Thursday, December 7, 2023

Our Stories, Our Legacy

Growing up as a refugee child, I struggled with navigating two worlds—my Vietnamese upbringing and my new life in the United States. I found comfort, safety, and joy between the pages of books. Stories have a way of connecting us and our humanity. Stories build bridges between cultures and foster compassion. Writing stories has empowered me to remember the goodness in our world, honor my heritage, and fulfill my purpose of showing all children that their experiences matter. Our narratives may be uniquely ours, but the themes in our stories are universal and the emotions our words evoke unite us. It has been wonderful getting to know Hà Đinh and Kerisa Greene whose heartwarming stories help readers see themselves between the pages of books and celebrate their culture. 
Hanh: Please share the inspiration for your book. How long did it take from the first draft to publication? What is something you want readers to know about Where Wildflowers Grow?   
Hà: Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story with you! I have been carrying this story in my heart since I left the Philippines Refugee Processing Center at 5 years old. The memories, the friendships, and the hope that I experienced there at the refugee camp stayed with me all of these years, and I knew that one day I would honor this special place in my own way. It took almost three years from the time I wrote the first draft of the release of Where Wildflowers Grow. I hope that readers who have moved and had to say goodbye to their friends and loved ones can relate to Hà’s emotional struggles and finding hope in the future. I also hope that readers who are not familiar with the plight of refugees around the world gain more understanding and empathy for those who are forced to relocate to find a better life for themselves and their families. 
Hanh: Please share a bit about your creative journey and what has been most rewarding to you? What is the most helpful advice you’ve ever gotten on your writing or publishing journey?
Hà: I have been so incredibly lucky and blessed to have met so many supportive friends along the way who have been and continue to be my mentors, advisors, critique partners, and allies in the writing community to help elevate my writing and voice. Seeing children reading my story and finding themselves in it or being able to relate to Hà or wanting more information on refugees have been the most rewarding part of writing for me. The most helpful advice that I have received is to hone into the small moments in my stories to make them more impactful and relatable for the reader. I honestly live for the small moments in my life, so this advice resonates with me so much. 
Hanh: When did you know that you wanted to become a writer? How did your own childhood and lived experiences influence your stories? Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share with us? 
Hà: I have always been drawn to stories based on real life events as a child, so I knew that I wanted to write stories based on different aspects of my life. I write best when the stories are from my lived experiences because I am able to draw from my own memories and emotions. My next work that is also inspired by my life and it is lovingly titled The Jade Bracelet, which is based on a jade bracelet that my late mom gifted me as a child. This picture book will be published 2025 with Random House Studio. 
Hanh: Please share the inspiration for your book. How long did it take from the first draft to publication? What is something you want readers to know about I Am Both
Kerisa: I Am Both is the story of my mother and her family leaving Saigon on the last flight out during the war. I started the first draft in early 2021 and the book doesn’t come out until April 2024, so about three years! I wrote this story to share my family’s incredible journey in hopes that it will be a comfort to any child who has moved somewhere new — to the readers, I want you to know that home is in the foods that comfort you, love is anywhere your family is, and you my dear, belong. 
Hanh: What challenges have you faced on your creative journey and how did you overcome them? What has been most rewarding? What is the most helpful advice you’ve ever gotten on your writing or publishing journey? 
Kerisa: As an author and illustrator, I’ve struggled with balancing writing new stories and improving my craft as an artist. Honestly, I still struggle with it, but now I put less pressure on myself and focus only on creating for the joy of it. Going through this publishing journey with an incredible support system has been so rewarding. Everyone from my critique partners, agent, editors, and art directors have been so kind and encouraging. The most helpful piece of advice that I often think about is that “the ones who make it are the ones who don’t give up.” So, whether you are just starting out, in the querying trenches, or out on sub — don’t give up, your time will come! 
Hanh: When did you know that you wanted to become a writer and an artist? How did your own childhood and lived experiences influence your stories? Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share with us?
