Interview with Founder of Artist Madrid Books: Caitlyn P.W. Jones

KidLit Alert!

Interview with Caitlyn P. W. Jones

Author and Founder of Artist Madrid Books

Caitlyn, you are the founder of Artist Madrid Books. How did this endeavor come about? Why get involved in publishing?

Artist Madrid Books is the name of my indie publishing company, founded in 2021. I've had a lifelong passion for books and a dream to one day become a writer. However, for a long time, I didn't see any way for me to pursue writing other than as a hobby.

Then in 2020, the world shut down.

I was on maternity leave with my daughter and felt a little aimless. In the small moments of quiet, when she decided to sleep, I wrote her a poem that became the inspiration for my first book, "Some Days". After writing the poem, I decided to find an illustrator and publish it because I could not find any similar books with characters that looked like her. After going through the self-publishing process, I knew I wanted to share these nuggets of wisdom with others. Thus, Artist Madrid Books was born.

You care about diverse books. Why do we need to buy books with different protagonists or different ways of living?

As an author, we are alchemists of the written word, taking a simple idea and creating vibrant characters and spectacular worlds. Readers may feel more comfortable with a book where the protagonist is similar to themselves, which is great! I believe everyone should have a comfort read.

However, I feel books that allow you to see life,

whether made-up or real,

through a different person's eyes

should be on all bookshelves.

You are an Indie Published author. The title is Some Days - what is this book and the background of it?

"Some Days" is a children's board book from the point of view of a little girl. She describes how every day with her mother is a little different. Some days her mother is sick, and they have to change their plans. The book ends with the mother reassuring her daughter: “I love you, sweet little one. I love you each and every day!”

As I mentioned, this book was inspired by my relationship with my daughter. Being someone who deals with chronic illness, I never want her to feel she is the cause of my “bad days”. The book is for young ones up to 4 years old and uses engaging, vibrant illustrations to tell the story.

Numerous parents have told me that this book was as comforting to them as it was to their children, even those without health/mental issues. After reading it with their little ones, I hope parents are able to give themselves a little more grace. Parenting is hard, and we all have bad days.

Some Days won the 2022 Children’s Book Expo ICMe Award in Atlanta, Georgia. Awesome! What did that mean to you? How can other writers get their books out there for awards? 

Children’s Book Expo ICMe Awardees represent outstanding books that highlight diversity in children’s literature.

When I found out that my first book had won,

I cried.

Writing a book is a labor of love, and it’s always validating to have someone else say that you’ve done a great job. I tell my clients to submit their books for as many awards as possible. This can be costly since most have a submission fee. However, there are some that are free to enter or have relatively low cost. If it is in your budget, it is definitely worth it!

What are the genres of the books that Artist Madrid Books has published so far, and why did you choose them?

At this time, we have published or assisted with publishing 15 books with at least 7 more in the works from around the world. It has definitely been a busy two years! At the moment, we are focusing on children and a few young adult projects. I make sure that all the books we publish represent diverse and unique experiences.

I especially love it when I get to work with authors who’ve written a book for their own children because they haven’t been able to find that topic with diverse characters in the current marketplaces. Then I get to help them introduce their story to the world.

How can we get people to buy diverse books? 

The simple answer is:

Make more books with

authentic diverse characters available.

When you look at the percentage of diverse representation in children’s books, the numbers are dismal. The more complicated answer is we need more diverse authors, and we need to help authors feel comfortable telling their unique stories. Truthfully, many authors do not have access to traditional publishing. I feel like the explosion of self-published books in recent years has been amazing, but we still have a long way to go.

Encouraging writing and literacy

from a young age is also important.

I am thrilled for the past two years, Artist Madrid Books has been able to host a Youth Writing Contest for children 4 to 10 years old. The grand prize winner even gets their book idea published.

If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen: What one sentence would you shout?

If you have been hesitant about writing,

I want to let you know

someone out there needs your story!

