Today we continue our holiday picture book celebration with Hanukkah Pajamakkahs by Dara Henry!
Welcome Dara and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.
Me: Do you have any special plans for Hanukkah? Are there any activities that you participate in related to the Hanukkah season?
Dara: This is such a busy and wonderful time of year for everyone! I feel grateful that so many communities have welcomed me into their holiday celebrations to share both of my books, Hanukkah Pajamakkahs and Mazel Tov,Baby! I’m looking forward to being part of those events, but when it comes to celebrating with my own family, my favorite plans involve slowing down and being fully present with my loved ones. I’m looking forward to cooking (and enjoying) traditional food, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and making memories with my family (while wearing Hanukkah pajamas, of course).
Me: What or who inspired you to write this book?
Dara: Hanukkah Pajamakkahs was inspired by my children. The idea came to me one morning, as my children wore their Hanukkah pajamas after the holidays had passed, in mid-January. I (unsuccessfully) encouraged them to get dressed. That’s when a title popped into my head: “HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS.” I quickly checked online to see if the title had been used, and to my surprise, it had not. I jotted some notes down and got to work. The main character, Ruthie, comes straight from watching my kids handle sticky situations with positivity and optimism.
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.
Dara: When I wrote the first draft of the Hanukkah Pajamakkahs manuscript, I was in “the zone.” That first draft was written in one day. Sure, the kids didn’t get dressed or eat breakfast until lunchtime, but I had to get the words on paper.
The initial draft was very different than the final story. In that first draft, Ruthie, the main character, wore eight different pairs of Hanukkah pajamas that she had accrued over the years. She strained, stretched, and squeezed into her beloved pajamas. The story was sentimental, about growing up while holding onto holiday traditions. After a lot of feedback, I rewrote the story multiple times and made the newest version messy and humorous. I received additional feedback, streamlined the text, and tweaked the ending.
I guess you could say there were “bumps and bruises” along the way, since the story was entirely rewritten multiple times. Even after the concept had been solidified, a few smaller changes were made.
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?
Dara: The most important thing I’ve learned on my path to publication is that persistence is key! Every author I know has been rejected on numerous occasions. I like to think of it as part of the process and part of what makes us better writers. Looking at things from this perspective helps soften the sting of rejection and helps to make the passes feel less personal.
Also, it’s important to get involved in the community. Take classes, meet other authors, and most importantly, WRITE. Each and every time you write a manuscript, you’re working on your craft. The more manuscripts you write and query, the more likely it is that something will sell.
Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing or otherwise, traveling, hobbies, etc.
Dara: My newest book, A Together Place, comes out February 2, 2027, with Sourcebooks Kids. I’m really excited about it. After the holidays, I’ll be gearing up for the launch.
I love traveling! One of my goals is to see more of the world (with my family) and make beautiful, lasting memories along the way. My husband and I took our children to London and Paris last summer. We’re heading to New York City this winter. I dream of many more travel adventures to come.
I also plan to keep plugging away at my writing, continuing to learn and grow, take on new challenges, and hopefully continue to make and share books with families, children, and educators.
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.
Dara: This is a basic latke recipe that I got from my mom, but she doesn’t remember where she originally found it. It’s a recipe my family always enjoys, and with Hanukkah approaching, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy it.
Potato Latkes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (3 to 4 potatoes), scrubbed well
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 tablespoons flour or matzo meal
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup canola oil
- Applesauce and sour cream, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Peel potatoes.
- Cut the potatoes in half crosswise.
- Grate the potatoes and 1/2 medium yellow onion.
- Transfer the grated potato and onion onto a large cheesecloth. Squeeze the potatoes and onion as hard as you can until no more liquid comes out.
- Put your ingredients into a large bowl: Add the potatoes, onion, 1 large egg, flour OR matzo meal, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Start by placing 1/4 cup canola oil into a large, skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until a piece of the latke mixture dropped in sizzles. *You will need to add more oil from time to time as some oil will get absorbed into the latkes as they cook.
- Scoop 1/4 cup of the latke mixture and slide it into the hot oil. Flatten with your fingers, making a patty.
- Repeat until the pan is full, but not too crowded. Cook until golden-brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Latkes are best when served immediately. They pair well with applesauce and/ or sour cream.
Thanks so much for your time; it’s always fun getting to know writing friends. I love how your kids inspired you to write this delightful picture book. And I have to admit, I also love to wear my holiday pajamas.😊
You can connect with Dara here:
