Special guest | Mindy Baker Books

I recently became acquainted with a fabulous group of writers. We all have one thing in common. We are 2018 debut picture book authors. We have a new website that promotes our books. You can find all of us at: Fireworks and Foliage Debut Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

One if the authors is Katy Farber. Her book, SALAMANDER SKY released this week. I’m thrilled for her accomplishment, and wanted to take a moment to interview her and get the inside scoop. Her book looks fascinating!

Here is the link where you can order SALAMANDER SKY online:

Order SALAMANDER SKY on Amazon

Katy, thanks for stopping by! I’m so glad you could join me today to talk about your new book, SALAMANDER SKY. If you don’t mind, let’s get right to the questions!

It seems like you have a true passion for nature. Have you always had this passion, or was there a life experience that caused it to exist and/or grow?

I remember visiting my grandmother and wading up the stream behind her house. I loved the way the mud felt between my toes, and discovering growing tadpoles among the mossy rocks. But I also remember my parents calling me in from the creek, saying, that water is polluted! The pipe above stream is pumping in waste! I was outraged in my 8 year old body. I wrote a series if tiny books about that creek, a local river, and a giant teddy bear that was missing an eye. Turns out, the bear saves the creek and river from pollution.

The tree behind my house was my world away from everything. I would take my pillow up into the giant tree and read, draw and daydream for hours. These memories fueled the kind of writing I do today.

I can see how the wading experience would leave quite an impression on you as a young child. I love that you were a writer even from a young age. I’m also fascinated by the giant tree–that seems like something out of a book. Every child should have a tree like that! I know I would’ve loved one.

My next question is… what inspired the story Salamander Sky?

Salamander Sky was a poem I wrote when considering the brief, magical, and fleeting migration events on the dirt road in front of my house. I had always loved searching for salamanders and frogs in the spring, and had been helping them cross safely for years. Then I had my daughters, and I knew I wanted to share this with them. We have gone out and helped the salamanders and frogs cross since they could stay up late enough to join me. I thought about how I could inspire kids and families to head out into the rainy nights and experience the magic themselves, and I wrote this story.

But really, the inspiration started long before that, when I found my first newt in a Pennsylvania creek and found it fascinating and beautiful.

That sounds like a really fun parent-child adventure! For those of us who have not ever experienced a salamander crossing, can you describe the experience more in-depth? What is the highlight of experiencing it? If you go out to try this, what should you bring? What should you wear?

The highlight for me is when the light from your flashlight falls on a tiny, vulnerable creature, and you go to it, carefully pick up, visit for a moment, and release it safely. You see the tiny toes, the round eyes, the long tail. There is a deep connection, a feeling of purpose and warmth in knowing that you helped this creature survive.

You should wear all your rain gear, rain books, a reflective vest, and a headlamp. If your children are very young, a bucket helps for placing the animals in gently for the crossing. You should wear a ball cap so water doesn’t drip into your eyes, and prepare to get wet! It is all part of the experience. You are also teaching your children to not be afraid of the night and dark. Of course, be on the constant lookout for cars and have a plan for moving to the side of the road immediately if one is coming, no matter what.

I think I found the next thing to put on my bucket list. Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing! My next question is in regards to those who read SALAMANDER SKY. What take-away do you hope your readers gain from your book?

I hope that readers take away an awareness of the importance of salamanders to forest ecology and the biodiversity of our world, and how they can participate in citizen science to help vulnerable populations of different species. I hope readers fall in love with the salamanders like I have, and vow to protect nature in all the ways they can. I also hope we inspire more girls to become scientists and activists.

I love your answer! I hope they they gain those take-aways, too! I am also curious, who is your illustrator?

I feel so lucky to have Meg Sodano’s incredibly beautiful and moving illustrations in this book. They extend and deepen the story, they inspire, they transport, and they so clearly teach about the spotted salamander species, and April and her mom’s experience and joy in helping them.

