Interview & Give-away! Carol Baldwin tells the Whole Truth

by Sue Heavenrich

Welcome Back from your Summer Explorations!

This week GROG has invited Carol Baldwin to share her experiences writing a historical novel. Plus we have a book give-away. So read on...

Carol has published articles for children and nonfiction books for adults. This spring her debut YA novel hit bookstore shelves. Half-Truths (Monarch Educational Services,  April 2025) is a historical novel that takes readers back to 1950. The main character is 15-year old Kate Dinsmore, who lives (and works) on her family’s tobacco farm in rural North Carolina. But Kate has dreams of a future far beyond the tobacco fields. She wants to become a journalist, and the editor for the local paper encourages her to follow her dream.

Kate decides that to get to college where she can study journalism, she’ll need the financial support of her wealthy grandparents. So, she crafts a plan to live with them in Charlotte, only to discover that there’s more to high society than going to school and getting good grades. She’s expected to attend lessons in the social graces so she can become a debutante. Meanwhile, and despite their racial differences, she forms a tentative friendship with Lillian, her grandmother’s teenage maid. When Kate discovers an old family photo while exploring her grandmother's attic, she unearths a secret that will not only threaten her friendship with Lillian and her status with her new society friends, but will cause her to question whether she has what it takes to be a true journalist.

This is a perfect book for kids who love stories but say they don’t love history. It’s a story that will get kids thinking (and perhaps talking) about racial discrimination, segregation, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), racial violence, injustice, and societal norms. And, even though Carol started working on this story 18 years ago, it’s a great springboard for discussion about what’s happening in our country at this time. So, I was happy that Carol accepted my invitation to chat on the GROG about her writing…

Me: What inspired this story?

Carol: I give a lot of credit to Joyce Moyer Hostetter for encouraging me to discover a story in my own backyard. [Joyce writes middle grade historical fiction] I live in Charlotte, but I didn’t grow up in the South and I wondered what life was like back before the Civil Rights movement. I started digging for stories, asking questions like: Where were the old plantations and graveyards? Who were the debutante girls of 1950? I wanted to know about the history that is under our streets. Meanwhile, I had this idea in the back of my head that I wanted to write about a girl who moves from a farm to Charlotte and into a higher social class. 

Me: I imagine you did a lot of research to lay the groundwork for this story. 

Carol: One of the reasons it took me 18 years to write this book is that I enjoy meeting people and talking to them. When I started, there was so much I didn’t know so I took myself on a self-guided African American Heritage tour.* I interviewed as many folks as I could, including former debutantes, Korean War veterans, and people who picked tobacco as kids, and many more—about 100 altogether!

*go to http://landmarkscommission.org/local-history/driving-and-walking-tours/ 

then click on "African-American Heritage Tour."

I remember visiting a community center that had been a former Rosenwald school, and looking at photos on the wall. Seeing the people in the photos triggered an idea that the girls could have been related. In my conversation with Vermelle Diamond Ely, we talked about how she knew light-skinned Black girls who had passed. I considered including that as part of Lillian’s story, but ultimately decided against it. 

I was excited to discover that the Blue Willow china that is featured in my book, was a popular pattern at the time. There’s a story painted on the china, and I was able to incorporate that story into my own story. I happen to love stories within stories, and there are several in Half-Truths.

Me: How did you manage to keep focused on your story over all those years?

Carol: I definitely went off track a couple times. At one point I had Lillian’s brother dying from a racially motivated incident. Then I realized that had nothing to do with the heart of my story. I spent two years writing the book from both girls’ points of view per an editor’s suggestion. Although it definitely helped me see my story through Lillian’s eyes, I went back to the original idea of writing it from Kate’s POV. 

As for the research, I wanted to make my story authentic. But that tendency to over-research became part of the problem, and in the end, there were stories that didn’t make it into my book. One thing I did to keep me focused on the kernel of my story was to remind myself that Half-Truths is about the relationship between the two girls, Kate and Lillian. If I were to give writerly advice, it would be this: Research wide, but keep in mind the focus of your story so that readers can say, ‘this book is about ___.’ In my case, the book is about a White girl and a Black girl who discover they are second cousins while coming to grips with who they are as young women in the 1950s.

Me: What’s next for you?

