Getting to The Heart of Why We Write

Please welcome author Gabriella Aldeman to the show! Some Highlights: Nerding out about language. Writing in English when it’s your second language. Joining a professional kidlit organization as a translator and getting inspired to write her own stories. A love of writing.🖋️ “Embracing imperfection is the first step towards having courage.” Abuela’s talkative parrot in her latest book.🦜 Celebrating mistakes along your learning journey.💃💃💃💃 The joy and energy in author visits. The options clause–pay attention to it! You can narrow it!! Why Write: “Writing has always been the way I process my emotions and figure things out….But I do revise for young readers.” Links Mentioned🔗: Gabriella’s website Gabriella on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Book Recommendations📚: Squawk of Spanish by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Romina Galotta on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble (It’s also available in Spanish!) Paula’s Patches by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza A Flicker of Hope by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth (Also available in Spanish!) How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz Feed by M.T. Anderson

Please welcome author Jolene Gutiérrez to the show! Her latest book, Mamiachi and Me just released on January 7. Congratulations, Jolene! And grab your copy now while it’s still hot off the press!♨️🔥📚📚 Some Highlights: Publishing her first books on her teacher’s typewriter in elementary school. Denise Vega’s author visit at Jolene’s school in 2008 and the spark it ignited. –“If you want to be a writer, why aren’t you now? Why not today?” Nurturing your soul with writing. Do something for yourself before anyone else. Following what brings joy as a parent, showing your children that it is okay to do that. Let them know they need to follow their own joy—but you have to follow your own first. Teaching as a librarian. Kidlit zombie manuscripts. Why write: I can’t not write. “If this ever stops bringing me joy, I can walk away.” The importance of choice and joy in creative endeavors. Co-writing picture books with her children. High school mariachi inspiration. Links Mentioned🔗: Jolene’s website Jolene on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) The Author’s Guild KidLitCollective #KidlitZombieWeek  Picture Book Gold  Book Recommendations📚: Mamiachi and Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene and Shaian Gutiérrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata Too Much! An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutiérrez, illustrated by Angel Chang Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs, and Beaks by Jolene Gutiérrez Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader by Jolene Gutiérrez, illustrated by Heather Bell Thank you and thank you, Jolene! Stay tuned for the next interview with author Masha Sapron.💃💃💃💃

Please welcome author Christine Evans to the show! Christine and I met in 12x12 and this episode has been a long time coming–thank you all for your patience!! Some Highlights: The perfect time to start a new career–when you have small children.😂 Growing up reading classics, not knowing “author” was a real job one could do. Starting with picture books before moving on to chapter books. Starting with Googling–highly underrated. Lifelong critique partners. The joy of reading the story you wrote aloud to young listeners. The tangible joy of creating stories.📖 When stuck, taking herself away from the work for a while. Change of scenery. And community.♥️ Tackling grief in picture books. At the end of the day, the writing itself is what’s most important. Why Write: Because I can’t imagine not writing. I write to figure things out for myself sometimes too. I write to find things out. That’s my creative outlet. It’s a bonus that it’s more than that as well. Early advice: Be patient. Wait until you’re ready. There’s no rush. Links Mentioned 🔗: Christine’s Website Christine on Twitter and Instagram Susannah Leonard Hill The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Book Recommendations 📚: Dear Mr. G. by Christine Evans, illustrated by Gracey Zhang on Amazon, Bookshop, Linden Tree Books, and Barnes and Noble The Wish Library by Christine Evans, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan Christine all books The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly Luigi, The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes Ava Lin by Vicky Fang Thank you so much to Christine for being on the show and you for listening! Stay tuned for the next interview with author Jolene Gutierrez!💃💃💃💃

Please welcome author Rachel Funez to the show! Her recent release, Sonia and the Super Duper Disaster, illustrated by Kelly Kennedy came out in July of this year. I met Rachel through the Rocky Mountain chapter of the SCBWI where she is very active as the critique coordinator and doing so many fabulous things. Please enjoy! Some Highlights: Mysteries, puns, and wordplay. Putting yourself out there as neurodivergent. The necessity of community.♥️ Life coaches for writers.🖊️ Enjoy the ride–enjoy the process. All the many things she does in the writing world–SHE IS PHENOMENAL!  Links Mentioned🔗: Rachel’s website Rachel’s Substack newsletter The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Courage to Create Book Recommendations📚: Sonia and the Super Duper Disaster by Rachel Funez, illustrated by Kelly Kennedy on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Wretched Waterpark (Book one of The Sinister Summer Series) by Kiersten White Thank you so much for listening and thank you, Rachel, for coming on the show! Stay tuned for the next interview with children’s book author Christine Evans.

I hope you enjoy this episode with author illustrator Meg Auchenbach. It was such a delight to hear about her artistic journey and the inspiration behind her book, If You Are an Artist. Please enjoy!💃💃💃💃 Some Highlights: Drawing on the family dog…with markers.🐕 Nerding out about meditation and mindfulness. What would your character wear? Read? What does your character’s world look like to them? Processing emotions through stories as a kid. Be patient. Take your time learning the craft. There’s no reason to race through. Illustrating death in a beautiful way. There’s no one way to be an artist. Links Mentioned🔗: Meg’s link.tree Meg’s website Meg on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Kidlit411 on Facebook The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Book Recommendations📚: If You Are An Artist by Meg Auchenbach on Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, Aaron’s Books, and Amazon Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena, illustrated by Jessica Gibson Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall The Longest Letsgoboy by Derick Wilder, illustrated by Catia Chen Thank you so much, Meg, for the much needed dose of inspiration. And thank you, listener, for being here. Stay tuned for your next regularly scheduled interview with author Rachel Funez.

Please welcome author Leslie Eva Tayloe to the show today! In this episode we talk about inspiration, patience, community, and more. Enjoy!!🎧🎧🎧 Some Highlights: Stories developing from one sentence. Inspiration from life experience. Finding strength and connection through community.♥️📚 Staying in motion, keep going–if you face an obstacle, work on another aspect of author life. Learning to write in new genres. “I think forming a story is a type of craft.” Developing patience–it’s crucial as a writer but also so hard! Don’t hit the send button too soon!!🔘 A rejection letter 3 years after submission.😮 Picking, plucking, and pulling invasive vines off trees.🌲 Spooky attic doors.👻 Links Mentioned🔗: Leslie’s website The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Inked Voices Children’s Book Insider Book Recommendations📚: I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today by Leslie Eva Tayloe, illustrated by Austen MaCauley Team on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop Save the Trees by Leslie Eva Tayloe, illustrated by Lintang Pandu Pratiwi on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop The Attic Door by Leslie Eva Tayloe, illustrated by David Barrow on Amazon Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham Lord of the Flies by William Golding Grandpa and The Kingfisher by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Sarah Massini Thank you, Leslie, and thank you, listener! Stay tuned for your next regularly scheduled podcast interview with author-illustrator Meg Auchenbach.💃💃💃💃

Please welcome author Emily Dangremond to the show today! Talking with her is always a joy and I could seriously talk to her for hours on end about trees, consciousness, and more.  I hope you enjoy hearing what she has to say and it gives your day a boost. You are here. You are a writer. You don’t need to wait for it to be in your job title. 💜 Highlights: Increasing plant literacy.🌱🌲🌼 The difference between knowing flowers versus the trees in your neighborhood. Dutchman’s Breeches–the flower, and other fun Spring plants! Find your plant ephemerals. Graphic novels about trees?📕🌳 The more we learn the more we realize we don’t know.📖 You aren’t going to see animals when you go outside–they’re going to be hiding. You’re going to see leaves and trees.🌱🌲 Mangrove forests. Taking a break and coming back to your writing afterward. Accountability vibes. Writing to process feelings. What makes a writer–when do you own the identity? You can be a something AND a something else. We all have more than one identity. Writing out the anxiety to move on after periods of our life. Links Mentioned🔗: Emily’s website Emily on Instagram and Twitter Kid’s Questions Answered Podcast The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Picture Book Peeps on Substack and Instagram The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Book Recommendations📚: Meet the Trees by Emily Dangremond, illustrated by Summer Morrison on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Thank you Emily, and thank you, listener! Stay tuned for next week’s episode with author Leslie Eva Tayloe.💃💃💃💃🎧

Today’s guest is author-illustrator Jena Benton. Talking with her was so inspiring, I had to stop myself from writing down everything she said as a quote to share. Please enjoy her love of language, books, Alaska, community, and creativity. Some Highlights: The impact teachers can have early on, whether to encourage or discourage our creativity. Writing play manuscripts in high school. “Networking is about the friends you make along the way.” Soundproof kid’s corners for loud reading. Book recommendation love and kidlit obsession. Alaskan road systems. The traveling bard revival and why we need more oral storytellers. Cheesecake moments. It is important to have a community to support you through obstacles and let yourself experience the obstacles–be sad–but have a deadline to get back up and keep going. Listening to the music of words.Links Mentioned🔗: Jena’s website Jena on Redbubble Jena on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Simply7 Interviews Romance Writers of America Sisters in Crime (Mystery Writers) The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) – she is the Illustrator Coordinator for her Alaskan chapter The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Book Recommendations📚: Kauai’s Call by Jena Benton, illustrated by Kristi Petosa-Sigil only available HERE. Best in Show by David Elliott, illustrated by many people Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom, illustrated by Claudia McGehee The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Renata Liwska Interstellar Cinderella Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham A big thank you to Jena for coming on the show and another big thank you to you, listener! Stay tuned for your regularly scheduled podcast later this week with author Emily Dangremond.

Please put your hands together for kidlit author Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is an author and educator who features other kidlit creators on her blog. She is also a delightful human! Welcome, Ellen! 💃💃💃💃 Some Highlights: Pull ideas from your experiences, even when they don’t seem important at the time they’re happening. Using stories to help children through challenging times. The joy of connecting with kids through stories.📚 Shaping your story through revision, just like you would a lump of clay. The difference between writing and getting to use your creativity. Add discovery for love of story to school curriculum.✏️ Different ways of writing in educational tests versus books versus placement exams. Learning to do it all.📄 Don’t let the joy of writing and story get away. Owning your identity as a writer. As an author.📕 Links Mentioned🔗: Ellen’s website (keep an eye out for my interview on her blog here) Ellen on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Writers in The Schools The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Book Recommendations📚: Debbie’s Song: The Debbie Friedman Story by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Natalia Grebtsova on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble A Flood of Kindness by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Blythe Russo Lola Can’t Leap by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Noelle Shava Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets by Ellen Leventhaland Ellen Rothburg, illustrated by Joel Cook They Built Me for Freedom:  The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park by Tonya Duncan Ellis, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed Who’s Writing This Story? By Robin Newman, illustrated by Deborah Zemke The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom by Michal Babay, illustrated by Paula Cohen The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Susan Gal The Assignment by Liza Wiemer Better with Butter by Victoria Piontek Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman Thank you so much to Ellen for coming on the show. And thank you for listening!!🎧🎧🎧💃💃💃 Stay tuned for next week’s episode with author Emily Dangremond and an extra special bonus episode with author Jena Benton!

Please welcome Dara Henry to this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write! Her latest picture book, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs is out at a store near you now.  It was so fun hearing about her community involvement and the connections and joy within the writing community. I hope you enjoy! Some Highlights: The doors that open when you find your writing community. Sharing rejections to celebrate actively querying. Taking a break when facing obstacles. What would we do if we didn’t write? Writing for joy, connection, readers, reflection, and celebration. The value of patience. It’s something to exercise and work on–it’s a slow process. Writing the words to write. Not every manuscript has to be published because all writing is purposeful–every bit improves our stories. Love of pajamas. Links Mentioned🔗: Dara’s website Dara on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Kidlit 411 PBSOAR24 on Twitter and Instagram The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Read Across America Book Recommendations📚: Hanukkah Pajamakkahs by Dara Henry, illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown The Imposter by Laura Bower, illustrated by Kerisa Greene Call Your Mother by Tracy C. Gold, illustrated by Vivan Mineker The World-Famous Nine by Ben GutersonThank you, Dara, for talking with me and thank you, listener, for being here! Stay tuned for next week with authors Ellen Levanthal and Jena Benton.

Please give a warm welcome to kidlit author Melissa Trempe in today’s episode! Her picture book, Ladybug Launch: Inspired by A True Story of Chinitas in Space co written with Dr. Natalia Ojeda and illustrated by Manuela Montoya came out earlier this year. Enjoy! Some Highlights: The joy of morning writing when the world is still asleep.😴 Beautiful biographies to add to your TBR list.📚📚📚 The benefits of Twitter pitch events, writing pitches to improve your writing as a whole. 🖋️ Sharing struggles and successes with a writing debut group. Walking in silence.  Reminding yourself that you’ve done this before and can do it again when writing gets hard. Never give up the one thing that makes you happy. Links Mentioned🔗: Melissa’s website Melissa on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Ladybug Launch on Indiebound, Simon and Schuster, Children’s Book World (in Philadelphia), Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble  Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) PBSOAR24 Tara Lazar’s Storystorm The Highlights Foundation Book Recommendations📚: Ladybug Launch: Inspired by A True Story of Chinitas in Space by Melissa Trempe and Dr. Natalia Ojeda, illustrated by Manuela Montoya Splash!: Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley Thank you so much to Melissa for being on the show and thank you for listening. Stay tuned for next week’s episode with kidlit author Dara Henry!💃💃💃🎧🎧🎧

Hello and Happy Book Birthday to today’s kidlit author and extra special bonus episode guest, Jill Dana! Her latest book, Butternut and the Flying Butter illustrated by Anusha Santosh releases TODAY!🎂🎉 Some Highlights: The origin of the name for “German chocolate cake.” What is butterfly gardening? Paying attention to what inspires you. All the different levels of enjoying stories, allowing them to become something new with every reading experience. Embracing the performative aspect of picture books, they’re often meant to be read aloud. Viewing picture books as a silent film to imagine the page turns and watch it play out. Constraints on creativity, why do they make stories better? Mind blowing food facts! Links Mentioned🔗: Jill’s website Jill on Link.tree, Twitter, Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram Jill’s critiques PB Sunrays Picture Book Gold Book Recommendations📚: Butternut by Jill Dana, illustrated by Rachel Tan-Hwee on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Butternut & Buttercup by Jill Dana, illustrated by Rachel Tan-Hwee on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Butternut and the Flying Butter by Jill Dana, illustrated by Anusha Santosh on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Story Genius by Lisa Crohn Let Liberty Rise!: How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Chuck Groenink The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Susan Gal Yusra Swims by Julie Abery, illustrated by Sally Deng Stay tuned for your regularly scheduled interview with author Melissa Trempe!

Please put your digital hands together for kidlit author-illustrator Jenny Alvarado! Her two debut genres came out within the last 10 days and I’m sure she’s in debut overload at the moment. Fortunately, we recorded this months ago! I hope you enjoy hearing our conversation about craft, art, story, inspiration, and alternate timelines.🎧💃 Some Highlights: Writing with friends in grade school – inspiring each other.✏️ How the writing community can be a great place to connect IRL when working from home. Sneaking a note to your past self, only without the domino effect on the future. Capturing ideas before they disappear. Never being too old to learn. Links Mentioned🔗: Jenny’s website Jenny on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Storyteller Academy Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Book Recommendations📚: Pencil and Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma! By Jenny Alvarado, buy it on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble  Agent Unicorn by Jenny Alvarado, buy it on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Nell of Gumbling by Emma Steinkellner Apple Crush by Lucy KnisleyStargazing by Jen Wang Stay tuned for next week's episode with author Melissa Trempe and an extra special bonus episode with author Jill Dana!

