Rising Stars in KidLit began as a way to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews cast a light on the wonderful work of pre-published or pre-agented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars! For the next several features, we’re collaborating with the hardworking creators of the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program, Kailei Pew and Ebony Lynn Mudd, to highlight the wonderful and talented creators who were selected for the 2022 Mentorship Program. Learn more about the PB Rising Stars Mentorship program HERE. Meet Rising Star Author Jasmine Fang Jasmine Fang is a Asian American civil servant and writer. She was born overseas, grew up in Texas and Southern California, and has worked in Washington D.C. and San Francisco in government and higher education. She led a campus-wide movement “liveKIND”, which became her life mantra. Having worked, studied, and traveled in over 30 countries, she cares about building communities, equity and inclusion, and helping others feel a deep sense of belonging. She is the SCBWI SF South New Member Coordinator. In 2022, Jasmine was selected as a PBRS mentee, SCBWI BIPOC scholarship, and Courage to Create scholarship. She currently lives in San Francisco with her wonderful husband, toddler, and maple tree. Fun facts: she won her first writing contest in 4th grade, wrote poetry since high school (and performed spoken word), and speak 2.5 languages. Not so fun fact: she holds an MBA. Jasmine is currently seeking agent representation. AD: Hi Jasmine! I'm so excited to have you here to kick off this fun KidLit Rising Stars collaboration. Let’s start with your experience in the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program. Can you tell us who your mentor is, what inspired you to apply, and how the program is going/went for you ? JF: First off, thanks so much Amanda for interviewing me! I’m grateful to have been selected for the PBRS mentorship. My mentor is the wonderfully talented Sylvia Chen (Website, Twitter, Goodreads) and her picture book TRICKY CHOPSTICKS is slated to come out 2024. She’s helped me immensely by looking at my stories from different angles and also giving a great bird’s eye view of what’s working or not. Of course, kudos to our PBRS creators extraordinaires, Ebony Mudd and Kailei Pew for all their work towards the program and hosting workshops alongside Jerrold Connors, Justin Colon, and Winsome Bingham. I applied to PBRS to learn more about the industry and connect with other creators. As the mentorship draws to a close, I feel more confident in my pieces and have a deeper understanding of the publishing process. AD: So glad to hear you're walking away more confident in both your work and with navigating the industry. Not surprising considering the all-star line up of mentors :) Alright let’s do a speed round…
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. JF: I grew up reading picture books in Mandarin and getting lost in magical worlds. I’ve always loved reading (memoirs, biographies, poetry, rom coms, picture books) and I started writing poetry in high school for fun. Pre-pandemic, I hosted ‘article clubs’ with a close group of girlfriends and we’d discuss meaningful articles over wine. I also hosted book discussions with my agency’s AAPI affinity group. While those topics are more grown-up, I’ve always had ideas for picture books and was first inspired when a friend of mine self-published a picture book. During the pandemic and my pregnancy, I paused extracurriculars to study and write kidlit. Aside from taking online writing classes to hone my kidlit writing craft, I joined SCBWI and Inked Voices where I met wonderful critique partners. Then there’s Twitter’s supportive kidlit community, where writing contests, mentorships, critique giveaways, and other goodies are shared. And here we are today. AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs? JF: I’ve always had ideas for children's books, though these dreams weren’t pursued until recently. I’ve dedicated most of my career to civil service and higher education (international affairs, leadership development, advising), which has been rewarding and allowed me to see different parts of the world. You can read about my Day in the Life of a Civil Servant (in Quarantine) here. One day, I plan to write a women’s fiction novel and a poetry book. Just putting it out there! AD: Wow! Amazing where our paths can take us. Sounds like no matter where you were or what you were doing, telling stories was always of interest to you. Thank you for sharing the Day in the Life of a Civil Servant post. It was fascinating to read about your daily routine and even gave me a sneak peek into your narrative voice. Also, your home cooked meals looks delicious! Speaking of sneak peeks, can you share what topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in? JF: My strongest pieces are about cultural experiences, family, courage, and kindness. Most of my stories have heart with some humor. Some are #own pieces. I hope to bring forth my identities and create timeless books that kids can relate to. Recently, a friend asked me to write PB stories about my top secret clearance (expired) and all the cool bits. So maybe more of that to come. 