Interview with
KidLit Debut Picture Book Author
Leah Moser
I Am a Thundercloud
Hello, Readers, Writers, Artists, Editors, Agents, and Creatives of all Sorts!
Thanks for joining us on Writing Teazurs Blog! I am so excited to introduce Leah Moser today. I found her in the SCBWI newsletter and reached out for an interview. I'm so glad I did! This mama of three is organized, writing, and creating picture books. Her debut is coming out soon.
Read on to learn about her amazing writing journey. And let's support her by pre-ordering her first traditionally published book!
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Hello, Leah,
Congratulations on your upcoming debut picture book, I AM A THUNDERCLOUD! Can you give us a sneak peek into what the book is about and what inspired you to write it?
Thank you! I tend to write books with a SEL (social-emotional learning) theme, and anger is such a powerful emotion. I Am a Thundercloud centers on this big feeling that can be difficult for children to handle.
You have an interesting background in education, from elementary school teaching to preschool special education. How has your teaching experience influenced your writing for children?
As an educator, I would incorporate picture books into my lessons. Children of all ages connected to the characters and situations allowing for authentic teaching points. I know the importance of simple language, fun phrases, and eye-catching illustrations in picture books to keep children engaged.
Tell us about your journey from being an elementary school teacher to becoming a published children's book author. What motivated you to make this transition?
I started writing picture books after taking a Children’s Literature course at George Washington University for my Masters in Elementary Education. After graduation, I became an elementary school teacher. But I left shortly after having my first child. It was then I started writing picture books more regularly. As my children got older, I took writing classes, joined SCBWI, found critique groups, and grew as a writer.
If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen - what one sentence would you shout?
“Choose to be kind!”
or
"Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback!"
Could you share some memorable moments or experiences from your time as a teacher that have directly impacted your writing style or storytelling?
As a teacher, we worked on small-moment stories during writing class. The idea is to hone in on one event and make it into a story. During this unit, we would read several mentor texts such as Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and Big Mama’s by Donald Crews. I have since written several small-moment, quiet stories that would align with this lesson.
What's the funniest thing a kid has ever asked or told you?
I like this question :)
There have been so many moments in teaching and parenting that I should have written down. Recently, I was having a challenging day as a parent, and my three-year-old told me I should
“take a step back and ask for help.”
Thanks, Daniel Tiger.
Being a member of multiple critique groups and having experience with editing, how do you approach the process of critiquing and refining your own work?
I appreciate getting feedback on my stories, even suggestions that are hard to hear. I go through each critique carefully and take notes on my original manuscript. My stories are usually much stronger after meeting with my critique groups!
"I Am a Thundercloud" is set to release in April 2024. What can readers expect from the book, and why is it a must-read for young audiences? Where can they purchase it?
I’m so excited for the release of I Am a Thundercloud! This book follows a child who is angry and BOOMS, ROARS, CRASHES, and CRACKLES like a storm. It’s a must-read for all children because all of us feel angry sometimes. Preorder here: I Am a Thundercloud or from your local bookstore!
Can you tell us about your collaboration with your agent, Dan Cramer, and how having representation has influenced your writing career?
Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency has been a rock through this stage in my writing career. I queried him towards the beginning of his career, and I signed my contract in 2021. Dan is editorial and hands-on; he makes suggestions and has definitely improved my stories.
Our relationship is a collaborative, and I’m honored to have him in my corner!
What are some challenges you've faced while balancing your writing career with family life and friends, and how do you manage your creative time effectively?
Balancing my family, my friends, and my writing is a challenge at this stage in my life. I have three young children and a busy schedule! When my children were babies, I squeezed writing in wherever I could - during naps or after bedtime. This year, I’m able to carve out more substantial time for writing, revising, and editing. I’m a big fan of checklists, so I prioritize my writing tasks based on deadlines.
You mentioned your passion for editing and elevating manuscripts. What advice do you have for aspiring authors on the importance of editing and revision?
It can be challenging to hear feedback on stories that are close to your heart. It’s important to be open to edits while knowing that you are the author. You can decide what feedback strengthens your stories and which you just don’t agree with.
Can you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone?
