Hello, wonderful readers!

Today, I am excited to revisit with author Beth Anderson who's returning to the blog with some beautiful new picture book titles!

Welcome back, Beth! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis as my guest—which means you liked my hospitality the first time ☺, but it also means you have a new book coming out (or books in your case!) 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 are these two books special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to previous ones? Is there an interesting behind-the-scenes about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out?

BA: Thank you so much for inviting me to share REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOMEN IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE and FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE! These are definitely two very different stories!

FRANZ’’s story, based on Franz Gsellmann and his “World Machine,” was one of my early manuscripts. It grabbed the child in me who loved to tinker, putter, and build. A celebration of curiosity, it explores the power of wonder and challenges us to put aside traditional expectations and judgements. Just as Franz’s machine faced criticism before finally finding appreciation, my creation built with words faced rejection before someone appreciated it, too. It’s funny how every story ends up ringing with personal relevance! Lots of learning happened with Franz’s story—such an important part of my writing journey. This was the manuscript that interested agent Stephanie Fretwell-Hill in my writing. She “got it.” And FRANZ opened the door.

REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT had a long journey, too. My attempts at a creative structure didn’t work. In addition, some missing details seemed to sap the strength of the story. That story waited in “the drawer” for a year while I struggled with how to write it. But in time I realized that the emotional truths were what powered Prudence’s story, and that thread didn’t depend on the missing details. I loved that her story offered a window into life behind well-known events like the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Ride, and the battles at Lexington and Concord. The uniqueness of this untold story convinced me to take a historical fiction path using the most verifiable details and find a way to tell it. If we don’t tell a story because we can’t find every detail, then there are many important stories that will never be told. Researching her story, I connected to some local historians and discovered how her story was personal and continued to inspire people today. That helped me find the “heart” and a way to tell Prudence Wright’s story.
 
Q: And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with the books or the publisher's approach (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)? Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring the books into the world?
 
BA: FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE is my first book with Kids Can Press. And REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT is my fourth book with Calkins Creek. Each publisher works a little differently, and I think each book offers different challenges in the publishing process. With FRANZ, I worked with several editors, and the story stalled a bit as we sought permissions. This was my first experience with the world of permissions—the machine can be seen as art, so would be copyrighted, and the story features the Atomium, a structure that requires permission for illustrations.

PRUDENCE’s story brought new awareness when it was time to vet illustrations. When I wrote the story, I didn’t think about the potential challenges in illustrating a cast of 30 women. But when it was time to vet the art, the question of diversity came up. I was fortunate to find someone who dug into historical records and found African American and Native American families and women in the town of Pepperell.

Every story stretches you in new directions and widens your awareness and thinking for the next one!
 
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?

BA: For both books, I was consulted as editors considered who might illustrate. I’m always grateful for the editor’s skillset in choosing just the right illustrator who can bring a specialness that will enhance the text.

With FRANZ, Caroline Hamel surprised me with her whimsical style and bright palette, making a story from the past thoroughly modern. She brought a playfulness and a European look which really makes the story sing.

With PRUDENCE, Susan Reagan brought strength and beauty and a gorgeous palette. I was amazed by all the historical details and so delighted by her creative spreads that incorporated documents. And the dramatic spreads—Wow!

I think my favorite part of the publishing process is seeing the sketches for the first time and then watching the art develop. The illustrations are always more than I had imagined!
 
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?

BA: I don’t have any lofty goals. :) At this point in my life, I’m thrilled to be on this writing journey. I hope to keep on discovering ideas, people, and events to write stories that engage kids and open up their world, and also to be a positive part of the kid lit community. It’d be fun to write a middle grade novel and something really sparse and lyrical. In general, I’m looking forward to being WITH people, going on some traveling adventures, and hanging out with my grandkids. AND…I’m striving to grow a bumper crop of tomatoes!
 
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?
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BA: I’m excited about the next books in the publishing pipeline. I’m over-the-moon amazed with Jeremy Holmes’ illustrations for THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE. Can’t wait to share that story! I have a couple others on the way that are unannounced so will have to stay mum on those. 

Thank you, Beth! As always, it was a pleasure chatting with you and featuring your amazing books on my blog! Wishing all the best with these titles, your upcoming projects, and all future stories you'll be bringing to life for young readers!

Connect with Beth Anderson:

Website: https://bethandersonwriter.com
Twitter: @BAndersonWriter

>>> Click in the book covers to purchase Beth's books <<<

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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: I have three projects forthcoming, two of them have not been announced. But I am very excited about the third, in particular, because it is a manuscript that I actually wrote in 1998 while in France.

Wow, that was such a great chat, and I'm glad you shared all those resources with my readers. Thank you so much again, Lynne Marie, and I look forward to the new announcements soon too!

Readers, please support our guests in any way you could and connect with them on social media.

Thank you, Nikki, for being my guest. That mosaic looks amazing, and I loved learning about your journey. Wishing you the best of success with LILA LOU'S LITTLE LIBRARY and all future projects as well!

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. 