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? JF: I haven’t broken into the publishing industry yet! As we were asked not to query during the mentorship program, I plan to start querying later in 2022. My biggest challenge right now is actually taking the plunge into querying. AD: I would beg to differ on that :) Taking the plunge to get your work out there for opportunities such as the PBRS mentorship program takes vulnerability and connecting with people in the industry to build supports and seek guidance is huge! These are all steps towards breaking into the industry and building the foundation that will give you solid ground to stand on once you officially start querying. You are doing it!! On a similar note, 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 creative journey? JF: I’m proud of being selected for this PBRS mentorship program, SCBWI BIPOC scholarship, and Courage to Create scholarship, all which required me to submit pieces of my work. I’m also proud that my family members resonate with my stories. My dad loved two pieces. My husband (professionally published in his industry and often brings me down to earth re writing) gave a few compliments – I’ll take it. AD: Congratulations on all these wonderful accomplishments, Jasmine. It's clear others are recognizing the strengths and specialness of your work but what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you? JF: I’ve been told I have creative story ideas. For many of my stories, I take personal experiences and mold them into a digestible way so others can better understand. AD: What inspires your work? JF: My toddler, nature, and lived experiences. Some of Jasmine's inspirations. Photo Credit: © Jasmine Fang AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck? JF: I read, listen to audiobooks, or go for a jog. Thankfully, we live near plenty of greenery and hiking trails. Inspiration can strike anytime– when I’m reading, on the tennis courts, or on the playground with my son. AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth? JF: Critique partners, support from my mentor and PBRisingStars, the kidlit community, and librarians I’ve befriended. AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives? JF: Plug into the writing community and make sure you have a strong support system! Self-care and prioritizing health is so, so important. I’m working full-time, raising my toddler, managing a side project, and writing. I also find setting incremental goals and living in day-tight compartments helpful. Lastly, give back if you’re able to :) AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? Twitter: @jasmineifang Website: https://jasminefang.wordpress.com/ Linkedin: @jasmineifang Instagram: @jasmineifang AD: Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Jasmine! I appreciate you sharing a bit about yourself, the PB Rising Stars Mentorship and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit blog series We can't wait to read your stories and see where your journey leads you! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Jasmine and her work, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!
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Rising Stars in KidLit began as a way to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews cast a light on the wonderful work of pre-published or pre-agented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars! Today we’re hosting another Spotlight series with author, John Bray, so we can learn all about his path to publication! John has also offered to giveaway a signed copy of THE END plus a bonus activity book to one lucky winner! Make sure to read all the way to THE END (haha!) of the interview for details on how to enter the giveaway. Thanks for your generosity, John! Meet Rising Star Author John Bray! John Bray is an author of books for children and an assortment of other things. He also won a bookmark design contest in second grade. He lives in St. Charles, IL with his son and a rambunctious dog who’s the size of a modest cat. His debut picture book, THE END, illustrated by Josh Cleland releases later this month with Starry Forest Books. John is currently seeking agent representation. Welcome, John and congrats on your upcoming release, THE END! I'm thrilled to have you here to celebrate your debut and chat about your journey! Thank you so much for your generous giveaway, too! Make sure to enter for your chance to win a signed copy of THE END plus a bonus activity book! Details on how to enter at the bottom of the interview. AD: First off, congrats on your debut picture book, THE END, which releases this month with Starry Forest Books. Can you share a bit more about this delightful story? JB: THE END is a slightly meta story about endings, beginnings, and the space between the two. It’s also sort of a mashup between Semisonic’s “Closing Time” (a late 90s classic) and "Little Gidding" by T.S. Eliot (modernist poet and author of everyone's favorite "Prufrock"). More than anything, it's a different, humorous perspective on endings, and I think that's something we could all use from time to time. AD: Yes! What a perfect description! I love how it got me thinking about endings in a whole new light and reminded me that endings are just the beginning of something else with lots of exciting stuff happening in between! Artist, Josh Cleland, perfectly capture the fun and humor in the story, too! Let’s start with a speed round…