Please welcome my friend and fellow Picture Book Peep, author Roxanne Chester! If you’re a writer looking for a bit of encouragement, light, and connection, look no further! Some Highlights: The joy of community and connection within the writing world. How stories unite all of us with shared feelings. Finding a way to forgive yourself when you don’t have the headspace or heartspace to push through and come back to writing afterward. Being kind to yourself as a writer. The benefits of creative expression. More about This is My Bag: An unhoused person carries a bag through the streets, to a shelter, to a house, to the subway, and the park. With each changing location, the protagonist and their bag also changes, reflecting the various faces and reasons for homelessness and asking the reader to contemplate themes of community, self-reliance, and the meaning of "home." Links Mentioned🔗: Roxanne’s website This is My Bag: A Story of the Unhoused illustrated by Abraham Matias on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge NY Writers Coalition Black Writers Program Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Picture Book Peeps on Instagram and Substack (new podcasts monthly!) Book Recommendations📚: This is My Bag illustrated by Abraham Matias Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, Parable of the Talents, her short writings Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speeches Thank you so much to Roxanne for coming on the show and to you for listening! Stay tuned for the next episode with kidlit author-illustrator Jenny Alvarado!

Please give a big welcome to one of my favorite kidlit people and dear friend, Paul Vinelli! Some Highlights: Bereavement books and crossing genres. Collaborating with an artist to bring your book to life. Physically staging the scenes of your book. Taking a book to an art show. Finding creative purpose. Creating the story through staging and writing the text after the images. What animal would you choose to be you in an anthropomorphic world? Taking theater production as inspiration for telling stories. The trust process between an illustrator and picture book author. The benefits of mentorship and the relationships How much Paul and I love our writing community and some of those people who’ve had the biggest influence on us♥️♥️♥️: Susan Wroble (Co-RA of Rocky Mountain SCBWI) Stan Yan (Co-RA of Rocky Mountain SCBWI Laura Perdew (Connect Leader for Boulder, CO) Julie Rowan-Zoch (Connect Leader for Northern CO) Beth Anderson (her blog is SO HELPFUL) Kaz Windness (author-illustrator and AMAZING educator) Laurent Linn (art director and author) Lynn Becker (author) Debbie Ridpath Ohi (the kidlit bluesky fairy godparent also author-illustrator) Christiana Doucette (author) Claire Noland (author) Pattie Toht (author) Karen Grencik (literary agent) Harold Underdown (author, illustrator, publisher, educator) Eileen Robinson (editor, educator) Pamela Courtney (author, educator) Valerie Bolling (author) Links Mentioned🔗: The Sartorial Librarians Podcast on Apple and Spotify Paul on Instagram and Bluesky SCBWI – Rocky Mountain – Central California The Highlights Foundation Wolverine Farms in Fort Collins, CO Mary Krienke at Sterling Lord Literastic Michelle Begley Mentorship Picture Book Gold

Please give a virtual welcome to kidlit author-illustrator Molly Cranch on this special bonus episode! With her recent picture book debut, Hide and Seek, available on shelves now, it was a delight to hear about her journey as a storyteller, weaving words alongside her illustrations. More about Hide and Seek: A book about the wondrous camouflage techniques of animals around us. For detectives ages 3 years and up. (Also available in Dutch through Clavis!) Some Highlights: Arts integration in curriculum and the intersection between art and science. Crossing from the realm of illustration to weaving in narrative. What came first, the pictures or words? Inspiration found through working with kids and seeing them learn new things. The social context of illustration. Releasing a picture book while finishing a Master’s Degree in Illustration. Links Mentioned🔗: Molly’s website Molly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Picture Book Gold Book Recommendations📚: Hide and Seek by Molly Cranch on Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon Illustrator Christian Robinson Illustrator Isabelle ArsenaultStay tuned for this week’s regularly scheduled interview with kidlit author-illustrator Lea Maryanow!

Please welcome kidlit author Kalee Gwarjanski to this episode of “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write!”  I loved hearing about Kalee’s experience with the writing community, especially the support within her critique group. We had a lot to talk about from her background as a chef, to engineering, to the book she released this year (more about that below). I hope you enjoy this episode! Some Highlights: Personal chef turned kidlit author.🍲📚 Selling a book through Twitter! Eating, the hidden art that is a part of every person’s life.🍽️🖼️ Writing groups, critique groups, therapy–what’s the difference in each? Being a part of the joy in reading as an author, contributing to a world of books that’s given us so much. “Not every good idea results in a good manuscript and that’s okay.”  More about Miss MacDonald Has A Farm illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic: In this female-forward spin on the traditional children’s song “Old MacDonald”, readers can join Miss MacDonald on her vegetable farm and see all the work that goes into growing healthy and delicious produce. Links Mentioned🔗: Kalee’s website Kalee on Twitter Miss MacDonald Has A Farm at Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shops, Penguin Random House, Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Get a Signed copy of Miss MacDonald here! Storyteller Academy The 12x12 Challenge SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Book Recommendations📚: Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley🍩 You Rule by Rilla Alexander📏 Wild Robot Series by Peter Brown🤖 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin Thanks for listening and thanks to Kalee for being on the show. Stay tuned for next week with kidlit author-illustrator Lea Maryanow! Also keep an eye out for a special bonus episode featuring kidlit author-illustrator Molly Cranch!💃💃💃💃🎧🎧🎧

Please welcome author Ronni Diamondstein to this episode of “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write!” 💃💃💃 Ronni was on my blog last year talking about her journey and picture book, Jackie and The Books She Loved illustrated by Bats Langley. You can check out that interview here, but come back here afterwards to check out this continuation for a deeper dive into her writing journey.🎧🎧🎧 Some Highlights: Her first picture book as an author illustrator–a college project!📕 Building community through writing workshops and open mic nights.🎤 Growing community through book festivals and building a love of writing and books.✍️📚 The attentiveness and support found within the kidlit company.♥️ Having a story to tell and finding the right angle for you to dive in.🏊 Famous/Legendary people all started out as kids–like the rest of us. Leaving messages with Siri or your answering machine for story ideas.📲 Next time you hit a wall with your writing, take a break to make brownies!! Keep track of the books you’ve read, in the back of your journal, in alphabetical order, however! Links Mentioned🔗: Ronni’s website and book extras for readers Ronni on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, and Bluesky Jackie and The Books She Loved illustrated by Bats Langley on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Maggie Mae Pup Reporter Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival 12x12 Picture Book Challenge SCBWI Book Recommendations📚: Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage by Lisa Jean LaBanca Rogers illustrated by Il Sung Na Books by Nancy Churnin The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome illustrated by John Parra Before She Was Harriet Lisa Cline-Ransome illustrated by James E. Ransome Dominic by William Steig Thank you so much for listening and stay tuned for next week with author Kalee Gwarjanski and some other possible surprises!

Please welcome to the show, Anne Hanovich! On this episode of Getting to The Heart of Why We Write, we cooked up a pre-published author takeover edition.  Highlights: I loved chatting with Anne about her writing journey including the first story she wrote which was typed up on a typewriter with construction paper. Use what you got, people! 😂 Using that habit, whether it’s the smell of coffee, a specific chair, or white noise from a cafe, to perk up your brain and get writing. Having done this myself off and on in different iterations over the years, it does work. Even if it feels like all the words are garbage. 🗑️📚 We also touched on the importance of “being a person.” With all the talk out there about morning writing or doing it before your brain turns on (which I have done it that way and other ways), giving yourself time to become a person in the morning (if you have it), is a wonderful writing practice. ♥️♥️ I can’t wait for her book The Canon of Katrina Quinn to find its home out there in the world so all of us can read it. A fun, music-filled, YA rom-com filled with tension and hilarity. That sounds like exactly what I want in my hands right now, today! Thank you, Anne, for taking the time to come on the show! Links included: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)  Anne on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn Rachael Herron’s Podcast Stay tuned for next week’s episode with author Cedar Pruitt.  In the meantime, enjoy your weekend and catch up on any episodes of “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write” that you may have missed, like last week’s chat with Steena Hernandez, or this gem about wonder walls that I am still obsessed with (Meghana Narayan).

Please welcome author Jessica Speer to this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write! Jessica is such a phenomenal human and I’ve enjoyed every time our paths have crossed in SCBWI events, seeing her present at panels and conferences.  If you ever get the chance, sign up for one of her classes or presentations. Highly highly recommend!💯💯💯💯 Some Highlights: Where we learn our relationship skills and how fiction can shape them. Different ways the writing community can connect authors/illustrators/kidlit creators in the publishing world. When you’re out of ideas and “overcooked” and need to take a break.🍲 Writing is really learning. Yes, we’re all nerds!📚 Find other things outside of writing that bring you joy. That is how you keep doing it. How can you nurture yourself?🌱 We all need more fun, engaging self improvement activities. Find a critique group you love. It’s like dating! You’ve got to find the right dynamic.♥️ Links Mentioned🔗: Jessica’s website Jessica on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram The Phone Book on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl’s Guide to Happy Friendships on Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised on Familius, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Book Recommendations📚: Look on The Bright Side by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann Stay tuned for next week with author Ronni Diamondstein!

Please welcome author illustrator Ana Velez to the show!!!💃💃💃💃 I was blown away by her retelling of The Three Little Pigs in her book The Three Little Guinea Pigs and The Andean Fox. From the artwork to the beautiful story and characters, kind, encouraging take on a much-loved classic. I hope you enjoy this episode and Ana’s words of encouragement and inspiration. If you like stories, fairy tales, or unexpected kindness in picture books, this is the interview for you! Highlights: Sharing her first stories with her students. The value of outside perspectives and connecting with the writing community. How magical Middle Grade and YA are for all ages. The joy in finding your community within the writing world and how that continues to change and grow over the years. The drive to create that’s inside all of us. Final words of advice: Keep learning and keep practicing. Links Mentioned🔗: Ana’s website Ana’s Book Launch Fiesta on September 8th Preorder The Three Little Guinea Pigs and The Andean Fox on Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes and Noble (publication 8-13-24) SCBWI 12x12 Challenge PBSOAR24 on X, link.tree and Instagram Previous interview with PBSOAR24 member Laura Bower Book Recommendations📚: Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan Thank you so much, Ana, for coming on the show! And thank you for listening! Stay tuned for next week’s interview with author Jessica Speer.

I am so excited to share this episode of Getting to the Heart of Why We Write with you featuring author Christine J. Ko! She is a part of Picture Book Peeps with me and appears regularly on our shared podcast, The Curious Compassionate.  Please enjoy hearing about her writing journey and her book, Sound Switch Wonder illustrated by Katie Crumpton, which she co wrote with her son, Owen Whang. So cool! Some Highlights: “I love books and I think books can change the world. They can change people and by changing people, they can change the world.” Ideas in Confucianism (shared with Christianity) that keep some narratives from being told. Finding gratitude through reading and questioning structures in place. “We cannot forget what humanity is capable of–each one of us. I think the remembrance of it will keep that kind of thing from ever happening again. Because we have the capability to be monstrous, sadly.” “Each one of us is unique, you really can’t assume one person’s experience is the same as another even if they maybe have outward characteristics that are similar. I really love the fact that more and more and more you can find more books with different experiences in them.” Links Mentioned🔗: Christine’s website, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram Sound Switch Wonder on Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Turner Publishing, and Amazon See Hear Feel (Christine’s podcast) Picture Book Peeps on Instagram and Substack A recent episode of The Curious Compassionate featuring Christine The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Book Recommendations📚 (and film): Chinese Comfort Women: Testimonies from Imperial Japan's Sex Slaves by Peipei Qiu, Su Zhiliang, Chen Lifei Nia’s Rescue Box by Gina Soldano-Herrle (me!🥲😂) illustrated by Abi Joy Eaton CODA (movie) Thank you so much, Christine! And thank you for listening! Stay tuned for next week with author illustrator Ana Velez!💃💃💃

I was so fortunate to meet Beth Anderson through the Rocky Mountain chapter of SCBWI years ago and today I get to share her with all of you!!  Beth is such an encouraging, helpful, and kind presence in the kidlit world. Her blog is a wonderful resource and her books will lead you down all the rabbit holes of history you never knew you needed to explore. Some Highlights💃: Encouraged to become a writer by her final class of students. “The surprising reality of the world.” Picture books are relatable and great to share with all ages, middle school, even high school. “How can I tell them to go after their dreams if I’m afraid to do it?” -going for your dreams as a teacher The fear of telling grownups that you’re a writer vs. telling kids. So much scarier! Boom! Brain explosions. “It’s kind of a solitary endeavor to write but it’s not because you can’t write alone.” How to correctly pronounce ‘Huzzah!’ The fallacy of perfection, even with founding fathers! Links Mentioned🔗: Beth’s website Beth’s Blog filled with all kinds of writing and education resources Full list of Beth’s books and links to educator resources Beth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest Thomas Jefferson’s Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose! Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes on Bookshop, IndieBound, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million Lizzie Demands a Seat: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights illustrated by E.B. Lewis on Bookshop, Indiebound, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Book Recommendations📚: Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Alison Jay The Day the River Caught Fire: How the Cuyahoga River Exploded and Ignited the Earth Day Movement by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jessie Hartland One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen, illustrated by Gwen Millward Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Rob Dunlavey No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley; illustrated by Jeanette Bradley The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His Mother by James McBride Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown Thank you, Beth!!! Stay tuned for next week with author and doctor Christine J. Ko!

Please welcome to today’s episode author Diana I. Kline, Ph.D. Diana has taught in higher education for over thirty years in a variety of subjects including computer science, psychology, math, and education. While teaching computer science courses, she always reminded her students to recycle old computer equipment; otherwise, those items could remain on this Earth much too long!  I met Diana through the OH Central South SCBWI chapter and was immediately intrigued by her book, A SOLAR SYSTEM CHAT illustrated by Susan and Chris Cornetet which has the earth speak directly to other planets including what is going on with her environment and other problems that need to be solved.  It was fascinating to hear about her writing experience and knowledge about the Earth and conservation that inspired her to write this book. Please enjoy! Some Highlights: Writing a book alongside a full-time career. Finding story inspiration in the things we’re passionate about. The difference one field trip can make. How much debris is in space? How many references is too many references? How encouraging others to write their stories can inspire you to write your own. Links Mentioned🔗: A Solar System Chat by Diana I. Kline illustrated by Susan and Chris Cornetet on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble SCBWI OH Central - South Diana on Facebook and Instagram Book Recommendations📚: Dumpster Doll: The Early Years by Michelle Mays & Michelle Moone Marie Benedict’s BooksThank you for listening and stay tuned for next week’s episode with author Beth Anderson!

I’d like to introduce you to author Jessica Stremer for today’s episode! I’ve known Jessica since the very beginning of my kidlit journey. She was part of one of my first critique groups back in 2020. She quite literally helped shape my manuscript for my published picture book and many others.  I had the joy of seeing many of the manuscripts she brought for critiques become published books out in the world including GREAT CARRIER REEF (a NY Public Library Best Book of the Year and JLG Gold Standard selection), LIGHTS OUT: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds, and FIRE ESCAPE: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (a JLG Gold Standard selection). Jessica is an award winning author and actively encouraging presence in the kidlit world. I hope you enjoy today’s interview and feel a spark of inspiration and excitement to fuel your own journey. Some Highlights: Several things you didn’t know about wildfires and how they differ from mega fires. The scary experience of starting in one genre and moving into another. The many ways community has fueled her writing journey. Book clubs with her kids. Why write: “You never know who’s going to read the book and the impact it will have on them.”  Final words of advice: “Find ways to make opportunities for yourself and be gracious.” Links Mentioned🔗: Jessica’s website Jessica Stremer on Threads, Twitter, and Instagram  Books& Company–go here for signed copies! Here’s their Instagram FIRE ESCAPE: HOW ANIMALS AND PLANTS SURVIVE WILDFIRES by Jessica Stremer illustrated by Michael Garland on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble LIGHTS OUT: A MOVEMENT TO HELP MIGRATING BIRDS by Jessica Stremer illustrated by Bonnie Pang on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Also stay tuned for Jessica’s upcoming 2025 picture books including: PLIGHT OF THE PELICANS (available for preorder here); WONDERFULLY WILD; and TRAPPED IN THE TARPIT. Book Recommendations📚📚: THE GOLDEN DOOR (The Three Doors Series #1) by Emily Rodda THE SWIFTS: A DICTIONARY OF SCOUNDRELS (The Swifts #1) by Beth Lincoln illustrated by Claire Powell THE CARREFOUR CURSE by Dianne K. Salerni THE LAW OF BIRTHDAYS by Brenna Jeanerret illustrated by Marina KondrakhinaThank you, Jessica, for taking the time to talk with me. And thank you, listeners, for listening! Up next week we have author Diana I Kline.

