Big Kids Writing For Little Kids

#Rising Stars in KidLit Daniele Arndt

5/24/2021

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 Daniele Arndt!

Daniele Arndt is a picture book writer, an active member of SCBWI, StoryStorm, and four critique groups. She was also a finalist in Justin Colón’s 2019 #PBChat writing mentorship. When Daniele isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, walking in the woods or anywhere near water, going to church, and playing Mario Kart and board games. Daniele is currently seeking agent representation.

Let’s start with a speed round…

●     Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and Tae-eun Yoo, Giraffe problems by Jory John and Lane Smith, and Love Monster by Rachel Bright.
●     Coffee, tea (or neither)? Neither. I actually have a love-hate relationship with coffee. I love the smell but hate the taste.
●     Where is your safe place? Anywhere my husband and kids are.
●     Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Dogs are sweeter, but cats are more entertaining. Can I say both?
●     Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
●     Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world… Faith, Perseverance, and Critique partners.

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.

DA: First of all, thank you for having me! I can’t even believe I’m getting interviewed for Rising Stars in KidLit!!! I teared up when I got your email saying Chelsea Tornetto nominated me. For the longest time, I wouldn’t even say I was a writer. The librarian at my local library recently asked me if I was a teacher because of all the picture books I'm always borrowing. I took a deep breath, and I did it. I told her I was a writer. It felt so amazing finally saying it out loud.

So… I’m a writer, and I’m a wife to a wonderfully kind, supportive man and a mother to two amazingly fun and funny teenagers (help). Growing up, I loved reading. Reading was the only thing that held my attention. I was constantly daydreaming, and when I read, I didn’t get distracted by other things. Although I was never diagnosed, I'm sure I have ADD. My son is diagnosed with ADD, and he struggles with the same things I did/do. Learning was difficult for me, and that made me self-conscious and scared, so I didn't allow myself to have dreams for my future. Because of that, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. It took me until I was thirty to finally know. In 2003, after we had our firstborn, I went into a bookstore to buy books to read to him. I walked into that store, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, and I walked out knowing that I wanted and needed to write picture books. I immediately went home and wrote my first story. It was awful! I didn’t know what I was doing, but it made me so unbelievably happy. But after that, I kept telling myself I was too busy to write.

Then in 2016, thirteen years later, I was finally honest with myself. I knew that fear was the only reason I wasn’t writing. I thought, because of my learning struggles, I couldn’t learn how to write. It was a huge revelation for me. I vowed right then and there I would believe in myself and I would try with everything to make this dream a reality. I would learn how to write.

So I started with research, and somewhere I read if you want to write, you need to read and write every day. Almost five years later, and I’m still, for the most part, doing that. I wake up, get my kids off to school, pray and do my devotions, and then I read, and I learn, and I write. I’ve made some fantastic friends on this writing journey. I’ve truly never met a more encouraging community. It’s amazing and wonderful and lovely! I belong to four critique groups, and I have the best critique partners anyone could ask for. They just encouraged me to enter my first writing contest—Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 precious words. Again, fear kept me from entering these contests because I couldn’t imagine I could write a story with only 50 words or less. I was thrilled to find out I received an honorable mention! Wow! So, I’m going to keep learning and writing, and one of these days, I’m going to go into that bookstore, and I’m going to pick up a book, and it’s going to be one of my picture books!

AD: Wow! What an inspiring story, Daniele. I'm so glad Chelsea nominated you for the feature, too! Taking that leap to acknowledge ourselves as writers is huge. I always tell my art students, if they made a piece of art, their artists. The same goes for writing. Do you write, yes....than you're a writer. How brave of you to commit to overcoming your fear. What a great role model you are for your family, too!

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

DA: I went to college for two years, but you can only go so long without knowing what you want to do. I explored many different things, trying to figure out what I enjoyed. I tried waitressing. I decorated cakes. I was a bank teller. I worked for a media company based out of a hospital where I made medical slides for doctor’s presentations. I was a photographer for our local newspaper. I even worked for a landscaper which was the most physically demanding job I’ve ever had. I just kept trying different things. I didn’t realize it then, but I was searching for that feeling I got in that bookstore—that feeling of knowing where you belong and what you’re supposed to be doing.

AD: I love how a bookstore fueled your fire to write for children. They sure are magical places to visit and hang out! :)

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

DA: I write fiction, and aside from something I wrote in memory of my father, I only write humorous stories.

AD: I envy those who can write humor! It's an area I'm still working on. It's so necessary for children to experience all the feelings and ranges of emotions in picture books!

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?