Let’s get practical. I’m sure you have a few writing tips and techniques up your sleeve that could really help beginning writers. Would you mind sharing some advice?

Write with reckless abandon. Explore your world through words, write about what bothers you, how you think the world should be, whatever is in your mind. Silence your inner critic and anyone else who limits your ideas. Bring a journal with you everywhere– capture ideas and your thoughts before they move on.

Those are some excellent words of wisdom. And, I just have to ask…do you have any other future works to promote?

I have two other works in various phases right now, but I would love to share about my middle grade eco-adventure novel published in 2015 called The Order of the Trees (Green Writers Press). Cedar was found as a baby under an old growth tree in the northern Vermont woods. She’s as different from the other kids as she could be. Cedar finds her first friend, Phillip, and shares her forest home with him. When Cedar suddenly falls ill Phillip has to figure out why and fast– before he loses her forever.

I learned something new about you today. I didn’t know that you are also a middle grade author. That is so wonderful. A big congratulations on your 2015 eco-adventure novel, and now, with this debut picture book. SALAMANDER SKY looks very fascinating! I wish you all the best. Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with me today!

Katy Farber website

Katy Farber is a writer, researcher and educator from Vermont. She has loved and defended salamanders since standing in a Pennsylvania creek at the age of ten. Salamander Sky is her first picture book. Her other book for children is a middle grade novel called The Order of the Trees, which won Green Earth Honor book award in 2015. She also writes about education, the environment, parenting and sustainability for various websites and publications.

Book Review and Author Interviews

Author interview with Rebecca J. Gomez

January 20, 2018February 17, 2019 admin

I’m thrilled to welcome children’s book author Rebecca J. Gomez to my blog today. Rebecca is the author of WHAT ABOUT MOOSE (Atheneum 2015) and HANSEL AND GRETAL: NINJA CHICKS (Putnam 2016).

Rebecca, thank you so much for being willing to join us and answer a few questions. I can’t wait to hear the inside scoop on your writing.

Let’s get to the questions!

First, I see that you have a writing partner, Corey Rosen Schwartz. How did you get started working together? How do you collaborate together to create a manuscript? Do you still write together?

Corey and I met in 2005 when we were members of the same online critique group. Corey liked working with a partner, and she asked me if I would consider collaborating. I said yes, and we have been writing together ever since!

We do a lot of brainstorming together. Once we hit on an idea that appeals to both of us, we open a document on Google drive and just start writing! For the most part, we write together from beginning to end, but we occasionally separate if we get stuck or if our visions aren’t completely meshing.

Technology makes that possible–so fascinating. That must involve a lot of mutual trust and respect. Your collaborations have definitely produced some wonderful books!

I wanted to ask you about rhyme and rhythm. Your book WHAT ABOUT MOOSE demonstrates that you have a wonderful flair for rhyme and rhythm. Do you have any “tips” for authors who are trying to hone their skills at rhyming?

Thank you! I think one thing that makes my and Corey’s rhyme really work is that we live in different parts of the country, so what rhymes for me doesn’t always rhyme for her. We have to work extra hard to make sure the rhymes “work.” This is true for the rhythm too. I think authors who write on their own can learn from that. So one piece of advice is to find a variety of readers, especially readers who talk a little differently than you, to see how well your work flows for them.

I also suggest reading a lot of rhyming books and taking note of what works and what doesn’t. Rhyming well is hard work, so don’t do it if you’re not willing to commit. In truth, no rhyming book will be perfect for every reader, but it’s worth the effort to make it as smooth as it can be.

I never considered the different ways of pronouncing English, and I’m even a language teacher. Great advice!

Next, I noticed that you are working on a middle grade fantasy novel. How is the technique for picture book writing different for you than when you are writing a longer manuscript? Which you do you prefer and why?

In some ways it’s very similar. When I write, whether it is a short picture book or a novel, I tend to focus on getting the story down and not worrying about good writing. Then I let the draft sit before reading through it to tackle revisions. For a picture book, I leave it for a few days or a week. For a novel, I leave it for a few weeks at least.