Please welcome author Erin Chesnut to the show! I found Erin through Writer Moms Inc. on Facebook (link is below) and had so much fun talking with her about conversing with characters, choreographing movement, and just sitting down and doing the hardest part of all–writing the words. Please enjoy!Some Highlights: Experimenting with different styles of writing. The joy of human interest stories. Coming to fiction from an investigative journalism career. Finding those silent snatches of time to work on writing as a parent of small children. Focusing on 3 sections of writing at a time. The fun surprises within revision. Finding support in Facebook writer groups. Creating storylines for strangers when people watching. Schooling your face when writing in public. Links Mentioned🔗: Erin’s free prequel! Fight For Me on Amazon and Goodreads Erin’s websiteErin’s link.tree Cypress Valley Sweethearts Readers Group Erin on Instagram and Facebook Abby Jimenez Books Writer Moms Inc. (Facebook group) Women Writers, Editors, Agents, and Publishers (Facebook group) 20 Books to 50K (Facebook Group) Book Recommendations📚: The Improbable Meet Cute Series (book 1)

Today you're in for a mini treat with author Lynn Becker of the musical Monsters in the Briny and magical June Moon! I've known Lynn for years and she was one of my first guests back when I did these interviews in blog format. So, for a quick update and bonus treat to you listeners, Lynn and I caught up about her journey with her recent release. Her Books📚: Monsters in the Briny–A rollicking read aloud with music for 4-8 year olds.  June Moon–A bedtime board book for toddlers and preschoolers; a wonderful cuddle book.  Highlights: The reality of dealing with supply chain delays and their effect on marketing. The benefits of soothing lullabies for all ages. Lynn’s favorite sea monster. Our relationships with the moon, what it's made of, and magic. The joys of sharing storytime with multiple authors. Links Mentioned🔗: Monsters in the Briny illustrated by Scott Brundage on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble June Moon illustrated by Nate Carvalho on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Lynn’s website – Check here for her latest author events and appearances! Picture Book Gold Lynn on Instagram, X, Bluesky, and Facebook Lynn’s book reviews Book Recommendations📚: Thank You, Moon: Celebrating Nature’s Nightlight by Melissa Steward illustrated by Jessica Lanan Nigel and the Moon by Antwon Eady illustrated by Gracey Zhang Thank you, Lynn, for coming on the show! And stay tuned for your regularly scheduled episode on Thursday July 4!💃💃💃💃🎆

Let’s welcome Laura Bower to the show! I met Laura through 12x12 and other’s I knew in her debut group, PBSOAR24. It was so much fun talking with her about growing the seeds of stories and all the joy there is to find in the kidlit world! Some Highlights: The power within words. Finding her way into children’s writing from the back of a Cheerio box. The peace of writing outside of our homes (and to do lists). Finding friends in the writing world. The joy in connecting with others through stories. Carving space for a writing practice in the time you have. Final Words of Advice: Don’t rush. Links Mentioned🔗: The Imposter illustrated by Kerisa Green on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Emily Snook, the World’s Smallest Cook illustrated by Rekha Salin is now available for preorder on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Laura’s website, Twitter, and Instagram PBSOAR24 Melissa Stoller The 12x12 Writing Challenge SCBWI Book Recommendations📚: Old Friends by Margaret Aitken illustrated by Lenny Wen (the main character is totally the life I lived–joy with old friends) Hello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoStay tuned for next week’s interview with Erin Chesnut and some possible surprises!👀

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leah Moser whose book, I AM A THUNDERCLOUD illustrated by Marie Hermansson, came out with Running Press Kids on April 2, 2024 (also her birthday!!!).🎈🎂 I had so much fun connecting with Leah and talking about the welcoming world of kidlit, the reality of writing as a human person, and more.  Here are some highlights: The college class that sparked her love for kidlit. How an ideal writing day differs from the reality of how we get the writing done.☕ The overwhelming support we can find in kidlit among professional organizations and debut groups, like her very own PBSoar24. Why Write: “Writing itself can be healing or therapeutic but for me it’s also an outlet to express myself in different ways. And I always go back to that line that I’ve heard a bunch, ‘there’s room for everybody at the table.’ My words matter, my stories matter, just like everyone else’s stories and words matter.”📖 And final words of advice: “When you’re waiting on something, work on something else.” Links: Leah’s website–check this out for the latest list of book events Leah’s Freelance Editing Services I Am A Thundercloud illustrated by Marie Hermansson on Hachette, Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble SCBWI The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge 50 Precious Words Leah on Instagram, Threads, X, Facebook, Link.tree Book Recommendations📚📚: The Lion Queen: Rasila Vadher, the First Woman Guardian of the Last Asiatic Lions by Rina Singh illustrated Tara Anand PBSoar24 Group Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins  The Push by Ashley AudrainThank you for listening and stay tuned for next week’s episode with Laura Bower! 🎧🎧🎧

Please welcome the prolific, award-winning, 12x12 webinar presenting author Marzieh Abbas! I met Marzieh through 12x12 and had so much fun talking with her about the transcendence of words and writing across genres. 🖋️ Here are some highlights🌟: Her writing started as journaling and writing letters to her children in 2019. Her friend told her about how she kept a journal of letters written to her children about all the things she wanted to tell them. So, Marzieh started doing just that! Marzieh had a professional bakery business before becoming an author.🎂 After winning a scholarship to Children’s Book Academy, she never looked back and fell into the world of writing for children.  Brainstorming happens in pencil on paper for her while everything beyond the outlined plot is done on the computer.📝 We talked about how inviting the kidlit community is and important for getting through obstacles to have that support. The importance of taking a break from words and using her hands. Writing because maybe it’ll make a difference in one person’s life. These stories need to be out there, children need to see themselves in these stories. Why: Your words reach where you can’t. That’s so magical. It’s transcendent. “The only ones who succeed are the ones who persevere.” Staying in touch with the opposite of perseverance and making sure what you are doing still brings you joy. “Write when you want. If something is marinating at the back of your mind–I think the real ideas, the real plot points come when you’re doing stuff and you’re not at your desk. They come when you’re moving around, at practice, waiting in the car.” Links Mentioned🔗: A Dupatta Is… illustrated by Anu Chouhan on Macmillan, Goodreads, Bookshop, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble Awe-Samosas! illustrated by Bhagya Madanasignhe on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Henna Is… illustrated by Anu Chouhan on Macmillan, Goodreads, Bookshop, and Barnes and Noble Chapter book series Nadia and Nadir Visit Pakistan illustrated by Lala Stellune on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop A list of all Marzieh's books Marzieh’s website and Instagram (get in touch here) Marzieh’s link.tree Children's Book Academy The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Thank you, Marzieh, for sharing your time with us and telling us all about your journey and your stories! Stay tuned for next week’s interview with Leah Moser.📆🎧

