Celebrating the Winter Wonders Season with Brian Gehrlein

I’m so excited to celebrate this season of late fall into winter with Brian Gehrlein. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Brian both as an author and a person. I have worked with him on several of my manuscripts and highly recommend his critique services. I was fortunate to be part of the advanced reader team for This Is Not a Sleepy Bear Book, which was published on November 11^th of this year.

Welcome Brian. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey. I know this interview is going to be fun!

Me: Do you have any special plans for the fall or winter? Or are there any activities that you participate in related to these seasons? Do you have a favorite season?

Brian: I love when the fall comes in and refreshes everything after the muggy heat has been lingering far too long. We live in Kansas City, so May and June are wonderful, but July and August are just ick. You walk outside, and that shower you took is completely wasted. There’s so much to look forward to in the fall, and as a teacher, I do tend to look forward to the routine and resetting effect of a new school year. Between Christmas and spring, I’m a bit of a grumpy bear. I LOVE the anticipation of summer break and when the thaw of winter seems imminent. So…all that to say…I think I mostly love the anticipation of fall and the anticipation of summer. That change from extreme hot and cold is lovely. This book is all about the anticipation of a coming change—fall into winter. The snow is on the way. That approach of something makes us anxious. Bear has to hibernate and fast! There’s just so much to love this time of year. We get really into spooky season as a family. Halloween to Christmas is magic.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Brian: Forever. Left a nice in-utero message for my brother to find as a fetus. In all seriousness, I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t like to write. That’s a lie. There was that time when I was working on my Master’s in Education, and I had to write a twenty-page statistical analysis essay. Yepp. You read that right. A twenty-page math essay. It was my Everest. Never again. Aside from the occasional academic writing that wasn’t sunshine and rainbows, I’ve always enjoyed playing with words. I saw their impact on people from an early age and that I could exert social power over people through making them laugh. Not in a manipulative sort of way, but I loved the cause-and-effect process of experimentation. The timing of a joke. Listening to my audience respond. Sometimes it was a classroom of my peers. Sometimes a teacher. My family and friends. Words entertain and can elicit emotion like magic. I think I realized this very young. Part of that was a survival mechanism. My father was a soldier in the United States Army, and we moved around a lot. I learned how to make friends and be “liked” as fast as possible so that I felt in control when life felt out of control. But sometimes I don’t need words for others. Sometimes they’re for me. To make sense of my thoughts and feelings. Journals are very important for my mental and spiritual health. Even though I had been keenly aware of my use of language in both written and oral expression, I didn’t take my writing seriously until college. I was a Theatre Education major, and so I was reading and writing plays constantly. Hyper-focusing on language and all the amazing ways one can tell a story theatrically was life-changing for me. This is an already longish response, so I’ll end with a specific memory. My junior year of college we were going to do Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night, and I remember staying up until about 2 AM by myself in the student union while it was storming and pouring rain outside. I just had to finish this gut-wrenching autobiographical family drama because I needed to know what was going to happen to Edmund, Jamie, James, and Mary Tyrone. The beauty of O’Neill’s prose (I ended up playing Edmund) still impacts me today. All in all, I think literature and language can be transformative. I’m addicted and I don’t see any end in sight.

Me: What, or who inspired you to write this book?

Brian: My tendency to push against things and be silly inspired me to write this book. Back in 2019, I was working as a librarian and happened to notice a decent amount of wintery bear hibernation stories. Or maybe there was just two. The exact number isn’t important. What matters is I noticed a pattern. These winter bear stories were usually cozy and lyrical. They were gentle and sweet. The kind of story that might lull a child into their own form of hibernation. Kids are fascinated by bears and hibernation, and I don’t think that’s going away. It made me curious about my own version of a sleepy bear book. I wondered what it might be like to make it seem like it was a more typical hibernating bear book but then totally go in a wild and unexpected direction. So much of comedy is rooted in a dynamic chaos and order—unexpected juxtaposed against something expected. In other words, I wanted to do a bear book that was THE OPPOSITE of this pattern I was perceiving. I thought kids might enjoy a bedtime book that refused to behave like the other books.

Me: Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication, were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.

Brian: This book really evolved from early drafts to its finished form. There was always a narrator trying to get a bear to sleep for hibernation and there was always a disrupting element to that process where things were not going to plan. At the beginning, Bear’s den was magical. It was a “magical den of infinite possibility.” But when EVERYTHING is possible, nothing is possible. It’s too much chaos. Too much abstract and the mind hungers for the concrete. So the disruptions to Bear going to sleep needed to be grounded in something real—something with purpose. That eventually turned into Bear’s friends throwing him a surprise party to send him into hibernation with a bang (and some delicious jazz flute, too!) The first draft sent to Little, Brown caught their attention, but they weren’t satisfied enough to buy. They asked for a revision and I was reluctant at first. Through the encouragement of my agent, Jennifer Mattson, I attempted to execute their notes and mildly adjust the story. While they appreciated my attempt, it still wasn’t working enough to acquire. I let the story incubate in the creative crockpot for several months so that I could work out what needed to be changed unconsciously. I firmly believe taking breaks from a project for several months is not just healthy but vital to the process of solving creative problems (if you’re stuck, you should give this a try!). Eventually, I was able to come back to the manuscript and revise with more gusto (and an open heart to their feedback). Nearly a year after we initially sent the manuscript, they offered the book deal. Start to finish, from initial draft to book deal was 3.5 years—it would be 3 more years before the book came out!

Through this second book, I’ve learned to be patient in the acquisitions process and that revision is the secret ingredient to good writing. Effective revision cannot be rushed, and it won’t be just a one-time thing. Thinking about the finished product, and the AMAZING illustrations by Jenn Harney that help tell this hilarious story, I am fully convinced that nothing worth having comes easy. Take your time. Listen to feedback. Take a walk. Do the dishes a thousand times.

