Mysterious Galaxy Books hosted a reading/signing of my creative nonfiction picture book, I AM SMOKE.
Acclaimed middle grade author Chris Baron graciously “interviewed” me about my book. My faithful hound Iroh also showed great interest in the book. A good time was had by all.
With many of us stuck at home with young kids, my publisher Familius asked me to make a video of my Alice in Wonderland prequel picture book, ALICE’S MAGIC GARDEN.
In this imaginative prequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice finds herself at a gray, dreary boarding school that is decidedly up the rabbit hole. From the relentless clocks to the beastly students, Alice’s world is void of color and cheer–until Alice finds a secret garden and begins tending its wilting inhabitants. When Alice’s love touches an ordinary caterpillar, a lory bird, and a white rabbit, magical things will happen–and that, as you know, is just the beginning of the story. Filled with literary allusions and clever nods to its classic roots, Alice’s Magic Garden is a delightful prequel that beckons an escape to the whimsy of Wonderland.
Click on the image below to watch the video. You can order signed copies through the BOOKS page on this website or your local independent bookstore. Enjoy!
With many of us stuck at home with young kids, Schiffer Publishing asked me to make a video of my picture book about bullying inside the refrigerator, GOOD EGG & BAD APPLE.
Not all the foods in the refrigerator get along like peas in a pod. The vegetables are steamed, and Bad Apple and Second Banana are the problem. Good Egg suggests his friends try different responses to these two bullies. They try hiding, then standing their ground. At first, Good Egg’s tactics don’t bear fruit. Only by using his noodle does Good Egg avoid getting scrambled and save his friends’ bacon. In this story told on two levels, young readers will be entertained by the hijinks of the anthropomorphic food characters and will appreciate the allegory about not letting one bad apple spoil the bunch. Adult readers are served plenty of food for thought with hilarious gastronomical idioms and puns. An author’s note explaining all the wordplay adds English language educational opportunities.
Click on the image below to watch the video. You can order signed copies through the BOOKS page on this website or your local independent bookstore. Enjoy!
Want to participate in Picture Book Critique Fest 2019? Do you write or illustrate picture books? This MASSIVE one-time picture book critique giveaway celebration is for you! They have 35 picture book critiques to giveaway!
The vision for this event is to celebrate the critique and revision process and to help build the KidLit community. It is hoped that actual, living, breathing books will be birthed out of this process.
The festival is happening October 3rd-25th. The deadline to enter the raffle will be October 25th 9AM CST. 35 winners will be randomly selected and then “paired with their person” based on information provided on the registration form. Winners will be announced the evening of October 25th on Twitter, Facebook, and on a Picture Book Spotlight blog post.
Want more info on how it all came together and why it’s happening? Go to PBSpotlight.com!
Here are the industry professionals who’ll be providing the critiques:
Heather Macht is the author of THE ANT FARM ESCAPE! (Pelican, 2019), REX THE…WE-DON’T-KNOW (Pelican, 2019) and YOU MAY JUST BE A DINOSAUR (Pelican, 2015). Macht has a degree in Fine Arts, is an active member of the SCBWI, and is the Assistant Administrator, the Newsletter Coordinator, and a volunteer judge for Rate Your Story. She loves spending her Saturday’s in bookstores or in libraries with friends. Macht’s happily married and currently resides in Florida next door to a quiet beach. When she’s not writing, Macht enjoys painting, reading poetry, and watching scary movies with her husband and children.
For what age audience do you write?
Thanks so much for having me! I mainly write picture books for children, ages 3-8. Two of my picture books, YOU MAY JUST BE A DINOSAUR and THE ANT FARM ESCAPE! are also STEM book with fun science facts woven in. The best part about that is I’ve even had some adults come up to me and tell me how they learned something new from reading my books. Mission accomplished!
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book, THE ANT FARM ESCAPE!, follows a group of worker ants who, unbeknownst to them at first, are trapped inside a young girl’s ant farm. After digging tunnels and setting up a home, these tough ants soon devise a new plan to break free and head outdoors! Also, a lot of people don’t know that worker ants (the ants that do all the tough work, food-finding, and heavy lifting in an ant colony) are ALL female! The Ant Farm Escape! is filled with STEM facts about ants and shines a positive light on that fact, showing young readers just how tough girl power truly is.