DA: Self-confidence and waiting. Because it took me so long to get here, I feel like I need to hurry. I’ve sent so many stories to agents before they were ready. I didn’t know they weren’t ready at the time, but I cringe when I look back at them. I’m finally at the point where I force myself to set stories aside for a while before doing anything with them. I’m always happy I did because I always find something I want to change. To persevere, I just keep praying and hoping and writing. It helps to have a supportive family and wonderful CPs/friends who know how rejections feel and how it feels to want something so badly.

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?

DA: I’m most proud that I’m doing it. That I’m not giving up even when it seems daunting. It takes me so much longer to do or understand things because I have to read instructions at least three or four times before I understand them. I’m proud that I’m not getting discouraged by that, and I’m pushing forward and giving it my all.

AD: Yes! Showing up and not giving up are HUGE!

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

DA: I think I’m fairly funny. I make myself laugh, anyway. And I have fun/unique story ideas. I’m a giant dork with a super cheesy sense of humor, and that, oddly enough, helps my writing.

AD: What inspires your work?

DA: Picturing kids laughing at something I wrote. My daughter had severe separation anxiety for five years. I did everything I could think of to make her laugh. It’s hard being sad when you’re laughing. She loves reading my stories. They make her laugh, and that makes me happy.

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

DA: I read picture books. Anytime I feel stuck, I open a picture book, and the ideas start to flow. Also, I sometimes need to set my writing aside and take a break and go for a walk. Being outside, especially near any body of water, makes me happy and refreshed. If I could set my desk and computer near a lake, I’d never leave.

AD: Breaks and nature are necessary for rebooting!

"Anytime I feel stuck, I open a picture book, and the ideas start to flow."

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

DA: My faith. I can’t concentrate or do anything if I don’t spend time with God. I’ve found, if I’m having a bad day or am just feeling out of sorts, it’s always the days where I didn’t take time to pray. My family is a huge part of my growth, too. My husband and kids are my biggest cheerleaders. They get so excited when anything good happens with my writing. My husband is the best person I know. He works 50-60 hours a week so I can stay home and focus on this dream of mine. And my critique partners. I couldn’t do this without them. Also, after I do a few rounds of revisions from critiques from my CPs, I try to get paid critiques. I use Kate Allen Fox and Chelsea Tornetto, who are amazingly talented. The two of them and my CPs challenge and push me to uncomfortable points where I just don’t think I can go, and I love that. My stories are always better for it. I also try watching webinars on writing, and I completed Susanna Leonard Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic. I feel like Susanna’s class is a must-do. And I’ve read several books on writing picture books.

AD: It sounds like you have an amazing support system, Daniele and ways to keep grounded. It's nice that you've surrounded yourself with other creatives who will push you outside your comfort zone in order to grow and develop. That's so important!

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

DA: Make sure you have critique partners. Read. When you think your story is ready, set it aside for a bit. If you can, get paid critiques. Watch webinars. Believe in yourself and never ever give up. You can do this! And don’t let fear and doubt stand in your way of trying. You’ll never know if you don’t try (I think those are actually lyrics to a song).

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

DA: I'm terrible with technology. Shout out to my CP and friend Janice Woods for picking up her phone every time I have a technology-related question. I plan on someday having a website, but for now, you can find me on Twitter at @edearndt. I love interacting with the kidlit community!

AD: Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Daniele! I appreciate you sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series We can't wait to have a laugh when we read your humorous stories! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Daniele and her work, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

Hi! I'm Amanda!

Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her partner and rescue pup, Cora.

Amanda is represented by Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency.

Her debut picture book, 30,000 STITCHES is available NOW wherever books are sold!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 30,000 STITCHES!

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#RisingStarsinKidLit Natalie Morales

5/17/2021

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Meet Rising Star

Author Natalie Morales

Natalie Morales was born and raised in Southern California to two immigrant parents. Natalie is a storyteller and dual language writer. She holds a dual degree from Seattle University where she studied for two quarters at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Puebla, Mexico. Natalie also holds a J.D. from the University of San Francisco, School of Law where she served as a representative for the Family Law Society and the Youth Advocacy Association. Natalie now lives in Northern California with her husband and two dogs. Natalie is currently seeking agent representation.

Let’s start with a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Madeline series by Ludwig Bemelmans, Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Tea
Where is your safe place? At the beach
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Dogs
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world… Believe in yourself.

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.

NM: I have always enjoyed jotting down stories and poems in a notebook or on my phone. Writing has always felt like an escape. I took up writing seriously a little over a year ago and joined Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 challenge in January of this year where I met some wonderful writers by joining critique groups. In late March of this year, I was offered a book deal. It was through one of my critique group partners that I learned of my publisher, Young Dragons Press, a division of Oghma Creative Media. After submitting a manuscript for critique, a critique group partner suggested I query it to Young Dragons Press. I am one to believe that everything happens for a reason, all you need to do is believe in yourself.