I know it’s strange, but I need to have a clean and organized workspace before I’m able to concentrate on my writing. I prefer a quiet environment but sometimes, with young kids, that just isn’t possible!
How do you stay inspired and keep the creative juices flowing when working on new picture book ideas? Do you use any books or websites that might help new writers out there?
I am always reading picture books. I get inspired by other authors and illustrators! I also look forward to Tara Lazar’s STORYSTORM every year to get my creative juices flowing. If you are unfamiliar with STORYSTORM, I highly recommend it as an exercise to generate writing ideas.
As a member of SCBWI and other writing communities, how has networking and connecting with fellow authors enriched your writing journey?
I’ve found that the kid-lit writing community is incredibly supportive. I’ve connected with many authors and illustrators through SCBWI, Twitter/X, Instagram, and my promotional group, PBSoar24. This industry can be really isolating and deflating; writers who have been through the process can relate to the highs and lows.
Tell us about your involvement in Vivian Kirkfield's 2023 50 Precious Words judging panel. What was that experience like, and what did you learn from it?
I was honored to judge alongside the fabulous Vivian Kirkfield for her 50 Precious Words contest. I was surprised in how challenging it was to select my top favorite entries! I learned how subjective writing is by having lengthy discussions with the other judges.
If you could choose one picture book that has left a lasting impact on you, what would it be, and why?
What a challenging question!
I would choose The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. I think this is a perfect picture book - the illustrations, the emotions, the language. It has so many layers and every child can see themselves in this story.
You offer editing services for fellow writers. What are some common mistakes you come across in manuscripts, and how do you help authors improve their work?
I’ve seen several common mistakes that picture book authors make. One example is adding too much stage direction - writing out every movement rather than allowing the illustrator to work. Another example is thinking that writing a rhyming picture book is easy. Let me tell you - it is HARD to write a picture book in perfect rhyme. My advice is to take courses on rhyming picture books (such as Renee M. LaTulippe) before working on a story!
What are your plans and aspirations beyond the release of "I AM A THUNDERCLOUD"? Do you have more picture book projects in the pipeline? Are there other genres you write within?
I’m hoping to sell numerous picture books in the future. But so far, I don’t have another book deal lined up yet. To prepare, I am constantly writing, editing, communicating with my agent, and staying up-to-date on the picture book market. While I do typically write SEL stories, I also write in rhyme, and have lyrical and humorous stories.
Can you share a piece of advice that you've received on your journey to becoming a published author?
Believe in yourself and your stories.
Your voice matters!
Who is your biggest cheerleader? Or are you in a critique group that has helped your writing?
I am fortunate to have many cheerleaders! My husband is always my first reader - reviewing my super rough drafts and providing feedback before anyone else. He’s also an educator, so I value his opinion. Additionally, my family, my critique groups, my fabulous agent, my promotional group, PB Soar 24, and my local SCBWI chapter have all been incredibly supportive.
How do you approach finding the perfect balance between the text and illustrations in your picture books?
When writing a manuscript, I often map out my story to fit on 32 pages. This helps me visualize how it would look as a picture book. I Am a Thundercloud has been a collaboration between me, my agent, Allison Cohen, and entire Running Press team, and the wonderful illustrator, Marie Hermansson.
If you could collaborate with any illustrator for a future project, who would it be, and what type of story would you create together?
I have absolutely loved working with Marie Hermansson on our current project. She is so talented! I also admire Faith Pray’s whimsical style and Brenden Wenzel’s ability to draw all types of animals.
For aspiring authors looking to make their mark in the world of children's literature, what words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer them?
Keep going, keep querying, and
keep working on your craft.
What burning question would you ask yourself, and what is your answer?
“When are you going to get another book deal?”
“I am hopeful and optimistic!”
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Thank you, Leah,
We are hopeful for you, too. Cheering you on from Writing Teazurs Blog! Please keep us informed of your next project.
Thank you for sharing some great advice for writers and illustrators.
Remember readers, to help support writers/illustrators - promote them on blogs like this, social media, and buy their books then leave reviews.
Every little bit helps.
And if you'd like to be interviewed or you have a book to promote...please reach out.
Write~on
Angie