Henry: Do the male ants just hang out and eat snacks?
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
I hope readers have a lot of fun reading it – that’s always the most important thing to me, and what I always take to mind first, when writing a new book. The book has a lot of humor and fun scenes throughout, so it should bring giggles and smiles to the faces of its readers! Also, I hope everyone reading learns a lot more about this amazing matriarchal species – I’ve learned a lot myself when researching about ants and writing this book.
Henry: I’m filled with ANTicipation!
What aspect of writing do you find most challenging?
For my STEM books, it’s most challenging finding a completely original and clever way to “trick” my readers into having fun. I first want to make sure I’m telling an interesting story that would stand alone without STEM facts. Once I have that down, then I start adding the STEM facts that tie in with the story. While it’s definitely challenging making sure everything is original and matches up appropriately, it’s definitely rewarding.
Henry: YES! Fiction is the melted cheese to nonfiction’s broccoli.
What is a powerful lesson you’ve learned from being a writer?
Not giving up. I’ve had tons of rejections (hundreds) that span across the course of 18 years! It takes a lot to dust yourself off an keep going after being told “NO” that many times. Here’s something to keep in mind: if you get a rejection it doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer, it doesn’t mean your idea is lousy, a lot of times it just means you may not have found the right agent, publisher, or market for your story. Keep trying!
Henry: Word.
What has been a memorable experience that you never would have had if you had not been a writer?
I will never forget this moment: I was at an event, selling books, and a young girl stood in line waiting patiently for me to get done talking with the adult in front of her. When he finished and left, I started talking to the young girl. To my surprise she told me she already had my book, YOU MAY JUST BE A DINOSAUR – it was her favorite, in fact! She said she went to my book launch party, wanted to tell me how much she loves my book, and how she wants to be a paleontologist when she grows up.
Feedback like that means the world to me. I may not be on the “bestsellers” list, but that’s just as good in my book!
Henry: Exactly. It’s not like we’re doing it for fame and fortune.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
I wish I would have known about critique groups when first starting out. If you’re an aspiring author, and don’t have a critique group, GET ONE! I’m currently a part of two amazing critique groups, and they are so beneficial in helping me get my manuscripts in perfect shape before submitting.
Henry: Absolutely
Do you have any favorite quotes?
Yes, I live in poems! One of my favorite quotes is the ENTIRE poem: Listen to the MUSTN’TS by Shel Silverstein:
Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
Listen to the DON’TS
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT’S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be
And, since I’m an art major, I’ll quote my favorite artist while I’m at it:
For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
-Vincent Van Gogh
Do you have any strange rituals that you observe when you work?
Does shoosh-ing my kids and husband count? 😉
Henry: The judges rule yes, yes it does.
In all seriousness, before I start a new book I like to spend an hour or so reading books. They could be my favorite picture books or new ones in the bookstore, but I look for inspiration first in the existing…then new inspiration usually flows.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be to NOT be afraid of dangerous sea creatures. Seriously, I love the idea of swimming in the ocean…but I loathe the idea of being surrounded by creatures that could bite me. So, yeah, swimming in the ocean is sadly a NO from me.
Henry: I can’t imagine why.
If you could have three authors over for dinner, who would it be?
I would love to have Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, and Shel Silverstein over for dinner. Could you imagine the poetry they’d recite?
What is your favorite creature that exists only in literature?
I’d have to say Maurice Sendak’s Wild Things. How amazing would it be to spend a night causing a ruckus with them?
Henry: Best. Answer. Ever.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I really enjoy cooking super-spicy pad thai, baking rum cakes, watching scary movies with my husband and kids, and looking for seashells on the beach.
Henry: Do you like drinking pina coladas and getting caught in the rain?
What would you like it to say on your tombstone?
Ha, I’d love it to read: “Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me.” I mean, of course I’d want an Emily Dickinson poem on my tombstone!
