Artwork © 2021 Amanda Davis Art

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!
​

​Meet Rising Star
​
Author Daniela Ramirez

Daniela Ramirez writes picture books and middle grade novels with a passion for storytelling. Daniela is Mexican American and excited to share her culture. She loves writing latinx characters and wishes to inspire her own children. When she’s not writing you can find her chasing her little ones, dancing in the kitchen and dreaming of the mountains. Daniela is married to her college sweetheart and is a military spouse. She currently lives in Florida. Daniela Ramirez is represented by Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Agency.

AD: Hi Daniela! I'm so excited to have you on the blog today. You had an exciting moment in your writing career happen earlier this year when you connected with your now agent, Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Literary. Can you tell us a little bit more about this experience and what's next now that you've landed an agent?

DR: Hi Amanda! Yes, I signed with Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Agency in Jan 2021, and I’m beyond thrilled to be working with her! I learned about a writing conference on Twitter called, Writing Day Workshop. Due to the pandemic, it was all being held online, including one-on-one pitch sessions with agents. I had been querying for a few months already and figured why not. I was so excited to pitch to Charlotte, I was very interested in her experience as an editor and her MSWL! We had our 15-minute zoom session, and she requested my work! Working with Charlotte is such an incredible time in my writing life, and I can’t wait until my work is out in the world.

AD: That's amazing! Congratulations to you and Charlotte! I actually signed with my current agent, Jennifer Unter at the virtual Boston Writing Day Workshop, too! I've met some other wonderful agents at that conference as well. How funny! Goes to show that taking a risk and putting yourself out there to pitch your work can in fact lead to meaningful connections! Hooray to the Writing Day Workshops! Can't wait to see what's next for you!

Alrighty, let's hop into our interview so we can get to know more about you and your work.  Let’s start with a speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonia Sanchez, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and Patricia Castelao, and With The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo. 
• Coffee, tea (or neither)? Tea. I love tea while I write!
• Where is your safe place? With my husband in the mountains.
•  Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Dogs! The MC of my MG novel was inspired by my late beagle. There is nothing like the love and friendship of an amazing pet!
• Early bird or night owl? It depends on what kind of day I’ve had with my kiddos. Sometimes I find the energy to write after they go to bed.
• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…community, practice, and believing.

Okay, now down to the serious stuff….
​
AD: Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

​DR: I’m a military spouse, stay at home mama and writer. I write PB and MG novels. I’m originally from Texas but thanks to the military I have called many places home in my life. I was a military kid myself growing up. Writing books has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am so excited that it is finally happening. Everything changed for my writing career when I joined SCBWI over 3 years ago. I met the most amazing friends and mentor. Working with critique partners and groups has been so valuable to me. Connecting with the Latinx kidlit community has been such a gift!

​AD: Community is KEY!! :)
​

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

DR: I have but it wasn’t something that I was very confident about growing up. I was not a strong reader. I remember our family trips to the library where my big sister would check out a mountain of books and I would check out movies-haha. I had a hard time learning how to read and I’m thankful my parents got me the extra help I needed. It took time to gain my reading confidence but once I did, there was no looking back. Stories are such a part of me now and stay with me. As a kid reading good books and my first writing assignments are where I felt seen and understood. My hope is that my stories can do the same for young readers, especially Latinx kids. I never saw myself in books growing up. I’m so thankful to all the amazing Latinx creators out there, like Meg Medina, Matt de la Pena and NoNieqa Ramos, because now my kids are getting to see themselves. And that is so powerful!

In college I studied Sociology. Before I had my kids, I worked for a nonprofit and as a military civilian. Writing was always in my heart. I would gather story ideas and tell my husband that one day I would write them. My motivation for my writing really changed after becoming a Mama. My heart was on fire to make my dreams come true, inspire my kiddos and help make the world a better place for my little loves. 

​AD: Your journey is so inspiring, Daniela! From a hesitant reader to now a writer yourself, you are living out your heart's passion and desires. I love that you strive to make the world a better place through your stories and help children feel seen and understood through your work.  
​

​AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in?

DR: My stories focus on love and family, the ones we are born into and the ones we choose for ourselves. I feel like all of my stories simply show Latinx joy. Since I moved to many places as a kid and now as an adult, I explore the theme of change in my writing a lot. I really enjoy sharing my culture and windows into my own family experience as well. My PBs really tune into those fun family moments.

​My MG novel, which I am currently revising, is a contemporary fantasy but still has core themes of love and belonging. I love writing fantasy. I will forever love the idea of magic being around the corner and adventure waiting for me.

AD: What a beautiful reminder that families can take all shapes and forms. Magic and wonder in the world is something we can always use a bit more of in our lives!

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

DR: For me, it’s about not getting discouraged and to keep growing as a writer. It has taken time to learn that my writing process needs time and I have to give myself that space. I am always grateful to my husband for giving me this reminder, especially on the days where balancing motherhood and writing can feel like a lot. Also, big shout out to my great mentors and writing friends who always give me support and encouragement.

Being connected to my writing and books is important to me. When I have had stages where I was not writing regularly, like two years ago we were moving across the country and I was pregnant, a close mentor of mine encouraged me to keep reading and honor the chapter that my life was currently in. That time I gave myself helped my creativity and gave me the inspiration to write PB!

AD: This last part really resonates with me, Daniela. There have been periods of time in my own life recently where I haven't been focusing on my writing or creating regularly. It's easy to get down on ourselves because of this or feel like we need to be producing all the time. Thanks for the reminder to honor where we are at, in the moment, because usually, that's exactly where we are supposed to be.  

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well.  With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing journey? 

DR: I would have to say deciding to write PB too! I just jumped into an idea one day and drafted it. Then told myself I have a lot to learn and got a bunch of craft books. It has really challenged me as a writer, but I feel like learning to write PB has improved my writing overall and I even see it when I write MG now too. 

AD: Congrats on diving into PBs! Continuing to challenge ourselves with new ideas, forms, or projects is what will enable us to grow and develop. Lean into the discomfort! 

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

DR: I love getting to the heart of my stories. Typically, when I start drafting a new story idea, the heart of the story comes to me first and I build around that concept. As I revise, it serves as my guiding voice and motivation. As a reader I love when books impact me emotionally and enjoy being invested in characters. That is exactly what I try to do in my writing!
 
AD: What inspires your work? 

DR: My children, experiencing the world through their eyes fuels my creativity and fills my mama heart. My own childhood was spent moving around, being the new kid and making new friends. As an adult I still do this but trust me it is so much easier as a kid. I’m inspired by all creativity! The kidlit community is so helpful and generous, that has been such an inspiration to me.
​

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

DR: For me it’s about pockets of time that I can find through out the day. I love writing by hand especially when I’m drafting a PB or working on an outline. Notebooks, pens, and Post It’s are my love language. Moving my body and getting out into nature with my kids really helps my creativity, so I try to do that every day. I love to listen to writing podcasts while I walk and recently, I have been enjoying Las Musas podcast! I feel like staying in touch with the writing world really helps to keep me connected. I was a part of the Highlights Latinx Symposium last year and that really motivated me. 

When I am stuck, I will walk away from it and work on something else or listen to good music. It usually comes to me while doing the dishes and singing along to Selena. Also voice memos on my phone are life savers for those moments where I can’t get to my notebook or have a kid on my hip.  

AD:  I love that you enjoy writing by hand. There's something special about putting the pen or pencil to paper. Sometimes it can just flow out! I love walking and podcast listening, too! I'll have to check out Las Musas!

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author?

DR: Community and honestly just writing regularly. I know now that it takes time for my writing to form and to get to a good place but in order to do that I have to WRITE! Some days are good writing days and some days it’s just about getting the words on the page. 

I try to invest my time into my craft as well, I’m always on the lookout for new classes or books to help me grow. I enjoy all classes I have ever taken with SCBWI. Also, this year I took a fantastic class with Nina LaCour called Projects & Practice. Recently I attended my first Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference, all online and that was one of the most incredible conference experiences I have had. I keep a pile of craft books on my desk to reference. Mentor texts are so helpful to me. I try to read as much as I can in my genre. I read a lot on my phone with the Libby app! Yay for libraries! 

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

DR: To connect with other writers, find your people and invest in those relationships! I have grown so much as a writer by these beautiful friendships and connections I have in my life now. There is such lovely vulnerability in sharing your work with others and reading theirs, it really does help you grow.

AD: Yes! We're all on this path together. Being vulnerable with one another can help us feel more connected and less alone in this sometimes crazy business of publishing! 

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? Please include links to any social media, websites, blogs, etc.

DR: My website writerdaniela.com 
I’m on IG @writerdaniela & Twitter @writerdaniela 

AD: Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Daniela, and congrats again on signing with Charlotte! I appreciate you sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series We can't wait to read your fun, familial, love-filled and joy-filled stories! I look forward to getting a sneak peek into your Latinx culture and learning more about your life experiences through your words. Feel free to drop a comment below to support Daniela and her work, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! 

​I'd also like to remind everyone that I have my first 30,000 STITCHES virtual celebration happening TOMORROW, 4/27 at The Silver Unicorn Bookstore. The event is FREE and open to the public. I'll be in conversation with New York Say Thank You Foundation Founder and Executive Director, Jeff Parness and Flag Tour Staff members Carolyn and Denny Deters. We'll be chatting all about their journey with the flag and reflecting on the upcoming 20-year remembrance. I hope you can join us! ​Click here for more info and the link to register!

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Ashlee Hashman is a children's author who is passionate about creating stories that entertain, inspire, and educate. Her love of numbers prompted her to work as a math teacher, where she discovered how much she loves encouraging young people. Ashlee enjoys all the unique aspects of Midwest living with her husband and toddler. When she's not writing, you can usually find Ashlee giggling at her sister's chickens, rewatching the same two TV shows over and over again, or spending time with her family.

AD: Before we jump in, Ashlee has some recent BIG NEWS to share with us...please spill the beans, Ashlee!!

AH: I am SO EXCITED to say that I'm now represented by the wonderful Elisa Houot from The Seymour Agency!! I'm still in total shock!! Seymour is so collaborative that I feel like I'm not just working with one talented agent, but a whole agency family! I'm incredibly grateful to both Elisa and Marisa for believing in me, and to Joyce who saw my stories early on and said, "I know who would love these!"

AD: Hooray! Congrats, Ashlee! So well-deserved. I can't wait to see what's next for you in this new phase of your journey. Alrighty, let's hop into our interview so we can get to know more about you and your work. 

