Interview with KidLit Author Alice McGinty

KidLit ALERT!

Interview with an 

Expert in Children's Books 

Alice McGinty

Crafting Worlds for Young Minds:

A Celebration of over

50 Children’s Books and Counting

 

Give a big cheer for Alice McGinty, an extraordinary powerhouse in children's literature with over fifty enchanting books to her name! With each story, Alice crafts amazing journeys that captivate and ignite young imaginations, proving herself a true maestro of the written word. Her dedication to fostering the next generation of writers shines brightly, making her a beloved mentor in the KidLit arena.

So, grab your pom-poms and join me as we dive into the creative world of a writer who brings stories to life with passion and joy.

Let’s go, Alice!

Let’s inspire, create, and

celebrate literature together!

With over 50 books under your belt, could you share a bit about your journey as a writer and how your love for playing with words has evolved over the years?

I grew up loving words. My family read a lot, and as a young child, I was drawn to books like Dr. Seuss’s that had wordplay in them.

Words could be so much fun!

As I got a bit older, I began to play with words myself by making up poems and jump rope rhymes. Later, I made up stories. Then, when I grew up, I started to submit my writing to publishers. It took over 10 years of rejections before I had my first acceptance, but it was well worth the wait!

 

As a prolific author of both fiction and nonfiction, what draws you to a particular story or subject matter when deciding what to write about?

 

It has to touch me deeply in some way, whether it be that a story idea touches my heart or the topic touches on something deep and important inside me. Since I have a college background in psychology, I’ve developed a program about how tapping into psychological needs can bring emotional power to writing. This applies to both fiction and nonfiction. For example, The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation is, down deep, about her connectedness with her community. A Synagogue Just Like Home is also about connectedness. A Story for Small Bear plays on the need for security mixed with independence. 

Your writing camp for teens, Words on Fire, sounds like an incredible opportunity for young writers. What inspired you to start this camp, and what do you hope participants take away from the experience?

The inspiration began when I’d go to schools for author visits, and after the assemblies, a teacher would approach me with a child hiding behind them, saying, “Meet, so-and-so. They love to write.” We’d have great conversations, but I’d leave a bit sad because it was always just one child, and I could tell that they felt alone in their writing. While writing is a solitary act, I know how important it is to have a writing community around us. I’ve been fortunate in my life and career to have many friends and colleagues who have formed a great support system, and I wanted all of these young writers I was meeting to make the same connections with fellow writers. My greatest hope for my campers is that they stay in touch with each other and form a strong network for each other. This has happened! I’ve been running camp for 13 years, and my campers have formed lifelong friendships. It brings a smile to my heart!

 

 

 

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

                                            Love each other!

 

As a presenter, guest author, and keynote speaker, you have a passion for sharing your enthusiasm for reading and writing with others. What do you find most rewarding about these engagements?

There’s a magic that happens when writers and readers get together to celebrate books, reading, and writing! I love making connections with young writers and hope our time together ignites their imaginations and inspires them to write their own stories!

 

Serving as the Co-Regional Advisor Emeritus of the Illinois Chapter of SCBWI must have been an enriching experience. How has your involvement with SCBWI influenced your writing journey?

My writing journey, my SCBWI journey, and my personal journey have walked hand in hand for many years. They fed each other, enhanced each other, and even kept each other afloat! Through conferences and Illinois Network events, being part of SCBWI allowed me to be part of the children’s book community. It taught me the industry by bringing me face-to-face with editors, agents, illustrators, publishers, and more. It helped me learn my craft and inspired me by hearing other authors who were further along the path than I am speaking about their journeys (for one, that inspired me to travel for my research and gain first-hand experiences). It also allowed me to meet many other fantastic writers who have enriched my life in more ways than I can say!

If you could go back to the newbie writer you were before you were ever published, what advice would you give yourself?

You’ll get there.

Don’t give up!!

And take advantage of every opportunity you have to work on your craft and get to know the industry.

Keep saying yes!

 

You've lived in various places throughout your life. How has this nomadic lifestyle influenced your writing, if at all?

I know there’s a big, wide world out there, full of things to explore - new places, people, cultures, and experiences!

 

As a book reviewer, you have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of literature. How does this role inform your own writing and creative process?

I had to be dragged into being a book reviewer, but I’m glad I let it happen. I’ve been reviewing books for many years now, and it’s prompted me to stay more current in my reading and to look at books with a critical eye. I only review books I like, and I’ve realized how many books I DON’T like. Either they’re too adult, don’t have enough depth, or the rhyme or language is subpar. Sometimes, I have to go through a big pile of books to find the ones I want to review. That process – finding what works AND what doesn’t – has definitely helped me as a writer.

 

Your upcoming book "Truck Says Moo" sounds delightful. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this story and your collaboration with illustrator Molly Idle?

Thanks! It’s going to be a fun one! It was inspired during a road trip when my son Zach and I drifted, practically on fumes, into a gas station in the middle of nowhere. There I was, pumping gas, when I heard a mooing sound. Where were the cows? I saw none! No cows, no fields, nothing. The mooing continued. Ahhh… finally, I figured it out. A truck nearby was transporting cows in its trailer

I found that experience funny and thought to myself, “truck says moo.” Soon enough, I was wondering what might happen if other objects made unexpected sounds and how that might happen in a way that actually was completely logical.