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Brian: The word “NO” can either crush you or push you to create. We can’t control whether we get a YES or a NO, but we can control our response and that next step after we’ve had a chance to feel whatever we need to. I vividly remember getting rejections and then re-doubling my motivation to write new work or to send out new queries to regain my confidence and sense of control. It was the only positive thing I could do with all that emotional turmoil. Expect “NO” and be ready for a show of force to wow yourself. Don’t stop reading. Don’t stop writing. Don’t stop knocking on doors. Doors open to the ones who knock! You got this, friend!

Also, keep that fire burning that’s part of why you’re putting yourself through this torture. That means you need to know what fills your tank and inspires you. A rejection will empty your tank. How will you refill it? This is part of the creative life—even on “this side of things.” (psssssst…hey, you! It isn’t all that different on this side of things. I know I’m not supposed to say the quiet part out loud, but it really isn’t all that different. It’s still a lonely road filled with anxiety and self-doubt. People say “NO.” So, you have to get good at self-care and riding out the seasons like a good farmer. There will be feast. There will be famine. Just don’t sit on your hands while you wait for seeds to sprout—there’s barns to clean!)

Most importantly, be kind to yourself and be patient. This endeavor is sssssllooooooow.

Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Brian: I have a new book coming out. It’s called THIRD KID… ; ) No, it’s not a book—it’s a baby! We have a third kid on the way (hitting shelves, April 2026!). I’m thinking this bundle of joy will take over all my future plans and prevent any traveling or personal hobbies from happening for a while! But this is a very good thing that we’re excited about. Boy or girl…we’ll see! I definitely feel the anticipation for our family, but while we wait, I’ve always got books cooking up and in various stages of development. Of course, with this third child, the provider instinct in me is coming in pretty strong, so I’m feeling a strong desire to make some book deals happen. All good things!

Me: Congratulations! It’s wonderful that your beautiful family will soon have a new addition!

I’d love for you to share a recipe with me, I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.

Brian: One of my favorite meals my wife, Katherine, makes pairs really well with This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book and fall into the winter season. It’s guaranteed to warm and fill you up for hibernation! Enjoy, sleepy bears!

Ingredients:

4-32 oz boxes of chicken broth (+1 extra)

1 tbs of chicken paste (add more if needed)

3-16 oz bags frozen egg noodles

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of celery soup

1 tsp nutmeg

Pepper to taste

1 rotisserie chicken (de-boned)

Recipe:

Combine chicken, broth, cream of soups in large pot & bring to boil.

Add nutmeg, chicken paste, & pepper at any time.

Once liquid is boiling, add the noodles & cook until done.

Serve or freeze.

When de-thawing, add chicken broth to soup.

Thank you Brian! As always, you have inspired me and made me laugh. And I can’t wait to try the cozy recipe you shared with us.

You can connect with Brian here:

https://www.pbspotlight.com/

This Is Not a Sleepy Bear Book: Book Review

The first time I heard about Brian Gehrlein was when I read his article, 5 Things My 600 Rejections Taught Me. You know the feeling when you read or see something and you immediately like it? Well, that’s what happened to me. I immediately liked this guy. He was an actual “real person” with real writing struggles, encouraging not only himself but also others in the query trenches. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Brian through working with him in his critique services, and he is the real deal! I am grateful for his help, creative suggestions, and encouragement, and I highly recommend his critique and mentoring services.

I was thrilled when I was invited to be a part of the This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book Advanced Reader Team. At that point, I had already pre-ordered the book and was looking forward to adding it to my collection of picture books. Of course, The Book of Rules is part of that collection. I’m crazy about Dennis and wish I would have had this book during my years in the classroom. So, it was no surprise to me that Brian did not disappoint with his second book.

This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book by Brian Gehrlein and illustrated by Jennifer Harney is a show-stopper! From the minute you begin reading, it draws you into a cozy yet chaotic world of fun and shenanigans. The clever twist on a classic bear story and zany humor will have kids asking to have this book read to them again and again. And to top it all off, there’s a surprise ending! No wonder it got a Kirkus Star review! You can pre-order a signed copy of This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book at The Learning Tree.

At the end of Brian’s article 5 Things My 600 Rejections Taught Me he said: “So I hope I can remember what I’ve learned over the past two years. There’s power in perseverance and a number is just a number…not a reflection of your worth. Perhaps I’m only getting warmed up…”

I’m so happy that Brian didn’t give up, because now we have two of his amazing stories in the world, stories that kids will love, and giggle to for many years to come. And guess what, I think he’s still only getting warmed up!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Ana Siqueira

I am thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Ana Siqueira, the author of If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja, Bella’s Recipe for Success, Vera La Valiente Is Scared, Sticky Hermana, as well as other amazing bilingual picture books.

Welcome, Ana and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey. I am a huge fan of yours and love all of your stories. My Babysitter is a Bruja also happens to be the perfect book for Halloween. And, to top it all off, Sticky Hermana is coming out at the end of this month! Of course, I’ve already pre-ordered it and I can’t wait. Okay, now for the questions…

Me: Do you have any special plans for Hispanic Heritage Month?

Ana: Absolutely! As a co-founder of the Latinx Pitch event, I’m always looking for ways to spotlight our incredible Latine creators. While we’ve decided to hold off on the event until next year due to current circumstances, we’re not backing down—we’re just recharging for an even bigger comeback!
Next week, I’ll be visiting a school to talk about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and our diverse culture. I’ll also be reading my book, Vera La Valiente is Scared, illustrated by Teresa Martinez (Beaming Books). Can’t wait to share the story and celebrate with the students!