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

•  Top three favorite children’s books of all time? The Bad Seed by Jory John, Mootilda's Bad Mood by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call, The Redwall series by Brian Jacques.
•  Coffee, tea (or neither)? Both!
• Where is your safe place? The Jeep with the top down driving back roads.
• Dogs, cats, (or neither)? I love dogs!
• Early bird or night owl?Used to be Early Bird, but now I'm a Whenever-the-Toddler-Is-Sleeping Bird!
• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Confidence, flexibility, community.

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

AH: I am a former math teacher turned stay-at-home mom and kidlit writer. Raised on a small farm in Kansas (that sounds like a cliché beginning to a romance novel?), I settled a whole 30 minutes over the state line into Missouri with my husband and daughter where I still enjoy small-town living, fried food, and being outdoors.
​
When I'm not wrangling my toddler or writing, I love to play music, re-watch the same TV series over and over (mainly MONK and PARKS AND REC), and read. My favorite genres are historical fiction, mysteries, and romance. For picture books I tend to love laugh-out-loud humor or sweet, whimsical concepts.

I began writing seriously in the kidlit space in January 2020. A new mother, I desperately wanted to have some sort of creative outlet. So, I started writing stories I thought my daughter would love. Since last January, I've written 8 picture books, an MG adventure novel, and began a YA historical romance. Along the way, I've found an amazing community of friends, had a ton of fun, and even placed in a few contests!

AD: Wow, Ashlee! You've been quite busy this past year! Impressive and inspiring!

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?
​
AH: My first love has always been STEM. The objective nature of math was a comfort in an unpredictable world. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in math and went on to teach for several years at the collegiate and high school level.

Until recently, I never considered myself an author. Looking back, though, I see that writing was always part of my life. Essay contests in elementary, songwriting in middle school, journalism in high school, and enough composition and literature classes in college to nearly get me to a second degree in English. My dad said something when I was young that will always stay with me. "Everyone has the potential to be a Da Vinci." Artist, Inventor, Engineer, etc. I didn't ever want to be only a math teacher or only a mother or only an author. I want to be all of those things and more! When I was navigating my intensely "left-brained" courses, I desperately needed the "right-brained" ones to keep a sense of balance. My hope is to always be open to learning something new and keep my left and right brains in sync.

AD: Balance is key, and I think giving both sides of our brain a workout benefits all of our work. I love how you highlight the idea that we can have multiple identities and professions. It's also a reminder that it's never too late to explore other passions or take on new challenges.  

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in?

AH: I think the most common word I get in response to my picture books is "whimsical". I love to take obscure ideas and tell stories from a different point of view, whether that means using the setting as the protagonist or creating a story based on lines from my favorite 80's song. All things STEM are my jam, so that often shows up somewhere in my work. I love having several different projects going at once so I can focus on whatever is pulling at me any given day. That means I usually jump around between PB, MG, and YA several times throughout the week.

AD: Oooo I can't wait to read one of your 80's song inspired stories! How fun! Maybe a STEM/80's song mash-up? :) 

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

AH: I think my biggest obstacle so far has been myself. I've tried to fit stories into a nice formula that magically spits out instant success. As it turns out, writing doesn't work like a math problem!

To help me overcome this tendency, I started purposely avoiding the "list of rules" you're supposed to follow during my drafting process and let my imagination have free rein. Then, when revising, I take a look at all the recommended guidelines and follow as best as I can while remaining true to the story. This adjustment has helped take away a lot of the self-imposed pressure to "get published or you've failed" and just have fun with the stories.

AD: Yes! I'm all about breaking or bending the rules :) If done right, I think that's what can make our stories stand out. 

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well. With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing journey?
 
AH: I think I'm most proud of my ability to generate unique ideas. There was a wonderful opportunity several months ago hosted by 389 Literary in which I had the privilege of winning two "above the slush pile" reads from a couple of very kind agents. The feedback I received was encouraging and praised the originality of my writing. It was such a confidence boost for a newer writer!

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

AH: Some other strengths in my writing are my ability to objectively revise based on critiques (thank you AMAZING CPs!!) and my penchant toward brevity.

AD: I could use some of your brevity. I tend to be more verbose but as with anything else, I think brevity is also a skill that can be learned and sharpened. :) 

AD: What inspires your work?

AH: Everything I write has to be either fun or heart-felt (or both)! I want my daughter and the kids reading my stories to feel all the warm fuzzies when they finish my books!
​
AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

AH: To be honest, I haven't found myself getting stuck yet because I have so many different ideas to bounce back and forth between. I generally get ideas from one of two places: contests or my kid.

Contests force me to view the world from different perspectives and jump out of my comfort zone. If you are around kids at all, you have probably also felt that comfort zone stretching. They put such unexpected objects together!

Like, "Look, Mommy, my shopping cart full of llamas just crashed a tower of doughnuts!" And I think to myself, "Ya know...that might actually be a fun story!"

AD: Kids and contests, love it! :)

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author?

AH: COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY, COMMUNITY!! I seriously don't know where I'd be without all of the incredible people who've encouraged me, instructed me, and challenged me along the way!!

AD: YES! This community is seriously THE BEST! It's filled with so many generous, knowledgeable, and kind people. We are lucky ducks!

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

AH: Find your people and dive in head first! I think it's so important to not only take a chance on yourself, but also to take a chance on other people. Send that email! Enter that contest! Like that post! It's all about community, and I've made such amazing friends over the past year by investing in and receiving from other creators.

AD: Invest, receive, repeat! :)

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? 

AH: I'd love to connect with you! And thank you, Amanda, for having me! It's been so fun joining you for this series!

Website: https://ashleehashman.wixsite.com/ashleehashman
Twitter: @AshleeHashman

AD: Of course! Thank YOU for stopping by the blog, Ashlee, and congrats again on signing with Elisa!  Thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series! We can’t wait to read your fun and heartfelt stories and I'll be holding out hope for that STEM/80's mash-up! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Ashlee and her work, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! 

If you are interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!  

I'm so excited to participate in Vivian Kirkfield's #50PreciousWords contest. It's always great to practice writing a whole story in just 50 words. What a challenge!

GUIDELINES FOR #50PRECIOUSWORDS: Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, that has a total word count of 50 or less. More about the contest can be found on Vivian's blog.


​My submission is an introduction to a potential middle grade novel meant for children on the higher age range (ages 10-12). I hope the story leaves you wondering where the twists and turns of the empty road will take our MC and pondering what's in store for her as she journeys into the unfamiliar. Feel free to drop me a comment below to let me know your thoughts. Enjoy! :)



Farther Away From Familiar
By Amanda Davis
(50 Words; Ages 8-12)

Rhythms of the road disappear.
Farther away from familiar.
Stomach twisting.
Turning.

Like the empty road ahead.
 
“How far?” I ask. 
“Far enough,” says Mom.
 
Eyes close. 
Mind opens.

What do I call him?
Mr. Peregrine? 
Nick? 

Earbuds in.
Music on.
Counting beats.
Subtracting miles.
 
Between me and my father. 

Thanks for reading!

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Meet Rising Star
​
Author Sathya Achia​!

​Sathya Achia is a South Asian American-Canadian writer and lover of words. Sathya creates diverse stories of adventure and discovery for picture book, middle grade, and young adult readers. Sathya’s writing celebrates diversity and representation, with the hope that every child can see themselves in the pages of her stories. Sathya’s creative work is influenced by her South Indian Kodava culture. She grew up spending summers in the remote hills and enchanting jungles of the Western Ghats, where she learned the art of storytelling from her grandparents. As a young reader, she missed seeing heroes like herself—of two worlds and cultures—so she enjoys writing for a multicultural audience and connecting with readers of diverse backgrounds. Sathya is an active member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and Storyteller Academy. She has participated in several SCBWI workshops and conferences, and critique groups.
 
By day, Sathya is an award-winning communications professional who currently serves as an editor with a leading medical publisher, pairing her curiosity for understanding what makes the world tick with a love for communicating across print and online formats. When not spinning stories, Sathya can be found trying a new yoga pose, exploring the great outdoors, feasting on gourmet popcorn, or wrapped up in her greatest adventure of all: Motherhood.
 
You can find Sathya at sathyaachia.com or on Instagram at @SathyaAchiaWrites

Let’s start with a speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak (PB), Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine (MG), The Mediator, by Meg Cabot (YA)
• Coffee, tea (or neither)? HA! Neither! I choose water! It’s ironic because my grandparents had coffee plantations in the Western Ghats region of India. Despite a childhood of summers staying with them, I never developed a taste for coffee or tea! 
• Where is your safe place? With family.
• Dogs, cats, (or neither)? BOTH! But our furry family member is a free-spirited, forever pup who makes us all feel like rock stars. Every time we enter a room, she rushes to find one of her toys and enthusiastically wags her way to greet us. It’s the best feeling in the world! 

• Early bird or night owl? Depends on the project.I’m an early bird for writing bright, cheery PB stories; and a night owl for my fantastical, sometimes dark, broody MG and YA stories.
• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Perseverance, guts, and heart!

 
AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

SA: I’m a writer and lover of stories. By day, I’m a writer/editor for a leading medical publisher, by night and every other moment in between, I dive into fiction, writing stories of adventure and discovery for young readers. I’m also a yogini, music junkie, traveler, gardener, and the Mother of Dragons …. I mean, two fearless boys! Storytelling has been a part of who I am from the beginning. Between the South Asian folklore my grandparents shared with me and my highly active imagination, I knew early that I wanted to create my own stories. I was always doodling and writing as a kid—my parents were integral to nurturing my love for the arts, sciences, and the natural world. They’ve always encouraged my brother and I to create and express ourselves. 

I was born and raised in a small Canadian town to Indian immigrant parents. My childhood was a blend of East meets West—my parents taught my brother and I to embrace both. Although we were an ocean away from my grandparents and extended family, we celebrated festivals and traditions of our South Indian Kodava culture. As a kid, I DEVOURED books. I picked up everything I could get my hands on at the town library. And, while I met memorable characters and explored new worlds in the pages of those books, there weren’t many stories where the heroes looked like or lived like me—a Canadian girl with South Asian roots. I enjoyed reading classics like Tom Sawyer, and fairytales like Snow White, but I also grew up on a heavy dose of Indian mythology and superstitions. I longed to see heroes who I could identify with in the books I read.

Now, all grown up (sort of!), I see an opportunity to share my unique South Asian American-Canadian perspective and experiences through the art of storytelling. I hope to inspire young readers to embrace and celebrate differences and spark a greater awareness of diversity. I believe it's critical to share our diverse voices and learn from each other. Each one of us has a unique story to share.

AD: Yes! There is so much we can learn from one another's diverse backgrounds and stories. We must continue to make space for all voices within the industry. You summed this idea up perfectly. 