Where can readers find your work?
My books are available in brick and mortar stores, libraries, on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com, and on my website at http://www.heathermacht.com. Thanks so much for having me!
Henry: Thanks for visiting with us, Heather.
Dian Curtis Regan is the author of more than 60 books for young readers, ranging from picture books to YA novels. Her books have received many honors, including Best Books for Young Adults, Children’s Choice Awards, Junior Library Guild selections, Los Angeles Times Recommended Book, and New York Public Library’s Best Books. Space Boy and the Space Pirate was a 2017 finalist for the Colorado Book Award, and the winner of a 2017 Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. Space Boy and the Snow Monster is brand new this fall. Dian lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
For what age audience do you write?
My books range from board books and picture books to young adult novels, and anthology stories. Mostly I write humor, although I’ve published fantasy, mysteries, and even a tall tale.
Tell us about your latest book.
SPACE BOY AND THE SPACE PIRATE, the second picture book in a trilogy, was a 2017 finalist for the Colorado Book Award, winner of a 2017 Crystal Kite Award from SCBWI, and the one book chosen by Colorado Humanities and the Colorado State Library Association to represent the state at this year’s National Book Festival in Washington D.C.
The third book, SPACE BOY AND THE SNOW MONSTER, was published a few days ago. The trilogy has been picked up by the international Space Foundation as “certified imagination products.” I am honored!
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
I hope readers get caught up in the fast-paced adventure when Niko’s imagination turns a cardboard box into a spaceship which blasts off to other worlds with his loyal crew: Tag, his dog, and Radar, his robot copilot. To quote Kirkus: “Intergalactic derring-do–and home in time for supper.”
Henry: “…and it was still hot.”
What aspect of writing do you find most challenging?
After publishing books in all genres, I can say that each book, from idea to finished product, is extremely challenging. No, it doesn’t get easier with each book. Plus, the shorter the text, the more difficult it is to get it right.
Henry: Coming up with the idea, deciding the manuscript is ready to submit, and everything in between.
What is a powerful lesson you’ve learned from being a writer?
To be conscious of where my time goes each day. It’s easy to waste hours on social media, but writing is a solitary endeavor. You have to turn off the noise. I have a sign in my office that says, “What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.” That is sobering enough to get me into the chair.
Henry: That is a great, mindful quote.
What has been a memorable experience that you never would have had if you had not been a writer?
When I lived in Venezuela, I wrote three anthology stories completely different from anything I’d ever written. I’d been suddenly thrown into a totally different dynamic from living in the USA. But I’m proud of the stories. They would not have been written if I hadn’t moved to South America. ( SHATTERED—Knopf, SOUL SEARCHING—S&S, and FIRST CROSSING—Candlewick)
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Never send out a project too early. Stories need time to “steep.” Put it aside for a couple of weeks—or months. Your “undermind” will continue to work on it. When you pick it up again, you’ll be amazed at how many changes you’ll make.
Also, be aware of language. Rise above worn out descriptions, characters, and what my friends and I call “word pockets.” How can you say or show something better and more creatively?
When editors say they receive 50,000 manuscripts a year, it’s up to you to give them something they’ve never seen before. Something that makes them sit up and keep reading. It may take years to get your project to that place. Take the time.
Henry: That said, one must strike a balance between innovative and so far out that editors won’t take the risk.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
“When it comes to disciplining yourself to write, guilt is very useful.” — Susan Meyers, author
Henry: Also “Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.” – Roy L. Smith
Do you have any strange rituals that you observe when you work?
I do a lot of “circling” before I settle in to work. Is that strange? When asked the same question, Ernest Hemingway said, “First, I defrost the refrigerator.” I can relate to that.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Time travel. What a great way to do primary source research. Or, imagine sitting with Margaret Wise Brown and her writer friends as they discussed one of her works in progress called Goodnight Moon…….
Henry: Also, a great way to never miss a writing deadline!
If you could have three authors over for dinner, who would it be?
