Hello, amazing readers!

Hooray, you reached the Oasis ― it's great to have you here! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a nice chitchat because today we have another great creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the double giveaway, promo gifts, and other offers at the end of this interview.

Welcome, Andria! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

I decided I wanted to be a picture book writer when I was eleven. I still have the first book I wrote and unfortunately illustrated. Back then I also wanted to be an astronaut, an Olympic sprinter, or figure skater, a ballerina and an actress. (I've always been a bit of a drama queen!) While I was in high school I wrote over fifty songs and poems. I was still writing poetry in my twenties, but let go of my picture book dreams for a while because of all the rejections I received. I didn't think about picture books again until I had my four children. But I was so busy with my family I could only focus on writing poems and short stories for children's magazines.  My first two children's books weren't published until I was in my early forties. My road to publication has been a long and winding one and I've given up many times. But in the end, not writing isn't an option for me. Writing is like eating a good meal. I would starve if I couldn't work with words.
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: There are many challenges, both personal and professional that writers face. The most important thing for me to remember is to stay focused. It's so easy to get distracted by darling dog videos & heated Twitter debates. But it does nothing for my productivity. I find it crucial to block-out time just for writing, promotion, emails and reading. I need to be as organized as possible. I don't work well in chaos.

While it's thrilling to sell a manuscript, it just makes me hungry for more. What truly satisfies me is hearing from readers, librarians and teachers. There's nothing better than seeing your book in the hands of a child. Learning to read and comprehend what I read was especially hard for me. Maybe this is one reason I find it gratifying to know that kids are enjoying my books. There's nothing more motivating than that.

I also think it's important to keep growing as a writer even after you've sold books. The market is always evolving and I think it's vital for writers to keep challenging themselves. I do this through reading and taking writing workshops. I also count on my critique partners to push me far beyond where I might have thought I could go.

​Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?
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A: The hardest part for me is getting that first draft down on paper. It's a matter of commitment and focus. An idea rises to the surface. I mull it over and brainstorm a bit. Then I write down as many notes as I can that resonate with emotion and story. Writing is a mind game. (Writer's block truly is all in your head!) I often promise myself a little treat if I get the job done. I'm also a hug fan of Elizabeth Gilbert's BIG MAGIC. I actually keep a copy of the book on my desk for motivation. The magic for me lies in revision. That's what I look forward to. That's what I love most of all.

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: My latest picture book is BOATS WILL FLOAT, illustrated by Brett Curzon, published by Sleeping Bear Press. It was just released on March 15. I have some wonderful early memories of gliding in my grandparent's canoe on Candlewood Lake. This was the spark for this book.

I wrote Boats as a follow up to TRAINS DON'T SLEEP, but my editor passed on it. My agent at the time kept submitting it till it was acquired.  But within six months of being announced the book was cancelled. Fortunately, my agent sold it a second time, which was pretty amazing. It all turned out for the best because I couldn't be happier with Brett Curzon's incredible illustrations. He infused our book with life, humor, color and tons of fun!

I'll be doing a number of readings in northern New Jersey to promote BOATS WILL FLOAT. Follow me on Twitter to find out where and when!

Thank you so much for inviting me to share my process with you and your readers!
Happy writing :)
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Connect with Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum:

Website:  www.andriawarmflashrosenbaum.com
Twitter: @andriawrose
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Thank you for being my guest, Andria, and happy writing to you as well!

Dear readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books. I hope you enjoyed this post and will be back for our next interview. Shares appreciated -- thank you!
 
Comment on this post for a chance to win one of two copies of Andria's adorable book, BOATS WILL FLOAT. The two lucky winners will be announced next week!
[U.S. only; copies will be mailed whenever it's safe to do so.]

Hello, lovely readers!

Hooray for you ― you're back at the Oasis and it's so great to have you visit again! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, stretch your smiles even wider and get comfy and cozy for a delightful chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Marcie Wessels is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us!

(Plus, check out my promo gift offer at the end of this interview.)

Welcome, Marcie! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication. 

A: Thank you for inviting me, Rosie! I used to teach Spanish language and literature at the college level. In 2006, I left academia for motherhood.

In 2011, I decided I needed a new challenge. I’ve always loved books. But could I write one? I set out to find out.

My first stroke of luck was discovering the Writing for Children’s Program at UCSD Extension. I enrolled in the first of three classes, formed a critique group, and joined SCBWI. After attending SoCal SCBWI’s Editor’s Day in 2012, I landed an offer for my first picture book! Pirate’s Lullaby: Mutiny at Bedtime, illustrated by Tim Bowers, was published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers in 2015.