Please welcome author Lauren Ranalli to the show today! I found Lauren through the kidlit community online and had so much fun talking with her about inspiration, book nerdiness, and all things books and writing. I hope you enjoy the episode! Some Highlights:  She first started writing stories after her son was born. As an interfaith family, her son was given many Christmas books, but she had a hard time finding any similar titles featuring Hanukkah. And so The Great Latke Cookoff began to take root, later becoming her first published picture book. At the time she didn’t know self publishing was a thing (much like myself) and she ended up waiting 6 years before doing anything with the manuscript. Once she learned more about self publishing from a friend, she went for it! Lauren published her first book in  2018 since has published 3 others since, while also having a ton of fun doing it. The myth that self publishing is an option for people who can’t get a publisher. It’s a choice. How much control do you want over it? Importance of creating and carving out quiet time. We’re all researching the same thing–the beauty in sharing resources and spending your precious hours on making your book amazing. Benefits of a business mastermind–not just with authors, but other business owners. Play around with the format, in person, virtual, meeting times and days, adapting as the years go on. Advantages of having control over the whole publication process in self publishing whenever you face obstacles. The myth of self publishing that you go it alone. If you are not an illustrator, DO NOT ILLUSTRATE YOUR BOOK. You can have a team, editors, illustrators, website designers, and more. SCBWI is a great place to start looking for illustrators and other pros on your team. Also this post on Lauren’s site about working with an illustrator. I loved hearing Lauren talk about why she writes–because of the curiosity it inspires. She wants to see more stories out there. Picture books inspire curiosity to learn more which is exactly what my new podcast project, The Curious Compassionate, with Picture Book Peeps is about. More about Snow Day at The Zoo: “What happens when the zookeeper’s children get snowed in with their favorite animals? Find out in this wonderful winter adventure! A rhyming picture book that is perfect for young readers and animal lovers.” Available for pre-order now, out on November 30, 2024. Other Links: Lauren’s Website Snow Day at The Zoo by Lauren Ranalli and illustrated by Mollie Olinyk  All of Lauren’s Books Lauren’s Training and Coaching info Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Lauren’s Free Self-Publishing Guide Book Recommendations: Yellowface by R. F. Kuang Erasure by Percival Everett Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and if you want to revisit Our Town by Thornton Wilder first I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots by Lid’ya C Moore and illustrated by Niña MataThank you, Lauren! And stay tuned for next week’s episode with author Marzieh Abbas!

I had so much fun chatting with Cedar about her writing journey and the launch of her recent picture book, Fire Flight illustrated by Chiara Fedele.  Some of the highlights covered: The benefits of not doing your laundry. When giving up writing is impossible. How many rejections is too many? (Spoiler, we can always keep going.) The beauty of real life and its messiness. Why you may want to write outside your typical genre. The supportive writing community, especially kidlit and the wonderful people behind 12x12 Picture Book Challenge and Storystorm. How many of our mentors may not even know us but the lasting impact they can have on us through podcasts, webinars, etc. Cedar’s book, Fire Flight which is based on the true story of an owl and human who came together for an unbelievable moment during a wildfire. Links Mentioned: FIRE FLIGHT: A Wildfire Escape (Now available) WHAT MARCEL FOUND: The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings Illustrated by David Litchfield (Summer 2026) Cedar’s website The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Tara Lazar’s Storystorm Book Recommendation:  Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Thank you for listening to this bonus mini episode about who I am and what I do as a ghostwriter, author, and core story consultant. If you're interested in hearing more or grabbing some of the free marketing resources I mentioned, here are all the relevant links. Links: My Calendar to book a free 20 Minute Strategy call and grab your free copy of my Streamlined Media Strategy Branding Blueprint My Website Core Connected Marketing on Substack

Today I am so pleased to introduce you to author Steena Hernandez. Steena’s debut picture book, Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, illustrated by Melissa Castillo is coming out with Beaming Books on October 22, 2024.  It was a joy to talk with Steena and I can’t thank her enough for being on the show. Here are some highlights: The joy of being a library family and sharing that time together, picking whatever book your heart desires. The overwhelming generosity found within the kidlit world. The beauty of the two way street one can find in kidlit critique group relationships. Chalk painting and walking in nature to refill a creative well running dry. Her home that is full of chalk painted furniture. How joyful it is to go back after the chalk paint dries with a bottle cap and scrape the paint away, creating something worn and new at the same time.  How powerful it can be to step away from our writing. Taking a real break from it and coming back after a week away. Her background in professional dance and it’s inspiration to create her debut picture book. Writing for the little girl who wants to see someone who looks like her on the cover. Links Mentioned: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Steena’s website, Twitter, Instagram, Newsletter, and Link.tree  PbParty PBSOAR24 on Instagram and Twitter Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 precious words Las Musas Books Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers is available for preorder at Nowhere Books and the Twig in San Antonio, Target, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, Amazon. Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers Cover Reveal Rachael Herron, Ink in Your Veins Podcast

Today, I have a fun interview for you with author Megan Woodward. Her upcoming debut picture book, This Book is Definitely Not Cursed, illustrated by Risa Rodil is available for pre-order now and hitting shelves near you on June 25, 2024. We talked about all sorts of fun things like hugging trees, making fools of ourselves reading books, the compulsion to write, and what it’s like to juggle writing in several genres at a time. She has an exciting new newsletter where you can find out fun stuff about curses, get writing advice, and hear some hilariously bad advice for parents. 😂You can find it on her site here. Highlights: Her background in screenwriting before discovering a passion for kidlit once she had her son. The pros and cons of writing in bed. Avoiding back pain vs. extra sleepiness. The joy of working in a children’s bookstore alongside her author journey. The wonder and necessary support of being in a writing community: virtual, in-person, in any form. How to manage an endless font of ideas. What it feels like to write a Middle Grade at 35,000 words vs. a Picture Book at 500 words. “[What I enjoy most about storytelling] I think is just creating something from nothing. Having a character and ideas and a story and world that didn’t exist, that were just in my brain. And now it’s out in the world and people are going to read it…And it all came from my weird brain.” This Book is Definitely Not Cursed is an interactive, fun, silly read. Get ready to get goofy with kids in this book! If you want to see her in person or get your book signed personally, check out her schedule for upcoming events in places like California, Colorado, Oregon, and more! Final words of advice: learn more skills that complement writing. Keep at it but make time to learn other skills too. Links mentioned: Pre-order This Book is Definitely Not Cursed on Simon and Schuster or Green Bean Books in Portland, OR; Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop Megan on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky Rachael Herron’s podcast, Ink in Your Veins The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Thank you, Megan, for taking the time to talk with me!! ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ Stay tuned for next week’s interview with author Steena Hernandez.

Today I have the pleasure of talking with author LD Green. I met LD through Kids Comics Unite (a super fun community for comic and word nerds/creators, linked below). Immediately I felt like we could have talked for hours about all the things! We talk about all sorts of things in today’s episode from tree-hugging to word clouds, so please enjoy! Some highlights: The slam poetry world  Collaborating with other authors Parallel writing/working with author friends Telekinesis stories Advocacy through writing–being an artivist (my new favorite word) How to have an immersive reading experience with both a physical book and audiobook The benefits of tree-hugging on your writing The power of atmosphere in recharging your creative batteries The joy of seeing your words turned into pictures when collaborating with an illustrator A modified digital version of Julia Cameron’s morning pages. It has word clouds, archives, and all sorts of fun tools! (750words.com) “I write to know myself. I write to comfort myself, to process what’s hurting me, to heal–make sense of my life. I put things together to keep myself company. I feel like I'm in dialogue with myself. I'm creating this other part of me to talk to.” Final words of wisdom: Somebody always has a bigger dog. Don’t lose time over jealousy or competition because there’s room enough for everyone. Links: LD Green website LD’s Instagram LD’s Link.tree Phoenix Song We've Been too Patient on Amazon Journey to The Enchanted Inkwell trailer Thank you again, LD! And thank all of you for listening; stay tuned for next week with author Megan Woodward!