But writing a picture book, especially a rhyming picture book, is generally harder than writing a novel. I think that’s because there is so much story to fit into so few words. When I’m writing a novel, I feel like I have so much room to work with, so much of the story and characters that I can explore. There’s a sense of freedom that I don’t have when writing a picture book. But I love the unique challenge that writing a picture book presents. A well-written picture book is one of life’s best things.

That said, my favorite thing to write is the verse novel. It combines the conciseness of a picture book with the freedom of a novel. It’s the best of both worlds!

Now I really respect you! (I have to admit I googled verse novel) A verse novel sounds very complicated. I admire the skill it would take to do that!

The next question comes from your social media presence. You seem to have a heart for parent-child connection through reading. I notice you offer a free ebook, “How to SUPERCHARGE your story time,” and I see that you tweet regularly highlighting activities that parents can do with their children after reading a story. What advice do you have for parents in today’s world of technology when it comes to reading with their children? Why do you feel it is so important?

Books and reading played a significant roll in my childhood. Though I don’t have a lot of specific memories of reading with my parents, poetry, stories, and books are woven in to my childhood memories. I remember books being around, especially Dr. Seuss and Shell Silverstein, and I can still hear my mother’s voice reading The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service. And I remember my mother telling me about her favorites and recommending some of them to me as I got older.

There are lots of reasons to read with your children, not the least of which is that it helps establish a foundation for learning. But to me, the best reason to read with your kids is because of the way it helps you connect with them. Sharing a story is like sharing an experience that opens doors to discussions and even more experiences! That’s the thought behind my Read, Discuss, Do! social media campaign. When you read with your child, discuss the story with them, and do a fun activity together, you are creating fond memories, building a foundation for learning, and creating connections that will last a lifetime.

My advice to parents is to read with their children every day, even before their children are born. I also think it’s important to make “story time” as pleasant as possible. Some kids are always willing to curl up with their mom or dad for a story. Other kids want to go, go, go! So, work with your kid. Read to them while they’re busy playing with blocks or splashing in the tub. Read to them at bed time or on the road. Don’t stop just because they get old enough to read on their own. Talk about the books you read together, and the books your kids read on their own. Draw pictures, act out stories, make the recipes at the ends of books! You can check out #ReadDiscussDo on Facebook and Twitter for more simple ideas.

I also think it’s important to delay your children’s access to electronic devices as long as possible in order to encourage them to seek more healthy options of entertainment. This may seem obvious, but look around at how many parents are letting their toddlers play games on a tablet or phone when they are in public. It’s disheartening. Give your children books instead! (Or let them get bored. It’s good for them.)

I couldn’t agree more! Keep up the great work producing resources for parents! I love the #ReadDiscussDo activities that you suggest!

Finally, I have to ask, what’s next? Do you have any upcoming publications that you can share with us?

Corey and I have a picture book forthcoming with Scholastic titled TWO TOUGH TRUCKS, which will be published some time in 2019, with a sequel to follow. I also have more news that I hope to be able to announce soon. Stay tuned!

WOW! Congratulations! Two truck books on the way AND the promise of an announcement! We will definitely be watching for your good news and celebrate with you!

Click here for Rebecca’s website

Author bio:

Rebecca J. Gomez doesn’t know much about building a tree house, but she is an expert at setting up blanket forts! When she isn’t building forts or writing books, she enjoys reading, making recycled art, and hanging out with her family. She lives in Nebraska with her husband, three kids, two poodles and one parrotlet. Visit her online at RebccaJGomez.com

Once again, Rebecca, thank you very much for taking the time to stop by and chat with me. I learned a lot from your answers and I wish you all the best!

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Jackie Yeager, middle grade debut author of SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHTBULB

November 11, 2017February 17, 2019 admin

Book summary:

An eleven year old and her four teammates (The Crimson Five) discover a world full of spinning bunk beds, floating playgrounds, and an invention task more complex than anything they’d prepared for at home. These kids are on a competitive adventure in a world of magical realism where anything is possible.