Circa 1978 (India). Sathya’s grandfathers were captivating storytellers who were always ready to share stories about their ancestors, the jungle inhabitants, and South Indian folklore. © Photo courtesy of Sathya Achia

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

SA: While I’ve always loved the art of storytelling, I’ve also always had an affinity for the natural world and science. I studied biology and conservation in college, but I was constantly writing my own lyrics and stories when I wasn’t in class. After I graduated college, I went on to do a masters in print and broadcast journalism. 

I merged my love for writing with my fascination with science and the health/medical writer was born. The storytelling continued. As a journalist, and later as an editor, I worked for popular consumer magazines in Canada, before transitioning into medical trade publications once I came to the US. I landed a dream role in public relations/communications at a large university in Virginia where I had the opportunity to tell stories about medical and scientific discovery taking place across its campuses. One day, I’d be out in the field with ecologists learning about a prehistoric fish that had returned to the James River; and the next day, I was interviewing researchers who were discovering new cancer therapies. Then, the day after that one, I’d be in the medical center celebrating miracles with a talented medical team that had successfully separated conjoined twins. It was such a wild ride to watch these real-life stories unfold and see first-hand how science and medicine were changing our world! 
Job opportunities pulled my growing family away from Virginia, and I now work as an editor for a leading medical publisher, where I’ve continued to share stories of discovery and progress in a variety of medical specialties. I am fortunate to have found a 9 to 5 that excites me, but I’ve never stopped fueling my love for kidlit. I’m constantly brainstorming story projects and letting my imagination roam free.

AD: Wow! Your career in journalism sounds fascinating! I, too, have a background in English Communications and Journalism. I love interviewing sources for stories and uncovering new facts or little known subjects that I can share with readers. That's what led me to writing nonfiction for children. A perfect marriage of the two skill sets! I love that you've found two amazing passions that equally excite you! 

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in?

SA: I write PB/MG/YA fiction about family/friendship, self-love, self-acceptance, and unlikely heroes with hearts of gold. I’ve written fantasy-adventures about fierce girls and magical boys who aren’t afraid to slay the beasts in the shadows, overcome their fears, and learn to love themselves as they are. 

​AD: Woohoo! Powerful!!​

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

SA: The search for the right home for my work is an ongoing journey, and I’m still working on breaking into the industry. I’ve submitted several manuscripts to agents and publishers through the years. Early on, I received many form letter responses and passes, but as I’ve grown as a writer, I’ve received positive and encouraging responses from agents and editors, although no offers for representation or publication yet.  

Time is another challenge for me. Life moves at warp speed, and I feel that the older I get; the faster time passes! Making time to create has been a constant struggle because there are a lot of moving pieces—be it life-changing events/crisis, demanding schedules, family, and careers. I’m learning to carve out chunks of time to work on my stories. I try to write most days and stay in touch with multiple PB/MG/YA projects. I’ve learned that writing for me is like breathing—it’s something I need to do, and when I don’t get to it, I feel overwhelmed and stifled. 

Despite the ups and downs, I feel as if I’ve learned something new every step of the way be it about myself, my writing, the submission process, or the business of books. Publishing is a long road. Persevering comes in different forms for different people. The process of creation and writing is something that truly makes my heart smile. I’ve taken Dory’s (Finding Nemo) words to heart. She constantly reminded herself and everyone to, “Just keep swimming!” For me, it’s that voice inside that tells me to keep going, that one day, I’ll get to where I want to be. After all, it just takes one YES! My critique partners also keep me in check. They remind me to re-examine my work critically and take time to celebrate the small and big victories. 

AD: I love that idea of saying we need to make time to create instead of I haven't had time to create. It's there if we can find ways to carve it out as you mentioned. This is not always easy but often necessary. I also love that mantra of writing is like breathing--it's something necessary for survival. I completely relate. When I'm not creating, I feel off balance and often less happy. It's a part of who I am and what I need in order to get by in this life. 

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well.  With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing journey? 

SA: I’m proud of how far I’ve come on this creative journey. Not only have I written several PB manuscripts in the past few years, but I also completed my first fantasy-adventure YA novel (91,000 words). The concept for my novel began almost a decade ago, and I wrote and revised it little by little over the years. Having this labor of love finished is thrilling! I’ve loved sharing my experiences with my writing partners, but even more, it’s the moments I’m able to share with my husband and boys that have kept me pushing forward! They’ve watched me crush deadlines, fill plot holes, and rethink character arcs! They’ve seen me struggle and overcome creative and personal hardships. And they keep cheering me on. I hope my boys can see that it doesn’t matter how old you are, where you come from, or how challenging things get, you should follow your dreams and do what makes your heart sing!

AD: Congrats on completing your YA novel! What a huge accomplishment. I admire you for being able to adapt your style and write in an array of genres. It's heartwarming to hear that you have so much love and support from your family to keep you chugging along on this journey. I have no doubt you are inspiring your boys to chase their own dreams as well. 
 
AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

SA: Among my strengths as an author is my ability to embrace the writing process—the good, the bad, and the ugly! As time has gone on, I finally understand why so many in the industry say, “Revise! Revise! Revise!” I’m starting to see my writing transform! My writing is an extension of who I am. Although I was always taught to embrace both my Canadian and South Asian roots—it wasn’t always easy. At times I struggled because I didn’t look like the other kids or I ate different foods or celebrated other holidays. Often, I felt as if I stuck out or didn’t belong. But now I can see that it’s the pieces of me that are different that make my writing authentic and give me my unique voice and perspective.

AD: Yes, those pieces of you are beautiful :) I can't wait to see your unique voice shine in your stories! I'm sure there are many other children out there who are searching for self-acceptance and struggling with learning to love their whole selves. Your stories will speak to them in ways that are deep and true.  
 
AD: What inspires your work?

SA: My creative work is inspired by my childhood and colorful South Indian culture (dance, music, festivals), and my grandparents’ stories that live on in me. When we visited my grandparents and extended family in India, my brother and I would spend the entire summer running around the family coffee plantation at the edge of a rainforest in a remote area called Kodagu (in South India). These trips have left a lasting impression on me. For a young girl who was born and raised in Canada, this was an adventure like no other! We celebrated harvest festivals, gave thanks to our river goddess, and feasted on food unique to our culture. When my grandfather would return from his day overseeing work in the fields, he would sit in his old teakwood chair and entertain us with stories of our ancestors, the jungle inhabitants, and Indian folklore. 
 
I would return from those trips with tons of stories, and my friends at home in Canada would relish my retellings. The stories passed down from my grandparents became a way for me to express and share myself with others.
 
My own children inspire everything I do—it’s a pleasure watching my kids grow and take on the world. I love seeing life through their eyes. 

AD: Your description of your childhood is so rich with imagery and filled with familial love and traditions. I mentioned to you before, but I do hope there is a story about a river goddess brewing somewhere in your story files :) 

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

SA: I’m a sucker for notebooks, sticky notes, and colorful pens! I designate a notebook for my ideas and jot down a sentence or two and then pick it back up when I’m ready to explore it further. I often have multiple projects in the works at a given time. When I start a new MG or YA idea, I use a spiral bound 3-ring notebook to doodle and brainstorm ideas chapter by chapter. I also believe in the power of letting my writing flow. I will write pages, then step away from a project for a few days or weeks…maybe months. I’ll revisit it and revise repeatedly to mold it into a version that makes me happy.
When I’m feeling stuck creatively, I get up and move. I’ll take a walk, venture into the garden, or find my yoga mat and settle into practice. Often, I hang with my kids—they do wonders for making sure I stay young at heart. I relish unplugging and getting away from my phone and computer screen. The change in scenery stirs my creativity.I must admit, sometimes my biggest ideas happen in the shower—I love a good long shower!

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author?

SA: Connecting with others who love to create—authors, illustrators, author/illustrators—has been important to my growth. As an active member of SCBWI, I’ve learned to hone my writing skills and become disciplined with my craft. I also participate in the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, StoryStorm, Storyteller Academy, and DVcon. Participating in these various groups, conferences, and workshops has given me a sense of community and helped me connect with other like-minded creators! The kidlit community is packed with amazing talent and folks who are willing to help nurture and watch you bloom! I’ve also had one-on-one critiques with agents and editors and have learned a lot, not only about my own writing, but the business of books. There’s so much that goes into creating, marketing, and selling books. Understanding the perspectives of the other side of the business provides valuable insight.

AD: Yes, it's important to remember that publishing is a business. I think sometimes it's easy to lose sight of that when we are creating but it's a helpful perspective to keep in mind as we navigate the industry. 
 
AD: What advice do you have for fellow KidLit creatives?

SA: Put yourself out there. Find yourself like-minded creatives who you can create and share your stories with. Most of all, don’t give up! If you have a dream and you love making art, you should go for it. Roll up your sleeves and dig deep. I’ve always believed that the Dreamer will always rise to the top!

AD: "The dreamer will always rise to the top"...heck ya! I love that! :)

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? 

SA: You can find me at www.sathyaachia.com or on Instagram at @SathyaAchiaWrites

I want to give a BIG THANKS to Amanda for this opportunity to be part of the Rising Stars series!

​- Sathya

AD: Awww, Thank YOU for being here, Sathya. And, thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series! We can’t wait to read your unique and diverse stories and see your work in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Sathya and her work, and sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! 

If you are interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!  

Rising Stars in KidLit continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Meet Rising Star
​
​Author-Illustrator Bonnie Kelso!

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave creative self-expression. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she has a background in exhibit design and has worked on projects for NASA, National Geographic, and the Smithsonian Institution. Bonnie traveled all the way around the world… twice! She still enjoys indulging her wandering nature whenever she gets the chance. Currently, she lives in Las Vegas with her partner and two sons with whom she enjoys many real and imaginary adventures.

Bonnie is currently seeking agent representation.

Welcome, to the blog, Bonnie! Thanks for joining me for the Rising Stars in KidLit Series.  I can't wait to hear more about your work, your inspiration, your projects and your WHY behind your passion for writing and illustrating for kids!