Today we’re in for a treat with abstract artist and children’s book author Meghana Narayan, of the newly released A Little Bit of Everything illustrated by Michelle Carlos. Meghana and I cover a lot of ground from what apps we use to catch random ideas to the magic of sharing parts of yourself through your writing.  Grab a cup of tea, settle in and enjoy the episode! 🙂 Highlights: She’s spent a lifetime crafting stories, since she was a child. The origin of her debut picture book as a love letter to her future children, embracing every part of themselves and their unique identity. How she journaled her way through different ideas, turning them into stories. Her experience with her unique identity as one spread between two worlds. “I feel like I’m writing those stories that I so deeply craved as a child–that I didn’t really realize I needed. In a lot of ways, I’m writing for–the children out there who are also waiting to see themselves in a book.” Teach for the Change–Meghana started this originally as a blog after her first daughter was born in 2020 and later turned it into an Instagram account and more. With all the heaviness in the world at the time, she felt incredibly disconnected from her passion (as a teacher), working alongside young children. Through this she found a way to stay connected to education and create a space that offers resources for “raising racially and socially conscious children who are compassionate and care about this world.” The power of pause–pausing and acknowledging you don’t know the answer to a big question when a child asks it. Not knowing the answer is okay and important in making ourselves vulnerable with our children. You can even create a wonder wall like she talks about! Links: Meghana’s website Meghana on Instagram A Little Bit of Everything through Sleeping Bear Press (Cherry Lake Publishing), Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble

Today I’d like to welcome C.S. Boyll to the show! This week on “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write,” Cindy and I talk about everything from kidnapped midwives to Cincinnati Ohio chili.  It was so much fun talking with Cindy who has been writing across genres for many years. I love meeting other multi-genre writers and hearing about their journeys and passion for different projects!  I was lucky enough to connect with Cindy through the Rocky Mountain SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and was happy to find out our paths cross in many ways. 🙂 Here are some highlights and favorite quotes: “We have to work it in, don’t we?” I couldn’t believe how many places we’d been in parallel. We chatted about the chili culture of Cincinnati, Ohio and the lovely people in SCBWI Rocky Mountain region. The benefits of making friends within all age groups–learning from each generation. The beauty of unexpected connections through writing, unexpected riches in the real world. “I just take a deep breath and try to go over the obstacle or through the obstacle in the best ways I can. And, of course, you try to get help from other people if you can, too.” “Sometimes, don’t you see reality that is so off the wall you can’t put it into your fiction?” Some final words of advice from C.S. Boyll: Guard your writing. Even if it’s just a half hour a week. That’ll add up after a year. Don’t think you’ll have more time later to do your work. If you’re healthy…you’ll always be busy. Be consistent. But if you miss a day, just start again. Get past the voices. There will be a lot of voices wherever you are in your journey that will make it seem impossible. You can get past them, having community makes it easier. Her latest two books are linked below. Read on for more info about each one.  Always Flying Bobby—a multigenerational story about flying to be enjoyed by the whole family (picture book). Unexpected Riches–Puritans, kidnapping, midwifery, the open seas. If any of those things interest you, check out her YA historical fiction linked below! One of the best ending quotes I could imagine: “You are seen. You are loved. What you do is important.” Links Always Flying Bobby (picture book)--a multigenerational story about flying Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators C.S. Boyll’s Unexpected Riches (YA historical) C.S. Boyll (Cindy)’s website Tara Lazar’s Storystorm 12x12 Picture Book Challenge If you missed it or just want to hear more about Always Flying Bobby, check out last week’s episode with the illustrator, Jessica Santiesteban! Thank you for listening and being here with me! Next up we have Meghana Narayan, author of A Little Bit of Everything illustrated by Michelle Carlos.

Please welcome Jessica Santiesteban to “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write!” Today we are hosting an illustrator takeover edition.  Jessica and I talk about her background in art and story. After having her first art show at 21, she later had her daughters and from there grew the seed of inspiration that sparked her first story. She published her first book, My Favorite Fairy, originally in Spanish before later translating it into English. Her recent book which she illustrated is Always Flying Bobby written by C.S. Boyll. If you’re anything like me and enjoy using planners, bullet journals, or stickers, check out the link to Jessica’s site and Etsy below where she offers her custom stickers, journals, and more!  I so enjoyed talking with Jessica about creativity, rules, and breaking them when needed. We covered a lot in this episode, check out some highlights below and enjoy listening. 🙂 Highlights: Starting from an image that wouldn’t let her go to the floodgates opening and the rush of creativity and story. Continuing to create and build her career as an illustrator and author while moving with her children from Mexico to the United States.  The supportive and beautiful community of the Rocky Mountain SCBWI. Doing the thing you want to do even when you’re afraid and not sure you can do it. Reading entrepreneurial nonfiction to manage an author career and inspire creativity. How obstacles can be a good thing. “Obstacles may slow you down, but maybe they’re good because they show you different paths to take. They’re just a challenge. I’m very perserverant…And maybe it’s just me, but I think I’m often my greatest obstacle.” Links mentioned:  Jessica’s website, Going Places Studios Going Places Studios on Etsy Always Flying Bobby by C.S. Boyll and illustrated by Jessica Santiesteban on Amazon Thanks for listening! In the meantime, catch up on last week’s episode in case you missed it with Acadia Editing’s Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. for an editor’s takeover edition. Up next, C.S. Boyll, the author of Always Flying Bobby.

Please join me in welcoming Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. of Acadia Editing Services to the show! Paulina has 15+ years of experience and so much to share, I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Here are some highlights of things we talked about: The joy in exploring new subjects through copy editing, learning something new each time a manuscript comes across your desk. Mohawk artist Shelley Niro and other inspiring subjects. How even though it’s scary to start a new career, we can do scary things. Her background in academia and the similarities and differences between editing and being a professor. The importance of relationships and community even across fields. The benefits of fresh air to maintaining balance, including how gardening can be an emotional outlet. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from our conversation: “I get to meet people I never would have heard of or learned about or talked to and I get to read their work. When I dig into a manuscript I get to play around with it. I take very seriously that this is someone’s passion project that they’ve worked hours and hours on but I get to tweak it and help make it better–to help them get their message out. That’s really rewarding and I really enjoy those relationships I build with my clients.” “You’re going to make mistakes. You won’t do everything well. But just keep trying. You’re going to have problems. There are things you’re going to do not well. You’ll make mistakes but keep coming back at it, keep trying, and be kind to people.” Talking with Paulina was inspiring, fun, and a total joy. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the why of her editing work–to help. She works primarily with academics editing academic and nonfiction manuscripts. Most of her clients are professors who lead busy lives like she did in her own professorship before she started Acadia Editing Services.  So, she started editing to help lighten the load. With the whole contents of the book in one place (even if it’s not tidy), she can clean it up. That way she makes life a little bit easier for her clients one manuscript at a time. Some parting advice from Paulina: don’t listen to that little voice in your head that says you can’t. You are worth more than you know. In editing (and writing) we often undercharge because we don’t believe in ourselves or our worth. Know your worth, believe in yourself, and remember that this is your business. Also, editors aren’t here to tear everything down with their red pens, they’re here to help your writing shine a little brighter. Links mentioned: The 60+ books Acadia Editing has brightened Paulina’s book–Politicians Behaving Badly: Men, Women, and the Politics of Sexual Harassment Acadia Editing Services website Paulina S. Cossette Ph.D. on LinkedIn Acadia Editing Services Facebook As always, thanks for listening and stay tuned for more interviews next week!! On deck we have illustrator Jessica Santiesteban.