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. JB: So much dirt to dish. I’ll give the truncated version. I found my way to children’s books by way of the Young Author’s program in third grade (my book: The ABCs of Origami). That sparked my love for writing, and I’ve been writing ever since. However, between then and now, there was college, a job in marketing that I did not enjoy at all, working as a freelance writer (which I still do and enjoy), raising a son (also still in process), and a slew of other things. But children’s books were always there, either taking shape on the page or in my head. AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs? JB: Yes. But no. I originally went to college with a law focus (English, Pre-law). A series of big life events (so many of them) led me away from that path. In hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened. I’d make a terrible lawyer. But my filing would be impeccable. AD: Funny how we find our way back to our true passions. :) AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in? JB: This is such a difficult question. I think I gravitate toward making the intangible more tangible, but that’s not necessarily a focus. More than anything, I like the idea of telling a story kids want to get lost in in only 32 pages. Something fun. 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? JB: The hardest thing was just putting myself out there. Spending time and energy to create a story I believe in only to have it rejected over and over again. AD: Yes! Being vulnerable as a creator is one of the hardest parts and 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? JB: Editing! I’m a notorious over-writer. Always wordy (which probably comes through in some of these answers). But I’m slowly becoming much better at cutting. Ruthlessly cutting. It’s a lot easier to say “kill your darlings” than it is to actually kill them. AD: I completely relate! AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you? JB: I spend a lot of time focusing not just on the story or the words I use to tell it, but on how those words feel when you say them. How they clump together and flow, either out loud or in your own head. That doesn’t mean unnecessarily big words or onomatopoeias. It’s mostly about how the words fit together. Their relationship and rhythm. I think the experience of reading (or hearing) a book should be as exciting and engaging as the story itself. AD: Yes, the feeling of the words is so important as is reading the story out loud so you can get a sense of this. Thanks for the reminder! AD: What inspires your work? JB: Anything and everything. Usually it’s something fairly random (odd sayings, quirky word combinations, or, as with THE END, song lyrics). And then the other part of that inspiration is time. Letting that little piece of something sit and grow before I try to write my way into a story. It doesn’t always work, but I always learn something along the way. AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck? JB: Running is a big help. When I have nothing to think about but putting one foot in front of the other, it clears my head and makes room for new ideas. I also run in the early morning when it’s quiet, and I think that adds to the experience. But sometimes, you just get stuck and you have to redirect that creative energy. For me, that means baking or drawing or helping my son (who is very mechanically minded and not at all interested in writing so much as a single sentence) solve a problem with one of his many projects. AD: Having a clear mind is so important for creativity and inspiration. Glad you have your outlet with running. Double win that it's a healthy way to clear the mind as well! AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author? JB: Three things: 1) An almost daily practice for 15-20 years. 2) My friend Sue (a 10-year friendship and one of the best things to come out of Twitter), who always helps me get out of my own head so I can move forward with my writing. 3) Parents who supported creativity and the arts as much as they supported math and science. There was no “that doesn’t sound like a financially safe career path” in my house growing up. But, in all honesty, I’ve been surrounded by supportive people from just about every angle, and I’m beyond grateful for their encouragement and belief in me and my work over the years. AD: A support system is huge! It can be a roller coaster so having people who are there for the ride can keep us moving forward and motivated. AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives? JB: Just. Stick. With it. If you have a story to tell — in pictures, words, or both — keep at it. Children want stories. They need them. It’s not an easy or fast road for most people (me included!) but if it’s something you’re passionate about, keep at it and remember that rejections aren’t personal. AD: Right on! I remember a quote (I forget who said it) but it was something along the lines of-the only way you won't succeed is if you give up. I wholeheartedly believe that. Anything is possible if you just stick with it! Alright and finally, where can readers find out more about you and your work? Website: johnbraybooks.com Twitter: @jhnrbry Instagram: @jhnrbry John, thank you so much for joining us for this special Spotlight feature on Rising Stars in KidLit! Congrats again on your debut, THE END. Join John's newsletter HERE to keep up with book news, events, and snag a free book and feel free to drop a comment below to support John and his work. Be sure to also subscribe to the Rising Stars series so you don't miss out on the next Rising Stars in Kidlit feature and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! Speaking of snagging a free book..... Win a signed copy of THE END plus a bonus activity book!! TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: ✅ Follow John & Amanda on Twitter ✅ Retweet this post on Twitter ✅ Tag 3 friends in the comments on Twitter A random winner will be selected to receive a signed copy of THE END plus a bonus activity book! The deadline for this contest is Tuesday, September 13th at 9AM EST. The winner will be contacted on Tuesday, September 13th and announced on Twitter.