Carol: I’m working on another historical novel set in the late 1800s. It’s the story of Kate’s paternal grandfather who is a glassblower’s apprentice. I’ve already done some research on glassblowing – including a hands-on experience in a workshop in Charlotte. As much as I relish diving into the research, I’ll try to be mindful to stay focused on the story!

You can catch a glimpse of Carol’s new project at her blogpost here (which is where I grabbed this photo!)

Thank you so much, Carol. And now, for everyone who’s managed to stick with us this far, go find a story in your backyard. It might be history … or it might be (like so many of mine) about something in your garden! 

You can find out more about Carol, her books, and workshops on her website, carolbalwinbooks.com

enter the GIVE-AWAY! 

Carol is giving away an autographed copy of Half-Truths to one lucky person. You need to live in the US to be eligible. Simply leave a comment before August 26th to be entered! Make sure you include your name somewhere in the comment if you want to be entered in the drawing. We’re doing the drawing old-school, in a manner that Kate and Lillian would be familiar with: putting names in a hat and drawing a winner. Winner will be announced in the first September post, with instructions on how to claim your book! 

Wolves, and Cats, and Elephants--Oh My! An Interview with Sarah Kurpiel--Giveaway

by Janie Reinart

Welcome the creative and charming author/illustrator, Sarah Kurpiel to the GROG.  

Hello, Sarah. 

Congratulations on your new book baby! Our readers will love finding out how Elephant over comes stage fright and gains confidence. Sarah is generously raffling a copy of her new book, ELEPHANT’S BIG SOLO to one lucky reader! (U.S. only)

1. Who is your agent? 

My co-agents are Allie Levick and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House. They’re both so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I feel lucky to have two such amazing people in my corner.

 

2. How did you get the idea for your story?

It all started with a single line: “Elephant had a way of standing out, even when she’d rather not.” I can’t explain why, but I got really emotional about that line. I read it aloud to myself over and over. Then, the story poured out of me–a very rough draft, at least! ELEPHANT’S BIG SOLO is about an anxious, music-loving elephant pressured to perform a solo on stage. Over time, with editorial guidance from my agents and the book’s editor, the story changed quite a bit. But that first line has always remained the same. What I hope kids take from the story is that there’s more than one way to shine.

3. What is your favorite part of the story?

My favorite page of ELEPHANT’S BIG SOLO is a close-up of Elephant playing her French horn with her eyes closed. It’s just her and her music, alone. It’s a little bit sad but really peaceful too. That’s the thing about some forms of anxiety: it can feel so peaceful to not be seen, but it also means you’re alone. It’s a curious mix of feelings. It can be tough to be nervous, especially when you’re a kid trying lots of things for the first time. I think that’s why that page has always resonated with me. I hope it will resonate with kids too.

 

4. How long did it take to write? Get to a publisher?

I wrote a very rough first draft of ELEPHANT’S BIG SOLO one evening in July 2020 and thumbnailed the story shortly after. I revised for about a month with the help of my agents, who then sent the manuscript and thumbnails over to Martha Mihalick, the wonderful editor of my first two books (LONE WOLF and ORIGINAL CAT, COPY CAT). Fortunately, Martha accepted the story, so I got straight to work sketching out the full dummy. Although the story came together quickly, the ideas and main character had been fermenting in the back of my mind for more than a year. I knew for a long time, for example, that I wanted to make a story about an elephant one day. I love drawing elephants. They’re my favorite animal and always have been. I once drew a picture of an elephant playing a French horn (I liked the way the French horn curled like an elephant’s trunk) and wrote an unfinished story about an indecisive elephant trying to pick one instrument to learn. Those later served as inspiration for ELEPHANT’S BIG SOLO. Looking back, the story had been dancing around in my mind long before I wrote the first draft.

 

5. What is your writing routine?

I don’t write regularly, but I do draw regularly, which I consider an important part of my routine. When I’m itching to start a new story, I usually begin by mining my past doodles for ideas. I love to draw without a plan and without any expectations. It feels like meditation to me. Then, especially in January during Tara Lazar’s awesome Storystorm, I’ll look back at my doodles and ask myself questions like, What do I naturally draw again and again? Could I draw this character a hundred times and never get tired of it? Does this picture have a story? Once I have a loose concept or a very rough draft, I jump straight into thumbnailing because I don’t like to get bogged down by exact words at this stage. Other than designing characters, thumbnailing is my favorite part of the process. It’s so fun to explore layouts and page turns. It also helps me decide if I’m really ready to commit to a story or not. Without fail, new ideas emerge while thumbnailing, which is another reason why I usually leave the exact words until later. Then, I write the manuscript, which is a slow process for me. If I can write outside on a warm summer day, that’s my ideal writing environment. But we can’t control the weather (unfortunately).

6. What is your favorite writing craft book?

That’s a great question! It’s not exactly a “writing craft” book per se, but I recently read Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics. I’m a big fan of graphic narratives, and this book helps me think deeper about how words and pictures can work together to make a story sing.

 

7. What inspires you to write?

Doodling, nature, animals, my funny pets, outer space, the ocean, kids being regular kids, summer, the arctic, StoryStorm, big wide-open spaces, creative books by talented authors and illustrators, webinars (12x12 webinars always put me in a creative mood), and so much more.

8. What are you working on now?

I’m working on a lyrical picture book that’s different from anything I’ve made before. It’s based around a special event that took place in my hometown when I was growing up. I’m excited to share this story with kids one day. I’m also playing around with a funny picture book about a grumpy bird. I’m not yet sure if this story will pan out in the end; not every story does. But it sure is fun exploring this silly character’s antics!

9. Words of advice for writers. 

Read lots of picture books. Read your favorites again and again. Then, write the story only you can write. (I keep that quote on my desk.) And join a critique group if you can. Sharing my WIPs with a small group of trusted authors/illustrators each month has given me the extra push I need to keep drafting and revising.

 

Sarah, thank you for the delightful interview and sharing your thoughts and creative process with us. Readers don't forget to sign up for the chance to win a copy of ELEPHANT'S BIG SOLO.

Sarah Kurpiel is a librarian by day and self-taught picture book author/illustrator by night and weekend. Her stories are inspired by animals, nature, and everyday life. Sarah hopes her work brings a bit of happiness into the world—and a bit of disability representation too. She uses a power wheelchair and considers her disability an important part of her identity.

Website 

Twitter

Instagram

Links to order: 

IndieBound

B&N

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Meet Natalie Rompella, Author of Cookie Cutters & Sled Runners ~ by Eileen Meyer

TAKE FIVE interview and Giveaway 

with author NATALIE ROMPELLA

Natalie talks sled-dog racing, fresh-baked cookies, middle school and more!

Welcome to my first TAKE FIVE interview on the GROG Blog. I hope that you’ll take five minutes to meet the wonderful children’s author, Natalie Rompella, and learn more about her new MG novel, COOKIE CUTTERS AND SLED RUNNERS. If you post a comment in the next week, you’ll be entered in a drawing to receive a free copy of Natalie’s book (shipping limited to US postal addresses).

Eileen: What was the inspiration behind your new middle grade novel, COOKIE CUTTERS AND SLED RUNNERS?    

Natalie: My new love of sled dog racing. I had finished writing a book on sports that began in the U.S. and just learned about it. I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. My character formed herself. I didn’t plan on writing about someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder—that organically happened. As for it taking place in middle school: this was one of my favorite times of my life. I loved sixth grade. I also adore teaching middle graders.

Eileen:  Tell us more about the recipes in the book. Where did they come from? Do you love to bake?

Natalie: I love baking. I started when I was young. My friend, Kate, and I would bake together. The first recipe in the book is based on the Sprinkle-Cake Cookies we came up with in grade school. And the Pad Thai Tuna recipe is one I used to make in high school -- a tuna and peanut butter sandwich. (Yes, it may sound awful, but it’s really good!) I still love baking and altering recipes. It’s fun to see what happens if you tweak something just so.

Eileen: How did you research two important, but very different themes in the novel – obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and sled dog racing?

Natalie: Call it cheating if you wish, but I had done research on both of these topics previously; so part of the research was done and already in my brain. However, writing fiction and non-fiction requires different research. I found this especially true with the sled dog racing. Because the sport was so foreign to me, I wasn’t familiar with the jargon. I joined a Facebook group and made friends with mushers. It was through mushers that I learned the sport vs. from books. 1. There aren’t that many books about the sport; 2. I wanted authentic dialogue from my character who raced and owned sled dogs. Oh, and I also attended sled dog races—both ones in the Midwest (as portrayed in the book) and the Iditarod in Alaska. With the OCD, I had already done research, but I also live with OCD, so many of the character’s thoughts came from what I’ve experienced.

Eileen: Share something surprising that people don’t know about you.