What is your Debut fantasy novel’s title? How did you come up with it, and what is its meaning?

My debut portal fantasy novel, "Adjacent to the Truth” will be published through Artist Madrid Books YA Disivion.  I am so excited that it is becoming a reality because I’ve been working on this manuscript for the past 4 years.

The title comes from a line in the book: "It has long been proven that beings cannot be trusted with their own story. They cannot be humble enough, objective enough to tell a tale in truth. They always add a flourish here or there, cover over a mistake, and then proudly sing their praises. So it can be said that anyone who tells their own story is only telling a tale adjacent to the truth."

What does Portal YA mean? What makes this story unique?

Portal fantasy is a subgenre of the wider fantasy genre. My novel’s plot follows two teenage girls, one from an alternate world and one from one like our own. The alternate world I created is a mysterious place with lush forests and the dangerous creatures that roam them. It’s a land forgotten by time and steeped in tradition. Through the protagonists' alternating points of view, readers get to experience these two different settings filled with endearing and authentic diverse characters. 

The combination of suspenseful elements found in other genres blends with the creative world-building to make this novel unique; each chapter brings fresh revelations about both worlds as our protagonists discover secrets that could change both worlds forever.

Why are you the perfect writer to have written this novel?

I have enjoyed reading young adult fantasy and sci-fi books for the past 20 years. And I’ve definitely learned a thing or two. I’ve enjoyed writing a story my way and infusing it with experiences I have had as a minority. 

I want readers to get lost in my story, imagine new cultures and customs, think about what makes us all unique, and find courage in the characters’ struggles. This portal fantasy novel has it all: It’s thrilling, filled with emotion, humorous, and thought-provoking. While this story tackles difficult topics, it does so in a manner that makes it suitable even for younger teens. I really do hope readers have as much fun reading it as I have writing it.

What is the main theme in this novel? 

I’ve really worked to provide realistic examples of different interpersonal relationships. I want this to be something that my daughter can enjoy when she is a teenager, but more importantly, I want to not romanticize toxic relationships. Throughout the book, readers will be able to clearly see the different types of relationships; healthy, toxic, and everything in between.

I think it’s important for young adults to

understand what a healthy relationship looks like

and not be influenced by

toxic relationships, sometimes portrayed in literature.

This is especially true when it comes to romantic relationships, as this can often shape how young adults approach relationships later in life. So, I made sure that the protagonist's primary relationship was one built on trust and mutual respect, with both parties supporting each other through their individual journeys of self-discovery.

You say you are looking for ARC and Beta participants. How can these readers work with you?

If my teaser has piqued your interest and you like receiving free books, I recommend applying to be a part of Artist Madrid Books Review Panel (Beta Readers Needed). We are currently looking for beta readers and will begin the ARC selection process in September. Both Beta and advanced copy readers will provide invaluable feedback and buzz about the book before its official launch this fall.

What advice do you have for YA writers?

Besides writing as much as possible, this is the advice I have for all writers:

If you don’t know what to write about, go out and live.

If you don’t know how to write, stay in and read.

What are your goals for the next year? Five? Ten?

I hope to continue to grow my publishing company, be able to grow the Artist Madrid Books family, and focus a bit more on my own writing. At first, I thought “Adjacent to the Truth” would be a stand-alone novel, but as I’m moving into further revisions, I am considering a sequel. I see endless possibilities on how I can continue the story. Either way, I will definitely continue on my author journey and be able to assist other writers to get their stories out there.

_____________________________________

Awesome, Caitlyn! Thank you for sharing your writer's journey and your new love - Publishing. I absolutely love your quote for advice for writers! So true. Let's rally behind this new self-publishing house, hoping that more diverse writers sitting on a unique POV manuscript will query Artist Madrid Books.

Writers - Artist Madrid Books wants your diverse POVs. You can do this. We need diverse books!