Me: How long have you been writing?

Ana: I began writing and publishing children’s books in Brazil several years ago. Then life happened—I took a long break from writing.

However, in 2019, my Spanish students asked me to write a story in Spanish based on the viral video “The Duck Song.” I sold that story to the educational market, and it reignited my passion for writing picture books. So really, I owe it to my students for nudging me back into the creative world!

Me: Where do you find inspiration for your books?

Ana: Real life is my muse—especially moments with my kids and grandkids.
Take If Your Babysitter is a Bruja (illustrated by Irena Freitas, Simon & Schuster). It was inspired by my daughter Karina when she was three. We were at the beach in Brazil, and she didn’t want to leave. I used my teacher voice: “We must leave now!” And she started yelling that I wasn’t her real mom—I was a witch! Imagine walking three blocks with a screaming child shouting you’re not her real Mami. That moment had to become a book!

Sticky Hermana (illustrated by Olivia de Castro, Charlesbridge) is based on my little sister, who was super sticky and followed me everywhere. It’s a sweet story about sibling love—and the need for a little personal space.

Both books are also published in Spanish.

Me: Tell me a little bit about your books’ journey to publication. Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.

Ana: Oh yes—every book has its own rollercoaster ride. But the biggest challenge? The waiting game. Back in 2019, editors would respond in about a month. Now, it can take much longer—and sometimes, you don’t hear back at all. Rejections sting, and the silence can be tough. My advice? Don’t refresh your inbox every hour. Instead, channel that energy into your next project. Keep creating, keep learning, and keep going.

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Ana: Learn, learn, learn! Just like a doctor wouldn’t perform surgery after reading one book, writers need to keep growing. Read craft books, attend webinars, join critique groups—and give yourself at least a year before diving into querying.

Here’s a great resource to get started: https://youtu.be/GbpJ–6R9F4

Me: Thank you for sharing the resources for children’s book writers, I enjoyed watching it and I’m sure others will too.

What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Ana: I have two picture books coming out in 2026:

If Your Abuelo is an Astronauta (a companion to Bruja)
Mami’s Heart, illustrated by Nomar Perez (HarperCollins)
And in 2027, my chapter book series is coming: The Creepy Creature Catchers—a group of kids investigating undercover people they suspect are Brazilian legends.
I’m also diving deeper into Chapter Books and exploring Easy Readers. So many stories to tell!

Me: That’s wonderful news! I can’t wait to read your new books, like I said, I’m a big fan! I’d love for you to share a recipe with me. I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.

Ana: Here’s a spooky and fun Halloween treat: Zombie Eyeballs!
Perfect for kids, parties, or just unleashing your inner mad scientist in the kitchen.
Watch the recipe here: https://youtu.be/r08Fxo3YPRA?si=IdJ6SVhDFhRc5ySc

Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun getting to know writing friends, I hope you have a wonderful day. The video of your spooky and fun recipe is so much fun! I love how you work together with your assistant!

You can connect with Ana here:

Ana – The Teacher and the Writer

Celebrating the Fall Season with Maria Antonia

I’m happy to celebrate the fall season with Maria Antonia, the author of Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. This heartwarming story with themes of trust and faith is the perfect story to share with little ones! Welcome Maria and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.

Me: Do you have a favorite season?

Maria: I like all the seasons of the year, and I look forward to all the changes. But I will say that I do love springtime! It’s the season of new beginnings. I do a bit of gardening, so I love when all the trees are coming to life. And the flowering fruit trees are the best! Not to mention, lilacs and lily-of-the-valley are some of my favorite flowers.

I love how Sayani Mukherjee (the illustrator for my picture book, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep) was able to incorporate so many of the seasons in the book. The flowering trees to show the spring and the wonderful, vibrant greens to depict summer. One of my favorite illustrations is one that shows Barnaby and the other sheep from overhead with the golden browns of autumn.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Maria: I’ve been writing and telling stories since I was a kid. However, I started to seriously pursue being a published author in 2018. I had been writing short birthday stories for my nieces and nephews and wanted to know if they were “good enough” for publication. I started to put my work out there within the online critique community. I had two short stories picked up by two magazines in the fall of 2020. I’ve had lots of magazine stories published since. And then in 2024 and 2025, my two picture books were released into the world! The Christmas Elephant and Barnaby the Runaway Sheep.

Me: What or who inspired you to write Barnaby the Runaway Sheep?

Maria: Barnaby was inspired by a real-life sheep named Shrek who ran away and lived out in a cave for a number of years. By the time his shepherds tracked him down, he couldn’t move due to his wool being so heavy and matted with dirt. He only survived because they found him!

I initially wrote about Shrek but ultimately decided to fictionalize the story. I had more creative license that way and didn’t have to stick to all the facts of Shrek’s story. The sheep’s name changed to Barnaby, which just felt like the perfect name for my little runaway sheep!

Me: Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication. Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments?

Maria: This book is my second picture book in a 2-book deal with my publisher, Paraclete Press. Even though it was published second, it’s the book that got me the deal! We submitted my Christmas Elephant book after that, and they decided to lead with that story in time for Christmas. Barnaby came out for Easter!

I originally titled the book The Runaway Sheep, but there was another book by that name. Just before my book went to print, my editor contacted me and told me they wanted to change my title so it wouldn’t be confused with this other book. We came up with Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. I love the new title and now I can’t imagine it as anything else!

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Maria: You have to be persistent. This business is full of rejection, and if you can’t handle that, this is probably not the job for you. Also, keep working on your writing craft. You can always learn to do better. Keep writing new stories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different writing styles to find your voice. Write what excites you!

Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Maria: I am working on all sorts of different stories at the moment. I have a few manuscripts on submission with my agent. I’m gearing up for school visits this fall/winter, both in-person and virtual visits. I love interacting with young readers. As a former teacher, it’s fun to be back in the classroom.

Me: I’d love for you to share a recipe with me, I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.

My Recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge!

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups chunky peanut butter

3/4 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

½ cut powdered milk

2 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Combine peanut butter and butter on low heat.
Remove from heat and add powdered sugar, powdered milk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Spread mixture in a buttered 9×9 pan (or line with wax paper or parchment paper).
Refrigerate overnight.
Cut into small, bite-sized squares. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat!

Me: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me; it was fun getting to know you more, and I have a feeling I’ll be asking you back again. I haven’t had peanut butter fudge in a long time, and it’s nice to have a recipe for it now.

Maria Antonia learned to write her name at five years old and tried typing with an old manual typewriter at age eight. However, it was when she met the computer that she never turned back. Many years later, she still clickety-taps out her stories onto the screen, stories that have turned into picture books like The Christmas Elephant and Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. In addition to writing, Maria also enjoys sipping a nice cup of hot tea and capturing the world with her camera. She has lived in Sunny Spain, Busy New York City, and currently resides in the Great White North of Canada.

Sayani Mukherjee is an Indian illustrator based in Dublin, Ireland. Sayani embarked on her artistic journey with a passion to observe and recreate children’s expressions and activities in a whimsical art form. Her love for children’s literature combined with her artistic prowess led her to specialize in illustrating books for young readers. With a growing portfolio of acclaimed projects and awards, Sayani’s work continues to brighten bookshelves and inspire young readers worldwide.

You can connect with Maria here:

https://mariaantoniawrites.com

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Celebrating Women’s History Month with Lisa Rogers

I feel honored to celebrate Women’s History Month with Lisa Rogers, the super accomplished author of JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY, just out from Calkins Creek; HOUND WON’T GO, BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE MUSIC OF JOHN CAGE, and ELVIS PRESLEY, A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY.

Lisa has another upcoming picture book biography WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, out on September 9 from Calkins Creek.

She also has a poem in Irene Latham and Charles Waters’ anthology, IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY: POEMS OF POSSIBILITY. All of the poems start with IF and Lisa’s poem is the title poem. That will come out on March 4.

Welcome Lisa and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.

I love all your books and am so happy that you have more coming out in the world! JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY is certainly the perfect book for Women’s History Month.

Lisa: Thank you so much, Patricia! I’m so excited to have this book out in time for Women’s History Month! 2025 is also the centennial of Joan Mitchell’s birth, and her foundation is planning celebratory events around the globe!

Me: Do you have any special plans for the Women’s History Month?

Lisa: I’m partnering with accomplished author Alison Goldberg for a Women’s History Month storytime and art activity on March 8 at An Unlikely Story, in Plainville, MA, the beautiful bookstore created by the super-duper worldwide bestselling author Jeff Kinney.

I’ll be sharing JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY and Alison will be sharing her beautiful book EIGHTEEN FLOWERS FOR GRANDMA.

We’ll be on the stage where I’ve seen authors Kate Messner, Heather Cox Richardson, Kwame Alexander, and so many other fabulous presenters, and then we’ll lead fun art activities that relate to our books.

On March 26, I’m sharing JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY and moderate a women’s artists chat through the arts organization ArtWellesley at the Wellesley Free Library in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

I’ll be speaking with Carolyn Mackin and Crystalle Lacouture, both abstract artists, about how they conceptualize and approach their work. I’ve admired both of these artists for a long time and am eager to learn more about what inspires them and how they bring that inspiration to canvas.

Me: You have such wonderful things planned for Women’s History Month! So, do you have a favorite season? Is it spring?

Lisa: Spring is such a beautiful season! With longer daylight and warmer temperatures, I take lots of walks through the woods and around ponds, sketching blossoms and leaves as they appear. I love chronicling the progress of the seasons, but I wish spring would last a little bit longer! Here in Boston, it’s usually so cold it’s hard to enjoy spring; it seems as soon as it arrives summery heat withers the blossoms.

The event I always look forward to, like many citizens of our Commonwealth, is the Boston Marathon. The marathon is held on Patriots Day, which commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution, and 5 miles of the route is in my town. After the searing tragedy in 2013, many daffodils were planted along the route. That year was the first time I ran a marathon, and though it’s an emotionally tough day, I‘m always thrilled to cheer on the runners. I choke up just watching the enormous dedication and effort that goes into running this storied race. It’s a high point of spring for me.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Lisa: I took the first step toward my lifelong goal of becoming an author in 2010 when I joined SCBWI; two years later, I was a founding member of the 12 X 12 Picture Book Challenge. But I didn’t fully dedicate myself to that goal until the fall of 2015. In early 2016, I signed with my agent, and she sold my debut almost immediately. That partnership has led to a career I hadn’t dared to imagine.

Me: What/who inspired you to write this book?

Lisa: I researched Joan Mitchell for DISCOVER HER ART: WOMEN ARTISTS AND THEIR MASTERPIECES, a look at 24 women artists and their paintings from the 1500s to 1960. While researching, I learned that Mitchell painted a group of massive artworks, inspired by a valley she’d never even seen.

The beauty of her work and power of that inspiration was something I wanted to explore and share with readers—how do artists use their emotions and memories to create visual art, music, dance, theater, literature? What can we learn from them to inspire our own creations?

Lisa: This was a dream of a journey—almost unbelievable. I sent the brand-new manuscript to my agent in September 2021. I felt that it was something special. She responded right away: “Love it.”