Natalie: I am an insect fanatic. I’ve had pet cicadas, katydids, hissing cockroaches, and praying mantids. Or, for those who already know about my insect obsession, you may not know I was absolutely petrified of insects growing up.

Eileen: Where can readers and fans find you on social media?

Natalie: Connect with me here --

Website: www.natalierompella.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNatalieRompella/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natalierompella  and

Blogs: http://www.natalierompella.com/blog/   I also write for www.fromthemixedupfiles.com

Thank you, Natalie! We’ll announce one lucky winner who’ll receive a complimentary copy of her new book. Post a comment by following the Rafflecopter link below to be eligible for the drawing!

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Cooking Up Stories With the Help of Poetry (plus a Giveaway!) ~ Penny Parker Klostermann

Today, the GROG welcomes author Penny Parker Klostermann! 

Penny's delectable new book, A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE, is the story of young William whose love of cooking makes him a bit of an oddball in the land of fairy tales. One day, when he finds a box containing apples, a pumpkin, and a few beans that is destined for Fairy-Tale Headquarters, William uses his culinary talents to whip up some delicious dishes. But, what will happen to the fairy tale characters who are missing key ingredients to their stories? 

Doesn't this look like a delicious book?
Read on for your chance to WIN A COPY!

Penny's debut picture book, THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT, won the "Best in Rhyme" Award at the first ever Rhyme Revolution Conference.

Penny with the founder of
Rhyme Revolution, Angie Karcher

Penny is our guest today and has some advice for you about using poetry to pump up your writing. So, without further delay, on to the main course!

Penny: As writers, we often hear that we should read, and even write, poetry to help with our picture book writing skills. There's a valuable connection. 

Even though writers often hear about the value of poetry, many dismiss the advice because they feel like they don't have the time or they don't see the value. They wonder:

Why spend time with poetry when I don't want to 

write a poetry collection?

Why spend time with poetry when I'm not interested 

in writing a rhyming picture book?

Why spend time with poetry when there are only 

so many hours in the day and I have so much 

to learn about writing what I want to write...

which is picture books, not poetry?

So, why?

Because a poem is a tiny moment told in just a few words. A poem teaches the economical use of words. A poem uses words and language that will paint a picture in the reader's mind. A poem is meant to be read aloud so poets use words, language, and poetic techniques that add to the read-aloud experience.

You might be thinking, "Whoa! Wait! Hold on! Aren't those the elements of a successful picture book? Isn't this redundant?"

I can promise you that it's not. The reading of poetry will give you an appreciation of language. It will heighten your awareness of techniques that will make your work a pleasure to read aloud. And if you will go a step further and write poems, you will strengthen your skills even more. If you're not a rhymer, don't worry. Writing free verse will benefit you, too. Slowly you will feel poetry influencing your choice of words and language in your picture book manuscripts. 

It's pretty obvious how poetry helped me with THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT. It's a rhyming picture book, so immersing myself in rhyme and meter made sense. But my second book, A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE is in prose. Yet the reading and writing of poetry had a huge influence on its text. When I compare early drafts to the final text, the revisions I made enhanced the story due to better word choice and the use of poetic techniques. The language and read-aloud-ability are much stronger and helped bring my story to a polished point. 

I encourage you to start making poetry a habit. Even spending 10-15 minutes several days a week reading poetry will have an influence on your writing. Where do you start? There are many resources on the Internet and I have collected many of my favorites on my website in the Poetry Resources page. 

Happy poetry-ing!

Thank you, Penny, for sharing your strategies with our readers!

And now, for the icing on Penny's post -- 

YOU CAN WIN 

a copy of A COOKED-UP FAIRY TALE! Just comment below to enter the drawing (U.S. residents only, please).

As one final treat, gather around and listen to Penny read THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT:

Delicious!

Interview with Janet Smart ~By Suzy Leopold

Happy first day of spring. A new season begins as we say farewell to winter. 

The official time for spring equinox 2017 begins at 5:29 am CST. 

Time to say goodbye to my snow boots.

Buds appear on the Illinois Prairie

Are you ready to dig in the soil, plant some seeds, and enjoy some warmer temperatures? 

Janet and I are. 

On this first day of spring, look for Janet and her husband Charley, outside in the picturesque state of West Virginia. The Smarts are spending time filling birdfeeders and sprucing up the birdhouses. Together they enjoy their yard filled with apple trees, flowers, blackberry patches, blueberries and grapevines. Janet and I share a love for nature. I am outside welcoming a new season of gardening on the Illinois Prairie. 