My second book is my first work of nonfiction. The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer, illustrated by Beatriz Castro, will be published by Sterling Publishing on April 14, 2020. Like my first book, Boy was inspired by my son. A bit of a reluctant reader, he fell in love with Whoosh: Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaking Stream of Inventions (Charlesbridge, 2016), written by Chris Baron and illustrated by Don Tate. The book was so kid-friendly, it inspired me to look into the history of other toys and games. Like most boys, my son loves video games. “Who invented the video game?” I wondered.

As I conducted research, I discovered the unpublished memoir of Ralph Baer, the inventor widely regarded as The Father of Video Games. It was a crucial discovery that helped me connect with the project in a completely different way. I wrote many drafts and then my agent sent it out on submission.

While we were waiting to hear back from editors, I happened to read Laurie Wallmark’s Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer (2017), illustrated by Katy Wu.  I noticed it that it was a part of Sterling’s People Who Shaped Our World Series. I thought my manuscript would be a great fit for Sterling’s list so with my agent’s blessing, I submitted my story. A few months later, it was picked out of the slush pile and I had an offer.

Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: I’ve written about my fear of the blank page on a different occasion (read here) so I’ll just say it’s all challenging! Coming up with an original idea, figuring out how to tell the story, then finding someone who believes in your story as much as you do, such as an agent or an editor.

Luckily, the kidlit community is one of the kindest and most supportive. I feel blessed to have so many creative and inspiring friends. 

As far as motivation, you definitely need to be persistent and patient. Hearing how much someone loves your book (especially a kid) is one of the things that keeps me going.
 
Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like? 

A:  My revision process is messy but one of the best tools I have in my writer’s toolbox is the story board, a technique I was introduced to in Illustrating Children’s Books at UCSD Extension. Visually laying out a story often reveals problems with the narrative and helps you correct pacing. All picture book writers should storyboard - even if you can only draw stick figures like me! For more revision tips, please check out this post. 

Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: The launch party for The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer will be on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at 1 PM at the Barnes and Noble (Mira Mesa) in San Diego, CA. 

Thank you, Marcie. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

Dear readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post — comments and shares are appreciated. Thank you!
 
Connect with Marcie:
Website: www.marciewessels.com
Twitter: @MarcieDWessels

Marcie Wessels loves to play games – especially board games like Scrabble. She tinkers with words and invents stories including PIRATE’S LULLABY: MUTINY AT BEDTIME and THE BOY WHO THOUGHT OUTSIDE THE BOX: THE STORY OF VIDEO GAME INVENTOR RALPH BAER. She lives in San Diego, California. You can find her online at www.marciewessels.com.
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Promo offer: swag gift* with pre-order of Sunday Rain!
*Charm bracelet -- each charm is different and something that can be found in the book, bookmark, postcard and button. 

(US only, while supplies last. Use my Contact form on the menu bar to let me know you pre-ordered and send me your mailing address.)

Hello, fantastic readers!

Are you new to the KidLit Oasis? Welcome! If you're coming back ― it's great to have you visit again! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a fabulous chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Della Ross Ferreri is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, she is generously donating a copy of either one of her books, GOD BLESSES ME or HUGGLE WUGGLE, BEDTIME SNUGGLE (Winner’s choice).

Welcome, Della, and happy book birthday to God Blesses Me! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: Thank you so much for having me, Rosie. I’m delighted to be here! My writing journey began over twenty years ago (wow, can that be true!?) when my children were young. We’d cozy up on the couch and read piles of picture books together. I’m sure those sweet moments planted the seed for me to create stories of my own.

Right away, I signed up for a class through the Institute of Children’s Literature, joined SCBWI, attended conferences and found local writers who shared the same passion. My first published story was a rebus in Children’s Playmate. I was so excited and felt validated to keep writing and submitting. I continued with more magazine stories and poems, then sold two easy readers to educational publishers. All the while I continued working on my craft, attending conferences and paying for manuscript critiques. It’s a good thing I kept working hard - when I look back at some of my earlier pieces, I realize – gulp! - I had a lot to learn!

Once I started getting personal rejections with ‘please send more,’ I knew I was getting close. I doubt she’ll remember, but one day when meeting up with some on-line writer friends in Maine, Toni Buzzeo read one of my manuscripts and wrote three words: ‘What’s the problem?’ She was right! I had a fun rhyming ‘poem’ about a child tucking in his stuffed animals- but no problem, and therefore no solution and no story arc. I revised (again!) and added a stanza about the child feeling a teensy bit nervous about sleeping in his first big-boy bed, a bit more escalation, and then a stanza where he solves the problem. On my next round of submissions, Sterling Publishing accepted that first picture book manuscript, How Will I Ever Sleep in this Bed?

