Hello, lovely readers!

Thank you for visiting KidLit Oasis! 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 lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the Chitchat series... Children's author Keila V. Dawson is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us!

Plus, check out the giveaway at the end of this interview. 

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

A: My road to publication was a sprint. After a friend challenged me to tick “writing a children’s book” off my bucket list, I wrote the first draft of my debut picture book, THE KING CAKE BABY, illustrated by Vernon Smith (Pelican Publishing 2015). I was fortunate to find an active local SCBWI chapter where I live who helped me revise the manuscript, encourage me to submit, and the book published two years later. As a newbie in the industry, I had no idea what I didn’t know. In retrospect, had I known what I know now about networking and book promotion, it may have been better to be the tortoise in the race. While playing catch up on creating a social media presence, taking writing craft classes, and networking with the kidlit community, I wish I would have written more stories. I submitted a companion story that passed acquisitions that is still unpublished so there’s never a guarantee even when you think you’ve jumped the highest hurdle.
 
A highlight of my journey as a writer has been working collaboratively for the past two years with Lindsay Metcalf and Jeanette Bradley on NO VOICE TOO SMALL: FOURTEEN YOUNG AMERICANS MAKING HISTORY. I am so proud of this project, especially since there were so many moving parts. And I think the support from our editor Karen Boss and the team at Charlesbridge deserve credit, too, for believing in this project and dedicating the time and resources to make it shine.
 
Having learned my lesson, I kept writing new drafts while working on NO VOICE TOO SMALL.

​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: The most challenging part of book publication is the juggle. I am constantly trying to balance writing new stories with research, revision work, contributing to the kidlit community, studying the craft, and keeping up with new releases while creating content for marketing. And figuring out where to target my energy and what promotion isn’t worth the investment of time or money. Promotion works, it’s just time-consuming.
​
What keeps me motivated is uncovering stories - especially untold stories – that add to narratives often left out of history books and school curriculum. I love research, and I lean toward nonfiction. And I can easily fall down a rabbit hole because I enjoy learning about other cultures, re-learning history and discovering different perspectives on stories outside of my lived experiences. Sometimes a story grabs onto me and it won’t let go. Those are the stories I feel compelled to dedicate time to research and write. I am working on a manuscript now with the help of others outside of the U.S. and we are all committed to it because it will hopefully inspire children to consider conflict resolution without resorting to violence. 

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: Something I learned in genealogical research is to research widely. After choosing a topic or subject, I search for academic publications and contact experts in the field to help me figure out different perspectives. With perspective, I can start thinking about the story arc and find those gems hidden in history that would resonate with kids.
​
For revision, I rely on trusted critiquers who give me their honest opinions. Again, for me, it’s all about perspective. Who’s story am I telling, why does it matter, and what do I want my readers to know?
 
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: I will take part in San Francisco Public Library’s Kidquake 2020 on October 16th. And I’ll be at the virtual Buckeye Book Fair in November. Jeanette, Lindsay and I have one more virtual book launch event planned in Ohio where I live on November 14 at 11 am/EST with Cover to Cover bookstore. And it’s time to start promoting my next book, OPENING THE ROAD: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book, illustrated by Alleanna Harris (Beaming Books, January 26, 2021).

Lindsay, Jeanette and are already engaging with kids and schools with NO VOICE TOO SMALL. We are offering access on-demand (asynchronous) and live (synchronous) visits, suitable for classroom or at-home use. There’s an Activity Guide to use with the book I created using ELA Common Core Standards and other relevant content standards. Here’s a page with links to our collection of resources including “Young Activists Speak” videos, mini writing workshops, art class with Jeanette Bradley, and the No Voice Too Small pledge and more. We’re excited that the No Voice Too Small Book Club is featured in Flipgrid’s Discovery Library.

I’ll have more book news to share soon, and I’m excited about my work in progress.

Thank you, Keila! Wishing you all the best on your journey and I look forward to your future projects.

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on social media, 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 Keila V. Dawson

Website: www.keiladawson.com
Twitter: @keila_dawson
Instagram: @keilavdawson
Pinterest: pinterest.com/keiladawson/

            Keila V. Dawson                        Lindsay H. Metcalf                        Jeanette Bradley            

​Welcome to KidLit Oasis the Chitchat series -- a ​place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

We have another amazing author interview with great insight, plus a GIVEAWAY! 

Welcome back, Beth! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis as my guest, which tells me you liked my hospitality the first time ☺, but it also means you have a new book coming out that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations!

So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how is this book special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to the previous one? Is there an interesting behind-the-scene about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out?

A: Thanks so much, Rosie, for inviting me back!

Maybe it was growing up in the country, or maybe it was just normal kid curiosity, but city sidewalk grates always caught my attention. What’s down there?
When I read an article about James “Smelly” Kelly, I had some answers to that childhood wondering.  And he had such quirky experiences—comical, dangerous, bizarre! I was smitten! But with only a few anecdotes about his life, pulling together a story was a huge challenge.

After trying out a few angles, I examined his story through the “hero” lens. I had worked through ideas about heroes with Lizzie Demands a Seat and how we all need to step out of the “silence.” “Smelly” Kelly was a different kind of hero—an everyday hero. As I dug deeper asking myself questions about heroism and considered his “super” senses, I found my “heart” thread. The story became about finding our own specialness and where we fit in our world; about what makes a hero a hero; about the idea that we all have unique talents to offer. Those ideas, which I believe strongly and want to share with every child, make this story near and dear to my heart.
 
Q: And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach to it (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)?Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring it into the world?

A: Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek was the editor for both Lizzie Demands a Seat and “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses. While the process is the same and both deal with concepts about heroes, the stories are very different. The biggest contrast in going from manuscript to book was with illustrations. E.B. Lewis and Jenn Harney work very differently, and it was fascinating for me to learn about their processes and see the books come to life. I am so intrigued by how the editor and art director identify the perfect illustrator and proceed to marry text to art. I would love to be a fly on the wall and watch it all!

E.B. Lewis, who works in watercolors, says in his art note in Lizzie Demands a Seat that he used colors he had never used before. Clearly, we both pushed past our comfort zones with that book. Jenn Harney, who works digitally, also taught me about palettes. With her process, changes and tweaks were easy to make. We both had a lot of fun with “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses. I relished sneaking in superhero references, and she infused joy into all the action. I learn more with every book!
 
Q: When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction?

A: The editor and I shared ideas about illustrators. When she suggested Jenn Harney, I immediately explored her website and found glorious detail, unique characters, and scenes bursting with life. I was an instant fan! Jenn was wonderful to work with—always happy to revise and tweak as we worked through a few challenging pages. It turns out she loved her first adventure into researching for illustrations, too. She surprised me with the two palettes for above and below ground, fascinating detail, and creative ways to show the action that involved drips and leaks hidden behind walls or underground. The first tunnel scene took my breath away. The power of the palette! And the last page was so perfect—better than anything I’d imagined. I enjoy learning about illustration and all the aspects of it beyond the ability to draw.
 
Q: What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us?

A: I look forward to sharing my books with kids and sparking curiosity, creative thinking, and opening up their world. Hopefully, I can continue to chance upon stories that beg to be told that will help kids see the humanity in history and connect it to their own lives, as well as explore fun and thought provoking topics. I’m thrilled to stay on this path, and I welcome any opportunities that might come my way.
 
Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

A: I’m looking forward to the virtual launch of “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses at Second Star to the Right Bookstore in Denver on Oct. 17 at 4pm MDT. Please join in!

The New York Transit Museum is doing a virtual family program on “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses soon (date TBA). I’ll be helping with a couple presentations. If you’re interested in upcoming virtual events like this, please check my website.

And recently I was contacted by the Long Island Museum about a program they’re developing for schools on Elizabeth Jennings using Lizzie Demands a Seat. If you’re in a school and interested in the virtual program, please contact the museum.

I’m very excited about Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wriggle which releases in fall 2021. It’s such a tender father and son story, full of energy and joy! Tad reminds me of all those students I had that couldn’t sit still, whose minds popped with ideas—kids who were challenged as learners for various reasons, and who pushed me to be a better teacher. Another story dear to my heart!

Thank you, Beth. What an interesting insight! I can't wait to read "Smelly" Kelly's story.

Readers, to 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 — shares are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

                                    G I V E A W A Y!
For a chance to win a copy of "Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses simply comment on this post and you will be entered. (Continental US only, please.)

Connect with Beth Anderson:
Website: www.bethandersonwriter.com
Twitter: @BAndersonWriter
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​Beth Anderson, a former English as a Second Language teacher, has always marveled at the power of books. Armed with linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, wonders, thinks, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. Author of AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET(S&S 2018), LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT! (Calkins Creek, 2020), and “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES (Calkins Creek, Oct. 2020), Beth has more historical gems on the way.

Hello, amazing readers!

Welcome back to KidLit Oasis ― it's always great to have you visit! 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 lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the Chitchat series... Children's author Deb Gruelle is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, she's giving away a copy of her new book, Sleepy Time Colors!
 
Welcome, Deb! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication. 

A: I never thought of being a writer. I always thought being a writer was far beyond my grasp, but I’ve always loved reading and loved words. My mom took us to the library often. I was a voracious reader. And when I learned words, they just stuck in my mind.
 
But the seeds of writing may have been planted by reading Raggedy Ann and Andy stories and knowing I was related to Johnny Gruelle, the author of those stories.
 
I grew up in Silicon Valley, and eventually started working as a technical writer there. This helped give me the confidence to write magazine articles and my first book on infertility and miscarriage. My first book was traditionally published way back in the era before social media.
 
When I became a parent, I saw how stories affected my children in such positive ways.
 
When my youngest son was just about to turn one, and my dad died. We flew from Colorado to California to stay at my Mom’s with other extended family for the funeral. As I connected the longings of losing my dad, what I wanted to pass on to my kids, and one small practical way to pass that on, the idea for a picture book came to me. I wrote it, edited it, then tried to sell it to a couple of publishers. It was rejected with some nice comments, but I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. So I put it away in a drawer.
 
Sixteen years later, I went to a writers conference and submitted this children’s book manuscript. A large publisher bought it. Because Ten Little Night Stars did so well, the publisher had room for my second book, Sleepy Time Colors, which just released.
 
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 live with chronic health issues, so I find I need to pay for help for many of the business aspects of writing. So, that’s one of my biggest challenges.