I LOVE Molly as an illustrator, and she’s doing great things with this book. I just saw the sketches. It’s going to be really special because the pages will have lots of “gate flaps,” which means kids will be able to unfold the gates to see the story progress.

 

"A Synagogue Just Like Home" received accolades and recognition. What inspired this heartwarming story, and what message did you aim to convey to young readers?

The inspiration actually came when I was in a church, doing presentations and a sermon around my book, Gandhi: A March to the Sea. During some down time, we were sitting in the common area, and I overheard some of the church members talking about all the repairs that were needed in their aging building. It got me thinking!

Many stories come from “What if’s?”

What if the rabbi tried to make the repairs?” “What if he wasn’t very handy?” What would happen, and what positive things could come from it? From there, I explored the idea of a synagogue being like a home – with a helping, sharing, caring community inside. Any community can be like a home, and that’s the message I hope to convey to readers.

Can you share your experience of working with illustrator Laurel Molk on "A Synagogue Just Like Home" and how the illustrations complemented the narrative?

Laurel’s illustrations are fantastic! That said, the “working together” process took place through the publisher, which is how it normally happens. The publisher works with the author and illustrator separately. They showed me the sketches, I made a few small comments and requests for changes, and they communicated those to Laurel. I’ve never communicated with Laurel directly, other than to tell her that I love the illustrations. Her art brings out the warmth and humor of the story, and I LOVE the diverse, loving community she created in the illustrations!

 

"Deck The Cats" is set for release in fall 2026. What can readers expect from this upcoming book, and what inspired its creation?

Deck the Cats is a companion book to Bathe the Cat (Chronicle, illustrated by David Roberts). I knew there was potential for more antics for the wonderful, diverse family David Roberts created in Bathe the Cat, and Deck the Cats was the combination of my idea for that family to be preparing for a special occasion and my editor saying, “I wonder what a Christmas Bathe the Cat book would look like?” We had a great time exploring that idea, and I think readers can expect another laugh-out-loud funny book with warmth and love at its core!

What self-care do you do to be sure you are ready to write for kids?

I exercise and walk regularly, spend time outdoors, and keep blocks of time open for writing.  

Your love for exploration and travel shines through. Have any of your adventures directly influenced your writing or storytelling?

Always!!! A recent trip to Portugal gave me a new nonfiction book idea, which is being considered right now. Cross your fingers!

You've mentioned being a dancer, biker, swimmer, and guitar player. How do these activities contribute to your creativity and writing process?

Great question. I think they help in two strong ways.

First, with dancing, letting the music flow through me, and moving my body to the music keeps my inner child and my playfulness alive and well. It also keeps me loose in a way that helps my creativity and writing because letting thoughts, feelings, ideas, and words flow through me is key to writing. Playing the guitar is similar. Being musical is also a key to good rhythm and language play.   

Next, swimming (which I do outside in lakes or pools in the summer) and riding my bike get me out in the fresh air which is really important to my mental and spiritual health. Feeling a connection to nature (I love walking and hiking too!) keeps me centered and keeps my mind and heart open and my landscape uncluttered, so I’m ready to write.  

With such a diverse range of experiences and interests, do you find yourself drawn to certain themes or motifs in your writing? If so, what are they?

I didn’t really plan it this way, but I do seem to be drawn to books about food! I think it began with Rabbi Benjamin’s Buttons, then Pancakes to Parathas: Breakfast Around the World, Feasts and Festivals Around the World, and more. I’ve got other food-related books in the works as well: non-fiction, fiction, and even humor!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers, particularly those who are just starting their writing journeys?

First, read widely! Next, join SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and go to conferences to learn. Take advantage of the resources they provide and realize that this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. 

It’s a lifetime journey, and 

you are in charge of training 

yourself for that journey. 

You are your own apprentice. 

Last, and most importantly, forge connections with your fellow writers because it’s the writing community that will not only make your journey enjoyable but will support and teach you along the way. This is invaluable!

Can you share a memorable experience as a writer that has had a significant impact on you?

I wasn’t sure if I could write a funny book, but it had always been a dream of mine. Then, the idea for Bathe the Cat came to me. When I hear from parents that Bathe the Cat had their children on the floor in stitches, laughing and guffawing, it makes me so happy!

 

 

What are your aspirations for the future of your writing career?

I’d like my books to take me around the world! I hope to continue to get invitations to present at schools in different countries and I know that new ideas will come from those new experiences as well.

How can my readers support your writing journey? Will you be at any upcoming conferences or book signings?

I feel deep gratitude to the people who buy my books, and I’d be glad to mail signed bookplates to anyone who wants them. I’m also part of the faculty for Words in the Woods, an SCBWI Illinois conference this summer. It should be a great program, with critiques, lead-up webinars, and more. Sign up here! https://www.scbwi.org/events/2024-words-in-the-woods-allerton-pf-lb4lej89

Amazing, Alice!

I am so glad I reached out to you for an interview. Your insights are very helpful to both seasoned and newbie writers. And I absolutely love what you said about this writing journey being one in which we are in charge of our learning, our output, and our destiny. Total Freedom in our own time to blossom and become experts in our craft. 

Thank you for sharing.

If you would like to find out what Alice is up to you can find her here:

Alice on Instagram | Author Website 

And if you'd like to be interviewed about your creativity - reach out. I love cheering on creatives. 

Write~on,

Angie