Kerisa: I’ve been told that as a child I drew and wrote stories all the time, so I suppose becoming an author-illustrator was inevitable! I’ve always loved storytelling and reading so being able to share inspiring stories, my culture, and spread joy through books is a dream come true. Yes, I am just now wrapping up final art for my new book Legendary Cakes: A Story of Tết, the Vietnamese New Year that will be coming out January 2025. The book is about two young siblings who learn the legend behind making bánh chưng during Tết and celebrate their culture through food, tradition, and storytelling. 
Thank you, and Kerisa for sharing with us your creative journey. Your stories are ones I wished I would have had when I was a child. I am excited to see all of your books out in the world and in the hands of kids! 
~~~ 

Inspired by her first teacher at the refugee camp, Hanh Bui pursued a master’s degree in early childhood education and taught second grade. Hanh’s commitment to celebrating her heritage includes giving presentations at school visits about her refugee experience to children studying immigration as part of their school curriculum. She serves as co-chair of the Equity and Inclusion Team for the Mid-Atlantic region of SCBWI. She is a member of Diverse Verse and has been featured in Highlights for Children magazine and Next Avenue. She is the author of The Yellow Áo Dài, April 2023 and Ánh's New Word, May 2024 (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan).

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Two Options for the SCBWI Winter Conference - In-Person and Virtual!

 


The In-Person conference 
Come and be inspired by renowned authors and illustrators, learn about the state of the children's book publishing industry from panels of agents, editors and art directors, dive deep into your craft with TWO three-hour Creative Labs, and get your work in front of industry professionals! 

The Virtual conference
Can't make it to the In-Person Winter Conference in New York City? Join us at this online event featuring the recorded keynotes and panels from the New York Conference, a choice of three deep-dive Creative Labs, a live marketing pitch-off with the opportunity to win money to market your book PLUS networking and peer critique opportunities! Video recordings of all the Virtual Conference sessions will be made available to attendees for 30 days after the event under RESOURCES.

We hope you'll join us for one of these! 

Illustrate, Translate, and Write On,
Lee

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Interview with the members of PB Soar24

 Written by Leah Moser & the members of PB Soar24



From Left to right, Top to bottom:
Kealani Netane, Steena Hernandez, Meghana Narayan, Leah Moser
Ana Velez, Faith Kazmi, Jackie Morera, Arlene Abundis, Dara Henry
Laura Bower, Megan Woodward, Melissa Trempe, Kristi Mahoney

I connected with these fabulous debut authors/illustrators on social media. Together, we formed PB Soar24 - a promotional marketing group with traditionally published picture books coming out in 2024. 

To learn more about these creators, read below and follow us on Twitter/X and Instagram!

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Name: Leah Moser

Debut Picture Book: I Am a Thundercloud illustrated by Marie Hermansson

Publisher/Release Date: Running Press Kids/Hachette, April 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Empathetic

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? Connecting with authors in the same writing stage has been incredibly valuable. We are going through these next steps together for the first time. We have a build in support system and promote each other's work. I've loved getting to know these smart and creative people!

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
My Red, White, and Blue by Alana Tyson illustrated by London Ladd. It was beautifully written and powerful.

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Name: Meghana Narayan

Debut Picture Book: A Little Bit of Everything illustrated by Michelle Carlos

Publisher/Release Date: Sleeping Bear Press, March 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Lyrical

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
I joined my debut group for community. Writing can be so solitary, and my writing always becomes stronger when there are more eyes and fingerprints on my work. There is also so much about the world of publishing that can feel elusive, if not completely foreign. Having others in your corner who you feel comfortable asking all the "silly" questions to can make this journey a lot easier. We all know how hard it's been to get to this point, so it only makes sense to extend a hand to the creator next to you. I have found almost everyone in the "kid lit" world to be generous, genuine, and kind. 

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
Who Am I? Written by Julie Buchholtz, illustrated by Aliya Ghare

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Name: Megan Woodward

Debut Picture Book: This Book is Definitely Not Cursed illustrated by Risa Rodil

Publisher/Release Date: Simon and Schuster, June 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Funny

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
It helps us learn from each other and provides a natural extended network of support and promotion. I also believe that just chatting with others who are going through similar experiences and who are similarly clueless is beneficial for mental health. (It’s comforting to know I’m not the only doofus.) And then there’s all the FREE CARS! 