What helps me stay motivated are the reader responses. I received an email last week from Grace, a grandma who said, “I babysat my one-year-old granddaughter last week. I read and reread and reread your book to her because she loves it so much. Thanks for investing in the lives of little people.”

I love that my book became a tool that helped strengthen the bond between this grandma and her granddaughter. That’s motivating to me.
 
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: Reading the words out loud helps me hear uneven rhythms. Having someone else read the story’s words out loud catches even more problems.
 
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 second children’s book, Sleepy Time Colors, just released!

Thank you, Deb, and all the best on your journey!

If you'd like to support our featured authors/illustrators you can do so 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 ​Deb:
Website: DebGruelle.com
Twitter: @debgruelleauth

Deb Gruelle is a bestselling and award winning, author who loves writing children’s booksto help little ones transition to sleep. As the great-grand-niece of Johnny Gruelle, the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, she grew up on his whimsical stories and enjoys being a third-generation children’s writer.
 
Children’s Books:
Sleepy Time Colors (Zonderkidz/HarperCollins, 2020)--playful rhymes allow parents to snuggle their little one in their favorite jammies as they lift the flaps to learn their colors.
 
Ten Little Night Stars--follow cuddly animals through their bedtime routine to prepare children to transition to sleep as they learn to count to ten.

Hello, summer readers!

After a series of summertime siestas and soaking in the sun, I am back to welcome you to KidLit Oasis. As you might remember, this is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now once again, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we are kicking off the new season with author Kirsti Call! She will share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, there's a giveaway, too!

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

A: My first book,THE RAINDROP WHO COULDN’T FALL, came out in 2013, very soon after I started writing picture books. It was a miracle that I’ve been grateful for ever since---especially because I had a 5 year gap full of submissions and rejections and more rejections. Finally I signed with Emma Sector at Prospect agency 2 years ago and now I have 3 books coming out.  MOOTILDA’S BAD MOOD is releasing almost exactly 7 years after my raindrop book. 

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: Rejections are the worst.  But rejections are what make the process of actually making a book sooooo special. I love watching how kids react to my book—a laugh from a kid reader is priceless! And because I adore words and creating stories, I stay motivated—it’s all about loving the journey!

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:I revise my stories a gazillion times.  I write, re-write, send to critique partners, quibble over words, send to other critique partners, re-write, send to my agent, then re-write again.  Mentor texts are super helpful for me as I’m working on a project—when I find a book that conveys the feeling I want to convey, I try to understand how that book accomplished it, and infuse that into my writing.

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: I have two more books coming out into the world!  COW SAYS MEOW releases with HMH on March 16, 2021, and COLD TURKEY releases with Little Brown in the Fall of 2021.  Also, Kim Chaffee and I have started a podcast called Picture Book Look.  Interviewing authors and illustrators has been an incredible adventure---and each episode is only 15 minutes, so it’s short and sweet.

Thank you, Kirsti!

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.

Don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered in the giveaway for a chance to win an ARC of Mootilda's Bad Mood! 

Connect with Kirsti Call:
Website: www.kirsticall.com/
Twitter: @kirsticall

Hello, amazing readers!

It's a pleasure to have you at the Oasis -- thanks for visiting! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

And with this post, I will be wrapping up the series for the season and taking a break for the summer, but the Chitchat will resume at the end of August. So . . .

Get ready to enjoy this interview! Stretch your smiles wide, and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Lindsay Leslie is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the DOUBLE giveaway, and other offers at the end of this interview. 

Welcome, Lindsay Leslie ! 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 wasn't one of those folks who dreamed of becoming an author, but I was one of those folks who could write. It was something I did to manage my emotions (lots of diary and journal writing), to stay busy and focused (on my high school newspaper; journalism major), and to secure myself a job (my career as a public relations exec). And we've all heard this before: it took me having my own children to fall back in love with picture books, but as a storyteller and not just a reader. I dove into craft and leaned on all the resources--SCBWI Austin, Julie Hedlund's 12X12, Picture Book Summit, The Writing Barn--and I also chased every avenue to get feedback and exposure to agents and editors--#PBParty, #PBPitch, #PitMad, and so on. I've met so many fantastic and talented authors and illustrators who inspired me to push on and keep at it.

​I never wanted to throw in the towel, but I often wondered if I could ever break through. And then my break came from a pitch during #PitMad for THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS. That's how I connected with Page Street Kids and my editor at the time, Charlotte Wenger. They not only offered on THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS (illustrated by Alice Brereton), but then two subsequent manuscripts of mine, NOVA THE STAR EATER (illustrated by John Taesoo Kim) and the picture book that just released, DUSK EXPLORERS (illustrated by Ellen Rooney). The text for DUSK EXPLORERS came to me from one of the presentations by Julie Hedlund called "The Verse Curse". The story poured out of me and really didn't require much editing. I was so in the moment when I wrote it. I was transported back to my childhood street of Fieldwood Drive in Richardson, Texas. Right now, I'm wishing another story would come to me like DUSK EXPLORERS did. I think a lot of it is being open to the memories, the experiences, and the observations, and being mindful when they cross the transom.