The offer came in early February 2022 from editor Carolyn Yoder, the editor of Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers that focuses on US history. in early February 2022. Only a few weeks before, I had accepted an offer from her for WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS. That picture book biography, about Rawls’ very difficult journey to publication, comes out in September, with glorious illustrations by Susan Reagan. I am so grateful to my agent, to Carolyn, and to Astra, for believing in me!

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Lisa: Write from your heart. Write not to a trend, but what is important to you. That deep-seated emotion is what will make your manuscript unique and stand out.

Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Lisa: I lose myself in making art, mostly painting and drawing. I’m taking a printmaking class and love it; I’ve done a lot of traveling and look forward to exploring more of the world; I like challenges, so I’ve been taking ballet classes though I was born to run; and I’m tackling some important writing projects that I’d love to see in the hands of readers someday.

Lisa: Fruit is my go-to for many recipes. This rice salad, Riso e Frutta, is easy and delicious. It’s best when made with strawberries fresh from the field. I’ve adapted it from Cucina Fresca by Viana LaPlace and Evan Kleiman. I first tasted their thoughtfully prepared food long ago at the Los Angeles restaurant Angeli.

The recipe calls for ½ cup sugar; I don’t use that as the fruit is sweet enough for me, but that’s up to the cook!

Riso e Frutta

2/3 cup arborio rice
1 pint of strawberries (I always use more!)
2-3 nectarines
2 kiwi
Juice of 2 oranges and 1 lemon
Fresh basil

Cook the rice until al dente, drain, and run under cold water to stop the cooking. Dice the strawberries, nectarines, and kiwi. Add the fruit and juices to the rice and toss. Chill. I like to chiffonade fresh basil and sprinkle it over the chilled rice and fruit mixture.

Delish! The perfect salad for a warm spring or summer day!

Me: Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun getting to know writing friends, I hope you have a wonderful day. I am so inspired by your writing journey, and I can’t wait to try your Riso e Frutta recipe!

Lisa: It is so great to connect with writing friends. Our writing community means the world to me! Thank you, Patricia!

Bio: Lisa Jean Rogers is the award-winning author of JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY, called “simply marvelous” by Kirkus Reviews in a starred review; BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE MUSIC OF JOHN CAGE, which received the Golden Kite Honor Award, the Julia Ward Howe Notable Book Award, and three starred reviews; 16 WORDS: WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS AND “THE RED WHEELBARROW,” which received two starred reviews and was called “a fine introduction to a celebrated American poet” by The New York Times; and the bestselling ELVIS PRESLEY: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY.

She’s also authored RONALD REAGAN: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY; HOUND WON’T GO; and DISCOVER HER ART: WOMEN ARTISTS AND THEIR MASTERPIECES. She has poems in several anthologies, including the title poem in the just-released IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY (Irene Latham and Charles Waters, eds.).

Lisa was inspired to write for children during her career as an elementary school librarian. A former news reporter and editor, Lisa lives just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and hound. Find her at https://lisarogerswrites.com/ and on IG & Bluesky @ LisaLJRogers.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Linda Teed

I’m so happy that we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with Linda Teed, author of six children’s picture books including her new release I’m Making a Wish, written by Linda Teed and illustrated by the incredible Erin Richardson.

Me: What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

Linda: Valentine’s Day is such a beautiful holiday and a time to show others the best gifts of all: friendship and love. I can still close my eyes and remember the excitement I felt as my paper “mailbox” on my desk in my elementary school classroom began filling with Valentine cards left by my friends. Is there anything better than a reminder of the love and friendship we feel for each other? Later as an adult married lady, I loved the extra-special presents my husband Pat left me in so many top-secret hiding places in our home. Valentine’s Day is such a great day; one that I wish would last far longer than one day.

Me: Do you have a favorite season? Is it winter?

Linda: My favorite season of all is autumn. The brilliance of a beautiful fall day was my inspiration for my current book, I’m Making a Wish. Erin did a gorgeous job creating art to enhance a beautiful Wisconsin car ride in the fall.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Linda: I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. I have kept a journal most of my life and still have many of them. It’s fun to go back in time and remember what I was thinking and reminisce about some special memories that I still hold in my heart. I became a serious writer when I became a teacher. I created many of the lessons I taught. I have always enjoyed creating meaningful lessons that open up my students’ beautiful imagination. In my classroom there were always extensions of the many things that I taught, most of which included writing. After I retired from teaching my husband was diagnosed with cancer and the days became very dark ones for me. I decided to write a story that would fill some of my time with light and hope. The miracle of this story is that it became a published children’s book. It’s entitled The Nest of Chockablock Hair. This story on so many levels catapulted me to continue my writing journey. Writing is infectious and very contagious!

Me: What, or who inspired you to write this book?

Linda: I was fortunate to have had two very important men in my life, my grandfather and my husband. This book is a dedication to these two most beautiful souls. I loved my grandfather deeply and found great joy in spending time with him. He never had a little girl of his own so when I was born a great love was also born between the two of us. I found that same great love with my husband Pat. He was such a beautiful soul and reminded me so much of my grandfather. Both were so wise and so humble and made the little girl, now the young lady very happy just being together. This book, I’m Making a Wish, is a tribute book to both of them.

Me: It’s so beautiful that you made this book a tribute to the two special men who have given you so much love and joy. When I read this book, I noticed that same love and joy radiating throughout the story. Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication. Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, an a-ha moment? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.