Please join me in welcoming Jo Renfro to “Getting to the Heart of Why We Write” in today’s episode! You may notice today’s show is out on a Friday instead of a Thursday–we’ve got the cold season blowing through my house so we’re moving a bit slower in general.  It’s giving me a chance to practice being patient through this season of life, just like Jo advises in the episode! Jo is the author and illustrator of the picture book, Peg Gets Crackin’. Peg’s adventures will continue, just as Jo’s own adventures will (hiking the Appalachian trail and more!). So stay tuned for more books!  Some Highlights: The joy of sharing your in-home library with extended family. Starting small to build your community in a new place. Sparking ideas with fresh air and fresh colors. How texture can inspire writing. Final words of wisdom: Life is a journey, it’s happening now because that’s how it’s supposed to happen. Be patient with your journey, live it! Links mentioned: Jo’s website, Jo on Twitter, and on Instagram Peg Gets Crackin’ on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop and Beaming Books–Also don’t forget to request it from your local library! Jo’s Books at Blue Mountain Arts

I couldn’t be more excited to introduce Stacy Juba to you today. She has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. Stacy is an author, editor, and teacher with 30 years of experience.  Here are some highlights from our chat: How she learned over many years to refill her creative well with meditation, yoga, reading, and jigsaw puzzles with a partner. Finding inspiration from all the different corners of daily life from flag etiquette to theme park princesses. The importance of ergonomics. How Oracle cards are different from tarot. Short answer: Oracle has more flexibility and freedom of interpretation. Using EFT tapping, vision boards, action steps, and concrete goals to move past obstacles. “Find those things that rejuvenate you and remember not to take it personally.” “[Writing] gives me a voice. When I write, I feel like I’m fully myself.” Words to past self: make sure each scene is as fleshed out as it can be with a balance of dialogue, setting, and story elements. Links mentioned: Book Editing Blueprint Course (to cut down on rounds of paid editing and send your best work)  Energize Your Writing Toolkit (more ways to use body language and cut down on crutch words) Time Management for Writers  Stacy’s recent book: Prancing Around with Sleeping Beauty  Stacy’s Shortcut for Writers website and Facebook Group Stacy’s author website with all her series Thank you for listening today and make sure you’re all caught up on author interviews with last week’s guest, Wendy C. Goldstein. Next up we have author illustrator Jo Renfro!

Hello, story nerds! Today’s guest on Getting to The Heart of Why We Write is Wendy C. Goldstein. Wendy’s recent book, Oscar’s Blue Bandana, is the true story of her dog, Oscar, earning his blue bandana as a therapy dog. I met Wendy through the kidlit world in 12x12 and along with a handful of other writers we’ve created the PictureBookPeeps debut group. Website and podcast for our group are forthcoming. So, in the meantime enjoy this episode and check out Oscar’s Blue Bandana at your nearest book retailer! Highlights: The benefits of having a writing coach when battling imposter syndrome. Bringing a book to life with real characters at author visits. The better than fiction Oscar who inspired her book. How crucial community is to writing. Links: The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge Oscar’s Blue Bandana on Bookshop, Amazon Wendy and Oscar’s website Wendy and Oscar on Instagram Thank you again to Wendy for sharing your time to talk with me. I can’t wait to see what Oscar does next in this series! If you’re craving more author interviews stay tuned for next week with author/editor Stacy Juba! In the interim, make sure you’re all caught up on Why We Write including last week’s interview with Laura Roettiger. Thanks for being here!

Today’s guest is Laura Roettiger, author of two picture books including the recently published An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story illustrated by Debbi Palen. Laura is a reading specialist with a background in teaching and curriculum creation. Her superpower as a teacher is encouraging curiosity in children, which she has brought into the stories she now writes.  We covered a lot of topics in our short time together and I hope you enjoy listening! Here are some things we cover in today’s interview: The benefits dancing can offer your writing. The generosity and friendliness in the kidlit world, especially in the Rocky Mountains. The best of times hearing readers laugh with enjoyment over your words, when the words just click, and when a child tells you that your book is their favorite. If things aren’t working, sometimes you just need to walk away.  When obstacles arise and writing is impossible, how can you stay connected? Links mentioned: Laura’s Instagram, website, and Twitter. Buy An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story from publisher, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Second Star to The Right Books. Aliana Reaches for the Moon from publisher, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, Amazon, and Second Star to The Right Books. Picture Book Gold Thank you, Laura, for sharing your time with me and what you’ve learned throughout your writing journey. Up next week is author Wendy Goldstein. While you’re waiting make sure you’re all caught up on the latest episodes including last week’s interview with Jilanne Hoffman.

Today we have an interview with Jilanne Hoffmann, author of A River of Dust illustrated by Eugenia Mello. Favorite Quotes: “We went out with our first manuscript, A River of Dust, to auction. I don’t recommend that to anybody! Afterward there was a long dry spell.” “I daydream and that can fill the [creative] well. I just look out the window and can disappear.’” “I love the challenge [of writing]. It’s making something from nothing. It’s like alchemy.” Our chat about the similarities between meditation and writing. How writing is like boot camp. “Everyone has their own voice and the world needs their stories.” “After you have a finished draft, think about it critically. Read your own writing critically as you would others.” Links: The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge The Writing Barn Jilanne’s website A River of Dust: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon illustrated by Eugenia Mello on Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble Jilanne’s other books Jilanne’s Linktr.ee Jilanne on Bluesky, Twitter, and Instagram

Today’s guest is Michelle Lee, author of Between The Lighthouse and You (Amazon, Bookshop, Barnes and Noble). We talk about how ideal writing times vary for different people, querying as an elementary school student, writing across different genres to enrich your writing, and more. With her lifelong involvement in the writing world and Ph.D. in English Literature, she is a real life doctor of words! Links mentioned: Michelle’s website The 12x12 Picture Book Challenge #50Preciouswords Storystorm Some nuggets of wisdom:  Try things that take you out of your normal routine.  Find ways of playing as an adult! Be bolder but also be patient with the process and yourself. Thank you, Michelle!!!

Sorry for my lateness with today’s podcast! It is Friday but I am here and with another sparkling author interview on “Getting to The Heart of Why We Write.” Today, we have Lisa Rogers whose recent book Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage illustrated by Il Sung Na has received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more! I cannot thank Lisa enough for sharing her time with me, or you for taking the time to listen along with us and share the journey we’re all on in this writing life. Links mentioned: Lisa Rogers website Beautiful Noise: The Music of John Cage illustrated by Il Sung Na Other published books by Lisa Rogers 12x12, which she joined when it first started in 2012 A member of Picture Book Gold along with me and 14 other fantastic authors and illustrators. Thank you again, Lisa, for your time! And congratulations on your upcoming books and all you’ve done so far. 🙂

Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your time with me! Today's episode was filled with so many great topics, the benefits of libraries, critique groups, and celebrating each other's success within the writing community. Here's a list of further resources to check out and links mentioned: Sharon's Website Bonus: Sharon's Post in Storystorm 2024 12x12 Challenge Samara Rubin and The Utility Belt Sharon's other books: Bedtime, Daddy!; Get Ready, Mama!; Let's Go Shopping, Grandma! Thank you again, Sharon! And thanks for listening!

Natasha was so much fun to have on the show and I couldn't have asked for better parting words, "Have fun on the journey" creating stories for children. Stay curious! I encourage you to follow that curiosity straight to Natasha's website and many books. Night Before Series Biographies, Fiction, and More Learn about Author Visits (she is an expert!) Facebook Page Instagram Her latest translation of The Night Before My Birthday (and by no coincidence this episode is releasing the week before her birthday on Feb. 7!). Happy Birthday, Natasha!

In today's episode, I had the opportunity to interview a pillar in the kidlit community, Vivian Kirkfield! I hope you enjoy hearing about her journey, the 5 essential Ps for any writer no matter where they are on their writing journey, and her latest book, Pedal, Balance Steer available for preorder (publication 02-20-2024). Here are other links to Vivian's work and places to connect with her: Vivian's Website #50PreciousWords 2023 (keep an eye out for news on 2024!) Vivian's other books 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge (mentioned by us in the chat) Vivian on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn As someone who's participated in #50preciouswords, attended Vivian's presentations on kidlit, and read her work, I can't thank her enough for what she is continuing to do for all of us in the writing community and those budding writers just starting to put pen to page. Thank you Vivian!!!!