I think my biggest uphill battle with getting into this industry was the very beginning. I was coming out of a depression due to massive panic attacks, and I once again leaned toward writing to give me courage and to pull me out of the pain. What came of that was my debut, THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS. It was very autobiographical. I wasn't ready to share the story about how the book came about until recently. I wrote about it here.

I then had another big health scare in 2017 when I contracted Tick Borne Relapsing Fever, which landed me in the hospital. During my sickness, I had the wherewithal to post my pitches to #PitMad, which led to my first book deal. When I think about these health battles, the trials and tribulations of the creative process and publishing industry don't get to me as much as they would have had I not been knocked down a couple of times. I've built some amazing armor over the years and I'm full-on using it. I've always said, "It's always a 'no' if you don't put yourself 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: Besides the waiting? OK, seriously, I think it is the feeling that you are just one creator among a sea of so many talented people. Your manuscript has got to shine and shine brightly. Often times I write a story and I love it. I'm head over heels, yet other folks read it and don't get what I'm trying to do. I'm often too conceptual, but I love working in that space and leaving parts of the story up for interpretation. What I find rewarding is when I connect. First I have to connect with my agent, then an editor, and then I get to connect to the readers and to the parents, teachers, and librarians. When they all get it and get the feelings I'm trying to express, nothing is greater. That's what keeps me motivated.

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: I feel I'm one of the worst people to ask about process. I'm so willy nilly, but, hey, that's a process, right? I let my manuscript lead me. But in the end, I always ALWAYS put my manuscripts through the ringer with at least a couple of critique groups. I read them aloud to my husband (a novelist) and children (seriously wonderful editors), and, wow, are they honest with their feedback. (Brutal!) I almost always dummy my stories. I would share the dummies for one of my three published books, but I threw them out. Now, why would I do that? Ugh. I won't do that in the future. Sorry folks! My dummies are 8 pieces of 8 1/2 X 11 pieces of paper folded in half. I write each word in with pencil, so that I think about each word. I often read it out loud as I am writing, so I catch words I've doubled up on or those words that just don't lend themselves to the story. I also use the drawer or the file folder and let the story sit for a while. I need space from my story to be able to really see it again for the editing process.
 
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: I have the type of exciting news I can't talk about. So, CLIFFHANGER! Also, I'm thrilled that DUSK EXPLORERS earned a starred review from Kirkus, Ellen Rooney and I were interviewed for the June issue of Kirkus (pinchable moment), and Amazon's editors picked it as one of the best books of June 2020 for ages 3-5 (jaw drop). I will be doing a live reading of DUSK EXPLORERS and answering questions over on Books & Books Instagram page (@booksandbooks) on July 4 at 11 a.m. ET. Swing on by! 

Wow, what an amazing journey! Congrats on all your success, Lindsay, and I can't wait to hear more about the exciting news you can't talk about now (what a cliffhanger indeed!). It was a pleasure having you and I hope you'll be back to share your next book with us, too!

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 Lindsay Leslie:
Website: lindsayleslie.com
Twitter: @lleslie

Hello, wonderful readers!

Welcome back to the Oasis ― it's great to have you visit again (or for the first time)! This is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost, and I hope you'll keep coming back.

Now, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Katelyn Aronson is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the giveaway and my FREE webinar offer at the end of this interview. 

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

A: Thank you, Rosie, for having me!

After “dabbling” in writing off and on most of my life, I finally got serious about becoming a children’s author 5 years ago. 2015 marked a time of relative calm in my life, and I felt ready to pursue that old dream, finally giving it the focus it demanded. During that first year, I wrote a few stories, paid for some professional critiques, and tried querying a couple of publishing houses on my own. When that didn’t work, I started looking around for other solutions.

I’m indebted to the “brain children” of two great ladies of the children’s book industry: picture book authors Tara Lazar and Julie Hedlund. First, I participated in Tara Lazar’s “PiBoIdMo” in November of 2015 (now called Storystorm), and filled a notebook full of ideas. A few months after that, I stumbled upon Julie Hedlund’s “12x12 Picture Book Challenge” in January of 2016 and enrolled, with all those brand new ideas ready to be fleshed out. I threw myself into the 12x12 program, finishing one new manuscript per month, sharing my stories on the community forum, and giving and getting peer feedback. By May of that year, I had already signed with agent Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis, the second-oldest literary agency in New York.

I expected my career to take off from there, but it didn’t. Things took time. It isn’t always easy for a newbie to get their work noticed. The industry is cyclical and the wheel is always turning. Picture book biographies were selling like crazy at the time. Then, non-fiction in general seemed to take over. Unfortunately for me, I was writing mostly character-driven fiction. Should I have switched genres? Maybe. But I knew that by the time I’d created some worthy non-fiction pieces, the market would have changed yet again! So I stuck to what I loved best. The waiting part was arduous, and I was tempted to give up on many occasions. Oh, was I glad I hadn’t when 2019 rolled around! My first offer came from Viking of Penguin Random House, for my debut Piglette, releasing this year (only a year after signing it over). Incredibly, four other offers followed within the same calendar year. Words cannot communicate what it means to see a life-long dream coming true at last. Only happy tears can.