*That was a joke. There are no free cars. Not even toy ones.

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
Fish and Crab written by Marianna Coppo

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Name: Jackie Morera

Debut Picture Book: Abuelo's Flower Shop illustrated by Deise Lino

Publisher/Release Date: Beaming Books, June 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Sincere

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
Promo groups are an excellent way to build community at any stage of your writing career, but especially as a debut when every step of the process is a discovery. It's nice to have people to venture out into the dark with!

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
I recently read Santiago's Dinosaurious by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, and it was equal parts beautiful, educational, and inspiring.

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Name: Steena Hernandez

Debut Picture Book: Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers illustrated by Melissa Castillo

Publisher/Release Date: Beaming Books, October 2024


Link to Preorder: Coming Soon

Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Hopeful

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
As a debut author, a promo group has been invaluable to a successful start in my publication journey, from helping navigate marketing, interviews, book tours/events, and even making friends along the way.

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
A favorite picture book that I read recently is Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez and illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz- a compelling fantastical story paving the way for Latinas in STEM books.

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Name: Ana Velez - author and illustrator

Debut Picture Book: The Three Little Guinea Pigs and the Andean Fox 

Publisher/Release Date: Page Street Publisher, August 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Accidental

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
We can accomplish more as a community, share tips we learn along the way, and support each other.

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
I laughed reading Good News Bad News by author/illustrator Jeff Mack. He cleverly uses the 4 words in the title to tell the whole story.

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Name:
Laura Bower

Debut Picture Book: The Imposter illustrated by Kerisa Greene 

Publisher/Release Date: Gnome Road Publishing, March 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Dreamer

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
I think that promo groups are invaluable and am so thankful to be part of PB Soar. As a debut author, there are so many questions that arise and it has been so helpful to bounce ideas off of each other, discuss strategies, get tips and resources from a group of authors that know exactly what you are going through and are working towards the same goal!

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
Becoming Charley by Kelly Dipucchio

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Name: Dara Henry

Debut Picture Book: Hanukkah Pajamakkahs illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov

Publisher/Release Date: Sourcebooks Kids, September 2024


Link to Preorder: Coming Soon

Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Persistent

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
Being a debut author is incredibly exciting, but it’s also a little scary. There is so much to learn about the publishing industry, and promotional groups are helpful, especially for debut authors, because everyone in the group is going through the publishing process for the first time. Group members understand the writing journey, offer support, and work together as a team throughout the months leading up to publication. These groups become valuable resources and act as a network, helping to spread the word about publishing news, marketing efforts, and even boost visibility online. Additionally, promotional groups are a fantastic way to build lasting relationships and create valuable friendships with other authors.

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
There are so many wonderful picture books out there, it’s really hard to name just one, but recently I read: Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide by Abi Cushman. This book is a favorite because not only is it kid-friendly and funny, but it’s also jam-packed with facts that kids (and adults) will want to know about wombats. With comic panels, silly dialogue, and adorable characters, Wombats Are Pretty Weird was a hit in my house. 

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Name: Kristi Mahoney

Debut Picture Book: Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

Publisher/Release Date: Gnome Road Publishing, Fall 2024


Link to Preorder: Coming Soon

Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Optimist

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
Promo groups are often initially formed to provide added reach and exposure of your debut book. But I’ve found the very best part is the wonderful people you get to know from all over the country in the same stage of their writing journey.

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
I love THE LOUD LIBRARIAN by Jenna Beatrice and Erika Lynne Jones. It’s wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated, and the ending is uniquely untraditional for picture book standards.

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Name: 
Faith Kazmi

Debut Picture Book: Box of Dreams illustrated by Christine Almeda

Publisher/Release Date: HarperCollins, May 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Heartfelt

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
It's a great way to meet and learn from others in a similar stage in your writing career and share best practices for how to get the word out. Also, it's another incredible support network, and you can never have too many writing friends. 