Linda: The most important thing that I have learned about the publishing of my books is that there are ALWAYS bumps in the road! Nothing EVER goes as planned. Not only do authors write books but they are in constant communication with others about so many things. I have learned over the years that patience is a virtue, that deadlines are never set in stone, and that you will drive yourself crazy thinking that you can change some things in the process. Having said that, you must remain diligent in keeping things moving and following up. It’s definitely a balancing act. With this book, Wish, my problems included working around others’ schedules, staying vigilant about attempting to meet deadlines, and of course, no matter the preparation there is always a problem printing the book. There are ALWAYS glitches. I have learned over the years that some things are in your control and others aren’t and to rush the process is never a good idea. My biggest problem was in the printing of the hardcover version of Wish. When I received my author’s copy two pages were missing that were not missing in the proof. I knew it was the printer’s mistake. Trying to rectify the situation in a timely manner was difficult. I had a scheduled book launch party, a large party which included food, drink, and music to celebrate the arrival of this new book. On the day of the party, I had my paperback books but didn’t have my hardcover books. I was grateful to have had the paperbacks. In spite of the missing hard covers the party was a wonderful success both financially, but more importantly personally. People came from all over to celebrate the book with me and to celebrate my husband. My biggest take away always is that despite the hard work put into a book, there are always problems.

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give writers just starting out or who are still in the query trenches?

Linda: My biggest piece of advice is to believe in yourself, in your ability as a writer and in the dream you have. You will ALWAYS have naysayers who give you advice or make you feel inadequate. Rejection is always tough but makes you stronger and I believe more determined to continue to try. When in doubt, head to the library! There you will find thousands of books written by people who took a leap of faith, who had a story that they were brave enough, bold enough, wise enough to tell through a tough process and who had that undying dream, who fought hard, and realized it. The library is full of heroes. When in doubt, go visit. You will be inspired!

Me: What are your plans for the future?

Linda: 2025 is the year of optimism for me. I am a big believer in the power of writing down goals. This year I set my sights high and wrote down 20 BIG goals. My goals are “all over the place”; from big ideas like traveling, North Carolina in particular, to promoting my book. Along the way are simple goals…extending myself to others in need, smiling more, enjoying the simple things in life, reading, soaking up some sun, bike riding, spending an afternoon in a convertible, singing, being with family and truly enjoying this beautiful life I’ve been given.

Me: I like the idea of setting BIG goals, you’ve really inspired me to do the same! Before I let you go, I’d love for you to share a recipe with me, I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.

Linda: I’ll share my family’s award-winning BBQ recipe.

Me: Thanks so much for your time, it was wonderful getting to know you, and I knew your new book was the perfect story for my Valentine’s Day blog post. I’m off to make a list of my BIG goals now, and maybe, cook some chili.

Click here to learn more about Linda and purchase her books.

Celebrating the Christmas Season with Susan Drew

I’m so excited that we will be celebrating the Christmas season with Susan Drew, the author of Sadie Does Not Like Sorries, which was released in August of this year. Susan is also one of my critique partners, which makes her picture book debut extra special to me.

Welcome Susan and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.

I know we’ve talked about how busy our lives can be, and I’m sure you’re as busy as I am preparing for Christmas. But no matter how busy life gets, this is still my favorite time of year! So, do you have any special plans for Christmas? Or are there any activities that you participate in related to the holiday?

Susan: Both of my kids and their partners will be home for Christmas this year so that makes it special. We have a tradition that started when they were in elementary school that we still keep on doing. On Christmas Eve after church, we have fondue and watch a Christmas movie. When the kids were little, after the movie they’d go to bed and then my husband and I would fill the stockings and do any last-minute battery adding, toy building, and wrapping. These days, after the movie we go to bed, and they stay up. I fill the stockings in the morning since I get up early. Yes, I still do stockings. I love them!

Me: How long have you been writing?

Susan: I’ve been seriously writing for about five years. Like a lot of writers, I wrote and made up stories before I got serious about it. I never really thought about being a writer myself until I was inspired by a friend.

Me: What/who inspired you to write this book?

Susan: I wrote Sadie Does Not Like Sorries during Covid. My agent at the time, Dawn Dowdle, said that books about little animals, which is what I had been writing, weren’t selling well. She suggested that I’d do better writing about children, and to pick a social emotional learning theme. I went to Pinterest to see what types of themes I could come up with. Not saying you’re sorry stuck out to me. It’s a tough topic even for adults. I sat down and wrote the story almost exactly like you see it now. That doesn’t usually happen, as you know! You’ve seen many versions of some of my stories while I’m trying to get them right.

Me: That’s true, and one of my favorite things about being in a critique group is seeing the different versions of stories and how they develop into the final story. I remember critiquing Sadie Does Not Like Sorries, and it’s thrilling that I now have my own copy of this wonderful book. Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication, were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.

Susan: The publication journey of this story was fairly easy, too! Sadie was out on submission for about a year when it sold to EverImagine Books in August, 2023. Then it was only a year until I got to hold my first published book. During that year the book was edited, and the illustrations were done. I was lucky to have the wonderful Zonaisha Arshad as my illustrator. I got to look at sketches and give input, and give my opinion on the cover image. Every step was so exciting! Oh, I almost forgot – early on the main character’s name changed. I had written her name as Patty Lou, but my editor asked for a more modern name, and one that went better with Sorry. That was the only bump in the road, and I wouldn’t even call it a bump. It was more like a pebble.

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Susan: I think the most important thing is not to give up. I’ve been in many critique groups, and it can be such a long road to getting an agent, and then a long road to getting published. I’ve seen a lot of writers whose work I loved give up because it can be so bruising. The rejection, the waiting, the feeling that you’re not good enough. It’s hard. Do whatever you have to do to keep at it.

Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Susan: Besides continuing to write, I want to find new avenues for my art. I love to paint and create using alcohol inks. I’m thinking about what’s next with art – maybe making cards, or other types of illustrations. I sell at craft fairs in the fall, but maybe there’s another type of venue where I could sell all year round? Writing will always come first, but when I need a break, art is where I turn.