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: No newsflash here: The most challenging thing in this business is all the waiting! I produce a steady stream of new manuscripts, and it’s hard to wait for each of these projects to be subbed/read/replied to in due course. My only coping mechanism is to “distract” myself by jumping into a new writing project.
If my motivation is running low, it helps to re-read a bunch of my favorite picture books. That makes me fall in love with the genre all over again, and sometimes even sparks new ideas.
​
The most rewarding moment for me is seeing my story come to life through an illustrator’s talent. I get a bit misty-eyed the first time I see my manuscript illustrated. Then there are those three magical moments when the book is finally born: 1) receiving your box of author copies in the mail, 2) seeing your book in an actual bookstore and 3) seeing your book in a child’s hands. At every stage, you realize all over again: it’s real!

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: I’m a visual person, so I either storyboard my stories (actually sketching them out) or at the very least, I make a dummy to work out pacing and page turns.

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: I had a couple of Piglette launch events scheduled for Paris this month, but everything has been postponed due to the pandemic! So I’ll be doing virtual events through indie bookstores in the US, and some in-person events in Switzerland. My first event scheduled is a virtual story time at “Mystery to Me” Bookstore in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 11th at 10:30 a.m. I’ll publish more details across social media soon!

Thank you so much for being my guest, Katelyn, and for your keeping-it-real answers! I appreciate the honest insight and I know our readers will, too. The ups and downs in this business can be quite contrasting and drastic indeed, and the waiting in between, truly excruciating, I agree. 

Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators by following them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, requesting their books 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!
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Connect with Katelyn Aronson:

​Website: www.katelynaronson.com
Twitter: @MademoiselleK8
Instagram: @AuthorKatelyn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katelyn.aronson 

​Do you have a story idea for a children's book? Have you wondered about how to become a children's author? You might think writing a picture book is easy, but you may be surprised.
​
So how do you turn your idea into a good story by today's publishing standards? Do you know the current market and audience, and how to develop your idea into a publishable story? How do you even get started in children's publishing -- mistakes to avoid, the most important steps to take, what you need to know about writing for children. 
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This seminar will answer all of these questions and introduce you to the craft and business of children's writing.

Hello, amazing readers!

Welcome back at the Oasis ― it's great to have you visit! If this is your first time reading this blog, I hope you'll be coming back often! 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 lovely chitchat because today we have another lovely creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author  Claire Annette Noland is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the book giveaway at the end of this interview and enter for a chance to win a copy of Claire's new book, Evie's Field Day.

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

A: Thank you Rosie for inviting me to the KidLit Oasis. I’m excited to share my writing journey.

I was one of those kids who always read. The public library was my home-away-from-home where I spent hours exploring the shelves. My favorite section was 398.2 – folk and fairy tales. I loved my high school creative writing class and I began writing my own fractured fairy tales. I loved to travel (still do) and majored in geography with a minor in comparative literature focusing on world cultures and oral traditions.

I knew I wanted to work with children and books so I earned my master’s degree in library and information science and had a wonderful career as a children’s librarian. I went back to school and got my teaching and reading specialist credential so that I could be on the same school schedule as my children.

I knew I wanted to write but didn’t know where to begin. I joined SCBWI, found a critique group, and realized how much I had to learn. My first picture book was 2,000 words! When I finally started to submit, rejections piled up. I was so discouraged that I stopped submitting for a few years but never stopped writing. I joined 12 x 12 and continued to work on the craft of writing by attending conferences and workshops as well as meeting weekly with my critique partners.

I sold a book to an educational publisher and then began writing a series for our regional children’s hospital featuring George the Giraffe.

I follow many blogs (like yours) and look for submission opportunities. In December of 2018, I saw that Cardinal Rule Press was open for submissions. The publisher, Maria Dismondy, has a clear vision for her company. She looks for stories that feature issues children face and how they solve their problems. I had a work-in-progress about a competitive child who hates to lose that I thought might be a good fit. I revised, cut words, and when my critique group agreed it was ready, pressed submit. That was January 31, 2019.

As writers know, it can take a long time to get a response on a submission so you can imagine my surprise when, on February 11th, I received an email to set up a zoom meeting. Maria told me that a friend had just asked what to do when a child has a hard time losing. Then, she opened my submission addressing this very issue.

Here are two take-aways from this experience: One, sometimes a manuscript reaches a publisher at just the right time. Two, do your homework before submitting. Maria said she received animal stories, poems, and subjects that she does not publish. I read as many CRP books as I could find to make sure mine was right for them.
​
Evie’s Field Day : More Than One Way To Win was illustrated by the lovely Alicia Teba who lives in Spain. Other authors told me that they had no contact with their illustrators so I was thrilled when I was given the go ahead to contact her. We’re now Facebook and Instagram friends and I hope to meet her someday when we can safely travel again.

​These are Alicia’s original character sketches of Evie.

​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: This business is filled with challenges. One is that there are so few houses open to unagented authors. I am actively seeking representation but, in the meantime, I continue to write and submit.

Because I am interested in early literacy, I’d like to write for the early reader trade market. It seems to be a difficult market to break into as many publishers use in-house authors and more and more picture books are being reissued as early readers.
​
Of course, having a debut trade book released in the midst of a pandemic is full of challenges. Evie’s Field Day: More Than One Way To Win, was timed to release with the end-of-the-school-year celebrations. When everything was cancelled, we came up with a new idea - a virtual at home field day. I visited classrooms via zoom, reached out to school districts, and partnered with Sensory Rock which is a gym for all kids but specially designed for children with sensory processing issues. My remarkable publisher organized an Instagram teacher influencer tour and other publicity as well as providing great prizes for the field day which I’m happy to say was very successful. I am in the process of planning more events to promote my book.