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
Dear Mr. G, by Christine Evans and Gracey Zhang

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Name: Melissa Trempe

Debut Picture Book: Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space coauthored by Dr. Natalia Ojeda and illustrated by Manuela Montoya

Publisher/Release Date: Margaret K. McElderry (Simon & Schuster), April 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Persistent

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
Being a part of a debut group has so many benefits. First and foremost, you are there to help promote each other’s books, and the network of ten is mightier than the network of one! We all know the writing world is full of rejection and can feel lonely, so the more author friends you have in your corner, the better. At times you can take the lead in your group and help others, and when life is overwhelming, you can also step back and lean on your group for help.

Perhaps one of the best parts is the peer pressure. Hear me out! I would happily crawl under a pile of blankets and pray to the book gods that my debut be an instant success. Unfortunately, that’s not how marketing works, and my group is a great motivator to get moving! When I hear how other authors are being brave and reaching out to schools, libraries, and bookstores, it’s much easier to stop putting off that intimidating to-do list.

All debut authors are new to the publishing game, and finding fellowship with other debut’s is a life saver! I’m so grateful for my group, PB Soar 24, and I can’t wait to cheer each author on as our books come into the world!

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 

Splash! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change by Elisa Boxer and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. A beautiful written biography about a woman who fought through the pain of polio to become an Olympic gold medal swimmer, and bring women equal rights.

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Name: Arlene Abundis

Debut Picture Book: Into the Mighty Sea illustrated by Cynthia Alonso 

Publisher/Release Date: HarperCollins Children, June 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Evocative

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
I believe promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author because it builds support and community. Launching a book requires marketing and publicity strategies which can simultaneously be exhilarating and daunting, so having a team of authors in the same journey, coming together, is pivotal. You learn together while promoting each other’s books and expanding more as a collective.

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
A favorite picture book I recently read was Every Night at Midnight by Peter Cheong. A lone werewolf who prowls at night by himself, finds friendship and his pack in the most unexpected way. 

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Name: Kealani Netane

Debut Picture Book: Tala Learns to Siva illustrated by Dung Ho 

Publisher/Release Date: Scholastic, May 2024



Describe yourself as a writer in ONE word: Overthinker

Why do you think promo groups are successful and helpful as a debut author? 
Promo groups are helpful as a debut author because we are all venturing into the unknown together. Our collective knowledge of the publishing industry makes debut life so much easier. We have people to turn to when we are unsure about something. For instance, my editor’s assistant recently let me know that she was sending a sample of my book. Before joining a debut group, I didn’t even know that publishers send book samples, but two people in my group already received their samples so I had an inkling of what to do with my sample. 

What's your favorite picture book you've read recently? 
I loved GRUMPY NEW YEAR by Katrina Moore. It’s the sequel to GRANDPA GRUMPS. Daisy is visiting her grandpa in China and she’s so excited that she doesn’t sleep, which leads to her grumpiness. She must find a way to feel better so she can enjoy the New Year celebrations. I love how Katrina Moore captures the perspective of a child. Daisy is so relatable.


About the Author

Leah Moser is a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book author. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, three children, and dog. 


Leah is a member of the SCBWI community, 12x12 PB challenge, multiple picture book critique groups, PB Soar 24 (a promotional marketing group of authors debuting in 2024), and is a judge for Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words contest. 


Additionally, Leah has recently launched her own freelance picture book editing company to help other writers! To work with Leah or learn about her available services, click here.



Leah is represented by Daniel Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency. Her debut picture book titled I Am a Thundercloud, illustrated by Marie Hermansson, will be released in April 2024 by Running Press Kids/Hachette.  PREORDER HERE!


Connect with Leah and follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Bluesky.


Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Indigenous Reads Rising - a New Resource Celebrating Indigenous Children’s and Teen Literature from We Need Diverse Books

screen shot of home page of the Indigenous Reads Rising website

Indigenous Reads Rising is a excellent new hub of book lists (spanning picture books, middle grade, and young adult readers), resources (for teachers/librarians/readers and writers), and even includes a state-by-state list of resources! The website is “a celebration of Indigenous children’s literature of Native Nations, centering those within the United States and Canada.”