Well, I must be getting lost in the garden . . . Let me introduce you to: 

Janet Smart.

Just like me, she enjoys reading, writing and nature, especially on this first day of spring.

Janet Smart

When not outside exploring all the wonders of nature, Janet sits at her desk and writes for children. Janet writes articles for children in Two Lane Livin’ Magazine. She includes poems, recipes and crafts in her Fun Facts for Kids column. 

A member of SCBWI, Janet also enjoys writing picture books and middle grade novels, bringing her thoughts, dreams and imagination to life. Refusing to grow up, she sits at her writing desk, her inner child flowing onto the paper.

DUCK & COVER

Let’s begin with your new book, DUCK AND COVER, that recently made its debut. 

Suzy:

Without telling all, because we certainly want to read DUCK AND COVER, . . . What do you want the readers of the GROG Blog to know about your book? What was the inspiration for this story? Tell us about the title. Who is the main character in DUCK AND COVER? How old is he? What does he want or desire? 

Janet:

The book came from an early childhood memory. It was a memory of being at my aunt’s house and everyone saying, “The world was coming to an end.” I thought to myself, what a crazy memory. Why were they saying that? It was only recently that I realized what this could be a memory of – The Cuban Missile Crisis.  The main character is 12-year-old Theodore Ulysses Haynes (seems everyone in his family are named after presidents and their wives). He wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. He is coping with the death of his dad while at the same time he and his friends are dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

Suzy:

Writers know a story must include a beginning line that hooks a reader right away. You have certainly done this as Chapter 1 begins with the following opening paragraph: 

“I survived the long drive from Cleveland. Now if I could just survive the Russians, I’d be OK. Some people worried they were going to blow up the United States. Mom and I had come back to West Virginia to start over. How could we start over if the world was coming to an end?”

Share some tips on what you feel a writer needs to know to grab the attention of a reader.

Janet:

Something interesting or intriguing needs to be happening. Or maybe a question posed to make your reader wonder. I would stay away from backstory. This book had many different beginnings before I settled on this one.

Suzy:

Do you have plans to promote your new book? Are you setting up for school visits, or to present at conferences, book festivals, local book stores, etc.?

Janet:

Among other things, I am requesting nice friends and writers, like you, to blog about my book. I plan to do book signings and have my book available for sale at the WVWriter’s Conference in June. 

Suzy:

Share your author history. When did you begin writing for children, and how did you know it was something you wanted to do? 

Janet:

I started writing in 2007. I joined a writing group that same year and proceeded to learn how to write. I started writing a children’s column in a regional magazine in October 2009. I have had a few poems published, a story in a Christmas Traditions anthology and a self-published book titled, Fun Facts for Kids. I mainly write for children. I write MG, PBs, and am taking a stab at writing Chapter Books. I also love writing about Appalachia. I have written two novellas that take place in rural Appalachia. One takes place in 1908 and the other during WWII. I enter writing contests—and sometimes I win.

Suzy:

What are your thoughts about critique partners and critique groups? Do you have any advice for finding and writers and sustaining a long term relationship that encourages learning and growing? Tell us about the Appalachian Wordsmiths.

Janet:

I love critique partners. They always seem to find mistakes that are staring me in the nose, but I completely overlooked. I have been a member of the Appalachian Wordsmiths for almost ten years. We bring copies of our work to read and we get out our pencils and edit. Members are memoir writers, column writers, poets, and writers of fiction. We meet each week and we have such a good time. The laughter and sharing of information sometimes overpowers our reading and gets us behind schedule. We have become great friends.

Suzy:

We all have favorite writers that inspire us. Name two of yours and why you like and respect their work. 

Janet:

I love Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie is one of my favorite books) and Richard Peck. Richard Peck is very good at writing humor and creating great characters. I just love his character Grandma Dowdel. I wish I could create a character like that.

Suzy:

What manuscripts are you currently working on?

Janet:

I am currently working on revising PBs and putting finishing touches on a cookbook. I seem to never be completely happy with my work and keep editing to make my stories better.

Suzy:

What words of wisdom or advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Janet:

Keep learning the trade. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Research the market and submit to places that best fits your manuscript.  And don’t give up.

Suzy:

Share something about yourself that very few people may know about.