Another big help is being part of the 2020 Debut Crew. We encourage and promote each other and I am grateful for their support.

Children and the kidlit community keep me motivated. I am a goal-oriented person who enjoys participating in writing challenges. 12 x 12 has been especially valuable because I know I’ll write at least one rough draft and a revision every month.

The most rewarding part of being an author is seeing children enjoying my books and the positive feedback I receive from parents and teachers.
 
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: A number of years ago I realized that I needed to make writing my priority. Being in a weekly critique group keeps me accountable. I read children’s books constantly, first for enjoyment and then to examine the author’s craft. I also share books with children to see their reactions.
 
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: A postponed event to celebrate Evie’s Field Day at our local Storybook Garden has been rescheduled for later this summer. I continue to do virtual author’s visits and recently did a book reading accompanied by an ASL interpreter. I’m looking forward to being featured on several podcasts in the weeks ahead. Also, the fifth book that I wrote for Valley Children’s Hospital will be released this summer.

Thank you for being my guest, Claire! I wish you all the best on your journey! 

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 Claire Annette Noland:
Website: claireannettenoland.com
Twitter: @claire_noland
Instagram: clairesfieldtriplife

Claire Annette Noland writes picture books and early readers for children from her home in central California. Because she knows that everyone who reads is a winner, she is passionate about connecting children with books through the library collections she is developing in Nicaragua, her local women’s shelter, and her little free library. Her debut trade picture book, Evie’s Field Day: More Than One Way to Win, was released by Cardinal Rule Press on May 1, 2020. She loves to travel but these days she is visiting new places via books. She blogs about books, places, and books that take you places on her blog, A Field Trip Life.

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Books by Rosie J. Pova

Hello, lovely readers!

Hooray for you! You are at the Oasis and it's great to have you visit again (or for the first time)! 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 awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Gabrielle Snyder is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the book giveaway and my workshop invitation to you at the end of this interview. 

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

A: Thanks for hosting me on the KidLit Oasis blog, Rosie. I’m honored to be here!

Back in the day (early aughts), I studied English-Creative Writing at The University of Texas, with a focus on writing fiction for adults. After earning my MA, I took a succession of jobs that used writing (like grant writing and instructional design), but I struggled to find time for my own writing.

Fast forward to 2013: when my kids were little (3 and 5), we moved from Austin to Corvallis, Oregon. With a break from work following the move, I found time to get back to my own writing. Only by then, I’d become immersed in the world of picture books and fallen in love with this form of storytelling. In 2014, I wrote my first picture books. And because I was already a writer, I (foolishly?) started submitting to agents and editors right away.

From 2014 to 2017, I received over 100 passes from agents and editors. But thrown in the mix were some champagne rejections and a few requests to see more work. Finally, in 2018, I found my agent, the fabulous Natalie Lakosil of Bradford Literary. I had sent Natalie three of my picture book manuscripts. When I received an offer from a small press for one of those manuscripts, I “nudged” the handful of agents who were reading my work at that time. Natalie responded that same day, requesting that we set up a time to chat. I had the impression that she’d already been considering me as a potential client and my “nudge” may’ve just moved things along.

Since signing with Natalie, we’ve sold two picture books. My debut, TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE, illustrated by Robin Rosenthal, is out now (May 19) from Abrams Appleseed. My second picture book, LISTEN, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, will be out in spring 2021 from Simon & Schuster/Wiseman.
​
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: Striking the balance between letting a project simmerand actually finishing the project – saying this is good enough (for now) and I’m going to send it out into the world – is a challenge. Most stories and other creative works benefit from multiple revision passes, but it’s also possible to revise the spark out of a story. I’ve found that sometimes happens when I try to revise too soon after receiving feedback.

On the publishing side of things, the waiting can be a challenge! I am not patient by nature and all the waiting for responses when out on submission can be nerve-wracking. I know that the best thing to do is throw myself into other projects, but that’s easier said than done! This quote about patience is becoming my new mantra: “Patience isn’t waiting – it’s the knowledge that to become exceptional takes time.”—Allyson Felix, US Track & Field Athlete. Maybe we can reframe how we deal with the snail’s pace of publishing. Instead of a passive waiting, maybe it’s taking the time to create/be a part of something phenomenal!

Accountability check-ins with writing partners help me stay motivated. Having multiple projects helps, too. When I’m feeling stuck with one story, I can set aside for a bit and focus on a different writing project.

Also, I think it’s important to choose writing topics that inspire you. Some things that consistently inspire and inform my writing are nature, my kids, and memories of my own childhood. Tapping into memories of the emotions of childhood – how it felt to be a child living through a particular moment or situation – feels especially helpful.
 
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:I like to start each writing session with a “free write” to clear away the cobwebs and to capture anything that’s worrying me or that I want to remember. After that, I try to stick to a schedule. I block out a certain amount of time for working on picture book manuscripts. And then, time permitting, I have blocks for revising my middle grade manuscript, writing critiques, etc. I try to work some exercise into the schedule, too. 