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Steven Kellogg's "The Mysterious Tadpole." I've read my autographed copy more times than any other story and I remember pouring over the illustrations when I was little. "Someday," byAlison McGhee with illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds, because every time I read it I cry, no matter what. "When You Are Brave," by Pat Zietlow Miller with illustrations by Eliza Wheeler because it is beautiful and brilliantly written.
• Coffee, tea (or neither)?
  Yes, please, but only caffeine free.
• Where is your safe place?
  In my home with my family. Predictable, but true.
• Dogs, cats, (or neither)?
  I used to have a boxer, but now I have a tortie cat. 
• Early bird or night owl?
  Sadly, I can't stay up late anymore. I used to love those quiet late nights. Sigh.These days I find my brain works better in the morning, but not until after 9am.
• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…
  My mantra is: DON'T GIVE UP!
• ​

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

BK: Hmmm, dirt. I love the outdoors, so I'm no stranger to dirt. I've often gone weeks without a shower. It's fine as long as no one around you takes a shower either. In some ways, my journey in kidlit is the same. Bear with me on this... I've taken the submersion approach— jump in the deep end with everyone else and get to work. There's a lot to learn and then at some point you'll have to apply all that you've learned and write something stinky and then eventually write something fabulous in order to elevate, or take a shower. Connecting with other writers and illustrators of varying stages in their career continues to be the backbone of my journey. Without them, I would be a smelly bowl of primordial ooze.

AD: I love that analogy to dirt, ha! Much like dirt, most of us start our journey from the ground or in the dirt so to say, and work our way up. Like you said, we've got to jump in and get dirty and messy in order to thrive and grow. Brilliant! 

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author-illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

BK: Since I was little I've wanted to be a picture book author-illustrator. I still have the piece of paper I wrote that wish down on. But, it has taken me a long time to get to the point where I am right now where I have the right mindset and life circumstances to make it happen. I went to a great art school and graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Art, but my first job out of college was packing staples in a factory. Luckily, I left the factory before I developed carpal tunnel syndrome like the other women working there. Staple packer, bank teller, waitress, pottery shop assistant, gallery host, exhibit interpreter, camp art teacher, counselor, graphic designer, exhibit designer, substitute teacher, mystery shopper, Reiki Master, fine artist, workshop facilitator, and now... aspiring picture book author and illustrator! Tah-dah!

​AD: A long and windy road but you made it! And, oh my goodness how special and serendipitous your childhood note is. Our younger selves know best!

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing/art? Favorite genres you like to write in or favorite art materials/techniques?

BK: I've written stories with emotional topics that are difficult for children to cope with, like death, grief, life changes, illness, and divorce. But I also really enjoy humor and creative nonfiction. Mostly I write picture books, but I do have one graphic novel manuscript and a short chapter book. For artwork I love to use pen, pencil, and watercolor, but my final pieces usually end up being digitally remastered in Procreate or Photoshop. 

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

​BK: When I first decided I wanted to become traditionally published, the hardest part for me was realizing how vast and competitive the publishing arena is. I felt so small and unworthy. But, after getting to know the kidlit community better and discovering how supportive and kind everyone is I realized that there is room for what I have to offer here somewhere if I continue to persevere and create my best work. I don't beat myself up over anything perceived as rejection. It's not a "forever no," it's just a "not right now." As long as I have a pulse, the Universe has a plan for me. I trust in that.

​AD: "As long as I have a pulse, the Universe has a plan for me." This is an awesome quote, and so true!  I'm adding it to my collection. Trust the universe! :) 

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well.  With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing/illustration journey? 

​BK: I am most proud of the fact that I haven't quit. I've worked my way through a steep learning curve. I've learned how to detach from my projects enough emotionally to revise without mercy. Since deciding to go the traditional publishing route, I have written more stories than I ever thought possible. I've unleashed a passion that I was hoping was there, but wasn't 100% sure I would find. Now I am 110% sure that this is where I belong on my journey. It feels like I've finally come home.

AD: Congrats to feeling confident in your path and to pushing yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of.  As you said, taking a step back and learning to detach from our work is key toward continual growth and development.​ 

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author/illustrator? What makes your art/writing unique to you?

BK: Good question! My strength is my willingness to try new things. This has made defining my own unique style a challenge, but I feel like it is beginning to show itself. What I see rising up through my work are heartfelt stories that inspire children to explore and express their unique creative voices.

AD: What inspires your work?
​
BK: As an artist, I love scrolling through my Instagram feed. I follow a lot of living/working artists and illustrators. It keeps me up to date on what is trending. I try to experiment and apply new techniques to my own work. I always have a stack of library books next to my desk. When I hear about a new picture book, I check it out immediately. I set aside time every day to read, study, and enjoy what others are creating.
​
AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

BK: My creative process is very reactionary. Sometimes the weirdest, most random things inspire me. The key for me is to take action on an idea as soon as possible before it loses its "umph." My purse, car, and home, are full of tiny scraps of paper with illegible scribbles of genius. The rest of the process is basically showing up to the work every day. I call it work, but it's really so enjoyable for me. I mean, I could be packing staples. Now that's hard work! When I get stuck, I try to get away from it for a little bit, by focusing on self-care. Yoga, meditation, Reiki, and nature walks help me get back in my body when my brain is feeling overwhelmed. When I have a good body-mind balance going on I find that the ideas flow pretty steadily. It's when I overdo one (usually the mind) that things get messy. I'm a sun sign Libran, so it's all about the balancing of those scales for me.

AD: "Scribbles of genius..." another awesome quote! What a cool way of looking at what I normally consider my scratchy little notes. Scribbles of genius feels much more inspiring :) Balance is so important and I, too, feel my best work comes when both my mind and body are in alignment. 

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author-illustrator?

BK: Being part of critique groups and showing up as much as possible has helped me reshape my mindset. My critique partners are good at keeping me accountable. I work well with deadlines, so as long as I have a critique coming up, I'm getting work done. Critiquing the work of others has made me a better writer, too. Of course, continued learning through various online sources has been important, especially through SCBWI and Storyteller Academy.
​

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?
​
BK: Deeply understand why you want to do this work. Intimately knowing your "why" will save you a lot of time and heartache later on down the road.

AD: Yes! Our WHY should be infused into all we do! Thanks for those words of wisdom, Bonnie!

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? 
www.BonnieKelso.com
Twitter: @BonnieKelso
Instagram: @bonnie.kelso

Thank you so much for joining me on the blog, Bonnie! May you continue to persevere! I can't wait to see your stories and sweet artwork out in the world! Come back Friday for  another Rising Stars in Kidlit feature to wrap our Double Feature week! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Bonnie and her work.

If you are interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!  ​

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Meet Rising Star
​
​Illustrator Melquea Smith!

Meet Melquea Smith (pronounced "Mehl-kwee-yah" ♥). She's a Black, multi-award-winning, published, children’s book illustrator based in New York. 
Certified kid at heart, she adores magical stories with animals, mythological creatures, and dragons. 
When not illustrating, you can find her watching cartoons and animated movies, learning all about Japan, terribly dancing with her cat Kilala, and giving her other cat Bumblebee pit-pats on her super fluffy tummy.
Melquea is seeking agent representation and is available for work.  
Please reach out if you'd like to work with her. She’d love to hear from you!

Welcome, Melquea! Thanks for joining me for the Rising Stars in KidLit Series and sharing your story.  I can't wait to hear more about your work, your inspiration, and look at your gorgeously vibrant art! 

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, and Thingumajig Book of Manners by Irene and Dick Keller

•  Coffee, tea (or neither)? I love the taste of coffee, but tea is where it’s at! 

• Where is your safe place? Anywhere if I’m cuddling with my partner and my two cats, Kilala and Bumblebee. But more specifically, in our cozy living room during a nighttime snowstorm with a hot cup of cocoa enveloping our fingers with warmth.
• Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Cats 100%.

• Early bird or night owl? Early Bird! My energy peaks in the morning, even though I’m a grumpy waker most of the time. I usually get what’s most important or least anticipated done first thing. But there have been late nights where I’m brewing up business ideas past 4 A.M.  

• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Meticulous, innovative, and zealous.

AD: I love your three words-especially zealous! You've got to have that energy and enthusiasm to continue chasing the dream! Okay, now down to the serious stuff….please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

MS: I am a quirky, Black, multi-award-winning, published picture book illustrator with an obsession with color, whimsy, and strong storytelling. I am a Black Creators in KidLit member, a SCBWI member, and I have been a paid illustrator for over a decade. I’m looking for agent representation and I’m available for work ;) When I was a kid, I would watch cartoons, movies, and play video games to escape to otherworldly places. I would don ears and a tail and run on all fours with my cat Princess - who taught me all about sneaking into the kitchen undetected. I had so many influences on my life and art growing up. Because of that, I still enjoy the latest children’s shows and read picture books for endless inspiration!

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?
​
MS: I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I’ve explored other paths such as graphic design, customer service, food service, and I currently work as a Data Specialist. However, making an abundant living off of my artwork has and will always be my calling.

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your art? Favorite genres and/or materials/techniques?

MS: Dragons, mythological creatures, and anthropomorphic animals are my peanut-butter and JAM! I work in acrylic, watercolor, and digital paint. For picture books I work in digital media. In the future, I would love to experiment with watercolor. 

AD: Yes! I love the unusual and unique worlds and characters you build. Inside your art would be a fun place to be :)

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

MS: The biggest challenge in any creative industry is getting work and having your work seen. To combat that, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities! I “leave crumbs” for people to find me and my work. I’m doing that by competing in competitions, adding valuable resources in groups I’m a part of, working with organizations like Room to Read, studying SEO and marketing, participating in projects, and partnering with amazing interviewers such as yourself! 

AD: Awww, thanks, Melquea! Ecstatic to partner with you :) Sounds like you've been quite busy! I love all your clever and creative food references by the way-peanut butter and JAM and leaving crumbs. Now I'm hungry, haha! 

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well.  With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your illustration journey?
 
MS: I've had access to a lot of people in the industry. I've connected with fellow illustrators, editors and art directors. Many of them I met through Justin Colon’s PBChat and Black Creators in KidLit. I also illustrated my first picture book! 

“Two Homes in Omar’s Heart” - available to read for free here: 
https://literacycloud.org/stories/3209-two-homes-in-omar-s-heart/

AD: Two Homes in Omar's Heart is such a beautiful and necessary read! It's amazing you were able to partner with Room to Read for such a special project. Congrats! Connecting with others is huge and helps us stay motivated and enthusiastic when things get tough. We've said it before on here but it can't be said enough...the Kidlit community ROCKS!

​AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an illustrator? What makes your art unique to you?

MS: I think outside the box and I’m very easy to work with. I’ve been called “diplomatic” many times by an art director I’ve worked with! I analyze situations and figure out how to succeed using creative tactics. For example, publishing is a very traditional and risk-averse industry. I’ll often take what other industries are doing, such as Animation, Marketing, and Licencing, and weave that into my publishing career to make something uniquely Melquea. 

AD: What inspires your work?

MS: Gosh, so much! From anime, to videogames, to Chillhop music to experiencing life. I also take inspiration from random things like patterns on a marble floor, shapes of clouds, or shades of shadows. I notice how sunsets change colors every evening, to how on rare occasions, snowy days are sepia-toned. Nothing is off limits. Inspiration is everywhere!