Connect with Nikki:
Website: www.nikkibergstresser.com
Twitter: @NBergstresser
IG: @nikkibergstresser
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                                             Click on the book cover to order a copy

Nikki Bergstresser is an educator and children’s author of Seasons for Stones (illustrated by Kelly O’Neill) and Lila Lou’s Little Library (illustrated by Sejung Kim) releasing Oct.1/21. When not writing, she teaches online book clubs and writing classes to learners in grades 3-7.  Nikki makes her home on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada with her husband and two teen daughters. Nikki’s best day has her lost in nature, coffee in hand and a good story to share. ​

Welcome, Annemarie! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.
​
A: Thanks for having me! My road to publication began in April 2016 when I decided to write my first-ever children's book. Little did I know that my attempt would quickly become my first published work. I was teaching first grade at the time, and I was having a bit of difficulty finding lesser-known folktales to read aloud to my students. Every time I pulled out a book, I was met with, "We read that last year." So, in my quest to find new material, I poured over anthologies from the early 1900s that contained dozens of folktales and fairytales (my aunt handed down her collection to me). As I was thumbing through them, I came across the original version of How the Finch Got Her Colors and decided to put my spin on it. That was how my book How the Finch Got His Colors was born.
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After I wrote it, I joined SCBWI, and that is where I met my dear friend Sarah who graciously mentored me through the whole publishing process. Sarah helped me edit Finch, craft my query letter and marketing plan, and get everything ready for submission.
After everything was set, I began to research houses that were open to unsolicited manuscripts (I did not have an agent at the time). I scoured the internet and the SCBWI PAL list and wrote down all the publishers I felt would be a good fit for my story. I started out small by sending Finch to just six houses. I wanted to see the kind of feedback I would receive before subbing more widely.  To my surprise, by June 16th, just two months after I subbed it, I received four offers of publication! Since I did not have an agent at the time, I hired a lawyer to go through each contract with me. We ended up signing with Familius, and the rest is history! My story is not the norm―lightning in a bottle, really. I know that people spend many years in the trenches. I feel really blessed.
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Yes, my first shot was a lucky one. I know that. But that’s not to say my path has not had its challenges, too. I have had my fair share of rejections. I have had my first agent quit the business. I have made it all the way to acquisitions several times, only to be turned down at the last minute. But you can't let the bumps along the way deter you. If we choose to give up and not persevere, our books will never make it out there.  So, keep on striving. The world needs to hear your story.

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 thing about this business is the wait time. It can take months (up to a year) to hear back on a submission you’ve made. I think the other thing about this business that can be a challenge is when you don’t hear back at all. That can be disheartening.
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The flip side to this question is the reward that you get when you do hear that YES. There is nothing like knowing that your written word will be out in the world, touching the hearts and minds of young children. It’s a pretty amazing feeling, and that is what keeps me motivated. It never gets old.

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: This may sound very basic, but when I used to teach writing (former elementary teacher), I always had my students fill out a story map prior to crafting their stories. The story map is a simple sheet of paper where one plans out the characters, setting, problem, plot events, and resolution parts of a story.  I have a similar template on my computer and use that to jot notes for each picture book. Once I have that set, I begin to craft my story. I will say, though, even with that structure in place, my writing doesn’t always go according to plan.  This is why it’s crucial to have critique partners. Sometimes I get so focused on creating a solid beginning and ending that my plot falls entirely flat. My critique partners are vital in helping me to identify the weak spots in my story and tighten them up.
 
In terms of the revision process, sometimes it is easy―a tweak here or there, and sometimes it’s a beast. I have one story sitting in my WIP box that has been there for almost two years! I just can’t seem to get it right, and that’s ok. It will happen when the time is right. With stories that work off the bat, I take notes from my critique partners, agent, editor, etc., and let their words soak in. If they resonate, I make the necessary changes. It really depends on the feedback that I receive. 

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 so many forthcoming projects. I have 6 books releasing in the next 3 years, and I hope even more than that!

Forthcoming:

1. Thundermaestro (Familius, Spring 2022)
2. Finding Mr. Trunks (Familius, Fall 2022)
3. A deal that I can’t announce just yet… LOL (Coming Summer 2022)
4. 123 Counting on Community (Familius, 2023)
5. Monsters Hide and Seek (Familius, 2024)
6. Turn on the Night (Hurn Pub Kids, 2024)
 
And many more projects in various stages in publishing. 

Wow! Congratulations on all your success, Annemarie, I'm so happy for you and glad that we're on this journey together! I can't wait for all of your upcoming books, and I know there will be many, many more! 

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 — social media shares are appreciated. Thank you!

​Welcome back to the Oasis!

Oh, do I have a double treat for you this week! Two awesome authors are chatting about their new books, sharing the ideas that prompted them to write those stories, what's hidden in the illustrations of one of the books, and talk about their collaborations with their illustrators plus much more! 

Ready to dive in? Here are Chana and Kathy in conversation. . .

Kathy Doherty: LET LIBERTY RISE! HOW AMERICA’S SCHOOLCHILDREN HELPED SAVE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY has received wonderful write-ups from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly...and a starred reviewed from School Library Journal. How did you get the idea to write this story?
 
Chana Stiefel: Thanks so much Kathy. As authors we are trained to keep our eyes and ears open for a good story. And to paraphrase Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic, when inspiration comes, you need to grab it by the tail and hang on to it before it runs away. In 2014, I invited my author friends Jackie Glasthal and Sue Macy to my home for Friday night dinner. Jackie shared that she had published a middle grade novel called Liberty on 23rd Street. The setting for that book is lower Manhattan in the late 1800s, when the Statue of Liberty was under construction. Jackie shared this little-known slice of history—that children contributed their hard-earned pennies to the pedestal fund to build the statue. Hearing that story, I knew that it had to become a picture book. After years of research, writing, and revising, it’s finally here! 

Congrats to you, Kathy, on the launch of THE THINGITY-JIG, which has received starred reviews from Kirkus and Foreword Reviews! How did you dream up this delightful story about a bear that discovers a fun, springy thing, but needs his friends to help haul it home?
 