My revision process looks a little bit different for each project. But, in general with a picture book, I think it’s helpful to get a complete first draft down in one sitting. And then I like to let the draft sit and marinate for bit – at least a week. If, after marination, it still shines, still feels like a promising idea, I revise again. Sometimes I revise several more times before the manuscript feels ready for my critique partners. Once in a while I do send an early draft to critique partners if I want brainstorming help and I’m still open to ideas about what the story is about. But if I have a strong idea about what the story is about and the emotion it should evoke, then I think it’s better to wait until I’ve taken the manuscript as far as I can before sending it to critique partners.

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: Having a book released during a global pandemic isn’t ideal, but it’s been heartening to see the kidlit community rally around creators and indie bookstores. I’m currently planning some virtual book events. You can visit my website or sign up for my newsletter to stay apprised of events.
​
I’m super smitten with illustrator Robin Rosenthal’s art for TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE. Here’s a sneak peek at one of the interior spreads.

To see more, visit Robin’s website: robinrosenthal.com

Thank you, Gabi! It was a pleasure having you at the KidLit Oasis! I wish you all the best with this book and all future projects!

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 next week.  Comments and shares are appreciated. Thank you!

Connect with Gabrielle Snyder:
Website: gabisnyder.com
Twitter: @Gabi_A_Snyder
​

A T T E N T I O N,  P L E A S E!
You and your writer friends are invited to this epic kidlit workshop with Random House Editor Frances Gilbert! Don't miss the early bird registration and sign up for a written picture book critique from Frances before all the spots are gone.
​Check out the details for the workshop HERE

Hello, dear readers!

Once again, the Kitlit Oasis has summoned you because  it's the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Now, as you're getting ready to enjoy our next interview, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the Chitchat series... Children's author Sharon Giltrow is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the giveaway and my new workshop with Random House Editor, Frances Gilbert,  at the end of this interview. 

Welcome, Sharon, and Happy Book Birthday! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.
​
A: My debut picture book BEDTIME DADDY’s, book birthday is today. Yay!

Thank you, Rosie, for interviewing me on this very special day!
​
BEDTIME DADDY’S road to publication was quite long. The ideawas sparked through Tara Lazar’s writing challenge – Storystorm. In June 2017, I took that idea and wrote my first draft of BEDTIME DADDY. Then with the help of my fantastic critique groups, I revised the story. In November 2017 I started submitting BEDTIME DADDY. After receiving a number of rejections, I decided that the story wasn’t quite ready. So, with more help from my critique groups and a publisher’s critique I started submitting again. In June 2018, I submitted it to EK Books and two weeks later,I received ‘the email’. I signed the publishing deal with EK Books in August 2018.
 
My Publisherthen matched my story with the amazing illustrator Katrin Dreiling. EK Books, shared the entire publishing process with me and Katrin, and were very open to any suggestions, changes or ideas that we had. Twenty-one months after signing the contract BEDTIME DADDY was released.

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: The biggest challenge for me was at the beginning, when I was trying to think of myself as a ‘writer’. However, once I started calling myself a writer and telling my family and friends that I was a writer, it became easier. Not surprisingly, after this I also became more serious about being a writer. Although, it wasn’t until I signed the publishing deal for BEDTIME DADDY that I started calling myself an author. One of my most rewarding moment was when my family and friends started calling me this too.

Another challenge I found was marketing. This was something that I had to learn but with the help of my debut group 2020 Debut Crew, I learnt these new skills and fast 😊.  My most rewarding marketing moment was when my daughter and I produced the book trailer for BEDTIME DADDY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOLMyE5TXnc
 
My next challenge will be getting book number two published. I have a number of picture book manuscripts that I am currently submitting. I hope I will have some more good news soon.
​
As all writers do, sometimes I question why I am putting in all this hard work, especially after I receive rejections. But, for me it is impossible not to write. I have an inner desire to write stories for children, which can’t be ignored. My greatest reward is seeing BEDTIME DADDY being read and enjoyed by children and adults 😊.

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: The most helpful thing for me as a writer, is being a member of a critique group. BEDTIME DADDY would not have been published without the help of my critique partners. They helped me to take a very rough first draft and through many, many, many revisions turn it into a polished manuscript.
​
Here is how, with their help, the beginning of BEDTIME DADDY changed from version one to the final version ten.
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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 debut picture book BEDTIME DADDY is releasing worldwide TODAY! Available through EK Books and all good ONLINE bookstores.

I have a blog tour happening in May. This blog is part of the tour.
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Finally, as many schools around the world are now closed due to the Corona virus, I would like to share the links to BEDTIME DADDY’S teaching notes, for parents and educators. They can be found on EK Books and SCBWI – Australia West websites. In the near future I will also be recording and sharing short videos of some of these activities.

Great chatting with you, Sharon! Thanks for sharing your journey with us and the behind-the-scene of how your manuscript changed from its first draft to published book -- that's very helpful and I think writers will appreciate this example.  

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!
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Connect with Sharon Giltrow:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharongiltrowwriter/
Twitter: @sharon_giltrow

Hello, marvelous readers!

Thank you for visiting the Oasis ― it's great to have you here! This is still 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 lovely chitchat because today we have another great creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Lauren Heller Kerstein is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the giveaways, promo gifts, and other offers at the end of this interview.