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

MS: My creative process flows and evolves as I learn and grow. Each project has distinct challenges that would need to be approached accordingly. For example, when I illustrated a picture book in a month. That… was intense!  With illustration ideas, I document them in an idea journal. I shared a sneak peek on how I create illustration ideas on my Youtube channel here. 

AD: A picture book in a month!! That's crazy! Kudos to your for getting it done on such a tight deadline. You must work well under pressure :) How fun that you keep an idea journal and share on your YouTube. I think it's important for people to see the art-making process and idea building phase.  Thanks for sharing some of that process with us below. So cool!

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an illustrator?

MS: Nurturing communities like #BlackCreatorsinKidLit and the Oatley Academy mentorship has been invaluable for my growth. I study with Chris Oatley. With his mentoring, his friendship, and my other coursemate’s support, my skills have been on a steep incline and it’s not stopping any time soon.
   
AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

MS: I don’t like the “just be yourself” advice because it’s not easy “just being yourself.” But, I know that if you dig deep, you’ll find there’s something about your background, your interests, your personality and so much more that makes you unique, and therefore, marketable. If you don’t know, ask a friend! We all have blindspots, and good friends know where they are! 

AD: Yes! Recognizing our uniqueness and knowing our why is always something to reflect on. Thanks for the wise words, Melquea. 
 
AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? 

MS: If you’re interested in working with me: https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/hire-me
If you’d like to keep in touch, please join my mailing list! I share quarterly behind-the-scenes processes of my art and projects. My primary dedication is to my tribe via email than on social media. It’s a pretty intimate and chill space! Make sure to bring your favorite beverage. ☕

But if you’re not ready for that commitment, I’m on
Twitter: @PKPaintings
And Instagram: @PrettyKittyPaintings

Thank you so much for joining me on the blog, Melquea! Your work is so unique and recognizable. Congrats again on Two Homes in Omar's Heart. I can't wait to see more of your stories out in the world! Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Melquea and her work.

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Meet Rising Star
​
​Author Laken Slate

​Laken Slate is a former kindergarten teacher, toddler mom, and Navy spouse. She’s had a lifelong love of picture books, even though she once failed the Accelerated Reader test for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Laken mainly writes humorous stories, and she enjoys all the things people tend to enjoy: travel, music, laughter, friends, family, and sunshine.
​

Welcome, Laken! Thanks for joining me for the Rising Stars in KidLit Series.  I can't wait to hear more about your work, your inspiration, and your projects! Let's jump in!

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Anything by Jon Klassen, Anything by Mac Barnett, and Everything by Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett. (Also: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and Escargot by Dashka Slater and Sydney Hanson)
• Coffee, tea (or neither)? Chai Tea Lattes–exclusively.
• Where is your safe place? This is a speed round, and I’m from Oklahoma, so the first thing that came to mind was an underground tornado shelter… probably not what you’re looking for here.
• Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Let me explain… I like OTHER PEOPLE’S pets. I’m not a heartless person. I…just…would rather not have pets of my own. I have deep-seated, slightly comical, childhood reasons for not wanting pets…so don’t judge me. 
• Early bird or night owl? NIGHT. OWL. 
• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world… Hope, Hustle, and Humility.

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

LS: It is a fabulous world :) Let’s see… I am a military spouse, stationed in Pearl Harbor. I am a toddler mom and former kindergarten teacher. I plan to return to the classroom when my little cutie is older.
I was a terribly unconfident child, and a teacher liked my writing. She read one of my poems over the intercom, and I felt like a celebrity. I always liked writing after that. Fast forward to last spring. I kept thinking of a quote from the movie, How Do You Know?, directed by James L. Brooks. Toni Shalhoub's character says, "Figure out what you want and figure out how to ask for it." I was a new mom, and as much as I adored that role, I suddenly had this urgency to pursue a dream that was just mine. I found the Twitter writing community, found fantastic critique partners, learned to craft much less embarrassing query letters, and wrote eight manuscripts in eight months- all during baby's naptimes. 

AD: Amazing how that positive experience of having your poem read aloud to the school stuck with you and shaped your love for writing. A good reminder of how powerful our childhood experiences can be in molding us into the people we are today. I love that quote as well. How empowering. Our identities shift and change as we take on new roles in our lives but it is important to never lose our own voice and desires in the process. Congrats to you for following that voice and carving out the time to make your dreams come true!

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

LS: My first job was at McDonald’s, when I was 16. I worked as a waitress at Outback Steakhouse through college. (If I ever venture into young adult, I’m definitely attempting a waitstaff novel.) I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and began teaching only two days later. I think being a teacher fueled my love for writing. I love reading stories to children. I do all the voices, I make sound effects, it’s ridiculous. My classroom was right next to the library, and I probably drove the media specialist batty! I came in every day after school, just to look.

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing/art? Favorite genres you like to write in or favorite art materials/techniques?

LS: I can’t write a story without humor. From gentle/ subtle humor to quirky or even dark, it’s the only common factor in all of my stories. I think it takes a lot of courage to tell jokes, especially for an introvert. I never know if people will agree with what I think is funny.

I wrote a story about a cricket who gets eaten by a squirrel on the first page. The narrator tries to pivot the story to focus on the squirrel, but then the squirrel gets eaten by a fox. When I first shared the pitch for this story, I was terrified! I thought my CPs would think it was gross and weird, but they were so encouraging. They always are.

AD: Yes, humor is quite hard and takes courage. That is a gap in my own writing that I am working to learn more about and sharpen. I love how you aren't afraid of your authentic voice-even if sometimes it may be out of the box or quirky. Aren't we all a little weird and strange in our own little ways?!? 

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?
​
LS: I did theatre in high school, so I know that rejection is part of art. I suppose the biggest challenge is simply knowing that your dream may never pan out. But pessimism isn’t productive. I was quiet, for a theatre kid. My director always gave me great parts, but never the lead, because I couldn’t “project”. I knew I could play the lead, if given the chance. But that’s not how things work. You have to prove yourself in auditions, when you’re terrified, and you don’t know how to play the part yet. That’s what querying is like. You have to sell your book without knowing exactly what you’re doing or what the agent wants. To persevere, I keep my head down, write new stories, seek new opportunities, and stay open to inspiration. 

​AD: "Pessimism isn't productive"....so true!!

As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well. With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing journey?
 
LS: I was thrilled when I got my first request for additional manuscripts. It was early on, and I didn’t even know what a query package was (face + palm). I didn’t close the deal, but it was a huge confidence boost. I’m most proud of simply finishing a story. I used to have so many ideas, but not stories. Now I have stories that I read just to laugh. I always think, no matter what happens with publishing or not publishing, my kids will read these someday and smile.

​AD: That's a beautiful mindset, and congrats on your request for more work. I like to say if we just KEEP GOING, we are bound to meet our goals. I know this will be the same for your publishing dreams as well, Laken. :) 
 
AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author/illustrator? What makes your art/writing unique to you?

LS: My writing has lots of wordplay and a simple, cutesy, funny kind of voice. I’ve been told I tell fresh stories. I know there’s no original thought, but I can’t pursue a project if it closely resembles another. Coming up with unique ideas is one of my favorite steps of the process. I participated in Tara Lazar’s Story Storm this year, for the first time, and it was a blast! I sometimes hide inside jokes/ fun facts in my writing. For instance, even though THE ROVER RESCUE is fictional, I prioritized accuracy in describing the machines. I wanted space enthusiasts to catch the little details about Mars, Perseverance, Ingenuity, and Opportunity. When working on a story called THE HUMMINGBIRD DUEL, I contacted a fencing expert so I could sprinkle in lingo. I also gave the MC the name Hernando Colibrí, because Colibrí means hummingbird in Spanish.

​Overall, I think my writing is unique because it’s mine. Writers sometimes get lost trying to model their voice to match another. Picture books are fascinating because you get to open little windows into different worlds, different moods, different perspectives. I write best when I let go and tap into who I am and what I’d really like to say. 

AD: Yes! Those hidden little details are so fun for not just children, but adults and are perfect for repeated reads. It sounds like your stories could be classified as informational fiction, which is a bonus for educators and use in classrooms and curriculums, too!

AD: What inspires your work?

LS: I’m always incredibly inspired by movies. I used to have Oscar watch parties, every year, and see all the Best Picture nominees in theaters. Looking back to last winter, I felt most propelled to start writing again after watching the newest Little Women. I’m also constantly inspired by my beautiful friends and family. Many of them don’t even know that I write, but they’re in my stories.

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?
​
LS: I’m one of those people that can’t stop having ideas. They come so quick it’s unmanageable. My trouble is weeding out the duds and remembering not to pluck the buds. Sometimes I waste time on the “duds”. I’ll work so hard to flesh out an idea that’s not worth pursuing. Sometimes I try to write the “buds” too soon, forgetting that they’re better left alone. It’s so much harder to revise an idea on paper. I’ve learned to let it sit in my mind for a while, until it’s ready. 

AD: I totally relate to idea overload, too! It seems I always have phrases, images, or stories running through my head and if I don't get them down in my notes, they can easily be forgotten. What fun lingo, "duds" and "buds". I'd have to argue that even the "duds" have their place in our process by helping to sharpen our skills and perhaps lead us to our next "bud" :) Or, at least I like to tell myself this so I don't feel that I wasted time, ha!  

What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author-illustrator?

LS: Jesus and Twitter. HAHA. But really… I do feel like writing has always come in and out of my life in the most divine ways. The Twitter writing community has been such a life-changing surprise. I learn best by doing, so the most valuable resource I’ve found through Twitter is access to professional critiques. I’ve won a few critiques, but I’ve also invested in my work. Choosing to do so was hard for me, because I never wanted to spend money on what could be categorized as a “hobby”. But it was always so much more to me than a hobby. I’ve started asking for “critique cash” for birthdays and holidays. You helped me fix my rover story. Purchasing a critique from you drastically changed the way I write, because you taught me the value of “readability.” You didn’t change my voice, but you helped me tune it. Katie Frawley offers this awesome Red Light/Green Light service, where she ranks your body of work. I had shelved the story she ranked as my best. I’m working on it now, with Katie, and it’s shaping up to be my favorite.

I listen to Bookends YouTube videos on my morning run. James McGowan and Jessica Faust give detailed tips on the most specific and necessary topics. I’m always wishing I could run with a pen and paper to take notes. I joined Rate Your Story this year, and I know it will be a priceless tool. Last year, at this time, I knew I wanted to write someday, but had no idea where to start. I’m optimistic about this year, about this dream. We’ll see what happens. 