C.S. Lewis (because NARNIA), Lloyd Alexander (I met him once and tried to tell him he’s the reason I am a writer, but instead, I burst into tears), and Lucy Maud Montgomery (because ANNE OF GREEN GABLES).
Henry: I assume dinner would include crunchings and munchings.
What is your favorite creature that exists only in literature?
Right now, I’m rather fond of Radar, the toy robot in Space Boy. At the beginning and end of the stories, he’s a small stuffed toy, but as the adventures begin, he grows tall and becomes an equal crew member alongside Niko and Tag–fighting battles and overcoming enemies.
Henry: Robots can make interesting characters. I just sold a picture book with a robot protagonist, TWO PIRATES + A ROBOT. It’s Firefly meets The Giving Tree.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Besides reading? Last year, we bought an RV. It’s a great way to travel—with the dog and cat. However, I do keep working while my husband drives. Other than that, my high school friends and I have started having our own adventures. We’ve been to Europe, Alaska, New York, the Caribbean, Nova Scotia, and even a visit to the Anne of Green Gables house on Prince Edward Island.
What would you like it to (accurately) say on your tombstone?
Visit diancurtisregan.com!
Henry: Best. Answer. Ever.
Where can readers find your work?
The Space Boy books should be available at any bookstore or online. Since I’m often asked for autographed copies of various titles, my new website is set up to take orders here: http://diancurtisregan.com/product/autographed-books/
To learn more, and to download a curriculum guide, visit diancurtisregan.com and spaceboybooks.com.
Henry: Thanks for spending time with us, Dian.
Vanessa Brantley Newton was born during the Civil Rights movement, and attended school in Newark, NJ. Being part of a diverse, tight-knit community during such turbulent times, Vanessa learned the importance of acceptance and empowerment in shaping a young person’s life. When she read SNOWY DAY by Ezra Jack Keats, it was the first time she saw herself in a children’s book. It was a defining moment in her life, and has made her into the artist she is today. As an illustrator, she includes children of all ethnic backgrounds in her stories and artwork. She wants all children to see their unique experiences reflected in the books they read, so they can feel the same sense of empowerment and recognition she experienced as a young reader.
For what age audience do you write?
I create for ages 3-8 for picture books and then 8-12 for middle grade.
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is happily called, GRANDMA’S PURSE, written and illustrated by me. It’s been a while. The book is with Random House Publishing and due out in Jan 2018. All about a little girl who finds goodies in her grandmothers purse.
Henry: Grandmas are also known for hiding tissues in their sleeves.
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
Simply the love and relationship of grandchild and grandparent, and that we can find out a lot about a person from what they carry with them.
Henry: So true!
What aspect of illustrating and writing do you find most challenging?
It’s always been the sketching for me. Layout out a book is so very frustrating to me. Each time feels like the first, and I approach each book like it’s the first one. Yeah I know I’ve done it a couple of times, LOL!! I really don’t know why, but it’s a little difficult to wrap my head around it. I think that I over-think it too much, and the need to please OTHERS can really rattle me a bit.
As far as writing is concerned, I am dyslexic and it makes it really difficult to come to an empty page and fill it with words. I don’t spell very well and my vocab is very simple, if you will. Not a really deep one, LOL! I have my own way of expressing myself, and as a dyslexic person I have to do it in a way that makes sense to me first. I love to write poems and sing. Music helps me to tell my stories. I also learn through rhyme. Once I get something, it sticks and I am able to use it however I need. This is how most children with dyslexia learn. I really don’t consider myself a writer, but more of a storyteller.
Henry: And a hugger!
What is a powerful lesson you’ve learned from being a writer?
That we have to power to tell children stories that can uplift, scare, inspire, provoke empathy, cause them to see their beautiful selves, and to be creative — and that is a pretty power, but even more powerful, NEVER EVER LET ANYONE SPEAK FOR YOU!
What has been a memorable experience that you never would have had if you had not been a writer?