Check out the double giveaway at this end of the interview, and if you missed my latest announcement, find it at the bottom of this post! 

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

A: In 1980, I wrote and … well… illustrated my first picture book. I used wallpaper as the book cover, and it still sits on my desk today. (Thank you, Mom, for saving it!) I’ve always loved writing and reading, but I quickly realized illustrating may not be my strength.
Fast forward… I took writing classes in high school and college. I wrote when I could while juggling a very full career as a child and family psychotherapist. My publication debuts were actually professional books in my field, and I never stopped working on my fiction.
But… I wanted more. More time for fiction. More time for writing. More time for studying the craft.

So… about 6 years ago, I signed a contract that two of my closest friends wrote out for me on a napkin at dinner. I agreed to drop one of my consulting positions so that I could write more.

And then, I dug in. I joined SCBWI, carved out Wacky Writing Wednesday time, studied craft, joined Julie Hedlund’s 12x12, and began submitting.

*BRAKE SCREECH!*

We sold Rosie and Charlie!

And from there… well… I revised, revised, revised until ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES swam to shelves June 1, 2019.
​
I have learned that this industry is 100% sheer will, determination, education, and persistence, and 40% luck and timing. (Please ignore the fact that the math doesn’t work at all!) It is a roller coaster ride, for sure. But, if you hang on tightly and keep on keeping on over and over and over again, you never know what magic may happen!
 
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 find the waiting most challenging. I try to focus on the fact that we have control over our craft. We have control over making our work THE best it can be. We have very little control over the rest.

I find the connections I’ve made with other kidlit writers to be incredibly rewarding. My critique partners are INCREDIBLE! The authors in my debut group are AMAZING! I also love the contact and interactions I’ve had with children (virtually and in-person). I write for children! It is thrilling to watch them enjoy Rosie and Charlie.
 
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: I write a lot of craft tools in my Quick-Read Crafty Tips, for my critique business, and in my #ReVISIONweek posts. I also have templates on my website.
The craft tools and techniques I use are generally different for each story, but the tools I consistently use for all manuscripts are:

• I love using a planning template (which is on my website) to help me ground myself in the manuscript, character, arc, comps, and any research I need to do.
• I listen to music on YouTube that is either “study music” or “positive thinking” music. The instrumental music really helps me get my brain going. When I write novels, though, I love listening to popular music.
• I use a sand-timer to clock uninterrupted writing time. This is a bit more challenging with everyone at home right now, but it really works, and it helps me focus. (Thank you Claudia Mills for this fabulous idea).
• I also devote Wednesdays to actual creation. I try to work on revising or drafting other days of the week, but administrative tasks (including keeping up with social media, marketing, author visits, my critique business, etc. etc.) often take precedence over actual creating. On Wednesdays, I devote the majority of the day to revision, creation, and planning new manuscripts.

My revision process includes:
​

• Lots of feedback from critique partners. (Critique partners make the world go round.)
• Printing out a copy of the manuscript and using different colored pens to add everyone’s feedback in one place.
• Sitting in different places (away from my computer) as I ponder revisions.
• Examining key components to make sure they are working, i.e., emotional arc/resonance, pacing, page-turns, motivation, narrative arc, and making sure I’ve threaded all of the layers and seeds through from start to finish.
• I also force myself to step away for a period of time before I re-read or send it back out. This period of time varies from manuscript to manuscript, but is never less than 24 hours.
• I make a dummy or lay the spreads out around the table to make sure the manuscript is working.
• Lastly, I challenge myself to dig deeper. Did I make the manuscript as intriguing and unique as it could be? Did I stretch as far as I can stretch? Did I craft a story/ character/ story problem in such a way that it has a chance in today’s market?

 
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 second Rosie and Charlie book will hit shelves on September 1, 2020. It is called ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE SAY GOOD NIGHT (Two Lions). Nate Wragg illustrated again, which is terrific! He’s so talented. I’m excited to share this book with the world! Let me tell you, helping a dragon settle for bed is an interesting and fun challenge!

I also have a book called, HOME FOR A WHILE (Magination Press), coming out in February 2021. Natalia Moore is the illustrator. This is a book from my heart. HOME FOR A WHILE is about a boy in foster care. It provides children and their caregivers the opportunity to explore and highlight the beauty of their unique characteristics. It is my hope that Calvin’s resilience and courage will help children as they find their way through their own struggles.

In addition, I have a number of picture books (fiction, non-fiction, humorous, and more serious) out to editors, so please cross your fingers, legs, and toes for me! I’m working on a few new PBs, revising a YA (slowly), and an adult novel that I began years ago has been screaming at me to pay it some attention. We shall see where that leads.

Thank you so much for having me, Rosie! I have enjoyed sharing this writing journey with you, and look forward to all of your future successes! I can’t wait to hold SUNDAY RAIN in my hands.

Aw, that is so sweet, thank you, Lauren! Fingers, legs, and toes crossed for your projects on submission! And thank you so much for being a guest, and for sharing such great insight and a wealth of resources and tips with the blog readers! I know everyone who reads this interview will be inspired by your journey. 

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 — shares are appreciated. Thank you!

Connect with Lauren:

Website: www.LaurenKerstein.net

Twitter: @LaurenKerstein