KD: Chana, all your hard work paid off!...And thank you for your kind words about my book. As an author I love to play “what if.” So when I saw a discarded couch in my neighborhood, I wondered what if a bear cub found it...and what if he wanted to take it back to the forest and jump on it with his friends. I used intertextuality to combine aspects of the folktale The Little Red Hen and my own ideas to tell a brand new story.

Chana, your book’s illustrations are fabulous. Did you have any input in choosing the illustrator or in the art itself? And what do you like best about the illustrations?
 
CS: Thank you, Kathy! Scholastic chose Chuck Groenink as the illustrator, and I couldn’t be happier. I love the sweet faces of all of the children and the clothing of the time period. He did lots of research to capture Manhattan in the late 1800s, including the buildings, the ships, the printing press, and the red mailbox. He also hid two famous paintings from the late 1800s within the illustrations. (See if you can find them!) And there’s a lovely golden copper hue that shines throughout the book, which emanates from the Statue of Liberty’s original copper color. 

Your book also has a beautiful glow, Kathy! What was your reaction when you first saw Kristyna Litten’s illustrations? Were you able to give feedback during the process? What is your favorite spread and why?
 
KD: It was love at first sight! Kristyna’s illustrations were as whimsical as my text. I only gave a minor suggestion or two along the way. I wanted Kristyna to have free range. The spread I love most is when Bear starts bouncing on the couch for the first time. Bingity! Bing! Boing!

CS: There were so many surprises! First was the realization that although France sent America this glorious gift, America didn’t want her. Some people said they should send her back to France! Can you imagine? I was also surprised to learn about the many fundraisers to build the pedestal. Pulitzer’s campaign was the first crowd-sourcing campaign. He said that if anyone sent a penny for the pedestal, he would print their name in his newspaper. Other fundraisers included an art auction, which included Emma Lazarus’s infamous poem, “The New Colossus.” In addition, people could pay to take a ferry to Bedloe’s Island and see the statue in crates, or they could purchase a small model. In 1876, at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, Liberty’s arm was on display. People could pay 50 cents to climb up to the torch. Many of these details didn’t make it into the text but can be found in the backmatter. 
​
What were some of the challenges in writing your story? Did you go through many revisions? What’s one takeaway you learned from the writing process?​

Besides learning about history, what do you hope kids will take away from your book?
 
CS: The major theme of the book is that when we work together, we can accomplish great things that have a lasting impact. One little girl sent in 60 cents. She wrote, “I wish I could make it $60,000, but drops make an ocean.” I hope kids (and adults) learn that even though we sometimes feel powerless, every little bit helps. Every contribution and action, no matter how small, can make a big difference.

I love the way Bear sees the world (and the cast-off sofa) differently from others. Beyond the giggles, what are some takeaways from THE THING-ITY JIG?
 
KD: I’d love kids to realize they can do hard things...and that they should never give up. I’d like to encourage them to find a way to make it happen. Good things happen to those who don’t give up.

When did you see the Statue of Liberty for the first time, and what were your thoughts?
 
CS: I have a vague memory of visiting the Statue of Liberty as a child. I grew up in Miami, so we probably visited the statue when we came up to New York to visit cousins. I have a much greater appreciation for it as an adult—from the perspective of understanding how my three immigrant grandparents arrived here, knowing what a colossal project the building was, admiring the engineering feat, and loving the story of children contributing to the pedestal. Now that I’ve written LET LIBERTY RISE, I see the Statue of Liberty everywhere. (Check out the trailer that my daughter made for me! https://youtu.be/ZNlN3eWEUnE) She’s such an icon!
 
Has writing THE THING-ITY JIG changed the way you look at found objects? How so?
 
KD: Yes! I wonder if there’s a story there. I’m always looking for writing ideas.
 
What’s next for you?
 
My editor has challenged me to write a story in which one of Bear’s friends goes into people town and finds something dazzling. I’ve only written a rough draft, so the story hasn’t taken shape yet.
 
CS: Awesome! Good Luck!
 
Thanks, Rosie, for featuring our new books!

​You're very welcome! These questions were fantastic and I learned so much fun and interesting tidbits-- I know my readers will enjoy this chitchat a lot! What a pleasure to have you both as my guests! I hope you'll be back in the future to share your upcoming projects 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!

Chana Stiefel is the author of more than 25 books for kids. She hails from sunny South Florida and now lives in New Jersey, just a ferry ride away from the Statue of Liberty. Chana loves visiting schools and libraries as well as sharing her passion for reading and writing with children. She earned a master's degree in Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting from New York University. To learn more, visit Chana at chanastiefel.com.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chanastiefel

Hello, amazing readers!

Here you are at the Oasis ― it's great to have you visit! As you know, this is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

Today, Children's Author Michal Babay is my guest and she'll share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, check out the giveaway at the end of this interview!

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

A: Hi Rosie, thank you for having me on your blog! My journey to publication was, like most picture book authors, full of unexpected zigs and zags. My first book sale was in 2019, after I’d already been writing seriously for a number of years. That book (which I should be able to announce officially very soon!) came about because of an editor critique I did at an SCBWI conference. After our conversation, I asked if I should submit it to her through the conference submission opportunity, and she said “definitely.”So I made her suggested revisions, sent it along, and seven months later – she made an official offer! With this official offer in hand, I contacted all the agents who were considering another manuscript of mine (the story that became I’m A Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog) and finally, joyfully, signed with my dream agent, Laurel Symonds of The Bent Agency. 
​

​The funny thing is, as part of my twisty zig-zag journey, I had previously queried Laurel. She’d been interested enough to request other stories, but they weren’t quite strong enough to hold an agent’s interest, so she ended up passing. However, I was determined. I kept writing, revising, and soothing my battered ego with chocolate, until I’d finally created a body of work that pushed Laurel’s “I like this but…” into a “YES!”
 