Just recently, a book that was pulled by Scholastic called, A BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON. Honestly, one of the most painful experiences of my career in children’s books. No one ever wants to be censored or have their book pulled, but this is what happened, and while it was painful, there was so much that I learned from the experience. I found my own voice and my own stories. We often like to give our characters adversity, but we will have none of it in our own very real lives. The fact is, we love adversity and hard times and frustrations put on to our characters. It’s the stuff that good books are made of. But in order to give your character that kind of magic that makes your readers care and feel about the character, you have to sometimes experience your own trials and tribulations as well. How did you come through the very hard stuff? The whole debacle made me turn in and go really deep. While very painful, much like baring a child. Nobody likes the labor pains, but holding the child makes it worth the while, and that is what this book did for me. I doubt that people would have even heard of Vanessa Brantley-Newton if this didn’t take place. Truly what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger for the journey ahead. It’s time to get busy telling children of color and children period, a different type of story. Stories that give them life.
Henry: You persisted!
What advice would you offer aspiring authors and illustrators?
Hone your talent. Really be willing to stretch yourself and put yourself in a real teachable environment. Learn all that you can from watching other illustrators and reading other authors works – people that have made it. What do you love about their creative flow? Compile that information in a notebook or sketch book. Try adding it to your work. I never had the chance to meet Erza Jack Keats, but I was student of his wonderful work. I put it in front of me and tried to copy as much as I could without copying LOL! I studied his line and how he laid out his books. Still studying him today along with Mary Blair and Fiep Westendorp and a host of others. DO YOU! You bring something special to the creative table that nobody else brings! Stop comparing your beautiful self to other people! They can’t do what you do, and you can’t do what they do. We are looking to see what you are going to share with the world.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
“Thoughts become things, so get busy thinking right thoughts and watch what happens.”
Henry: Nice. I like the related: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Do you have any strange rituals that you observe when you work?
I don’t know if this is a really strange ritual, but seriously music and comedy in my office and lots of dancing heightens the frequency and creative flow. Every single day. Live, Love, Laugh!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Oh this is one of my favorite questions ever!!!!! Okay I would like the power of Manifestation. The ability to make it so! To think about something and see it manifest before my eyes.
Henry: I’m gonna’ manifest myself some pizza and beer right now.
If you could have three authors over for dinner, who would it be?
Langston Hughes because he makes me feel. Maya Angelo because she allows me to see me. Ezra Jack Keats because he’d cause me to do both.
Henry: But, I come in a close fourth, right? 🙂
What is your favorite creature that exists only in literature?
Venus because she was love and beauty.
Henry: Congratulations. You are the first author to answer that question with a goddess.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Sing Jazz and cook and laugh, laugh, laugh!
What would you like it to say on your tombstone?
Here lies a woman who loved God and loved people and they all felt it.
Henry: Anyone who meets you feels it! 🙂
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
Vanessabrantleynewton.com
Henry: Thanks for spending time with us. I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa. She’s a hugger!
Benson Shum enjoys creating and telling stories through animation and illustration. He has worked in the animation industry for seventeen years with various studios including, Sony Pictures Imageworks, DHX Media, Rainmaker, Atomic Cartoons, Bardel Entertainment and Sesame Workshop. Benson is also an Animator at the Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios, where he was a part of such films as Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia and Moana. His inspiration comes from his love of children’s book illustrations, and observation of the little things in life. I met Benson at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
For what age audience do you write?
I like to write picture books for young readers. No specific genres. If I find something inspiring, I’ll try to write something about that!
Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is HOLLY’S DAY AT THE POOL with Disney-Hyperion. It’s about a little Hippo called Holly, and how she overcomes her fear of the water.
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
I hope the readers take away that we all can be brave even when we are scared. We can find the courage within.
Henry: Ah, my LITTLE RED CUTTLEFISH has the same theme.
What aspect of writing or illustrating do you find most challenging?
What I find most challenging when writing or illustrating is when I can’t quite find the story-telling pose for the character, or find the right words to describe a situation. But when you do find it, it’s really satisfying.
What is a powerful lesson you’ve learned from being a writer/illustrator?