AD: A fellow 12x12er! Hooray! Congrats on the recent book deal with Young Dragon press, too! I can't wait to learn more about the story!

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

NM: I have worked in the legal field since graduating undergrad. I am now a law school graduate preparing for the California bar exam. I have always wanted to be a writer and aspired to be a published author. It wasn’t until the pandemic that life slowed enough for me to really consider taking it seriously. Now, I divide my time to both study and develop my craft. Writing is something I look forward to doing for the rest of my life.

AD: Good luck as you prepare for the California bar exam! Exciting stuff! And yes, a bright spot to this crazy pandemic has been time to pause and reflect often leading to unexpected and welcoming surprises.

"The biggest challenge I’ve faced is my own self-doubt. I have learned that by leaning in and actively participating in workshops, webinars and critique groups I can gain perspective and enjoy the process."

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

NM: I enjoy writing dual language fiction. Spanish was my first language. I learned English predominantly in grade school. Growing up, I had the insecurity of reading aloud. When writing, I keep my younger self in mind. I aim to inspire children from any background to enjoy reading.

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?

NM: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is my own self-doubt. I have learned that by leaning in and actively participating in workshops, webinars and critique groups I can gain perspective and enjoy the process.

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?

NM: What I am most proud of thus far on my writing journey is my ability to stay creative. Creativity does not necessarily come easily, but I have learned what inspires me and believe that inspiration is everywhere.

AD: Yes, inspiration is all around! The challenge is to slow down and pay attention!

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

NM: I believe that my background and experience make my writing unique to me.

"When writing, I keep my younger self in mind. I aim to inspire children from any background to enjoy reading."

AD: What inspires your work?

NM: Most of my inspiration comes from people watching and nature. I am also inspired by my family and dogs.

AD: Always a good go-to for inspiration :)

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

NM: I keep a notebook where I jot down any and all ideas. Sometimes I can write out the whole story in one sitting. When I feel stuck, I can get inspired by a note I made in the past, but I am constantly thinking of my next story. If I hit a roadblock, I pivot to the next idea.

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

NM: Being an active SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 challenge member has been integral to my growth as an author. I would also attribute by growth to my wonderful critique partners who make for wonderful teachers.

AD: Critique partners are the best!!

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

NM: The one piece of advice that I would give a fellow kidlit creative is to enjoy the process. The journey is almost sweeter than any result. Having the opportunity to be creative is a gift.

AD: Such great advice! It's easy to get caught up in the long game and get frustrated but we must continue to have fun and enjoy the process otherwise what's the point, right?!? :)

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? Please include links to any social media, websites, blogs, etc.
www.nataliemoralesbooks.com
https://twitter.com/NMoralesBooks
https://www.facebook.com/NatalieMBooks
https://www.instagram.com/nmoralesbooks/

AD: Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Natalie, and congrats again on your book deal! Hopefully many more to come! I appreciate you sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series We can't wait to read your stories! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Natalie and her work, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 30,000 STITCHES

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#RisingStarsinKidLit Lisa Trank

5/10/2021

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Meet Rising Star

Author Lisa Trank

Lisa Trank began writing after many years as a performing artist – an actress and singer – and is happy to bring those years of crafting characters and storytelling into her writing life, as well as in her author consulting work. She’s a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a former recipient of a Rocky Mountain Women’s Institute Fellowship. Much of her writing focuses on the stories she grew up with as the proud first-generation daughter of immigrants. Her work has been published in the Saturday Evening Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Jerusalem Post, The Israel Times, University of Denver Journal, Salon, Gaia, Tablet, Kveller, Chiseled in Rock, and in a number of anthologies. When not writing, she practices as much yoga as she can and takes long walks in nature. She’s the proud mama of three wonderful adult daughters, dog mom to Callie, and married to poet and photographer Jack Greene. Lisa lives in Longmont, Colorado, with a constant view of the Rocky Mountains.

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Mrs. Katz and Tush, Charlotte’s Web, All in A Kind Family (all of them!)
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Both, but the day start with dark, strong coffee.
Where is your safe place? My heart, a yoga mat, writing, singing, and outside in nature.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Both!
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Chutzpah, generosity, kindness, perseverance, and most of all, hope!

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. You are also recently agented and looking to get traditionally published. Can you share a bit about how you found your agent match?

LT: As a writer who mostly focuses on Jewish-themed subjects, I was pretty steeped in Holocaust literature. After reading a beautiful but really depressing title, I wanted to bring more joyous and diverse stories that represent much more of the Jewish American and Jewish experience. Writing for kids seemed to be the perfect fit for this shift, and I’m so thrilled I hated that book!

