendly language and spark meaningful discussions. I also recognized what types of books children liked to read and which were good to read aloud. Similarly, I noticed where there were literary holes, like topics that were not covered or characters that seemed underrepresented. I began seeing the KidLit world in a different way, and I knew that I could fill in some of those gaps.
What made you decide to pursue publishing?
When I was in graduate school, I took a children’s literature class where the culminating assignment was to write a picture book. While others struggled through this process, I enjoyed every step of the way. I felt the book was ready to pursue publication. I remember thinking: How hard could it be? After some research, I became overwhelmed and decided to put this publishing dream on the back burner.
Years later, after I had my first child, I met a mother who was also a writer. She invited me to my first critique group with some established, incredible authors. I’ve been writing ever since. It took me some time to feel comfortable in sharing my work with others, but I noticed my writing and stories getting stronger and stronger. I knew I was ready again.
What were some of your first steps when pursuing publication?
After I had several polished, strong manuscripts, I was ready to find an agent and hopefully get some of my work published. I joined social media (at the time, it was Twitter) and Instagram and followed many editors, publishing houses, and agents. I created a spreadsheet with names, information, and what each person/house was looking for to determine if my stories could be a good fit. I spent a lot of time emailing personalized queries and kept my fingers crossed.
Were there any resources/groups that were especially helpful in the beginning of your writing journey?
Yes! I was connected with other established authors through my critique group. I also joined several groups online, such as SCBWI, the 12×12 picture book challenge, and KidLit411 on Facebook. I attended as many local conferences as I could and connected with many KidLit creators in person and online. I also read A LOT of picture books, so I felt like I knew current trends and what was being published at the time.
Were there any difficulties/challenges that you had to face? And, if so, how were you able to overcome them? Explain.
There were and still are many challenges! It took me a long time to find my agent, Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency. Once I signed with an agent, it took months for us to sell a book. There is so much waiting and so much doubting, but I’ve found the best thing to do is to keep writing and to continue working on other projects.
Was there anything you wish you’d known sooner that you think would be helpful for our readers?
It’s a big transition from “my story” to “our book.” There are so many people involved in making a picture book. I was fortunate to have a fabulous team for I AM A THUNDERCLOUD, and we all shared a similar vision for this book, but I know that isn’t always the case.
You mentioned in your application that you write picture books and early readers, so your target audience is 4-8 years old. What type of genres/characters/themes do you gravitate toward writing? (Friendship/adventure/silly/mystery/SEL/human/animal/etc?)
With my psychology background, I enjoy writing SEL picture books about emotions. I also like to write funny stories that I know kids would get a kick out of. I’ve started writing nonfiction picture books, which have been exciting to research and summarize. I like to write in rhyme as it adds another level of challenge. But mainly, I want to write books that can be entertaining or meaningful for children and their grown-ups.
Are these also your favorite types of stories to read?
I love to read all sorts of picture books. I’m constantly checking books out of the library to share with my children. We enjoy funny books that make us laugh, powerful stories, nonfiction topics that we don’t know much about, and beautiful illustrations.
Speaking of your writing, your debut picture book, I Am a Thundercloud, came out last April, 2024. Congratulations! We’d love to hear about how this story came to be!
Thank you!
What was your inspiration for writing I Am a Thundercloud?
I wrote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD during the pandemic in 2020. As with many people, I felt a lot of emotions during that time. One day, at home, I was thinking of metaphors for feelings, and I thought of the angriest image I could think of. That’s where the angry thundercloud popped into my head. I wrote the first draft of Thundercloud from the perspective of an actual thundercloud. Over time (and with the help of my agent and critique group), the protagonist shifted to a child feeling like a thundercloud.
For readers who may be new to publishing and wondering how long the traditional publishing process takes, could you share how long this story was in the making? Timeframe from story concept to first draft, then to final draft, then query to book deal, and book deal to final publication. (Rough estimate works too!)
I wrote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD in August 2020. I signed with Dan Cramer in February 2021. I got a YES for I AM A THUNDERCLOUD with Running Press Kids in December 2021. I was linked with my wonderful illustrator, Marie Hermansson, in July 2022. The book was released in April 2024.
What made this story shine above any other manuscripts to make it the one that snagged your first book deal? And was this the book that got you your agent with Page Turner Literary?
This is actually not the book that got me my agent. That book has yet to sell (sad face). I AM A THUNDERCLOUD had gotten a few “maybes” before the big YES. I felt cautiously optimistic.
For authors who may be debuting their own PBs soon, what advice would you like to share for things to do to prepare? (Author event prepwork, social media or word of mouth promotional campaign, in-person networking with local bookstores/libraries/schools, strategies on getting new reader reviews, or something else? Feel free to share more than one, if applicable.)
I joined a 2024 picture book debut group, PB Soar 24, which was extremely helpful. I would highly recommend finding one OR creating your own. It was wonderful to support these other debut authors and connect about our experiences. I also frequented local bookstores often, and introduced myself shortly before my book was released. I reached out to bloggers and connected with people in the KidLit world to get my name/book out there. I was active on social media during this time, trying to promote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD. The Running Press Kids team helped arrange a few school visits, but then I reached out to schools on my own. It’s a lot of work, but I was happy to do it and was proud to be in this situation.
As writers, we all have something inside us that compels us to write. What is your reason for writing? And what do you hope your stories will give your readers?
I hope my stories resonate with readers, caregivers, educators, and librarians. Writing is a creative outlet – a way for me to get my ideas out there. Some of the ideas blossom into drafts and go on submission. Other times, they don’t. But either way, it’s a way of getting my own thoughts out of my head and onto the paper.
What are some of your favorite books/authors?
I love Cori Doerrfield’s picture books. I’ve always been a fan of her SEL stories – her simple language, her emotional illustrations, and her meaningful messages. THE RABBIT LISTENED is my all-time favorite. Additionally, I’ve loved being a part of PB Soar 24 – make sure you check out all their fabulous new picture books!
What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows?
One of my writing inspirations is Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City. In college, I was told my writing was sometimes too “informal” due to my rhetorical questions and simple phrasing as I tried to emulate her! In my house, we are big Bluey fans. They created a show that kids find hilarious and adults connect with on another level.
Any last writing advice or words of wisdom that you’d like to share?
Writing is a journey. I am so fortunate to have one book out in the world. But I have yet to get another book deal. I’m hopeful and optimistic for a new opportunity in the future! Something I’m always reminding myself is that no two writing journeys are the same, and there is room for all the fabulous creators to tell their own stories!
“No two writing journeys are the same, and there is room for all the fabulous creators to tell their own stories!” – Leah Moser
Such beautiful words of wisdom, and very true. Thank you so much for joining us today, Leah.
ATTENTION WRITERS: Leah also has an editing service. She works with authors of all levels, from award-winning, well-known authors to those just starting out. Please visit her website to find out more.
And now it’s time for our giveaway prize!
For the month of August 2025, Leah is offering a PB critique OR a copy of her picture book, I Am a Thundercloud.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
LIKE and SHARE this post (and tag me X @chellysbooks IG @chelseasworldofbooks). That’s it! **If there are multiple prize options, please specify which one you’d like in the comments.**
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DEADLINE TO ENTER: August 31st, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
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Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Northern Virginia. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three daughters, dog, and readers of all ages. I Am a Thundercloud is her debut book.
X/Twitter & IG @LeahMoserWrites Leah Moser – Author on Facebook Visit her author website HERE