That’s a hard one. The most powerful lesson I’ve learned from this book is actually after the book was done and seeing how the kids reacted. Whether through your illustrations or words, to see how a child reacts or attaches themselves to the characters you create is pretty amazing.
Henry: Yup, that’s the money shot.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors or illustrators?
I would say try to create a story with one drawing. If you can, then you are half way there. A drawing can say a thousand words.
Henry: I’m only an author. Thanks for nothing, Benson! 🙂
Do you have any favorite quotes?
I heard this quote from my teacher a long time again. He said KISS – Keep it simple stupid. I try to apply to my work whether when I’m animating at Disney or writing and illustrating. I think it’s a great idea! Haha. Simplicity is key.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
If I could have one superpower, it would be to fly! so I can travel the world! Haha
Henry: Free airfare, and very green!
If you could have three authors over for dinner, who would it be?
I would love to sit down with JK Rowling, Quentin Blake and Mary Blair. I probably wouldn’t say anything, as I’ll be super nervous, haha, but would love to hear their story and process.
Henry: Wow, some unusual choices. Wikipedia helpfully offers:
“Sir Quentin Saxby Blake, CBE, FCSD, FRSL, RDI is an English cartoonist, illustrator and children’s writer. He may be known best for illustrating books written by Roald Dahl. For his lasting contribution as a children’s illustrator he won the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2002, the highest recognition available to creators of children’s books. From 1999 to 2001 he was the inaugural British Children’s Laureate. He is a patron of the Association of Illustrators.
Mary Blair, born Mary Robinson, was an American artist who was prominent in producing art and animation for The Walt Disney Company, drawing concept art for such films as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Song of the South and Cinderella. Blair also created character designs for enduring attractions such as Disneyland’s It’s a Small World, the fiesta scene in El Rio del Tiempo in the Mexico pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, and an enormous mosaic inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Several of her illustrated children’s books from the 1950s remain in print, such as I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss. Blair was inducted into the prestigious group of Disney Legends in 1991.”
What is your favorite creature that exists only in literature?
Mermaids would be one my favorite creatures. The idea of a person and a fish, is pretty incredible. There is a whole other world in the ocean that we don’t know about and I find that fascinating!
Henry: Mermaids aren’t real!? Thanks for nothing, Benson! 🙂
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to paint, sketch, hang out with friends and watch mindless TV!
Where can readers find your work?
At my website, http://www.bensonshum.com, or on Instagram/Twitter: @bshum79
Henry: Thanks for spending time with us, Benson.
Jean Reagan is an award-winning picture book author from Salt Lake City, Utah. Her “HOW TO” series which started with HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDPA and HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDMA (illustrated by Lee Wildish), regularly makes the NYT Bestseller and the Indie Bestseller lists.
Jean’s first book, ALWAYS MY BROTHER (illustrated by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill), a story about sibling loss, was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award.
Each summer she and her husband serve as wilderness volunteer rangers in Grand Teton National Park, living without electricity or running water. If you ever visit the Tetons, stop by her cabin for a cup of tea!
Henry: but apparently you must bring your own water…
For what age audience do you write?
I write picture books for ages 2 to 8. Many picture book authors aspire to write for older kids or to illustrate their own books. Not me! I absolutely lack those talents.
Henry: I can barely draw stick figures. As I’m still honing my writing, the thought of climbing the learning curve on illustrating is just too daunting for me. As Dirty Harry says, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Tell us about your latest book.
In HOW TO RAISE A MOM, two siblings share tips and tricks on raising a happy, healthy mom. The tongue-and-cheek role reversal offers a humorous take on daily routines.
HOW TO GET A TEACHER READY is out in early July. In the same instructional style, a class of students takes the readers through a fun and busy school year.
What do you hope readers will get from reading that book?
Lots of giggles. Also—especially in this digital age where everyone is plugged in—I hope to create opportunities for real connections between kids and their adults. So, between all the wild and crazy fun, I sprinkle tender moments.
Our son passed away eleven years ago, and I make a point of including a little bit of him in everything I write. Tapping his tenderness helps keep my silliness grounded.
Henry: So sorry for your loss. It’s wonderful that he gets to be in your writing.