Janet:

Well—I’ll tell you something that happened to me when I was a baby that probably none of your readers can say ever happened to them. When I was only a couple of months old, I got sick and had to be taken to the hospital. I was there for at least a week (I found the bill that Dad had saved). Mom said they couldn’t cure me and sent me home. I’m not sure what was wrong with me, but she brought me home and took me down to Grandma’s house where they proceeded to pass me through a horse’s collar. Mom said it cured me. And, this was in the modern 1950s, not the 1800s. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the GROG Blog. What a fun way to celebrate the first day of spring with your new book, DUCK & COVER. 

Happy Spring.

Signs of spring

For more great information about Janet, you can check out a previous GROG blog post HERE.

You will also find her thoughts and musings that she shares on:

Creative Writing in the Blueberry Patch

Writing in the Blackberry Patch

Janet F. Smart, Children's Author

Connect with Janet on:

Facebook

Janet is giving away DUCK & COVER to one lucky commenter on this post. To be considered for a copy of DUCK & COVER, comment on the GROG Blog, include your email address. 

For extra entries, share this post on Facebook, Twitter and/or Janet's blog, no later than March 30th. Be sure and indicate which social media you shared this blog post and your account name. Good luck!

The winner will be announced on March 30th. Janet will mail DUCK & COVER to a lucky winner within the continental U.S.

Okay, I know . . . I'm a day late!

March 31st Update: Thank you to all who read, made a comment, and shared this interview on social media. 

Drum roll, please . . . 

The winner of Janet Smart's 

book, DUCK & COVER is . . . 

Jess!

A name was pulled from a black hat.

We'll be in touch with you, Jess.

Meet Jennifer Ward ~By Suzy Leopold

Just south of the Illinois Prairie, where I homestead, lives a favorite author. She and I have many of the same interests. We both value the importance of caring for nature. We both value the importance of literacy. More importantly we enjoy combining these values. Through picture books we instill the love of nature and literacy with children and students.

I am delighted to share an interview with you. Let me introduce you to . . .  

Jennifer Ward

Jennifer Ward and Oree

Suzy: 

Why do you like to write? What's the best thing about being an author?

Jen: 

   

Picture books bring me so much joy! That is why I write them. I also enjoy writing because it’s a creative process, and I love being creative. The best thing about being an author? Hmmm. Working in a creative field. Being surrounded by book people (some of the best people in the world!). Working in the field of literacy and nature, something I am passionate about. 

Suzy:

Share your author history. When did you begin writing for children, and how did you know it was something you wanted to do?

Jen:

As a young child, I was always making my own books. Always. My parents knew it was something I enjoyed doing, and although I grew up in a household rich with books, they gave me a very special picture book as a gift once I graduated from college. The book was “Carl’s Busy Day” by Alexandra Day. In it, my father inscribed this message: 

Jenny, 

Your Mother and I see in this book the prototype for your own artistic creativity – a love for life’s children – and animals too! We want to share YOUR volumes in years ahead!! 

All our love, Mom & Dad

Christmas, 1990

CARL'S BUSY DAY by Alexandra Day
Inscription from Jenny's Parents

Obviously, my mom and dad envisioned that I would become a published author someday, even though I never thought it was an attainable goal. However, once I began teaching elementary education, I really became immersed in children’s books - integrating them into cross-curricular studies in my classroom. 

It was then that I decided I would try and publish my own stories for children.

By Jenny, age 10

THE GREY HORSE
Written & Illustrated by
Jenny Sultan Ward

Suzy:

What inspired you to write your first book? Where do you find inspiration and ideas for your manuscripts?

Jen:

I was inspired to write my first published book, “Way Out in the Desert”, published in 1998 (and still in print!) because I was living in the Sonoran Desert and found it fascinating: the plants, the animals, the climate, the adaptations of every living thing to survive a place with such extremes. 

There were not many children’s books about the Sonoran desert published at that time, so I was making my own stories to use in the classroom with my students during our science/desert biome unit. To this day, nature is the creative driving force behind many of the stories I write.

Suzy:

How long did you write until you became published? Can you tell us about the process of finding and signing with an agent/editor?