Rising Stars in KidLit began as a way to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews cast a light on the wonderful work of pre-published or pre-agented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars! Today we’re hosting a special Spotlight series with author-illustrator, Rebekah Lowell so we can learn all about her path to publication! Rebekah has also offered to giveaway a signed copy of THE ROAD TO AFTER and some book swag to one lucky winner! Make sure to read all the way to the end of the interview for details on how to enter the giveaway. Thanks, Rebekah, yay! Meet Rising Star Author-Illustrator Rebekah Lowell! Rebekah Lowell is an author/illustrator, and surface pattern designer with a passion for the natural world. As a survivor of domestic abuse, she’s found the natural world to be a peaceful healing ground. Her debut novel in verse, THE ROAD TO AFTER, published with Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House on May 10, 2022, and her debut picture book CATCHING FLIGHT, publishes with Doubleday Books for Young Readers in spring 2023. When not in her studio, you can find her outside—birding, gardening, nature journaling, rescuing birds for Avian Haven, and raising butterflies – often with her daughters, who she homeschools. Rebekah has a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Children’s Literature and Illustration from Hollins University. Her artwork has been featured on the Maine Duck Stamp five times and she is also an art educator. She lives with her family in her hometown of Biddeford, Maine. Welcome, Rebekah and congrats on your new release, THE ROAD TO AFTER and your forthcoming title, CATCHING FLIGHT! Rebekah and I met several years back when we were both diving into the wonderful world of children's books so I'm thrilled to have her here to celebrate her successes and chat about her journey! Thank you so much, Rebekah, for your generous giveaway, too! Make sure to enter for your chance to win a signed copy of THE ROAD TO AFTER and book swag! Details on how to enter at the bottom of the interview. AD: Let’s start with a speed round…
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. RL: When I was a senior at The Rhode Island School of Design, I took a class called “Picture and Word.” It was taught by Judy-Sue Goodwin-Sturges and Rebecca Bond. I fell in love with the art form that is the picture book; how words danced with images but didn’t repeat them. I fell in love with writing all over again. I used to write so much as a child, then as an adult, I journaled and took poetry classes while I was at RISD. My creative heart soaked it all in. I always knew I would be an artist, but during that class, I knew I wanted to write and illustrate for children. Just before graduation however, my plans came to a halt as I found myself trapped in an abusive relationship. Professors saw it. Peers saw it, but I didn’t know how to get out of it. It was too much to understand, let alone break free of. I started doubting myself and the abuse took an even stronger hold on my life. Before I knew it, I lost myself completely. Ten years later, I finally escaped. After becoming settled in a safe place, I went back to school at Hollins University and pursued my dream of writing and illustrating for children by earning my dual MFA in Children’s Literature and Illustration. I read A LOT. I learned A LOT. I created A LOT. Wrote and illustrated my novel in verse. (More on this HERE) Wrote and illustrated picture books and pulled a portfolio of work together. I brought my portfolio and projects to Big Sur Cape Cod in the fall of 2017 and workshopped them. In 2018 I brought my illustration portfolio and a picture book dummy to NESCBWI and met with Wendi Gu of Janklow & Nesbit Associates. She offered rep, so I let other agents I had submitted to know, and I ended up receiving other offers that week as well, but ultimately accepted Wendi’s offer. (More on signing with Wendi HERE) Wendi and I went out on submission with my middle grade novel in verse first and it sold less than a year after working together. (This book is now out with Nancy Paulsen Books as THE ROAD TO AFTER.) Shortly after sending that book on submission, my novel in verse (not yet sold) won the Susan P. Bloom Award. Within the week, I received multiple offers, one of which was from Nancy Paulsen! Signing the contract on my first book deal was a momentous event for me. So many emotions welled up and it felt like this career was going to work out after all. At the end of 2020, my first agent and I parted ways, and by January of 2021 I signed with Paige Terlip of Andrea Brown Literary Agency. This was a full circle celebration for me because back in 2014 I met Andrea Brown herself at Hollins and had loved and admired ABLA ever since. I’m so grateful to be at this amazing agency. Just before signing with Paige, I tweeted an illustration that caught the attention of editor Frances Gilbert of Doubleday Books for Young Readers and she asked if I had a picture book that went with it. I had, but it was nonfiction, and she had previously declined (because she doesn’t pub a lot of nonfiction), so I told her I would come up with something for her, and I did, and I sent her a picture of the poem I wrote in my notebook. She asked me to type it up and send it to her, so I did. After signing with Paige, we sold that picture book, now called CATCHING FLIGHT, and it will publish with Doubleday Books for Young Readers in March of 2023. Text revisions are done, interior art is done, and at the time of this post, I’m working on the cover art! What’s next: Other picture books and another novel on sub. Other picture books and a third novel in the works. AD: Wow! You've had quite the journey, Rebekah. It seems like at the heart of it all was finding the strength to never give up and follow your dreams. I'm so glad you persevered and now others will have the opportunity to learn from your writing and art and be inspired to follow their own dreams. It also seems that art and writing have always been a passion of yours. Is that the case? Did you always know you wanted to be an author-illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs? RL: I had considered psychology, art therapy, horticulture, and botany. As a very young child I thought I wanted to be an apothecary or a singer. But all of this was always in addition to being an artist. I always wanted to be an artist. I could draw before I could walk, which I know happens for others too, but I drew A LOT. I painted in oils when I was seven. I sold my first paintings before I was 10 and won my first show ribbon at 14. I’ve always painted and always will. AD: That's impressive that you sold your first work so young!! :) 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? RL: Nature, always. Resiliency, determination, hope. Nature as healer. Middle grade novels in verse. Picture books, also in verse. I guess I’m a poet. I’m a painter and a poet. For picture books, I love working in water-based traditional media like watercolor, gouache, acrylagouache, colored pencils, gel pens, and more. For middle grade, the interior work usually needs to be in grayscale, so there are limitations on materials, but I embrace this. I love using graphite dust and Blackwing pencils on vellum for a rich, layered feeling (a technique I learned from Brian Lies) but I also love painting with black ink. AD: I took a workshop with Brian Lies at one of the NESCBWI conferences, and we practiced the graphite dust technique. It was so much fun. I LOVE how the interiors of THE ROAD TO AFTER turned out. That was a perfect style and material for the story. Themes of nature tend to show up in my work as well. It's always been a constant and there is so much we can learn from it. I love how nature is so evident in all the work you do, from illustrations, to fine art, to surface patterns, you can tell that it's a meaningful part of your life and work. 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? RL: A few things: Keeping hope alive when I was told (by an abusive person) that I would never be published. Over the course of receiving many rejections, I learned how to be thankful for them. Even though a “no” can be disappointing, and it can feel like the sky will never part when you’ve been submitting for years, you wouldn’t want to partner with an editor or agent who isn’t right for your work. Consider feedback, if any, provided with a decline, but only apply it if it resonates with you. I learned to appreciate rejection because I once heard somewhere that “Rejection points you in the right direction.” I fully believe it. I have also celebrated the milestones, big and small. I have fun. I stash chocolate in my studio and will find any excuse to bring my daughters out for ice cream. (Not that I need one, but I do love celebrating all the things.) AD: I love that saying. It's so true! Sometimes it's easy to get lost in all the rejections and 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? RL: Not giving up. Going after it even when I was at my lowest, just having left and still not sure of my footing. Having the belief that one day being published would happen, while I was at my darkest time not even permitted to leave the house. I just kept thinking toward the day, hoping, only the tiniest hope, that it would happen. I read the few books we had to my daughters, over and over, imagining that one day they would be able to hold one made by their mom. Now they can. AD: YES! How special! I remember I heard someone once say, the only way you won't succeed is if you give up. You never gave up and remained hopeful. We have to look for the bright spots in order to keep us forging ahead. In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author/illustrator? What makes your art/writing unique to you? RL: I think I have a story to tell and it’s going to be told over a string of books. Each one, though different will relate to the other to tell a smaller part of a greater whole. The narrative will be all of my projects combined. One book will speak of nature as healer and how to start over (THE ROAD TO AFTER), another book will talk about freedom on the wings of birds (CATCHING FLIGHT), the next are to be determined, but I love the idea that each project will be a different facet of the same stone. AD: What inspires your work? RL: Nature and our human connection to nature; how we interact with the wild spaces around us and what we do to serve the natural world and how it serves us back. AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck? RL: My creative process isn’t much of a literal process. This might be rather disappointing, but I don’t have the opportunity to plan out the perfect workday because I’m also a homeschooling mom, housekeeper, part-time children’s librarian, volunteer bird-rescuer, and because my life is different each day, I don’t have a set routine. I find pockets of time where I can work, and I often bring work to appointments, waiting rooms, and trips. This often leaves me feeling like I work all the time and I’m left wondering what it would be like to have business hours. I struggle with work/life balance. I don’t believe in “inspiration striking” but I am always thinking, and sometimes ideas do come at the oddest times, and I always have a notebook to jot down in. I also use shower notes, and can’t stand doing nothing, so I’m always prepared. For better or for worse, I’m always working on something. I do, however, enjoy winding down by gardening, raising butterflies, taking hot baths, and long walks. It’s my nature to keep busy, but I’m also trying to do better with down time for mental and physical health. It’s a goal, but a work-in-progress like anything. To keep ideas flowing: that is not an issue for me. The issue would be how to make them stop. What do I do when I feel stuck? I go outside and look around, look up, look down. I find wonder. AD: Thank you for your honesty. Work/life balance is such a challenge! It's refreshing to hear that sometimes you just have to fit things in where you can and find pockets of time that work for you. I think most of us can relate to that and feel better knowing we're not alone in that struggle. A work-in-progress, for sure! Speaking of works-in-progress, what sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author-illustrator? RL:
AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives? RL: Find a group of peers, or just a few, who you can share pages and artwork with, but also share joys and sorrows with. There is a way to be professional, but there is also a way to care about one another throughout this process because it’s not easy. When you have a community who can be there for each other, the journey is better. AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work? My website: www.rebekahlowell.com @RebekahLowell on all the socials Rebekah, thank you so much for joining us for this special Spotlight feature on Rising Stars in KidLit! Congrats again on THE ROAD TO AFTER. We look forward to your debut picture book, CATCHING FLIGHT, too! It sure has been fun and inspirational watching you rise AND shine! Thank you for telling your story and for your honesty and vulnerability. So many wonderful nuggets of wisdom for all to learn from. For all the art lovers out there, join Rebekah's newsletter to receive a free art supplies guide! Sign up HERE! And don't miss out on the opportunity to read the opening pages of her book HERE! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Rebekah and her work. Be sure to subscribe to the Rising Stars series so you don't miss out on the next Rising Stars in Kidlit feature and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit! Win a signed copy of THE ROAD TO AFTER plus book swag!!TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: ✅ Follow Rebekah & Amanda on Twitter ✅ Retweet this post on Twitter ✅ Tag 3 friends in the comments on Twitter A random winner will be selected to receive a signed copy of THE ROAD TO AFTER plus some fun book swag! The deadline for this contest is Wednesday, June 8th at 9AM EST. The winner will be contacted on Wednesday, June 8th and announced on Twitter.
Rising Stars in KidLit is back in 2022! Hooray! Rising Stars in KidLit began as a way to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews cast a light on the wonderful work of pre-published or pre-agented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars! Meet Rising Star |
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 family and her rescue pup, Cora. Amanda is represented by Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency. Amanda's award-winning picture book, 30,000 STITCHES is out now with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group! Click here to learn more. |
"I believe that the perfect is the enemy of the good."
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! |
"Anytime I feel stuck, I open a picture book, and the ideas start to flow."
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! |
"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."
"When writing, I keep my younger self in mind. I aim to inspire children from any background to enjoy reading."
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! |
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! |
"My stories focus on love and family, the ones we are born into and the ones we choose for ourselves."
"Notebooks, pens, and Post It’s are my love language."
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 hits stores May 4, 2021 with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group. See below to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of the book |
Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. Amanda is the author of the award-winning picture book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag, Moonlight Memories (summer, 2023) and a yet to be announced forthcoming title. She also has poetry and illustrations featured in The Writers’ Loft Anthology: Friends & Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children. Amanda has over ten years of experience as a classroom teacher and was selected as Massachusetts Secondary Art Educator of the Year. 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 family and her rescue pup, Cora. You can learn more about Amanda at www.amandadavisart.com and on Twitter @amandadavisart and Instagram @amandadavis_art.
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