Finally, I don’t know what I’d do without the community of support I have on the Discord app. My CP, Chris Nantais, created channels for picture book writers to ask questions, share tips, swap stories, commiserate, and celebrate. I’ve found so many opportunities simply from chatting with friends on the app.

​AD: I'm so glad my critique services were helpful, Laken! It's so important to have a supportive community and invest in our professional development. There is always something new to learn! I think I'm going to start asking for some "critique cash," too! :) 
 
AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

LS: Listen to feedback. I know it hurts to hear someone say your “baby” is ugly but LISTEN! Maybe your baby is only ugly because you need to wipe its nose and brush its hair a bit. Enough with that analogy…All I’m saying is, if you defend your work so much that you can’t process criticism, you miss out on the benefit of change. Every rejection, every critique that you disagree with, may have insight that can take your story to the next level. So…don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater (wink) and listen. 

AD:  I just LOLed! This is a perfect analogy! 

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? Please include links to any social media, websites, blogs, etc.

LS: If you follow me on Twitter, I may not say much, but I will retweet funny, writing-related posts you may have missed :). I have a blog that combines my love for teaching and writing. When I taught pre-kindergarten, I started developing a creative writing curriculum for the littlest learners. I share some of my ideas on my blog, and I sometimes write about my own journey in writing.

​Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of the Rising Stars series. I took a chance when I applied, and it has been an absolute honor to participate.

Best of luck to you! I am SO looking forward to your debut!

Awwww, thanks, Laken! Cheers to taking chances! I can't wait to see your stories in the hands of young readers! Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Laken and her work.

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

​

Meet Rising Star
​
​Author Gennie Gorback

Genevieve “Gennie” Gorback, M.Ed. is a picture book author living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a mother, early literacy curriculum writer, toy design consultant and the president-elect of the California Kindergarten Association. Gennie’s background in child development has a huge influence on her writing. 
 
Gennie is a county coordinator for her regional SCBWI chapter. She is an active part of the #kidlit community and, because of her extensive knowledge of current picture book publishing trends, has been affectionately dubbed the “Comp Queen” by her critique partners. 
 
Gennie is currently seeking agent representation.
​ 

Welcome to the blog  Gennie, and thanks for joining me for the Rising Stars in KidLit Series.  I can't wait to hear more about your work, your inspiration, and your projects! Your animated portrait is so cute, too! Asia did such a great job! If other's are interested, more of Asia's work can be found on her Instagram page HERE. Alrighty, let's dive in!
 
AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time? ​

ASK ME by Bernard Weber and Suzy Lee – Ask Me is a gorgeously illustrated story that follows a young girl on a walk with her father. Anyone who spends a lot of time speaking with children will immediately empathize with the patient and kind father, conversing with his gregarious daughter. She is happily chattering about every thought in her head and her father is along for the ride. I especially like this story because it breaks the typical PB story structure.

Frog and Toad ​(Sorry, I know I am cheating by picking a series…) by Arnold Lobel –For many children, the Frog and Toad series is their first introduction to chapter books, and it's a wonderful start to a reading journey. 

BIG PUMPKIN by Erica Silverman and S.D. Schlinder – In college, I worked as a camp counselor with 3 and 4 year-olds. For some reason, BIG PUMPKIN and its jaunty cassette tape, were included in my supplies for the summer. This was in 2006, so I had to search out a tape player… but it was worth it because the story-song had a magical effect on the children in my care! They begged to hear the story again and again and AGAIN. Drop-off was never difficult because I could distract even the most severely tantrumming toddler with “the pumpkin story.” My co-counselors and I made up hand motions and dance moves and genuinely enjoyed reading this Halloween story all summer long. Eventually, the tape wore out… and it was up to me to recreate the voices for each of the characters! 

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer – Sorry! I know I am breaking the rules AGAIN, by giving you a fourth book… *shrugging emoji* It is a cute, quick read with beautifully detailed illustrations that feature a variety of different family structures. This story is just delightful! 

• Coffee, tea (or neither)? TEA!!! I am a “frequent steeper” at David’s Tea’s. They sell loose leaf tea with interesting flavors. 
• Where is your safe place? I’m writing this during the pandemic, so “home” has got to be my answer… But, I dream of going back to my happy place: a little wooded area by the beach in Santa Barbara, CA. It is a stop for monarch butterflies on their migration and, if you visit at the right time, you can see thousands of breathtakingly beautiful fluttering wings. 

​AD: That wooded area by the beach sounds magical!

• Dogs, cats, (or neither)? I’m a dog person who has cats. 

Joey and Phoebe Gorback. Photo Credit © Gennie Gorback

• Early bird or night owl? Suuuuuuper late night owl. I’m a stay at home mom to two young children and do not have childcare at the moment. I do all of my writing deep into the night, which is the only time I can find peace and quiet. But – I was NEVER an early bird. My college-sweetheart husband still teases me for refusing to take any college classes that met before 10am.  

• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Persistence, kindness, humility.

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

GG: My entire career has revolved around the power of Read Alouds (capitalized to show respect!) As my career grew from babysitter to camp counselor, then teacher and on to President of the California Kindergarten Association, my passion for high-quality picture books grew in parallel. I love harnessing my inner diva and using voice, facial expressions and hand movements during my Read Alouds. Currently, my two young daughters have access to my entire classroom library, as I have temporarily stepped out of the classroom to stay at home with them. I’ve been writing picture book manuscripts of my own since 2012 and started casually submitting my work to agents and editors in 2018. I started seriously pursuing agents in late-2019.

​AD: I love that "the power of Read Alouds!" Your own animated Read Alouds sound like so much fun, and I'm sure you've been able to spark a love of learning for many children because to them :). 

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

GG: In first grade, I wrote a story about a dog and a cat named Feefee and Deedee. I loved thinking up the silly character names and deciding what to draw on each page! I worked so hard on this little book that I assumed I’d win the Young Author’s award… but it didn’t even place. Embarrassed that my work didn’t stand out in the crowd, I told myself that I was not a good writer… and I waited about 25 years before I allowed myself to find joy in writing again. Luckily, I’ve gotten more resilient over the years! 

AD: Aww! I'm glad you didn't let that experience deter you for good and that you found the joy in your writing again! So important to find joy in the process and maybe it's time you dust off Feefee and Deedee?!? :)

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in?

GG: When I interact with children, in my roles as an educator or as a mother, I am very silly! I laugh A LOT. Half of my finished manuscripts are humorous stories meant to appeal to young kids. The other half of my writing leans toward more heartfelt stories. I am very interested in children’s social-emotional development. I enjoy guiding children to recognize their own emotions and the emotions of others. I help children work through BIG feelings and develop strategies for managing their emotional responses. My heartfelt stories are about the main character experiencing an emotion that the reader may have also experienced. I want my stories to inspire the reader and their grown-ups to talk about emotions and emotional responses.

AD: Social-emotional development is such an important topic. As an educator, I see a high need for these stories. Thank you for putting in the work to help children and students work through these BIG feelings and develop strategies they can use to manage and process them in the future. 

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

GG: At first, I was so hesitant to share my work with other writers. I shared my early manuscripts with friends and family who all loved my work, so I assumed my work was great! I started submitting to agents and publishers and, I’m embarrassed to admit, it took me TWO YEARS to realize that I needed to learn more about the industry in order to start gaining some attention! 

Eventually, I joined SCBWI, participated in manuscript swaps and started a small critique group with three helpful, sweet, talented, supportive and wonderful PB writers. I grew more in three months of manuscript swaps than I had in 3 years of writing alone! 

​AD: I totally relate to submitting too early. I think at some point we just have to dive in, which takes courage. There's always something to learn, which is what I love about this industry. Keep on trudging, and keep on learning! :)

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well.  With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing journey? 

GG: I learned to play by the rules. When I first started writing, I figured I could rest on my hotshot early childhood educator laurels. I understand children, so writing books for them was the obvious next step. It took me wayyyyy too long to figure out the rules of submitting. I feel nauseated when I look back at a piece I submitted in 2018. The query letter was so poorly formatted; the agent must have immediately thrown it out! It took me even longer to realize how imperative a strong critique group was for developing my craft. Now that I understand the rules a bit better, my stories can truly shine!

AD: We've all been there! Part of the process :)
 
AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

GG: I am a picture book connoisseur. I read at least five picture books a day (and track them on my Instagram page!) I always keep an eye on new releases and buy them or check them out from the library. I know what style of books are popular and I track the trends in publishing. More importantly, I also know what books I like. I am cognizant of reading developmentally appropriate books and won’t make children sit for longer than they are able. I compile mental lists of the books that are best for certain lessons and which are “everyday” stories. I notice the holes in the industry and try I write the stories to fill them.  

AD: What inspires your work?

GG: My children. I have always loved talking to kids and taking time to understand the ways in which they view their world. I feel so lucky to spend my days playing and learning along with my daughters. I want to give my children a piece of my heart, sandwiched between the covers of a picture book. 

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

GG: I talk to kids! I LOVE how conversations with children can lead me down long, winding roads with unexpected turns. Need ideas for stories? Talk to some kids. Need more ideas? Talk to some more kids!

​AD: Yes! So, true! Kids are great inspiration! 

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author?

GG: Critiques Critiques CRITIQUES!! I cannot stress enough the importance of having your work critiqued by other writers!!! 

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

GG: Don’t give up! Surround yourself with other writers who are on the same journey. The path to getting published is looooong, so you have to find a way to enjoy the ride! 

​AD: Right on!! :) Perseverance, partnerships, and passion help keep us moving forward! 

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? 

GG:

• My Twitter account is mostly focused on my writing journey, plus the occasional retweeted puppy photo: www.twitter.com/@genniegorback
• My PB themed Instagram page: www.instagram.com/@myfavoritebooksforkids
• I post tons of preschool activity ideas on my personal IG: www.instagram.com/@gorbackpack
• I have a blog page on my Education Consulting Website: www.kindling-education.com/blog

Gennie, thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series! We can’t wait to read your stories and see your work in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Gennie and her work. Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

Rising Stars continues in 2021! Hooray! The goal of this series is to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world.  These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

​Meet Rising Star
​
​Author-Illustrator

LaTonya Jackson

​LaTonya R. Jackson is the mother of one, a portrait artist, author-illustrator, and a member of SCBWI. She has served as an elementary school teacher in Shreveport, Louisiana for approaching twelve years (ten years of which she has taught art).  LaTonya has been writing for over fifteen years, but her greatest wealth of creative inspiration was discovered after her son’s autism diagnosis in 2015:  He has upturned her world and now it is a place where they exist outside of pediatric timelines, where small steps are celebrated, and where the ordinary is either wondrous or monstrous.  He is the energetic and whimsical soul behind many of her stories’ themes and behind her character, Buddy.