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: Staying focused enough to finish a first draft is the most challenging part for me. I’m a bit like Chewie. If I had a tail, I’d be chasing it instead of writing! Everything distracts me when the work is difficult. Which means, of course, that one of the most rewarding parts is actually finishing that first draft! It feels like a huge accomplishment for me every time I write the ending of a story. Once that painful first draft is completed, everything else is a pleasure. I love revising, so going back into the manuscript to tighten and change things is fun for me.

My critique partners and my hourglass timer help me stay motivated. If I haven’t produced anything in a while, they’ll check in and ask what’s going on. Having a group of creators who are ALWAYS on your side is the most essential part of my writing world. And by on my side, I also mean that they never let me send out a manuscript until it’s as strong as possible. They are honest about what’s working and what isn’t, so I know when they finally love it, it’s ready to send to my agent!

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: Since I’m so easily distracted, my wonderfully wise writing partner Lauren Kerstein suggested using a sand hourglass time so I get at least one hour of actual writing done  most days. When I need to pause, I just lay the hourglass on its side until I’m ready to come back and finish writing. Of course, this doesn’t happen all the time. Some weeks are just for thinking and percolating, instead of writing.

During the revision process, I use Google Docs so it’s accessible to me anywhere I go (after all, you never know when the perfect name for that character will pop out at you!). I also create a new copy each time I revise, so that by the time I’m finished there are usually 20-30 versions on my Google drive. This was another organizational tip from Lauren. That woman knows her stuff when it comes to staying on task and organizing files!

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 actually have two more books coming out in the next two years, so I can’t wait to share the details on both of those soon!

Thank you, Michal! It was fun chatting with you and learning more about your journey, writing process, and new projects! Please come back to visit KidLit Oasis in the future!

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!

​







Michal Babay is the author I’M A GLUTEN-SNIFFING SERVICE DOG (Albert Whitman & Company, 2021). After many years as a teacher and elementary resource specialist, Michal now spends her days writing stories, wrangling teenagers, convincing her three dogs to stop barking, and searching for the perfect gluten-free donut. Michal lives in Southern California with her family
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                                             Click on the book cover to order a copy!

Hello, wonderful readers!

New week, new interview, and new. . . logo design! Yay! I hope you like it and that it instantly gets you in a lovely literary mood.

So, let's give a warm welcome to our guest author and dear friend, Ellen Leventhal--I can't wait to chat with her about her writing career, her latest and upcoming projects, and also to hear her best revision tips. Check out the giveaway at the end, too!

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

A: My road to publication has been a bit different than some, but like many people, I’ve had lots of twists, bumps, and bruises. My first book, DON’T EAT THE BLUEBONNETS, written with Ellen Rothberg, was originally published with a very small local press due to winning a contest! Unfortunately, after a few printings (Yay!), that press decided not to do picture books anymore (Boo!) Eventually, another publisher picked it up, we revised it, and marketed it as a “Ten Year Anniversary” edition. My next book, LOLA CAN’T LEAP released a year later. There was a LOT of revision with that piece after I signed the contract, and although it was frustrating at times, I do love how it turned out. Revision at all stages is part of the process. All the while, I submitted and collected rejections. In 2019 I signed with a wonderful project by project agent who sold my upcoming book, A FLOOD OF KINDNESS in six months. I signed with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group in 2019, and it will hit store shelves on April 13, 2021. Keeping it real, I still do the dance of write- revise- submit- read rejections-eat chocolate- do it all over. I get pages and pages of rejections, but I have learned to have a bit thicker skin. It’s not fun to get rejections, but again, it’s part of the process. I think the key to staying in the game is to think of it like riding a wave, and you never know what’s coming next. I have lots of stories that were never published. Perhaps I’ll try again. Who knows? My next release (a few years down the road) is a result of one editor liking my writing, but not the way I told  the story and another editor loving the way I told  the story. She signed me. This is a very subjective business! You never know! So, my road to publication? I’m still on it, and it’s still bumpy, but it’s where I want to be.
 
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: Creatively, when writing picture books, it’s a challenge for me to stay on one subject! I have so much to say! But I know now that I will work that out in revisions.

The publishing side of things is more difficult for me, and yet it’s not difficult at all since I have no control there. I like control! And The waiting…AKK! Waiting to hear if your manuscript is accepted. Waiting to sign a contract. Waiting for publication. People are always so surprised when they hear about publishing timelines. Marketing is also hard for me! No matter the size of your publisher, much of the marketing falls on the author. I am currently in a very collaborative relationship with the marketing gurus at WorthyKids, which is great, and I am thankful for that. Still, promoting my own work is uncomfortable for me. But again, it’s part of the whole deal, and I love the whole deal! I do enjoy speaking in front of kids and even adults, which is sort of marketing, but I don’t feel like I am pushing my book when I do that.

What helps me stay motivated? That’s an easy one. The love of writing and the love of connecting with people in the KidLit community. Without my critique groups and writer friends, I would have given up a long time ago.