Connect with Caitlyn or Artist Madrid Books:

Links:

Author Coaching Now Available: https://artistmadridbooks.com/self-publishing/

Artist Madrid Books Titles: https://artistmadridbooks.com/books/

My Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcpw/

The Artist Madrid Books Podcast: https://artistmadridbooks.podbean.com/

And as always - if you'd like. to be interviewed, reach out. I love promoting writers and bookish people.

**Note: There is a waitlist right now.**

Debut PB Author Interview with Ellen L. Ramsey

KidLit Alert!

Interview with

Traditionally Published Debut PB Author

Ellen L. Ramsey

Good Day, Readers and Writers and Bookish people, 

Thanks for dropping by the Teazurs Blog. Please welcome Picture Book Debut author Ellen L. Ramsey, a self-proclaimed collector of stories, to the site. Her debut PB comes out this July 2023, and I am excited to read all about Bear and his humorous love of reading. 

Hmmm, sounds like there's a bit of the author in this Bear. 

  

Hello, Ellen! I love your website! It's written in a way that adults and children will laugh when they read all about you. It’s really clever and cute. What type of guidance would you give other authors about their websites?

I love to laugh, and I love stories. 

The website reflects my love of reading and writing, my sense of humor, and my other interests, like watching birds, bees, and butterflies. My husband and I had fun working on the website, and my husband contributed photographs and videos. 

Designing a website is like writing a story—

think about what will capture other people’s interest.

How many teddy bears do you have, and which one is your favorite? 

We have 37 teddy bears, most of them gifts from friends and relatives who know about our love of bears. Their names reflect their interests and outfits—Aviator Bear, Golf Bear, Globe Bear (who turns into a globe). 

Our favorite bears are Mr. and Mrs. Bear. Mr. Bear was a gift from my husband before we were married, and Mrs. Bear was a gift at the time of our wedding. For many years, our holiday cards have featured photos of Mr. and Mrs. Bear—plus holiday messages from the bears. Living in a house full of books, the bears have literary aspirations.

Many new authors are self-publishing, but you have an agent and have been traditionally published. Why did you go the traditional route?

I’ve worked as a technical writer/editor for many years and respect what editors do. I was delighted by Cheryl Eissing’s editorial suggestions that strengthened the story and by the choice of MacKenzie Haley as the illustrator. In navigating the publication process, I’m grateful for my agent Liza Fleissig’s guidance, Cheryl’s editorial suggestions and support from other Penguin/Random House staff, and MacKenzie’s imaginative art that adds beauty and visual humor to the book.

Why write for children?

My mom, who was an artist and art teacher, inspired my love of children’s books, especially picture books. I treasure books from my childhood, especially Wanda Gag’s MILLIONS OF CATS, Clare Turlay Newberry’s PANDORA, Beatrice Potter’s PETER RABBIT (a beautiful old copy that was given to my mother by one of her grandmothers). My mother used these books in her art classes, so they have been well-loved by many children. 

What was the most difficult rejection you’ve received over the years?

The most difficult rejection was my picture book manuscript A Book for Bear, making it to an acquisitions meeting but not being accepted for publication. There was also the time when a manuscript, which I naively thought was being seriously considered, was returned to me over a year later with a large footprint and an apology explaining that the manuscript was mislaid under a desk. 

In this case, I chose to be 

amused rather than discouraged! 

You have many publications. What are some of the publications or magazines a writer for kids might like to submit their work to? 

I’ve learned a lot from working with editors at Highlights, Muse, Ladybug, and Spider. Editors’ suggestions bring new perspectives and new ideas to my writing. 

Do you belong to any writer’s groups like SCBWI or a critique group, and what is the best thing about them? 

My success in publishing my work is a tribute to SCBWI and to my writing friends. I belong to several critique groups. We provide suggestions for each other’s writing, and support and encouragement as we deal with the...

 three Rs of writing—

rejection, revision, and resubmission; 

...and we enjoy the 

three Cs—

creativity, community, and celebration. 