Jen:

My first manuscript received an offer for publication very quickly. However, I knew nothing about publishing when I started out. I didn’t know SCBWI existed. I didn’t know any authors, published or unpublished. Zero networking. Publishers didn’t have websites when I started out and the www wasn’t really so worldly yet! I went into publishing blindly and naively. I wrote “Way Out in the Desert” one summer, sent it off to one publisher - I used the book, “The Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market” to find a publisher that published books about the desert – and by fall the publisher called with an offer to publish. Beginner’s luck, for sure! That was how I found my first editor, Erin Murphy, who currently heads Erin Murphy Literacy Agency (EMLA). Although Erin is not my agent (she’s an amazing agent!), I am so grateful to her for pulling my manuscript from the slush pile and giving me the chance to become a published author.

I published my first eight books on my own. Then, I signed with the incredibly talented and wonderful Stefanie Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary. A fellow-author/friend referred me to Stefanie. Stefanie and I now have 20+ books under our belts. I adore working with an agent as it frees up the business aspect of publishing: negotiating contracts, royalty schedules and all the number-related stuff. In addition, Stefanie is my biggest cheerleader and keeps the wind in my sails : )

Suzy:

Tell us about your two new books that debut this year.

Jen:

Thanks for asking! My two newest books are SO beautiful, fun and smart! (Don’t I sound like a bragging mother?) 

WHAT WILL GROW?

In February 2017, “What Will Grow?” (Bloomsbury Books for Children) debuts. It’s a guessing book about seeds and what may grow from each, with beautiful gatefolds – pages that fold up, down or sideways, and is illustrated by Susie Ghahremani. Susie and I collaborated on “What Will Hatch?” and GROW is our companion title. “What Will Grow?” has already received two starred reviews, so that’s exciting!

FEATHERS & HAIR

My other 2017 spring debut is “Feathers and Hair, What Animals Wear” (Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster), illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong. It’s an informational book about animal outwear and the illustrations are stunning!

In 2018, “Mama Dug a Little Den” (Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster) will debut, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Steve Jenkins. It’s a companion title to “Mama Built a Little Nest”.

In 2019, “How to Find a Bird” (Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster) debuts. It’s a picture book about the many ways one may find a bird.

Suzy:

We all have favorite writers that inspire us. Name three of yours and why you like and respect their work.

Jen:

Really? Just three? That’s tough... but in my top 20: 

1. Cynthia Rylant – her words speak to me. I love her voice. Her books are thoughtful, deep and evoke a sense of place and wonder. 

2. Mem Fox – she’s a lyrical genius. 

3. William Steig – storytelling at its finest. 

Suzy:

If you could invite five authors to dinner who would you choose?

Jen:

Well, the above three, plus my father and Carson Ellis.

Suzy:

Which writer/author would you consider as a mentor?

Jen:

I’ve never had a personal (in-person) mentor, but I’ve certainly studied, read and re-read the works of the above mentioned authors to guide my own writing process.

Suzy:

What words of wisdom or advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Jen:

Write what you know. Write because it makes you feel joyful and passionate. Read (read a lot) in the genre you’re crafting. Allow plenty of time to think about your writing: process it; mull it over. Embrace the revision process. Join a critique group. 

Consider joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) for insight into the publishing industry, networking opportunities and support. 

Most importantly, write because it’s something you enjoy doing.

Jen & Sue

Suzy:

What are your thoughts about critique partners and critique groups? Do you have any advice for finding and writers and sustaining a long term relationship that encourages learning and growing?

Jen:

I believe partnering with other writers is a fabulous thing, and SCBWI is a wonderful resource to connect with fellow-writers and illustrators for critique purposes. Personally, when I critique, I partner with like-genre writers. For example, I feel I can best offer support to picture book writers; not so much novelists – because picture books are what I know best. I believe a smart and successful critique group should provide encouragement, intelligent and creative feedback, camaraderie, and that members should buoy one another. 

Suzy:

Share some thoughts on school visits and tips for making them successful.

Jen:

School visits are GREAT fun for all involved and a great source of inspiration, especially when planned thoughtfully. Communication is very important – keeping the lines open with the person responsible for scheduling the visit. 

Tips: keep audience sessions close in age range (I prefer to work with primary-only audiences and intermediate-only audiences). This way, I can tailor my content accordingly. I provide an author visit kit to schools in advance of my visit. The kit provides tips on scheduling sessions, how to prepare students so they’re familiar with my work prior to my visit and lesson plans/activities that may be used in classrooms and libraries.

Suzy:

Do you write every day? Do you experience days when you get stuck and don't know what to write next? Have you ever given up on a book and filed it away? 