Susan: This is a simple recipe from my grandmother that I always loved when I was little. If I was home alone, I’d sneak into the cabinet and eat spoonfuls. I couldn’t wait for the hot water!

Grandma Gelting’s Hot Chocolate

1 large can Nestles Quick

1 small box powdered milk

1 cup sugar

1 small jar coffee creamer

Mix well. Add several spoons of mix to 1 cup of hot water. Yummy!

This is one of my favorite pictures of my grandma and her twin sister.

Me: Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun chatting with you Susan, and I’m sure that I’ll see other books by you out in the world soon. The picture of your grandma and her twin sister is precious! I love creamy, chocolatey beverages, and will definitely be trying this recipe. I hope you have a wonderful day and a very Merry Christmas!

You can contact Susan here:

Susandrewwrites.com

Blue Sky

Instagram

You can purchase Sadie Does Not Like Sorries here.

Celebrating the Winter Wonders Season with Joyce P. Uglow

I’m so excited that we will be celebrating the Winter Wonders season with Joyce P. Uglow, the author of STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS, a lyrical non-fiction picture book that explores the origin story of La Brea Tar Pits. STUCK! is coming to book shelves on March 4, 2025 just in time for us all to unearth ourselves from all our winter outwear.

Welcome Joyce and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.

I can’t believe it’s already December and before you know it, winter will be here! I don’t mind, since I love the holiday season, and the cold weather gives me an excuse to stay in and read some great books. I can’t wait to hear all about your book, and how it came about. So, do you have any special plans for the winter?

Joyce: I’m mostly a warm-weather kind of person. But during the colder months here in southeastern Wisconsin, I bundle up and go wonder-walking on the country roads near our home anyway. Fresh air, you know? It’s good for the mind and body. My favorite seasons involve anything that gives me opportunities to admire trees, notice everything nature, and cheer from the sidelines at our grandsons’ games. Oh… that means I love all four seasons. I also love traveling to the places where I can enjoy family, ocean, mountains, and wildlife. I prefer movement over staying stuck in one place.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Joyce: In fourth grade, Mrs. Jaske turned me on to creative writing. I typically wrote and told stories about my horses, family, and friends. Of course, I had a diary in which I wrote my biggest secrets. Hehehe! What secrets? I come from a family of seven, so we knew everything… At least I thought we did.

Writing became a part of my teaching style when I saw that some of my students needed a differentiated teaching styles to in order to learn to read. The kids would tell me their experiences, I’d write their words, and then we’d read their stories together. Soon, the tables turned and they wrote for themselves, wrote some of mine, and read our stories at the Author’s Chair. I also loved using picture book mentor texts to teaching writing to my students. I’d read aloud, we’d think about the author’s techniques word choices, make charts for our walls, and then we’d create our own. Because I wrote at the same time, I built up a stack of manuscripts. When I retired from teaching and leading in elementary schools, I began to study the art of the picture book in earnest. I joined SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12 Picture Book Challenge, and accumulated more manuscripts. Being a part of critique groups helped me to realize nuances and the rules When I was a kid, my mom modeled that writing is a part of life by submitting editorials, articles to women’s magazines, and her stories to publishing houses. Reading and writing are, and have always been, an important part of me.

Me: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Joyce: When visiting Los Angeles for the SCBWI summer conference in 2018, my son and I visited La Brea Tar Pits. There, I became mesmerized by the notion that an entire ecosystem of ice age megafauna (big animals) got trapped in sticky stacks with insects, birds, fish, and plants in asphalt seeps over the course of 50,000 years. At the museum, I couldn’t tear myself away from Smilodon fatalis and all its fossil glory. I knew I needed to write a picture book about Smilodon and other unsuspecting animals that got mired in the mysterious muck. If you ever get the chance to visit La Brea, take a stroll through the museum, pause at the sticky seeps in the park, and get mesmerized by fossils’ story.

Pre-order on Amazon here!

Joyce: STUCK! THE STORY OF LA BREA TAR PITS, written by me and illustrated by Valerya Milovanova was originally scheduled for release on November 5, 2024. However, the publication date moved to March 4, 2025. It is not hard to understand that many moving parts go into publishing a book and schedules sometimes have to be changed due to a variety of circumstances. The process of getting a book into the hands and hearts of young readers takes the time it takes. Right? I’m looking forward to wearing my Smilodon hat while talking to kids about the book, its story, and of course – the fossils’ story.

I was honored to be a part of the Bushel & Peck Books booth at the 2024 American Library Association conference in San Diego in June 2024. I got the chance to meet and talk to a wonderful line of readers, librarians, publishers, and book buyers who came get an autographed copy of STUCK. I have to say, I had an absolute blast meeting my amazing editor, Ryan G. Van Cleave and Stephanie and David Miles, the inspirational owners of Bushel & Peck Books.

It is exciting to share with kids that paleontologists study the connections between the climate, environment, and fossils. Fun fact: In the 4000 dire wolf individuals found at La Brea, scientists have discovered that over thousands of years, the shape of the skull, snout, and body size evolved as their ice age environment changed.

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Joyce: Take the time to notice how the marriage of art and words make the picture book a masterpiece. In terms of the query trenches… Are you patient? While you’re waiting to hear back from agents and editors, continue to read more and write new manuscripts. Don’t get lost in the mysterious muck of thinking that first one is the ONE.

Even though you asked for one piece of advice, here’s another tidbit. I believe you’ll come to know picture books and writing on a deeper level by participating in the amazing Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12 Picture Book Challenge and be elevated by the inspirational Bethany Hegadus at her Writing Barn top notch courses within the Courage to Create. And it goes without saying that membership in SCBWI is essential.