Hi LaTonya, and welcome to the blog! Fellow art teachers unite! :) I'm so excited to have you here and to learn more about who you are and the work you create for kids. Rising Stars are on fire, and you are are no exception with your own recent good news, please tell us all about it...

LJ: I sent out my first query in December 2019 directly to a publisher in response to an open call.  In retrospect, I know that I jumped the gun on that:  After taking some writing classes with Storyteller Academy, I realized—although the story had good bones—the query letter and manuscript that I submitted were not even close to being submission-ready.  
Most of my querying has centered around Twitter pitch events:  In 2020, I participated in #PBPitch,  #PitMad, and #DVpit.  I was sending out about 3-4 queries quarterly based on the hearts I received during those events.  Getting my agent was somewhat serendipitous.  After Twitter’s #DVpit event in October 2020, an editor reached out to me in December and said that she and her team were excited about my story and were interested in publishing  it.  She said that she would be in contact with me after the holidays.   I knew that I didn’t want to navigate the contractual process alone.  So, in December, I added “Seeking agent representation” in my Twitter bio, and began working more intently on researching agents via Twitter and MSWL.  In my Twitter research, I was mainly seeking out writers and illustrators whose work was similar to mine; and, I followed the trails that led to their agents.  In January, that trail led to Storm Literary Agency.  I followed their Twitter page, but I wasn’t expecting anything to come of hitting that follow button (because I’d done that countless times before).  Shortly thereafter (maybe a few hours), I received a message from Storm Literary Agency saying check your email.  Essie White had sent me a lovely email saying how she loved my art style and would love to see it in picture books someday.  We talked back and forth via email for several hours that day.  The conversation then spilled over into several days.  During that time, I sent her some of my manuscripts and story summaries to read and she answered all of my questions about Storm Agency and her role as a literary agent.  Essie was excited about my writings and my art, she gave some detailed feedback, and subsequently offered representation.  And that is the beginning.
 
AD: That is AMAZING! Serendipitous, for sure! Huge congratulations! Now that you found your match with Essie, what are you looking forward to most?

LJ: I am looking forward to a long career in writing and illustrating picture books that are bridges into new worlds and new joys for all children—with a special place in my heart for children who lack the means to physically travel beyond their own neighborhoods. I am also looking forward to making my publishing debut with the story that is near and dear to my heart, BUDDY’S MISSING PIECE.  I wrote this story ten years ago in anticipation of the delayed grief that my son might experience when he was older and more aware of his father’s physical absence.  As a teacher, I have always been inclined to use books to anchor my lessons, so I decided to write a grief story that would help me breach the difficult conversation about death with my young son to help him process it in a healthy way and to offer him hope.  BUDDY’S MISSING PIECE is about a little boy who is an avid collector who has everything—except memories of his dad.  As a tribute to his late father, he dons one of his dad’s old shirts and sets out to weave together memories from those who knew him best.  He stuffs those memories in his front pocket. On his way home, things unravel when he finds his pocket is suddenly empty.  Will he fall apart or will hope be the string that keeps him together?

AD: Oh my goodness, LaTonya, BUDDY'S MISSING PIECE sounds like  it will tug at our heart strings. I love the metaphors you use with the  weaving and string. I have a story about grief and memory as well. These stories can be tough to tell but so necessary for our children (and the adults). I am looking forward to seeing this story when it's published. 

Onto the speed round…

• Top three favorite children’s books of all time?  Awww, man!  Picking only three is hard, but here goes (in no particular order): The Scarecrow written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers. What Do You Do With An Idea? written by Kobi Yamaha and illustrated by Mae Besom. Henry’s Freedom Box:  A True Story from the Underground Railroad written by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson (my all-time favorite illustrator)                       
• Coffee, tea (or neither)?  Tea, definitely tea (berry blossom white tea is one of my favorites).  I like the smell of coffee, but the taste is disgusting. (Ironically, I was a Starbucks barista once upon a time. Go figure.)
• Where is your safe place? Home—surrounded by the people and things that I love.
• Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Dogs (They’re more cuddly to me; and, I’m big on cuddling.)
• Early bird or night owl?  Naturally, I’m a night owl, but life circumstances (i.e., work and other responsibilities) force me to be an early bird.  That quiet time between midnight and 3AM is when I do my best thinking.
• Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world….  PERSISTENCE (Without it, you’ll give up before reaching your “yes.”) PREPARATION   (Meet your dreams half-way by studying and practicing your craft so that when opportunities present themselves you are ready to accept them and make the best investment in them.)                                                                                                        VILLAGE (It takes a village to birth then raise a book from an idea to the “work of heART” that you’ll eventually hold in your hands.  You need a solid support system of people for every step of that journey to inspire, to advise, to encourage, to console, and to celebrate with you.)

​
AD: Love your three words. Especially, VILLAGE. So true--it takes a village!

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

LJ: I am a country girl from a small community outside of Jonesboro, LA called Pleasant Hill.   There were not a lot of happenings in Pleasant Hill so there was plenty of time and open space to imagine—whether through outdoor/indoor play with my siblings and cousins or through drawing and writing. I come from a family of artists and have always loved to draw and write . My dad guided my early years of honing my drawing skills.   There were no art classes in my school, so I began my formal art studies at the university level—studying Visual Arts at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA; and, subsequently, Modern Art History at The Graduate Center of CUNY in New York City, NY.  For the past twelve years, I have been teaching elementary and middle school students in Shreveport, LA and practicing my craft as a fine artist in my spare time. 

Publishing picture books is a lifelong dream that combines two things that bring me joy—writing and drawing. If you would have asked me at 8 years old what I wanted to be when I grow up, an author and illustrator would have definitely been on the list.  I actually still have copies of the “books” that I wrote back then—a unicorn trilogy (because I was obsessed with them).  It is only recently—in the past two years  that I’ve rediscovered the courage of the 8-year-old girl who still lives in me. She drives me to actively pursue the publication of all the stories that I’ve been quietly jotting down in notebooks and clinching to my chest for all these years.  I think that’s why I love the book What Do You Do With An Idea? : It is the story of my life.  And, I, too, am ready to give my ideas wings.

​AD: I think the 8-year-old you would be jumping for joy to know that you're allowing your ideas to take flight. Also, a unicorn trilogy sounds very intriguing, ha! 

​AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author-illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?  

LJ: Yes! and Yes...le sigh.  When I completed my undergraduate studies, I must admit, I got scared of the idea of becoming a proverbial starving artist. Therefore, instead of pursuing my M.F.A. in illustration, I decided to study art history so that I could get a job at a museum or teach at a university.  After completing all of my doctoral coursework hours and my first qualifying exam, I soon realized how preposterous it was that I was collecting debt doing something that was not fulfilling for me. So, I left the doctoral program after getting my Master’s En-Route, and returned home.  I then became an elementary school teacher. I’ve been on this alternate path for the past twelve years.  Although it wasn’t my plan A, the blessing in all of it is that I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with children who inspire me everyday. However, much like the little boy in What Do You Do With An Idea?, my ideas wouldn’t leave me alone. They continue to follow me. And here I am.

AD: Glad you made it here :)

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing/art? Favorite genres you like to write in or favorite art materials/techniques?  

LJ: My favorite writing genre is fiction picture books.  I tend to focus on children overcoming adversities and on identity/self-affirmation (especially for Black children).  As serious of a topic as these could be, I vary the tone from playful and funny to sentimental and heartfelt.  I also write about the many quirky things that my son says and does.    In my art, I tend to focus on portraits. (My son has been my muse for the past nine years; he probably has at least one portrait for every year of his life.) My favorite art materials/techniques are pencil and collage—especially on wood. Digital drawing is growing on me as I learn more about it.  

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?  

LJ: The biggest challenge for me has been TIME. I am a single-mother of an autistic son and I work full-time as an elementary/middle school art teacher. Time is a limited and highly-coveted commodity around these parts.  During the pandemic lockdown, life slowed down quite a bit for me:  My son’s swimming and horseback riding lessons were canceled, his therapy went virtual (so there was also no physical traveling to those sessions), and I was working from home for the last few months of the 2019-2020 school year.  I started a routine of getting up early (“at the edges of day” as the venerable Toni Morrison once called it) to write for a couple hours, and I enrolled in classes with the Storyteller Academy.  Now that I am back to my somewhat usual work routine, I continue to get up early on the weekends to work on my writing and on drawings to build my illustration portfolio. During the week, I carry a small notebook or my iPad to take advantage of the few vacant minutes here and there during the day.  To persevere, I have made use of the little time that I have, established writing habits, and made peace with a slower progression toward my children’s book publication goals.

AD: I admire you perseverance, LaTonya and your ability to dedicate time to your practice amidst the chaos of life. It's clear you are passionate and determined in all your roles as mother, teacher, and creator. Inspiring!

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well.  With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing/illustration journey?   

LJ: My biggest accomplishment that I am most proud of so far is finally completing the story of my heart, BUDDY’S MISSING PIECE.  It is about a little boy who is an avid collector who has everything—except memories of his Dad. This story is inspired by my own son’s life.  His father died suddenly when he was three months old.   I pitched this story at Twitter’s #DVpit event in October 2020, and I received a heart from an editor from an award-winning publishing company who, in December, contacted me to let me know that she and her team are interested in publishing it!

AD: I'm so sorry to hear your son lost his Dad at such a young age. My father passed away when I was twelve and that experience has inspired me to write about memory and loss as well. As I mentioned earlier, these books are necessary and will help children make sense of  these big emotions and tough times that we all experience in life. Thank you for being brave and writing this story. Congratulations on the interest from the editor, too! I hope it unfolds into something fantastic for you! 

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author/illustrator? What makes your art/writing unique to you? 

LJ: My strengths as an author and illustrator are rooted in my personal life experiences. There is no one ME-er than ME! I spend every day surrounded by children at work and at home. I enjoy listening to them and watching their behavior, so I have a constant stream of raw material for stories with kid-appeal.  My son, in particular, sees the world in a topsy-turvy way that often makes me laugh and sometimes wax poetically.  He brings so much mystery and magic to the little things in life.   Another strength is my attention to small details.  I use this both when I write and when I draw. The imagery that I create is often layered; and, if you look a little closer, there is always something new to see. I love to play with words and their nuanced meanings in a similar fashion.

AD: It sounds like you and your son have a beautifully special relationship. Your description of him and the way he inspires you and your work makes my heart smile. 

AD: What inspires your work?  

LJ: My son.

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?  