What aspect of writing do you find most challenging?
I love brainstorming. I love revising. Everything between is challenging. And sadly, critique buddies and editors are primarily helpful with brainstorming and revising. I struggle alone with the remaining 95%. In fact, with each book I hit a stage where I yell, “It’s hopeless! Impossible!” I call this my I-might-as-well-do-dishes-because-at-least-I-know-how-to-do-dishes phase.
Henry: Um, isn’t WRITING what’s between brainstorming and revising? 🙂 Still, the dishes ain’t gonna’ wash themselves.
What has been a memorable experience that you never would have had if you had not been a writer?
Questions and comments from kids blow me away.
At one book launch, the first question was, “Have you ever ridden an elephant?” Of course, my book had NOTHING to do with elephants, but I loved it! There’s no other profession where after a presentation you’re asked cool questions like that.
Or another time at a school I brainstormed with kids for ideas for my MOM book. When I solicited suggestions to cheer up a tired or sick mom, a second-grader who had a full-time aide blurted out, “I’d tell her how amazing the world is!” Wow!
Henry: I HAVE ridden an elephant, but I’ve never been asked that question, darnit!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
I’ll skip the practical advice like: join SCBWI, start a critique group, enter writing contests, submit to magazines, and Read! Read! Read!
My advice?
Channel your inner worrywart. What weaknesses do you hide from others? What vulnerabilities did you feel as a kid? What fears did you have? Your answers will lead to stories that foster courage, gentleness, and kindness. Add a dose of humor to keep things light. If you’ve never been a worrywart, I have no advice. Sorry.
Give yourself a time limit. After I’d received 200 rejections and I was ready to quit, my husband suggested, “Give it two more years.” This “deadline” motivated me in two ways: 1. “Yay! I don’t have to keep chasing this crazy dream forever! I only have to endure the pain for two years!” And, 2. “Whoa! I only have two years. I better crank up my efforts and grab every opportunity!” P.S. I sold my first manuscript before the deadline. Phew.
Henry: Indeed, writing is not for the indefatigable nor the thin-skinned.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
When I felt deeply discouraged as I opened three rejection letters, all addressed to “Dear Author,” my son said to me, “But, Mom. They’re calling you author.” This quote kept me motivated, especially after he died.
Henry: You’re my first interviewee to quote their child. Way to find the silver lining!
Do you have any strange rituals that you observe when you work?
I stay in my pajamas because it keeps me working instead of running errands or playing in my garden.
Another ritual is I read CALVIN AND HOBBES when my enthusiasm for a project wanes. I totally count that as work time.
Henry: I’d also treat your CALVIN AND HOBBES purchases as tax deductible research.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
My summer gig keeps me hiking and canoeing every day for three months. I rarely write at all during that time. The rest of the year I try to squeeze in hikes when I can.
Henry: It’s a rare author who can write and canoe simultaneously. Plus the laptop gets soaked.
Where can readers find your work?
My books are available wherever books are sold. Personally I support Indie bookstores!
If you’d like to learn more about me, my books, or my summer job as a volunteer park ranger, visit http://www.jeanreagan.com. I’m on Facebook and Twitter, as JeanReaganBooks. Or stop by the Leigh Lake patrol cabin in Grand Teton National Park. (BTW, I’m not on Wikipedia, but our cabin is!)
Henry: I had the pleasure of meeting Jean at the 2017 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Thank you for spending time with us Jean.
My sons and I had a great time attending WonderCon yesterday.
We had beautiful SoCal weather.
Comic conventions always boast entertaining food trucks.
A well-designed Gen. Grievous costume from Star Wars.
With author/illustrator Will Terry at his booth.
With NY Times bestseller and Caldecott honoree, John Rocco.
I moderated a rock star KidLit author/illustrator panel with Joe Cepeda, Stacia Deutsch, Eliza Wheeler, John Rocco and Marla Frazee.
Signing books after the panel, next to Caldecott honorees John Rocco and Marla Frazee (looking like the cat that ate the canary)
henryherz.com 