Jen:

I may not write every day, but I think about my stories and my writing every day, which is an important part of the process. Yes, sometimes I get stuck. Yes, I’ve filed away many projects.

Jen's Writing Spot
with Pez

Suzy:

Do you have many ideas in your head at the moment? What is your next project about?

Jen:

I have many projects and ideas, some are in-process, some are just nuggets and seeds. All contain an element of nature.

Suzy:

What is your current WIP or what is your next project?

Jen:

I’m rewriting a book about birds. It’s an adult book and a huge project. 

Suzy:

Tell us about the Buckeye Public Library in Arizona.

Jen:

I know, right? The Buckeye Public Library in Arizona approached me to ask for permission to integrate one of my books into the architecture of their branch. My publisher, the illustrator and I were very excited, permission was granted and we had no idea how GRAND the integration would be. Let’s just say the final design was beyond my wildest imagination. 

Today, library patrons may sit and enjoy books inside and beneath my book “There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea”, which now houses the entire children’s collection at the Buckeye Branch in Buckeye, Arizona. Pretty cool.

Buckeye Public Library in Arizona

Suzy:

What's the funniest book you ever read?

Jen:

I recall laughing out loud so hard I cried while reading “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse”, by Kevin Henkes. I may have been under a lot of stress that day, I don’t know. But a fellow illustrator and I were reading books out loud to each other and something in that book triggered a laugh-fest between the two of us. 

I can also tell you the saddest picture book I’ve ever read: “Bluebird”, by Bob Staake. I shared it during a dinner party at my house and had every adult at the table in tears.

Suzy:

What books are you currently reading?

Jen:

I just finished “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – it’s adult fiction. 

I spend much of my free reading time with nonfiction publications related to science, nature and birding – and reading photographer blogs related to bird photography in order to learn how to use my camera to its potential.

As far as picture books, I always look forward to the new spring and fall releases, following Publishers Weekly and social media to see what’s new.

Tufted Titmouse
photo by J. Ward

Suzy:

Do you have a favorite treat?

Jen:

Spending time outdoors, bird watching.  

Being near or on the ocean. 

Wine : )

Suzy:

Share your love for the beauty of nature. Tell us more about your love for birds.

Jen:

I grew up running barefoot through the fields and prairies of Illinois. My family camped a lot, and we picnicked a lot. I can’t imagine a life without nature. 

Sleepy Eastern Screech Owl
photo by J. Ward

I have become especially fond of birds, even more so since I’ve been working on my photography skills. I simply adore observing bird behavior, learning about various species, and making the planet a better place for all wildlife through efforts such as creating birdscapes, planting native, and picking up litter whenever I can.

Suzy:

Do you have any hidden talents you want to share? 

Jen:

I like to believe I can sing, but I really can’t so well. I love photography. I paint. I draw. I create art with objects found in nature. 

I’m never bored, even when I’m doing nothing : )

Suzy:

Share something about yourself that very few people may now about you.

Jen:

I’m an ordained minister and have officiated three weddings : )

Suzy:

AND, FINALLY . . . Where can readers find out more about you?

Jen:
I have a website: Jennifer Ward Books

I am on Facebook and I have a Twitter account that I rarely use.

Facebook is where I am likely to be found on social-media.

Thank you for being being generous with many thoughtful answers to a long list of questions. I didn't expect you to answer all of them, but you did! We are fortunate to learn more about you, your books and your interests. You are appreciated, Jen.

Give-a-way
WHAT WILL GROW?

And her generosity continues . . . Jennifer Ward is offering a book give-a-way. To be considered for a copy of WHAT WILL GROW?, comment on the GROG Blog, include your email address and share this post on Facebook or Twitter no later than March 2nd. Be sure and indicate which social media you shared this blog post and your account name. Good luck!

March 3rd Update: Thank you to all who read, made a comment, and shared this interview, ALL ABOUT JENNIFER WARD on social media. 

Drum roll, please . . . 

The winner of Jennifer Ward's 

book & a garden kit is . . . 

STEPHANIE 

GECKLE!

I'll be in touch with you, Stephanie.

March 6th Update:

Thank you ALL, for your enthusiasm and book love. It means a lot. And thank you, Suzy, for featuring Susie Ghahremani, me and our sweet book on the Grog Blog. And congrats to Stephanie Geckle, the winner of the give-away! Your package is en route.  

: )

xoxo,

Jen Ward