As they explain on the Indigenous Reads Rising's about page:

Less than 2 percent of children’s books published in the United States depict characters from Native, First Nations, and Indigenous communities, according to the 2019 statistics compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin. But the needle is moving. Every year, more stories are published by Native writers and illustrators, reflecting their cultures, Nations, and lived experiences, which is why we created Indigenous Reads Rising—to provide a resource where teachers, librarians, and readers can embrace these books.

While this site was founded with teachers and librarians in mind, every reader is welcome to explore our resources and book lists. Indigenous Reads Rising includes a variety of best practices articles and where to find more books by Native authors and illustrators, as well as extensive book lists organized by age category and topic. We also provide resources for Native writers and illustrators interested in honing their craft and applying for grants and mentorships.

Thanks to the team at We Need Diverse Books for creating Indigenous Reads Rising and maintaining it -- this is one to bookmark!

Illustrate, Translate, and Write On,
Lee

Thursday, November 23, 2023

More Ups Than Downs (plus a sneak peek!)

Written by Leah Moser

I was thinking about my road to publication the other day. 

A line from one of my favorite picture books, I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, kept popping into my head: 

I wish you more ups than downs.




Isn’t that what we all wish for on this writing journey? The ups are so exciting - literal dreams coming true. And the downs can be so deflating, defeating, and depressing. 


Here's a glimpse into my own UP/DOWN moments:


UP - I write a manuscript


DOWN - My critique group has many edits and think it's a good “start”


UP - I rewrite my story, and it’s much stronger now!


UP - I want to query an agent


DOWN - An agent needs multiple manuscripts?


UP - Okay, I’m motivated. Let’s get writing! I got this!


DOWN - Is eight minutes an actual record to get an agent rejection?


DOWN - Why does my spreadsheet have so many red marks on it?


UP - OMG - An agent is interested in my work


UP - I SIGN WITH AN AGENT! (Shoutout to Daniel Cramer/Page Literary Agency)


DOWN - What do you mean an editor passes? I’m agented. Is that allowed?


DOWN - More no’s? How is this possible?


UP - A MAYBE from a publisher?! This is the best day EVER!


UP - A YES! AHHHHH! You bet I'll sign that contract.


DOWN - What? My book comes out in April 2024? But (checks calendar)... it’s only 2022?


Anyway, you get my point. This picture book writing business isn't for the faint of heart. The ups, the downs, the waiting… ugh, so much waiting. 


But finally, it’s happening.



Without further ado, let me present a sneak peek spread from my debut picture book, I AM A THUNDERCLOUD (Running Press Kids, April 2024).


                                                               Property of Running Press Kids, 2024


This is one of my biggest UPs yet. 


To see my words, Marie Hermansson’s art, and the entire Running Press Team’s vision come together is such a surreal feeling. As a writer, I don’t see the pictures as clearly in my head. But when I saw this, I shouted “YES - that’s it!” The colors, the emotion, the design...



*chef kiss*

Trust me, the DOWNS are still present, and there will be many more down the line (pun intended). But once in a while, you get an UP


Embrace and celebrate the UPs, even the little ones: a strong draft, a champagne rejection, a publisher’s yes, a word choice that fits perfectly, or an agent asking for more work.


For all of you reading this, I wish you all more ups than downs on this writing adventure.



About the Author

Leah Moser is a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book author. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, three children, and dog. 


Leah is a member of the SCBWI community, 12x12 PB challenge, multiple picture book critique groups, PB Soar 24 (a promotional marketing group of authors debuting in 2024), and is a judge for Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words contest. 


Additionally, Leah has recently launched her own freelance picture book editing company to help other writers! To work with Leah or learn about her available services, click here.



Leah is represented by Daniel Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency. Her debut picture book titled I Am a Thundercloud, illustrated by Marie Hermansson, will be released in April 2024 by Running Press Kids/Hachette.  PREORDER HERE!


Connect with Leah and follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Bluesky.