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: There are a lot of tools in my toolbox, and most of them are things I’ve picked up from other people. One thing I’ve learned  to do is let my mind flow for the first draft. As a serial reviser this was hard for me for a long time, but I’ve found it helps. I start with an idea, but sometimes during the first draft, my idea changes and becomes something better. (Or sometimes it morphs into something worse, and that’s where my friend “revision” comes in.) Another little thing I do is something I learned from a critique partner. I try to get rid of as many “to be” verbs. Wherever I see one (“She was amazed!”), I circle the weak verb and change the sentence to something active. As far my revision process, as I said, I am a serial reviser. The problem is that I never know when to end! (That’s NOT a good thing). The first few revisions begin to tell me what I need to do story wise. I take a lot of what my critique groups say and decide what I want to incorporate into my story.(Thank you, Rosie Pova for giving me some great ideas over the years!) I think of revision as putting my story into a sieve. I shake out what doesn’t belong. Then, once I am pretty sure what I want to say after the first few drafts, I sometimes use the “Hamburger” method that I teach my writing students. As part of revision I need to make sure I still have a good story structure and that I didn’t chop too much. I check to make sure I have a really yummy top of a bun (Hook or intro). I add delicious condiments, etc. to the burger (middle) to make it “tasty.” This is where I’ll double check to make sure I have things like tension and emotion. And as with all great sandwiches, I can’t forget the bottom bun (strong conclusion). Without that, everything falls apart. I spend a lot of time trying to make my ending as exciting as the beginning. And then I do all of that over and over. And over. Please stop me! (I really have a problem.)

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’m excited that although the actual Book Birthday for A FLOOD OF KINDNESS is April 13, my virtual launch is on April 24. My illustrator, Blythe Russo will be presenting with me. Here is a link to the launch. https://www.brazosbookstore.com/event/virtual-ellen-leventhal-flood-kindness

I also have a new book in the pipeline, but it won’t be out until 2023, so all I can say now is it was out of my comfort zone, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for years!

Thanks so much for having me here, Rosie and for the great questions. 

Thank you, Ellen, for this wonderful insight into your writing world, your work, and your process! I hear you -- sometimes it's hard to stop revising, and other times, we want to be done, but we know there's more work needed to be put into a piece... Writer's life! ;) Eventually, we figure it out, and our critique groups are invaluable indeed!

Please come come again to KidLit Oasis -- I can't wait to celebrate with you that 2023 project in the pipeline and many more to come!

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!

Welcome to KidLit Oasis!

I am excited to chat with the talented Erin Dealey and find out more about her author journey, books, and her best writing tips! Join me for this inspiring conversation and enter the double giveaway at the end!

Welcome, Erin! Thank you for being my quest on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: First of all, thank you for inviting me to be on your blog, Rosie.

As for my journey, it has come full circle with the recent release of PETER EASTER FROG, Illus. by G.Brian Karas. Caitlyn Dlouhy, my editor, is the same amazing human who pulled my very first manuscript, GOLDIE LOCKS HAS CHICKEN POX, out of the slush pile 22 years ago. LITTLE BO PEEP CAN’T GET TO SLEEP (both Atheneum / Illus. Hanako Wakiyama) followed soon after. I am so thrilled that PETER EASTER FROG has found a home with Caitlyn Dlouhy Books / Atheneum/ Simon & Schuster, where she is now VP/ Publisher of her own imprint. And yes, there were many years in between where I submitted manuscripts to Caitlyn that were not quite right for her list. Fast forward to the moment when Caitlyn said, “Yes!” to PETER EASTER FROG, and we all did a happy dance! I love this book SO MUCH. That thing about writing #kidlit and never giving up? It’s real.
 
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: For me, the waiting is the hardest part. I always tell students that if they want to know what their grade is the second they turn in their assignment, waiting is 100x harder when you submit a manuscript. That’s not to say that I haven’t had some quick YESes (and NOs…) but for the most part, we wait. A lot. Right? PETER EASTER FROG is my 16th book and the waiting still happens. I try to remind myself that there are many other hoops that little manuscript has to jump through, and in the long run, the YESes are always worth the wait. Having young readers find themselves –or a giggle or a hug or possibly some eco-friendly motivation—in my books is the BEST. Getting to put the stories from my heart on paper and see some of them become books is such an honor.  Seriously, aren’t we lucky?

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 “technique” starts with paper and pencil—or possibly a pen. If my idea book isn’t handy, I write my first drafts out on a legal pad or in a regular old notebook. I feel like this connects more with the crazy world in my brain than typing. I know some who go straight to their computer keyboards, but to me—and I’ve said this before-- that’s like Michelangelo heading to the scaffold in the Sistine Chapel without sketching things first. Your story will change and evolve, but the initial ideas flow much more freely on paper. Writing is our art form. The first draft is your sketch.
 
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: Next? Yikes! PETER EASTER FROG hopped onto shelves on January 19th, barely a month after DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (Illus. Luisa Uribe/ Harper Collins / an Indie Next/ Kids’ Pick) so I think next up is some time to catch my breath--haha. No, really, there are certain manuscripts currently out on submission, whose titles shall not be named at present—one which involves a big switch in genres, so send good thoughts, please friends! 

Thank you, Erin -- this was fun and so insightful! Congrats on all your success!

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. 

                           D O U B L E   G I V E A W A Y!

Comment on this post and share it on social media for a chance to win a PB critique or a copy of PETER EASTER FROG. Two winners will be announced next week. (US address for the book please.)
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Connect with Erin Dealey:
erindealey.com
@ErinDealey

​Erin Dealey's original career goal was Olympic Gold Medal tetherball player. When that didn't pan out, she became a teacher, theater director, actor, mom, and author--and welcomes any opportunity to visit schools (or zoom) around the world. She lives in northern California with her husband and a very energetic Golden Retriever. Now go read (or write!) a book. : )  


.....................................................................................................     Order Peter Easter Frog HERE

Happy New Year!