Over the years, my journey had plenty of ups and downs. There were revision requests that didn’t pan out, and manuscripts that went to acquisitions, but ultimately turned down. Despite the disappointments, I persevered, and published a couple picture books with small publishers – Star of the Show, and Beep! Beep! Special Delivery, and in 2019, two sweet board books, Precious Baby and Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle, with Beaming Books. Fast forward to today where Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle was named a 2019 CYBILS finalist in the board book category, and my newest book with Worthy Kids releases on March 3, 2020. It’s called God Blesses Me and is a sweetly illustrated lift-the-flap board book that helps children discover the blessings all around them.

I now have an agent and she’s been tremendously helpful in taking my manuscripts to the next level and getting them out there.
 
Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated?

A: Good questions. I would say juggling life and writing is my greatest challenge. My teaching job is quite demanding and since I prioritize family time, so much of my writing takes place in spits and spurts at night, on weekends or summer vacations.  Ideas can be slow to percolate and since many of my stories are in rhyme, it can take a long time to get it right. Actually, even my non-rhyming stories seem to take a long time to get in shape!
Thankfully, I have supportive critique partners and writer groups – on-line and in-person. Their feedback has been instrumental and I definitely wouldn’t have my publishing successes without them! My in-person group also organizes writing conferences. We call ourselves Children’s Writers of the Hudson Valley. We’re a group of volunteers who enjoy organizing hands-on writing events. Our planning meetings often double as critique sessions where we work on conference details, critique stories and eat, drink, and laugh. All this fun and support help me stay motivated. By the way, Rosie, if any of your readers live near the Hudson Valley in New York, I hope they’ll consider coming to the Poughkeepsie CWHV conference. This year it’s Saturday, June 13. We’re working on finalizing the day’s schedule.  Here’s the website that will have more information soon: http://www.cwhv.org/
 
Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like?

A: Ah, revision. I have a love-hate relationship with revision. Sometimes I focus to the point of obsession on one particular story. Other times I bounce around from project to project, seeing what mentally clicks when I open a document on my computer. Sometimes the writing process takes just a few months, and other times it takes YEARS to feel like I’m getting it right.

What seems to work for me is writing in different locations and taking breaks. When in the brainstorming phase or when searching for just the right word or image, I use sites like rhymezone.com or look at Google images or watch YouTube videos for inspiration.
Often the answer to a writing problem or even a new idea pops into my brain when away from the computer. I’ll take my manuscript on a walk, or think about it while folding laundry or while taking a shower or reading other books.

This leads into my next tip – be patient and allow time for the brain to mull things over. I used to be overly eager to submit to publishing houses, but now, unless I’m on a deadline, I put my writing aside for weeks(or longer, if possible) to revisit with fresh eyes.

Another suggestion is to ask someone else to read your manuscript aloud. For me, since my writing tends to be short, this helps me hear when the story feels off or needs perking up.

Of course, read read read as many current books in your genre, and pick apart the ones you love. Why do these favorite books resonate with you? Is it the storyline? Character? Language? Humor? Is it that satisfying feeling at the end? Is it the subtle message or take-away? If you’re like me, it’s probably a combination of those elements. When reading amazing published books, we get inspired to write and revise our own stories.
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
​
A: My most exciting news is that God Blesses Me, published by Worthy Kids, releases on March 3. It’s my first novelty book with lift-the-flaps. I’ve been asked if I left art notes for the illustrator. The answer is yes. The story features many scenes that lend themselves to lift-the-flaps – a puppet theater, bedroom curtain, animals behind a bush, etc, so I made suggestions. Lizzie Walkley, the illustrator, used many of my suggestions and added her own flair to make the flaps fun and interactive. Toddlers and preschoolers will love peeking under the flaps and seeing the changes and surprises to each scene. It turned out to be such a sweet story that will encourage children to think about their everyday blessings. 

It was a pleasure having you over, Della! Thank you again for sharing your journey, tips, and books with us, plus a wonderful opportunity for writers to attend Poughkeepsie CWHV conference!

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, requesting their book through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books.

I hope you enjoyed this post and will be back soon!

To enter the giveaway, simply comment on this post. 

Connect with Della Ross Ferreri:

Website: www.DellaRossFerreri.com
Twitter: @DellaRF