Me: That is some wonderful advice you gave for those of us who are still in the query trenches. So, what are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Joyce: It is important to me that I leave a legacy of respect for the planet. I treasure nature and love traveling to places where I find surprises. Those experiences spark my curiosity and inspire me to write kidlit poetry and picture books of wonder that keep kids curious. I’m hooked on the discovery process.

This easy, no-bake cookie is loved by all.

Peanut Butter Candy Cookies

Yield 3 dozen

Ingredients

2 C. granulated sugar
1 stick butter
½ C. milk
½ tsp. salt
1/3 C. baking cocoa powder
3 C. quick oats
½ C. peanut butter (I use chunky peanut butter.)
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

In a medium sauce pan, bring sugar, butter, milk, salt and cocoa to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 75 seconds (no longer!!) and remove from heat.
To the hot mixture, add oats, peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir well to combine.
Drop by the spoonful on the parchment paper or wax paper and let harden.
Store in a tightly covered container – if there are any left.

Me: It’s been great getting to know you, and I’m inspired to learn more about the La Brea Tar Pits, which sound quite fascinating! And of course, I’ll have to try your no-bake cookie recipe, it sounds scrumptious.

You can connect with Joyce here:

https://joyceuglowauthor.com/

Blue Sky

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The Goblin Princess – 2024 Halloweensie Contest

This is my first time participating in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Halloweensie Writing Contest. This year’s participants had to write a Halloween themed story of 100 words or less that included the words tip-toe, goblin, and chill. I enjoy writing contests, not only because I get to exercise my creative muscles but also because I get to read all of the other incredible stories written by the talented members of the kidlit community. I hope you enjoy reading my story.

The Goblin Princess

by Patricia Brown

100 words

The moon rose on Halloween night,

and chills ran down Gabi’s spine.

She was going trick-or-treating!

Her green ears pointed up from under her crown

as she gazed into the mirror.

She was a boo-tiful princess!

The other goblins would be green with envy.

Gabi loved playing pranks,

but turning humans’ knees to jelly wasn’t her jam.

While the other goblins

tiptoed around,

played tricks on children,

and threatened to GOBBLE THEM UP,

Gabi had a ball in her princess costume,

and gathered gobs of goodies.

She returned to her lair, and devoured the sweets

as she planned tomorrow’s mischief.

Celebrating Diwali with Shachi Kaushik

Welcome Shachi and Happy Diwali! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey. I can’t wait to hear all about your book, and how it came about.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Shachi: My writing journey began in 2018, and I took my first writing class at the Writing Barn in Austin in January 2019. I’ve been a dedicated student there ever since, and I can confidently say that joining the Writing Barn was a game-changer for me. Investing in their classes and courses has not only sharpened my writing skills but also deepened my understanding of the craft.

Me: What or who inspired you to write this book?

Shachi: My inspiration for writing Diwali in My New Home came from my experiences at the Round Rock Public Library, where I hosted bilingual storytime for children. Each year, the library organized a Diwali celebration that quickly became a highlight of the community calendar. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they learned about the festival sparked a desire in me to write this book. I wanted to share the magic of Diwali, the festival of lights, with those who might not be familiar with it, creating a bridge of understanding and celebration.

Shachi: This book has had its share of rejections. Each rejection felt like a door closing, and I took each one to heart. Eventually, I learned that rejection is a part of the process. After several setbacks, I realized I needed a fresh approach—almost like rebranding a business. So, I rebranded my book,and changed the title from Diwali Away from Home to Diwali in My New Home. This change transformed the entire tone, shifting it from feeling lonely to feeling more welcoming. It was my aha moment, and the title change marked a turning point for both me and my book.

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out, or who are still in the query trenches?

Shachi: Stay persistent and keep writing. Surround yourself with supportive fellow writers, take feedback, and invest in your craft. And as Wayne Dyer said, ‘Don’t die with the music still in you.’

Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.

Shachi: Looking ahead, I plan to keep writing and exploring new story ideas—there’s always something new to bring to the page! I’d also love to travel more and experience different cultures, as they’re a huge source of inspiration for me.

Me: Traveling sounds wonderful, and writing is a great excuse to visit new, exciting places. I’d love for you to share a recipe with me. I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.

Shachi: No holiday is complete without a sweet treat, and for Diwali, it’s all about laddoos! Pronounced “la-doos,” these are small, flavorful delights that bring a taste of tradition to the celebration. My favorites are chickpea (besan) laddoos —they’re gluten-free!

Chickpea Laddoo Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups chickpea flour (besan)
1 cup clarified butter (ghee)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A handful of chopped nuts (like cashews or almonds)
Raisins for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a non-stick pan on low heat, add the clarified butter, letting it melt slowly.
Add the chickpea flour, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning. (Prepare for an arm workout here!)
Roast the chickpea flour for about 10-15 minutes, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. The mixture will also thicken and become crumbly.
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder, mixing well. (Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste.)
Add nuts if desired or skip them if preferred.
Let it cool a bit more until you can handle it, then grease your hands with a little clarified butter to prevent sticking.
Shape the mixture into small, round laddoos, making them as big or small as you like.
Garnish each laddoo with a raisin or a piece of nut if desired and allow them to cool completely—they’ll firm up as they set.

(Note: Adjust the sugar and nuts as you like.)

Enjoy this sweet treat, and Happy Diwali!

Thanks so much for your time, it’s always fun getting to know writing friends, I hope you have a wonderful day, and Happy Diwali!

Shachi Kaushik is a writer and storyteller in the children’s media industry. She creates content that is both entertaining and educational for young audiences. With experience contributing to popular animated series on the production side, Shachi is also the author of Diwali In My New Home. Her work inspires young readers to embrace new cultures and experiences through stories.

Watch the book trailer here!

You can connect with Shachi here:

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