I found my wonderful agent, Jessica Kasmer-Jacobs from the Deborah Harris Agency, through #DVPit on Twitter! She fell in love with my PB and is now shopping it. The experience is wonderful and reminds me of when I went ziplining in Costa Rica. I was terrified of heights, but wanted to set a strong example for our kids, so I went for it! On every turn, there was a moment when I would slow down in the middle and it felt like I was suspended in space, but I always made it to the landing. That’s what it feels like to have an agent submitting my work - exhilarating and scary, but one I ultimately trust and signed up for, so why not go for it??

AD: Yes, it can be a scary new part of the journey but it's amazing to have someone else in your corner who can champion your work! Congrats on finding your match and best of luck with your stories that are out on submission!

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

LT: I spent the first part of my career in the performing arts and what I loved most about it was the craft of creating characters and sharing stories. I’ve always worked to support my creative life and have been in marketing, communications, and public relations, most currently helping to support a small charter school in Longmont, Colorado.

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

LT: I love the grandparent/grandchild dynamic. Having only known one of my grandparents and not during her best time (she was ill with dementia), I have always longed for that intergenerational relationship. I also love to focus on the immigrant experience and what it is like to be Jewish in a small town, all of which are my own experiences. I’m the daughter of two immigrants and both grew up in a small(ish) town with a small Jewish community, and have raised our three daughters in a similar environment.

AD: I totally relate to this. I never knew either of my grandfathers as they died before I was born. I loved spending time with my grandmothers and miss them dearly. I wish I took time to talk to them more about their life experiences. My mother's side is Jewish as well. I would've loved to learn more about their lineage and immigration story, too. It's beautiful that you've been able to capture your personal history and memories in your stories.

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?

LT: My years in theater certainly prepared me for the long game that the world of publishing can be, as well as how to deal with rejection. The biggest challenge is breaking through to the first book deal! A great teacher once told me that every rejection is one step closer to publication and I don’t take it personally when a work is passed on. I’m not saying it doesn’t sting, but I believe in my writing and continue onward. I also find that if I’m shopping a full manuscript, working on new projects keeps me balanced in the present moment.

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?

LT: Showing up to the work on the bad days, when I’d much rather be watching home improvement shows, or playing with our dog. I don’t really think of myself in terms of accomplishments - my life is really beautiful, from a long and passionate marriage, to three amazing kids, to good health, and living close to nature. Getting books published and into the hands of kids will be amazing and kind of like a cherry on top of an already delicious sundae.

AD: Yes! I love that comparison! Totally like a cherry on top of a sundae! A very, very yummy sundae :)

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

LT: I write with humor and heart. I’m not afraid to go deep into the emotion of a moment, a relationship, or a situation AND I love to laugh, or find the humor in even dark moments.

AD: What inspires your work?

LT: My dad, who escaped Nazi Europe at 16, lost his mother, youngest brother, and was separated from most of his siblings for decades. Despite this, he built a life filled with hope and determination and taught me to appreciate who I have in my life, not the material things - although he liked those, too. My kids inspire me and our world inspires me, again, even with so much pain and suffering.

AD: Wow! What an amazing story, Lisa! Your father sounds like an incredible man. It takes a lot of courage to continue to look for hope and positivity after experiencing such dark and difficult times. I see where you get your own courage to "go deep" from.

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

LT: Most mornings, I wake up at 5:30 am, feed the dog and make my coffee. I plop down on the recliner in the den and just start pecking away at the keyboard. I guess you could call me a pantser, but I think that term gets a bad rap - I like to consider myself an intuitive, empathic writer and love to enter into the emotional layering of a story. I keep a notebook by me to scribble down all the ideas that pop up. I find when I’m writing, the creative energy keeps flowing and I don’t want to be distracted, but I also want to find a way to honor those other beautiful ideas. When I get stuck, I take a walk, a hot shower, do yoga, move my body. I try to not get stressed about it because life is stressful enough as it is and I want to create from a place of mindful relaxation and joy. That’s why I love writing in the morning because my mind is softer - the day and all that goes with it hasn’t taken over.

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

LT: Reading, reading, reading! Being an active member of SCBWI, specifically our Rocky Mountain Chapter. Taking workshops and learning from others. I was lucky enough to go to The Highlights Foundation a few years ago and cannot wait to go back. I definitely believe in investing in my craft and budget every year for conferences, workshops, etc. I also joined a small critique group, which is a blast!

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

LT: Trust your voice and let it emerge! Reach out and connect with other writers and illustrators. One of my dearest writing pals is someone I sat next down next to at a conference three years ago and we started talking and haven’t stopped! Get involved in your local SBCWI chapter and join a critique group. Writing is a lonely art and the support and connection make it easier to bear!

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

LT: Thank you for asking!
Website: www.lisatrank.com
Twitter: @ltrank
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lisatrankauthor
IG: @lisatrankwriter

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

PURCHASE 30,000 STITCHES!

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