Jackie, so glad you can join me today! I can’t wait to hear your answers to my questions.

First off, I love the behind-the-scenes information when it comes to how authors get their inspiration. I have read that you based SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB off of an Odyssey of the Mind Competition in which you were involved. I would love to know, what is the Odyssey of the Mind Competition?

Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving competition. Kids work in teams of 5-7 and are supported by one or more volunteer coaches—usually a parent. They work through the school year on a one of five long term complex problems. On competition day, the team presents their solution to a panel of judges in the form of a skit. That day, they also solve an on-the-spot type verbal, hands on, or verbal/hands on problem that they are not given until they walk into the judging room. The program helps to develop team work and creative problem solving skills and is available in many schools around the country. My kids were lucky that there was a strong Odyssey of the Mind program already in place in their school district.

So your own kids were in this competition and you were the coach?

When my daughter was in fourth grade I coached her team and continued to do so for several years after that. When my son was in fourth grade I began coaching his team as well. The kids had a lot of fun through the years and I did too.

Sounds fun! Can you tell us what happened with that team and how you used it as a springboard for the novel?

In 2011, the first year that my son’s team worked together, they placed first in the regional competition and earned a chance to compete at the New York state competition. It was an amazing experience and the kids were just thrilled to be competing there. In a shocking turn of events, the team placed second at the NY state competition earning them a chance to compete at the World Finals along with 850 other international teams and teams from around the US. It was an amazing experience for all of us—not just for the kids and me but for all of our families too, one I’m sure none of us will ever forget. It was like being at the Olympics of Imagination, with Opening and Closing Ceremonies, parades, and incredible performances by kids from all over the world!

At the time, I had been querying another middle grade novel, without much luck. It was during and after our trip to the World Finals that I realized that this could be the bases for an incredible story. It took me a year after that to formulate an idea, not really an Odyssey of the Mind Story, but a story of five kids who compete in something on a larger than life scale. It eventually became the backdrop for THE CRIMSON FIVE books.

That is fascinating. I am also curious whether there is a scene in the novel that you are most proud of or that was most difficult to write?

There’s a heartbreaking scene between Kia Krumpet (the main character) and her Grandma Kitty that was particularly difficult to write. It’s a scene where I hope to show the moment in a child’s life when he or she realizes that a family member (like a parent or grandparent) is not perfect—that moment when that illusion is shattered. It happens to every child at some point in their life and can be a defining moment for them.

Now you have my interest piqued! I will enjoy reading how you handled that delicate scene.

Is there a takeaway you hope your readers have after reading your book?

I’m all about positive thinking and dreaming big. One of my favorite quotes by Kia Krumpet is, “I know my chances stink, but somebody has to win. I pick me.” That quote is not meant to show that Kia is conceited but rather that her dreams are bigger than her present reality and she’s not afraid of them. I hope if there’s one thing my book will inspire readers to do, it’s to Dream Big!

That is beautiful! The sky is the limit when we dream big! Love it!
When will SPIN THE GOLDEN LIGHT BULB be available for pre-order?

The publication date is January 9, 2018 but it’s available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and also through any independent bookseller on the IndieBound website. Here are the links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Indie Bound

Trailer on Jackie’s website

Finally, I’ve heard that there is a sequel! Is that true? If so, can you share the title of the sequel and its release date?

The sequel to Spin the Golden Light Bulbis Flip the Silver Switch and it’ll be released on July 10, 2018 almost exactly six months later.

Ooh–congrats on the sequel, as well! 2018 is going to be a special year for you. I’m so happy for you! Finally, I’m sure everyone is so curious to know…what happens when you spin the light bulb?

I definitely cannot give that one away. Kia and her teammates would be disqualified from the competition if I did! But…January 9^th is coming fast, so at least you won’t have to wait too long to find out!

Well, I tried 🙂 I can’t wait to read the book and find out!