Welcome back, dear readers! We are starting 2021 with a delightful double interview in the Chitchat series! So, get comfy and cozy, and get ready to read because you are undoubtedly getting a double dose of literary mood boost! 

Lauren and Evelyn, take it away!

LHK: Captain Green is a perfect balance of being kid-like and a thoughtful hero kids can aspire to be. What writing techniques did you use to capture his voice and develop his personality?
 
EB: Thanks so much Lauren. First and foremost, it was important for me that the story entertain children and not be didactic, and that readers would feel inspired to do their bit to look after our planet, just like Captain Green and the children in the story.
 
In order to keep it light and fun, I looked for opportunities to show Captain Green as a lovable little guy with a good heart. I made use of lots of superhero language, powerful verbs and portrayed Captain Green as someone who is so eager to help animals but doesn't always go about it the best way, because he is still learning. When the story opens, Captain Green is happily working away, building a superhero invention, but he isn't quite sure what he will use it for. Then he is called to save one animal after another whose trees have been destroyed. Captain Green decides to use his invention to plant trees in a super-duper fast way (which ends in disaster!). I wanted to show that the main character doesn't have to know everything to make a difference, that it is ok to fail at first, and that we learn from our mistakes.
 
EB: Lauren, I'd love to ask about your adorable main character Calvin. From the very first spread, the emotion just jumps off the page and I felt myself rooting for this sweet but troubled boy. What techniques did you use to show readers what Calvin was going through?
 
LHK: First, I just love your answer. It is so important to show children that you don’t have to know everything or do things perfectly to make a difference. Learning from our mistakes is so important. Thank you for your kind words about Calvin. His story is a story from my therapist heart. I really forced myself to dig as deeply as possible into the work I did with children in the day treatment center preschool program I ran. I honed in on the juxtaposition so many of the children experienced—they wanted to be wanted, but also felt unworthy and untrusting as a result of past rejection. I wanted Calvin to be as authentic as possible so that readers would root for him. I’m so glad you did.
 
LHK: There is so much compassion and beauty built into your book. I particularly love the spreads where Captain Green rescues Orangutan. The art and the text are fabulous. What is your favorite spread in the book? 
 
EB: Thanks so much Lauren. Danny Deeptown is an incredible illustrator and a joy to work with. He has done a truly outstanding job of portraying Captain Green's emotions towards the animals that are in danger. Danny's love of nature and wildlife shines through in the way he has illustrated both of the Captain Green books. I adore all of the illustrations, but my favorite is a double page spread where Captain Green has rescued all of the animals and they are safe again among some stunning rainforest. The character's emotions are shown so tenderly.

LHK: Yes! I couldn’t agree more. He really is so talented!
 
EB: Natalia Moore's illustrations in HOME FOR A WHILE are especially gorgeous. She's created a cozy, safe world for Calvin, and Maggie is the most wonderful foster parent. The love that grows between the two characters shines out in the art. I was struck by the very first image where Calvin, full of apprehension, climbs the stairs to a waiting Maggie. The separation between the two characters speaks to the distance in the relationship that eventually melts away as they get to know each other. Do you have a favorite illustration?
 

​
LHK: Thank you! Natalia truly brought this welcoming and inviting home to life. You know, it is so interesting to read your question. I never consciously thought about the ways in which Natalia shows the distance between them in that opening spread. I can’t believe I didn’t think about it that way, but I didn’t and that is why it works so incredibly well. My favorite spread is the one in which Calvin and Maggie are holding hands on a walk. The scene is so soothing and serene. I just love the feeling Natalia was able to evoke with her illustration. It matches the emotional transition Calvin is making so beautifully.
 
EB: Aw, that is such a lovely moment in the story and depicted so tenderly by Natalia.

LHK: I loved the first book in the Captain Green series as well. Both Captain Green and the Plastic Scene and Captain Green and the Tree Machine highlight the positive and negative ways we can/do impact our Earth. You provide such helpful strategies and ideas for all of us as we navigate repairing our world. What specific challenges did you face in writing a sequel? What were the positives associated with writing a sequel?
 
EB: Thanks Lauren! There were indeed challenges. I wanted to show that the main character, Captain Green had grown since his first eco adventure, but was still the same, lovable superhero who tries his best but often needs others to help him figure out the best path. I found it a challenge to decide what Captain Green's next eco mission should be. I had drafted a story focused on climate change, set in the Arctic. I batted with it for a long time, and then one day, decided to take elements from it (like Captain Green's FREEZE MACHINE) and use them in a new story about deforestation (now with a TREE MACHINE!). It is said that nothing is wasted in writing! The initial draft seemed to just write itself, and it felt right and more the story I wanted to tell.
 
I think there are a lot of positives to writing a sequel. I knew who Captain Green was and what he sounded like. I knew what he looked like. Having worked with Danny before, I could visualize his style of art while I wrote, and that helped me build scenes in my head. I knew that I wanted the book to have similarities to the first but to be able to stand on its own too, and for it not to be important whether or not readers had read the first one. So, there were a lot of elements to think about, but overall, it was very positive.
 
Would you say the same with writing your very fun series, ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE? Was it more positive than, say, 'challenging'?
 