LJ: See question #6… There is no shortage of ideas when you work with hundreds of children per day, and then go home and the only person to talk to is your imaginative nine year old.  (I’m just now realizing that I hardly talk to adults...EVER. :) LOL ) On a more serious note, my creative process is the equivalent of throwing loads of sand into a sandbox then later plopping down in the middle of all of it to play around and hopefully figure out what kind of sandcastle to make of it:  I love notebooks and I keep one in my pocket to jot down ideas that I pick up from just living and going about my day.  I am not a-sit-at-a-desk-and-type-on-a-computer writer, because I think better on paper.  Much of my writing process is done in my head, and then I free-flow write my story using old-fashioned pen and paper. I revise and edit after I have typed a manuscript draft. 

When I feel stuck, I usually like to step away from my writing to do something completely unrelated to what I’m writing.  For example, reading something unrelated, a walk outdoors in the fresh air, playing with my son, drawing, and taking a shower (I get my best ideas there) are usually great refreshers for me.  Sometimes, I even alternate between manuscripts as well.

AD: I love that visual of the sand and sandcastles. Sounds like play and experimenting are a large part of your process. It's nice that you're surrounded by inspiration in your work and at home. I'm totally a shower idea gal, too. I think because that's one of the few places my mind is quiet and undistracted. I wonder if there's such thing as a waterproof notebook, haa! 

​AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author-illustrator?  

LJ: Foremost, I think that becoming a mom and an elementary school teacher have been integral to my growth as an author-illustrator. Experience is the greatest teacher and it has given both my art and my writing a soul; no longer are my words and pictures just about pretty words and pretty pictures.  I feel like I really have something of value to say in my work. More practically speaking, recently taking classes with the Storyteller Academy has opened my eyes to how tangible this dream of publication really is if I put in the hard work and persist. Moreover, it has connected me to an invaluable community of writers, readers, artists, and other professionals in the publishing industry.  Lastly, getting an Apple Pencil for my birthday last year has opened my eyes to how digital drawing can enhance my art and creative productivity;  it is the one tool that has revolutionized my creative process. 

AD: "Experience is the greatest teacher." How true that is!! :) Storyteller Academy is a wonderful resource. I loved my most recent character design class with Vanessa Brantley-Newton. And I can totally relate to the excitement of integrating digital elements into the process. I love my Apple Pencil, too!

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?  

LJ: My advice to fellow kidlit creatives would be:

1. Value your unique personal experiences.  There is someone in the world who needs and is waiting for YOUR story.

2. Persist! Always fall forward. Feel those stings of rejection (for a little while).  Write, revise, and submit some more.  Know and believe that your “yes” will come because...See point #1. 

3. Always be in a continual state of learning (even after publishing):  Read, write, and ask questions.  Most importantly, go out into the world and live (dive into new experiences, places, people, foods, tastes, sights, smells, sounds, and feelings). Fresh ideas and opportunities are waiting there!

4.  Be intent about building your village.  (As an extreme introvert, I am preaching to myself on this one.) Social media can be daunting, but it is a great tool in that it shortens the distance between you and others all over the world who are either in your shoes right now or they’ve been in them.  You need a support system to offer direction, critique, a virtual shoulder to cry on, and a cheerleading squad to celebrate the wins.

5.  Celebrate the “half-stones!”  This is one I’ve learned from my son.  I used to get discouraged when I read the pamphlets in the pediatrician’s office that list developmental milestones and the ages that children should reach those milestones.  My son has global delays, so he falls short by all accounts. The little things are big and challenging for him.  However, he is the most resilient person that I know, and to see his face light up when he learns something new—even if it is delayed— is inspiring.   And we celebrate that BIG TIME! The motto around our house is—“In his own time.” 
 So, with that being said:  Did you sign up for a writing course? (Awesome!) Did you finish a first draft? ( Yay!)   Did you get another query rejection? (Look at you, you KidLit rockstar! You are one “No” closer to your “Yes”!) Celebrate the small steps toward your bigger goal; and, in your own time, you will soon be publishing your first of many children’s books.


AD: Virtual shoulders, cheerleading squads, "half stones"...so many wonderful nuggets noted here! I'm especially drawn to the idea of valuing your unique experiences. There is only one you and only YOU can tell your story!  Thanks, LaTonya!

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful insights and art, LaTonya! We can’t wait to read your stories and see your artwork in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support LaTonya and her work. Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

Today is Multicultural Children's Book Day, and I'm celebrating by writing reviews for some amazing diverse chapter books. Before I dive into my reviews, here is a little bit more information about What Multicultural Children's Book Day is and how it came to be. 

Founded in 2021 by Valarie Budayr from Audrey Press Books and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom, Multicultural Children's Book Day grew out of their own frustrations with the lack of diverse books for their own families. As a result, they decided to team up to create an event that would help raise awareness around children's books that celebrate diversity but also get these books into classrooms and libraries around the world. This event is now known as Multicultural Children's Book Day (MCBD) and is celebrated every year on the last Friday in January. Multicultural Children's Book Day (MCBD) is an online and offline celebration of thousands of supporters, educators, parents, caregivers, book reviewers, and quality authors and publishers who team up to spotlight diversity in children through YA literature. Over the course of its eight year run, the MCBD non-profit has donated over 8,000 books to kids and the intitiave has expanded offline to classrooms programs, celebrations and global connections. 

​I'm excited to participate this year by reviewing several recent chapter books series released with Capstone Publishing. 

• Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi; Illustrated by Hatem Aly
• Sadiq series by Siman Nuurali; Illustrated by Anja Sarkar ​

• Astrid and Apollo series by V.T. Bidania; illustrated by Dara Lashia Lee

First up is the Yasmin series written by Saadia Faruqi; Illustrated by Hatem Aly and published by Capstone Publishing. I was gifted two of the newest books in the series titled, Yasmin The Librarian and Yasmin The Scientist. I absolutely adored these two books in the series.

​In Yasmin the Librarian, the main character, Yasmin, learns all about teamwork, sharing, and the library system as she works with the Mrs. Kogo, the librarian, to help her shelve books and answer questions from her fellow classmates in the library. When her own special book gets misplaced, Yasmin searches the shelves to find it until she realizes that it may be the center of an unexpected story time.   

Next up is the Sadiq series written by Siman Nuurali; illustrated by Anjan Sarkar, published by Capstone Publishing. I was also gifted two review copies from Capstone-Sadiq and the Bridge Builders and Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift.  It was a delight to follow along with Sadiq and his diverse crew of characters as they worked to solve different challenges in each story.

In Sadiq and the Bridge Builders, Sadiq and the crew are tasked with building a model city that can withstand a flood but when all attempts and ideas fail, Sadiq turns to his real-life surroundings where the key to success awaits. The story introduces readers to the concept of engineering, science, and team work as Sadiq and his friends work together to solve their problem. Through brainstorming, observation, and experimentation, Sadiq and The Bridge Builders persevere. The story encourages readers to make mistakes, to try and fail, and to observe the details in our environments.

Similarly, in Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift, readers are introduced to sadaqah, or charity, when Sadiq and his friends are tasked with raising money for a Dugsi or Islamic school. Sadiq has the idea of hosting an iftar, which is a meal where Muslims break their fast. Others jump aboard, naming themselves the Money makers Club but when Sadiq's friend Zaza has another fundraiser in mind, tensions arise in the Money Makers Club and Sadiq and Zaza must learn to communicate and compromise for the greater good. 

In both Sadiq and the Bridge Builders and Sadiq and the Ramadan Gift, I was pleased to see the initiative of the main character, Sadiq, when it came to  problem-solving and idea generation. Similar to the Yasmin series, through fun and fact-filled front and back matter, readers are invited to learn  interesting information and terms from the Somali culture and are reminded that kids can make a difference in the world! Sarkar's lively, stylized artwork inspires readers to be bold and think big just like Sadiq and his friends.     

Finally, I'm leaving you with the Astrid & Apollo series written by V.T. Bidania; illustrated by Dara Lashia Lee and published with Capstone Publishing in 2021. Capstone gifted me review copies of Astrid & Apollo and the Starry Campout, along with Astrid & Apollo and the Happy New Year. It was a pleasure to Meet Astrid and Apollo--the fun and adventurous twin sibling duo from Minnesota whose mom and Dad were born in Laos and came to the US when they were very young.  

In Astrid & Apollo and The Starry Campout, the twins partake in their first family camping trip-an event that Apollo is excited but Astrid is not. Astrid would have to rely on her glow in the dark wand to get her through but when she realizes she left her wand at home, Astrid turn to the light and love of her family to help her conquer her camping fears. In the end, when Astrid and her family encounter some cooing critters, Astrid's brave actions make their camping trip one to remember. Young readers learn the importance of being brave, conquering fears, and the benefits of trying new things, along with a tasty introduction to the many delicious foods of the Hmong culture--egg rolls and Hmong sausages--yum, yum!!  

In Astrid & Apollo and The Happy New Year, Astrid and Apollo return to ring in the Hmong New Year! To celebrate, Astrid, Apollo, and their family attend the Hmong New Year Festival. Dressed in special clothes with sashes and belts with coins, Astrid and Apollo navigate their way around the festival until they get separated from their parents and must find their way back before it is too late. Along the way, they meet a host of interesting people and work together to make their way back to their parents and enjoy the show. 

In both Astrid & Apollo and The Starry Campout and Astrid & Apollo and The Happy New Year, I enjoyed the sense of a tight knit family and witnessing the bond of a twin sibling duo. I learned many new things about the Hmong culture and know that young readers would as well. Above all, both books left me feeling warm with the love of family and Lee's sweet and expressive illustrations are the perfect complement to enhance this familial mood. As with all the books mentioned the Astrid & Apollo series also contained front and back matter to help the reader learn more about the Hmong culture. 

To sum up, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the above series from Capstone Publishing. I always love learning new things as a reader and these books did not disappoint. I learned additional facts about cultures that are different than my own such as, why Ramadan is celebrated or that kitaab means book in the Urdu language of Pakistan or the traditions of a Hmong New Year Festival. I have no doubt young readers will walk away from these reads with a greater sense of awareness around different cultures and a connection to the universal themes of teamwork, problem-solving, conquering fears and the importance of familial love. The adventures of Yasmin, Sadiq, and Astrid & Apollo are not to be missed!

I want to give a BIG thank you to Capstone Publishing for gifting me these wonderful books to review and helping me diversify my own bookshelf. Thank you to all the organizers involved in Multicultural Children's Book Day for helping us raise awareness around the importance of diverse books in our homes and schools and helping to get these wonderful books into the hands of children around the world. Cheers!

​For more MCBD fun, follow along on social media at #ReadYourWorld!!
BONUS! Check out this MCBD Diversity Book List & Activities for Teachers and Parents!

​Thanks for reading!