Thanks for having me on your blog, Mindy. It was fun answering your questions!

You’re welcome! I’m hoping you’ll join me again sometime soon! I want to ask you about some writing tips…

Sure thing!

In the meantime, best wishes on this fabulous book and its sequel!

Author blog: www.swirlandspark.com (Jackie has a BOOK NOOK where she recommends great middle grade fiction, and SCRIBBLE TIPS where she gives helpful writing advice, along with her fabulous blog entries)

Twitter: @JackieYeager

What is Magical Realism? It is realistic fiction that includes an element or two that relies on the reader believing in magic or the possibility that it could happen in the future through science. Jackie’s book is futuristic magical realism relying on the possibility of things being different in the future.

Also on Facebook and Pinterest

About the author:
Jackie has a Masters degree in Education, lives in Rochester, NY with her real life prince charming and two royally amazing teenagers, and would live in a castle if she could. When she is not living in her own fairytale world, she spends time reading, practicing yoga, and cheering for the crew at marathons, triathlons, cross country meets, track meets, and hockey and baseball games. She does a lot of cheering! She is also a former coach of a middle school Odyssey of the Mind team who once upon a time competed at the World Finals. They may or may not have been the inspiration behind the book, and even its sequel.

Book Review and Author Interviews

Interview with Glenys Nellist and Book Review of ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

November 1, 2017February 17, 2019 admin

On Christmas Eve, many families read Dr. Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Now, thanks to Glenys’s beautiful words, they can share the story of Jesus’ birth to the familiar rhythms of an old classic.

In my opinion, Glenys has a natural gift and flair for rhyme and rhythm.
Here is a sample from one of the darling pages:

“Now donkeys, now cows, now pigeons, and sheep,
Now oxen and mice in the manger did peep.
His eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples so sweet,
As they nuzzled his fingers and cute little feet.”

One of my favorite rhymes describes the shepherds:

“They ran to the stable and peeked through the door,
And saw something never imagined before!
There, in a manger, a baby boy lay–
No blankets, no pillow, his bed made of hay.”

It is a wonderful book! If you would like to buy it, here is the link on Amazon:

Link to buy ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas on Amazon

And, as a treat to all of you, Glenys is here today to answer some of my questions.

Hi Glenys, welcome! I’m so glad you could join me on my blog! Let me congratulate you on your newest book (well at least I think it is your newest) ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas. I absolutely love the cover with the three wisemen. But it is the rhyme and content of the words that I admire the most.

But, since I can’t wait anymore to hear your answers to my questions, let’s get started…

First, do you have a process you use in order to tell God’s story in such new and creative ways?

Well before I begin any new project, I pause to ask God to help me and to be with me as I write. Since I believe that God’s creative, Holy Spirit is limitless, and IN all of us, I always pray that God would show me a new, creative way to share the story.

That is beautiful. God definitely answers that prayer! In my opinion, you have a special way with word choice, rhyme, and rhythm. Besides that being a natural gift, is there anything else you have done to improve that skill?

I do three things in particular: Firstly, I pay attention to other writers, such as Crystal Bowman (who is the queen of rhyme), to see how they do it. Secondly, I always read my poems out loud because it helps to see if the words fit and flow. The third thing is that I literally count the syllables on my fingers,to make sure that the rhythm of each verse is consistent and concise.

I can picture the counting on the fingers thing, because I have tried it. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who does this! Another question I have is, Looking back over the last three years as an author, how has God surprised you?

When I look back on the last three years, I am completely and utterly amazed that one little book became a series of four (soon to be five!), which led to another series (Snuggle Time) and more titles beyond that. I can honesty say that although I work hard as a writer, I don’t really know how that happened. The only possible explanation is the principle of Ephesians 3:20 at work in my life: God is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all I could ever ask or imagine.

God has done an immeasurable blessing. And as your friend, I have had a chance to see how genuine you are. I love how your beautiful heart shines through everything you do. I am sure may people reading this are wondering, what advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Pray a lot, work hard, be patient, and NEVER give up.