LHK: Yes! I agree with what you said, nothing is wasted, even in writing. I pulled from the many sequels I’d begun to draft and played around with the strongest scenes. The fact that I could visualize Nate Wragg’s art style helped me so much as well! I really felt like I could imagine what he might do with scenes, which helped with the writing. It was fun to spend time with Rosie and Charlie again, especially since I knew them so well. If I were to ever write a sequel to Calvin’s story (which I hadn’t thought about until now), I feel like I would really know how he might react in different situations in a deeper way. I think my knowledge of him would enhance the sequel for sure.
 
LHK: I’d love to hear about what inspired you to write a story about deforestation.
 
EB: Trees and forests have always been special places for me. I played for hours in the trees at the back on our house growing up in Ireland. Thirty years ago, my father decided to grow a forest that is now maturing nicely. I love to visit it when I return home and learn about the different trees, plants and animals living within it. I am proud of this little green ‘lung’ that has been nurtured by my family. While living in Asia for 10 years, where I worked as an international school teacher, I had the opportunity to visit Borneo and other parts of Indonesia and witness some of the intense deforestation of ancient rainforest, often to make way for palm tree plantations or farm land. I experienced weeks of intense air pollution in Singapore when the burning of rainforest in the region prevented people from safely leaving their homes. So many aspects of my childhood and travels have fed into this story. Trees are vital to our survival and I hope this story will inspire more trees to be planted and protected. The back matter presents some simple facts on the topic and real ways that families can help.
 
EB: Lauren, I’d love to hear more about your inspiration for HOME FOR A WHILE and how your background as a social worker may have inspired it.
 
LHK: First, what a wonderful relationship you’ve had with trees. You’ve seen and experienced so much around the world. I love that your family has created their own beautiful green ‘lung.’ Thank you for asking that question. Children inspire me. They are resilient, strong, incredible beings. I worry that we as grownups spend too much time focusing on challenges, rather than reinforcing strengths. I wanted to pay homage to all of the children who let me walk beside them for a while. I have so  many children with whom I’ve worked who will live in my heart forever. I also wanted to offer a story about the power of focusing on strengths. When we look through a strength-based lens and help others do the same, we can change their lives forever.
 
EB: That is a beautiful message Lauren and it shines through in HOME FOR A WHILE. In the story, Calvin learns to calm his thoughts and feelings through breathing. As a Special Educational Needs teacher, I encourage children to do the same. Is this a technique you have used with children as a social worker or as a parent?
 
LHK: I use so many strategies with children both as a parent and as a social worker. I try to match the intensity of emotion to the intensity of a strategy. Breathing is a wonderful way to decrease intensity, but it is only the beginning. I love how Maggie shifts Calvin’s attempts to manage his emotion into strategies that are more effective and adaptive. I would imagine you work with many students around emotion regulation in your work too. Captain Green also has to manage his emotions in order to find a solution. His line, “It seems easier to ruin a forest, than to grow one” is so poignant. What qualities do you see in Captain Green that help him be so resilient?
 
EB: Wow! What a super question Lauren. I would say that mostly it’s his passion for protecting our beautiful planet that inspires him to push through, no matter what.
 
EB: HOME FOR A WHILE ends with a beautiful scene as Calvin accepts his new home, and asks to be hugged. It is such a satisfying and heartfelt ending. I would love to know more about your decision to end the story showing Calvin settled, at last, but with his foster parent rather than reunited with his own mother, who we see in Calvin's drawing.
 
LHK: I am so happy to hear you found the ending satisfying and heartfelt. I must admit: I couldn’t read this book out loud without crying the first twenty or so times. I knew if I teared up, I’d hopefully achieved the level of resonance I wanted. I felt very strongly that I wanted Calvin’s emotional arc to be centered around Maggie and living in her house. I wanted him to learn to trust her in ways he hadn’t been able to before. In order to do this, I needed him to remain in this setting. Although reunification is always incredibly important, I felt the safety and security Maggie provided needed to be front and center. I felt the open-ended nature of this final spread was authentic and hopefully provided a satisfying resolution to Calvin’s emotional arc.
 
LHK: I have one final question for you, Evelyn. Captain Green offers such important ways to make a difference in the world. I would imagine this might spark wonderful classroom conversations (either in person or via video). As a teacher yourself, in what ways do you imagine a teacher might use this book in their classroom with their students?
 
EB: Thanks Lauren. I wanted the tips for saving forests to be things that classes or families could easily achieve in their day-to-day lives. As with the first Captain Green story (about ocean pollution), teachers can use this story as a fun introduction to a conservation topic. It’s a light-hearted ‘way in’ to the problem that should not overwhelm and offers a happy ending and positive solutions. I hope that classes will have lots of share with each other afterwards. I always love to look at the little faces in front of me as I read Captain Green to groups and watch the genuine concern as children follow along. They are usually buzzing with information to share on their own experiences afterwards. In the words of Jane Goodall, I believe that, “Children can change the world.”
 
LHK: YES! Children can most certainly change the world! Calvin and Captain Green are each superheroes in their own way! I love it! I think they’d most certainly be wonderful friends! Thank you for putting such wonderful books into the world!
 
EB: Two sweet boys with big hearts! Fantastic!
This has been fun Lauren. Thanks for the fantastic questions, sharing your thoughts so brilliantly, and for your wonderful stories.
 
LHK: And thank you, Evelyn! I’ve learned so much and had a wonderful time interviewing each other! 