All my critique groups have also become friendship circles. 

Why are birds, bees, butterflies, and other flying things important to you? 

I’m fascinated by flying creatures, but unfortunately, there aren’t many dragons in our neighborhood. So I watch birds, bees, and butterflies. It’s fun to go on “safari” in our yard or in neighborhood parks/wildlife refuges and to learn more about the importance of these animals to the ecosystem. 

You have a debut picture book coming out in 2023 - A Book for Bear - why should parents buy this book? 

A BOOK FOR BEAR is full of humor—the perfect story for kids and parents who love fun and imaginative books. It’s about three things I love—books, bears, and friendship. 

Bear, assisted by his friend Ellen, searches for the perfect book for them to read together. Kids will be amused by the disguises Bear wears in his efforts to sneak into a school, a library, and a bookstore. 

MacKenzie Haley’s illustrations capture Bear’s enthusiasm for finding the perfect book and add lots of visual humor. 

I hope reading the book will inspire kids 

to create a book of their very own. 

 

More information about the book is on my website ellenlramsey.com

You also write poetry. How has poetry helped your life?

Writing poetry helps me focus on brevity and the rhythms of words—both important skills in writing picture books and in writing articles and stories to meet specific word counts. 

If you could bring something magical to the world - what would it be?

A magic wand that delivers the gift of 

KINDNESS and PEACE.  

What are you writing next? Will there be another bear book? A hummingbird book?

Yes, I’m writing another bear book. I’m also writing other stories based on my love of reading and creative nonfiction books about birds and other animals.

What conferences and events will you be attending where aspiring authors will get to meet you in person?

I just attended an SCBWI Eastern Pennsylvania Conference at Highlights Foundation—a fantastic experience with inspirational speeches and opportunities to see writing friends and to meet in person three other members of one of my online critique groups. 

I’ll be part of an SCBWI Eastern Pennsylvania webinar panel discussion of debut authors and illustrators on Thursday, August 31, 2023. I’m looking forward to participating. It will be an opportunity to hear about the paths to publication of several authors and illustrators. Check here for updates Eastern PA SCBWI.

For people living in the Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Maryland area, here are local bookstore events: 

Book Launch at Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA, on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Home - Children's Book World (childrensbookworld.net)

Book Signing and Activities, Barnes & Noble in Exton, PA, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, 1:00 p.m., Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Exton, PA | Barnes & Noble (barnesandnoble.com)

If you live close by, 

I would love to see you at one of these events.

What do books mean to you?

Books are windows into worlds I may never experience, but I love learning about characters who are different from me as well as characters similar to me. 

I value books, which are a reflection of people’s 

thoughts, feelings, and interests. 

Reading brings me new information and an understanding of people and how the choices people make affect their lives and the lives of others. I hope that A BOOK FOR BEAR will encourage children to love reading and inspire them to create books of their very own. 

For more information, visit my website: https://www.ellenlramsey.com/

You can connect with me on social media:

Instagram: @ellenlramseybooks

Facebook: @EllenLRamsey

Twitter: @ellenlramsey1

Other blogs that will feature interviews and information about my path to publication:

July 6, 2023: Kathy Temean’s Writing and Illustrating

July 13, 2023: Darlene Beck Jacobson’s Bringing Stories to Life

July 28, 2023: Vivian Kirkfield’s Perfect Picture Book Friday

Thank you, Ellen, for your insights and your love of writing and reading. I am so excited about your debut picture book - A BOOK FOR BEAR - coming out this July 2023. 

And I am thrilled to learn of some other writers' blogs to check out. Support writers for kids! Read their blogs. Buy their books. Get involved. We can change the world for the better, one book at a time. 

As always, if you'd like to be interviewed or want to be a guest blogger - reach out to me on @angie_azur_writer or email me at angazur @ gmail.com