That sounds like great advice! I do want to know, what is the most rewarding part for you in writing picture books for children?

For me, the most rewarding part is reading my words to them. Children are a great audience! Also, because I’m British, but live in the USA, when I visit schools here to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the British author.” Then, when I visit schools in England to read to the children, their reaction is, “Ooh…it’s the American author!” It is so cute, and a total win-win for me!

I can see how that would be very rewarding. Also, I would love to visit Britain! I have been there before, but I can never get enough travel. And btw, I do love your accent. It is very charming!

My last question is…What’s next? Do you have any new projects that you are able to share with us?

Well EASTER LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD will be on the shelves in January, along with two cute titles for Mother’s and Father’s Day, called GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL and GOD MADE DADDY SPECIAL. I’ll also be making an exciting announcement soon, but I can’t say any more about that at the moment!

Three new books around the corner is so exciting! And I can’t wait for your announcement. Well I guess I will wait, but it will be exciting 🙂 So thrilled for you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I wish you all the best! Thanks, Glenys!

About the author: GLENYS NELLIST was born and raised in a little village in northern England. Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children. Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Glenys Nellist’s Website

Twitter: @Glenys Nellist

Facebook: Glenys Nellist: Author

Book Review and Author Interviews, Writing tips

Interview with Laura Sassi about GOODNIGHT, MANGER and other AUTHOR INSIGHTS

October 4, 2017February 17, 2019 admin

Book Trailer Link

So excited to have Laura Sassi here today to tell us about her holiday-themed title, GOODNIGHT, MANGER.

Laura, thank you so much for joining us! I would love to hear how you came up with the idea for GOODNIGHT, MANGER!

First of all, thanks so much for having me on your blog, Mindy. It’s wonderful to chat with a fellow Zonderkidz author. Christmastime is a favorite season at our house and I love to decorate in anticipation and that what’s led to my moment of inspiration. One the centerpieces of our Christmas decor is a little plastic nativity set. It’s plastic because, when my children were little, I wanted them to be able to interact with the figures and really get a hands-on sense of the story of the birth of Christ. Well, one day, I overheard my daughter playing with the little Baby Jesus. She was gently carrying him around the house saying things like, “Baby Jesus crying. It’s okay, Baby.” As I watched, she gently fed him with an imaginary bottle. Then, she sang him a lullaby until he stopped crying. Finally, she placed him ever so softly back in the manger. Before listening to this tender play, I’d never thought of Baby Jesus as ever crying. After all, we rarely see him crying in the Christmas cards we send and he doesn’t even sniffle in the carols we sing, but he was human (and God) and so he must have cried. And that’s how I got the idea for the story.

What a beautiful image of your sweet daughter. My kids loved to play with our nativity sets, too. I can easily picture them doing things like that even though it has been a few (just a few ha ha) years since they were that little.

2. You seem to have a special way with word choice and rhyme. Are there any techniques you use that help you to choose “just the right word?”

Well, I’ve used this analogy before, but it’s a good one, so I’ll share it again. Writing in verse is a lot like knitting. To flow smoothly and be pleasing to the ear, the piece must have a consistent form both for the rhythm and for the rhyme. My poems and stories in verse tend to follow an AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme and I’ve used a variety of meters. The important thing is not so much which pattern I choose for the rhythm and rhyme, but sticking with it. As with knitting, the fun comes in finding creative ways to express myself within that structure. This is where “choosing just the right word” comes into play. Sometimes, I’ll spend pages and pages, or even a whole notebook, playing with words for a story in progess. And I as think about word choice, I’m thinking about so much more than just the rhyme. Each word I choose must, in its own way, push the story forward – either via plot or character development. I make it a rule never to use a word just because it rhymes. That’s not good enough. It also has to be the best word possible that makes sense for the story. Done right, writing in verse enhances a story – making it extra pleasing to young ears. My technique for this: many, many rounds of revision. =)

Revision is definitely key for any author! I like the idea of selecting the word that not only rhymes but pushes the story forward. Very insightful.

3. I also noticed that you have developed some arts and crafts and extension activities to go along with GOODNIGHT, MANGER. Can you tell us about them?

Oh yes! Reading GOODNIGHT, MANGER is just the beginning – the conversation starter, so to speak, to what the Christmas story is all about – that God sent his son in precious human form, to be the Savior of the world. And that, just like each of us, Jesus, too, was once a baby who felt all the things we feel and who even cried – and what joy this brings to know that He can relate to each and every one of us on this very human level. I have several extension activities perfect for little ones on my blog.

Extension activities (From Laura’s blog)

You can find more ideas at my guest appearance on Noelle Kirchner, The Ministering Mom’s website.

The Ministering Mom’s Website

8 activities to teach little ones about the Nativity

Sounds very helpful for new moms. I loved nurturing my own children along in their faith through activities like this. What wonderful resources. Thanks for sharing them!

4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

In addition to writing daily and being involved in critique group (which I highly recommend), my biggest recommendation for serious writers hoping to publish a book traditionally would be to seek agent representation. I’m convinced that it was that, coupled with many, many hours of writing and improving my craft, that landed me my first book contract. And even with an agent, landing that first contract took well over a year. Especially nowadays, when the competition is so intense and so many of the large publishing houses are closed to un-agented submissions, I think seeking representation of a good agent is crucial. Other than that, my biggest word of advice for aspiring picture book authors is to be patient. Keep honing your craft and don’t be in a rush to send your manuscripts off. Let them settle and then revisit them at regular intervals, allowing them to improve with age.

That’s great advice. It is hard to be patient, but being a writer takes lots of patience!

5. What has been the most rewarding part of publishing children’s books?

This is a hard question, Mindy! It’s rewarding on so many levels. First, it’s just such a joy for me to write. And that in and of itself is a wonderful reward. I’m very easy to please – just give me a pen and a scrap of paper and I’m happy as can be! It’s also a rewarding, yet humbling, feeling to know that the story you wrote so carefully and poured all your heart and soul into, is now out there for children to read and enjoy with their families. I would also add that I am LOVING this post-publication stage where I get to go to schools and libraries and bookstores and share my stories and interact with my readers. I’ve always loved writing and I’ve always loved interacting with kids and now I’m getting to do both.

The photos that I have seen of these events seem wonderful. I hope I can attend one sometime!

6. Finally, what’s next? Are there more picture books in the pipeline?

2018 is an exciting year for me because I have two new books coming out. The first, which releases in March with Sterling Children’s Books, is called DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE, about an opera-loving mouse who wants to help and the diva who thinks she deserves bigger help than a mouse. The second, which releases next December with Zonderkidz, is called LOVE IS KIND, about a little owl who searches for the perfect gift for his beloved grandmother and learns about love along the way. I can’t wait for these to release so I can share them with my readers.

What fantastic news! You must be absolutely thrilled. Congratulations.

Thanks for having me, Mindy! It’s been so lovely. And I do hope that NEXT Christmas – when your book comes out – that you will join me at my blog so we can chat in celebration of your holiday release!

Yes, I would love to join you to share about my book when it comes out NEXT Christmas!!!

It has been wonderful having you visit my blog. I admire and respect your work, and I wish you all the best!

P.S. Laura will be running a Goodreads Giveaway of copy of the hardcover edition of GOODNIGHT, MANGER, signed by both author and illustrator which makes it extra special!

Check back to my blog for the link in the upcoming days…

Bio: Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme. Her picture books include GOODNIGHT, MANGER (Zonderkidz, 2015), GOODNIGHT, ARK (Zonderkidz, 2014), DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE (Sterling, 2018) and LOVE IS KIND (Zonderkidz, 2018). She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and a black Cockapoo named Sophie. She is represented by Lara Perkins of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

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