RJP: Lauren and Evelyn, thank you both -- what an amazing interview! It was a pleasure having you on KidLit Oasis and I hope you'll be back to share more of your wonderful books in the future!
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           >>>Click on the book covers to order your copies of Lauren's and Evelyn's books!<<<

Evelyn Bookless grew up on a farm in the west of Ireland where she loved to make forts and play in the trees with her siblings. She is a nature lover, mum, teacher and writer. Evelyn spent ten wonderful years living in Asia but was saddened to see beautiful rainforests cut down during her travels around the region. She recently moved to the Netherlands, where she enjoys cycling her blue bike, Betty. 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/evelynbookless
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/evelynbookless
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/evelynbooklessauthor
Website: http://www.evelynbookless.com

Hello and welcome back to KidLit Oasis -- the place to ​refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost!

We continue the Chitchat series with another awesome creative. It's my pleasure to welcome my friend and wonderful author, Melissa Berger Stoller! I can't wait to hear about Melissa's journey, her new projects, tips on revising and much more. 

Melissa is also generously giving away a picture book critique AND a copy of her new book so be sure to enter the giveaways! We will have two lucky winners with this interview!

Now, without further ado, here's Melissa. . .

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

A: First of all, thank you for welcoming me to your blog, Rosie! I’m happy to be here and enjoyed answering these thoughtful questions! :)

My journey to publication has been long and windy. The short version starts with my career as a lawyer and legal writing instructor, moves to my work as a freelance writer and editor, and also early childhood instructor, and lands on my dream job: children’s book writer. I have four books published so far. All my books were inspired by observations in my world, questions I asked, or family connections. SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH stemmed from a question I asked while standing in front of a Monet painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC (my favorite museum): What would it be like to paint with a magic paintbrush? READY, SET, GORILLA! was inspired by a billboard I observed in Times Square that said, “Ready, Set, GO!” - I imagined a little GOrilla racing a GOpher! And my chapter book, THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND, and my latest picture book, SADIE’S SHABBT STORIES, were both inspired by family history. I have many wonderful storytellers in my family including my parents and grandmother, and these books honor the stories I cherished growing up and beyond.
 
SADIE’S SHABBAT STORIES is really the story of my heart. Lisa Goldberg’s gorgeous Chagall-like illustrations brought the characters and scenes alive in such a beautiful and moving way. The book is about Sadie, who loves hearing her Nana tell stories about their family heirlooms, relating to the candlesticks, Kiddush cup, and challah cover they use to celebrate the Jewish Shabbat. Sadie longs to find her unique voice and tell her own special stories, just like Nana. When writing, I also thought about my three girls, and I wanted to depict Sadie as a strong girl growing and using her voice. I’m so thankful to Callie Metler-Smith at Clear Fork Publishing for believing in this book, and to Mira Reisberg for her amazing editing and art direction.

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 most challenging the waiting we all do in the publishing world. From sending out queries to agents and editors, to waiting for the finished book to appear in our hands, it’s often a long wait at every turn. But when I share a book with children at school visits, the smiles, head nods, questions, and comments remind me that it’s always worth the wait! Connecting with readers is one of the most rewarding and motivating parts of the publishing world, aside from the moment you hold a finished book in your hands for the first time. That is truly a moment to take a deep breath and celebrate!
 
 
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: When working on a project, there are many craft techniques that are helpful. I always pay attention to pacing and page turns in picture books. Good pacing ensures that the reader will want to turn the page. I often use sticky notes on blank pages of paper and I move text around to capture the perfect page turn. Also, I write a mission statement/pitch at the top of every manuscript and also list mentor texts. I keep an eye on the mission statement to ensure my manuscript is moving in the correct direction in terms of plot and theme (and sometimes I change the mission statement if the story is moving in a different and better direction!).

When revising, I try to make sure that the story has enough heart, humor, or whatever the voice is. Heart is always at the center of every story. Of course, my critique partners are so vital to the process. They comment on big picture and small picture items, and always spark revision ideas. Sometimes during revision, I may totally change the point of view or add or subtract characters. Anything can happen! 

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’m so happy that RETURN OF THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH will be releasing in 2021. It’s the sequel to SCARLE’T MAGIC PAINTBRUSH, and it’s all about friendship and second chances. It also includes colors and nature –  both STEAM themes. The illustrations I have seen so far from artist Sandie Sonke are amazing! Also, I’m collaborating on a project with Callie Metler-Smith and Shirin Shamsi – a new picture book series. The first book is PLANTING FRIENDSHIP – PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM. It’s about three girls from different faith traditions who find friendship while cultivating plants at school. Callie, Shirin, and I are from the same faith traditions as the girls, and we have had so much fun sharing ideas as well as our unique heritages while writing the story together. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world as it celebrates kindness, cultures, and kids.
 
Thank you so much for chatting with me, Rosie! I can’t wait to add your latest book, SUNDAY RAIN, to my picture book collection! 

You're very welcome, Melissa! Thank you for your continuous support of my work and thank you for being my guest on KidLit Oasis! I hope you will be back to chitchat about your future releases, 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 — social media shares and boosts are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

To enter the giveaways, please leave a comment and indicate your preference of critique or a book.
 
Connect with Melissa Berger Stoller:

Website: https://www.MelissaStoller.com
Twitter: @MelissaStoller

*Click on the book cover to order a copy of Sadie's Shabbat Stories

​Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush, Ready, Set, GOrilla!, and Sadie’s Shabbat Stories (Clear Fork, 2018 and 2020). Upcoming books include Return of the Magic Paintbrush. Melissa is a Blogger and Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for the Debut Picture Book Study Group, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, and a founding member of The Book Meshuggenahs. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and long beach walks.