Interview with Debut MG author, Abbi Lee

MG KidLit ALERT!

Interview with the Contemporary Author

Abbi Lee

Welcome back, Readers and Creatives,

I'm so glad you are here, and I hope your holiday season is kicking off with lots of love and family time, along with lots of books and reading time. 

Speaking of reading, let's give a warm welcome to Abbie Lee, debut middle-grade author of the Geocache Club series, which is out now.  

There's nothing more exciting for me as a reader than to uncover a hidden treasure or solve a thrilling mystery. Author Abbi Lee brings these elements to life in her Geocache Club series, blending real-world adventure with the magic of storytelling to inspire young readers. I am so glad I reached out to her for an interview to be able to bring her adventuring world into yours.

With her background as a teacher and a love for creativity, Abbi combines her passion for crafting compelling stories with her knack for connecting with kids. In this interview, she shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her books, and how geocaching transformed into a literary adventure.

Hello, Abbi, and thanks for being on Teazurs Blog! 

Your Geocache Club series explores adventure and mystery. How do you balance keeping the story realistic while adding a sense of wonder and excitement for young readers?

As a former teacher and a mom of two avid readers, I know that kids can sense when a story feels too forced or unauthentic. So, for the Geocache Club series, I made sure to root the adventure of a treasure hunt within real-world geocaching, Kansas history, and social/emotional obstacles that kids face every day. By blending realistic situations with just enough mystery and excitement, I aim to create a story that feels like it could really happen.

Will your future books be published with Chicken Scratch Books as well? What do you love or dislike about that process? Is the print quality good? Did you get to help choose your cover?

The Geocache Club series is designed to be a trilogy, so I will have at least two more books published with Chicken Scratch Books. I am already contracted for Book #2 and revisions are well underway. I’ve really enjoyed the process, and CSB is a publisher who truly wants to be a partner with its authors. The print quality has been impressive, and I was thrilled to have input on the cover. That was an important factor for me because the cover is essential for a children’s book in order to capture young eyes and imaginations right from the shelf. 

Your love for reading started at an early age. How has your childhood reading experience influenced the kinds of stories you write today?

As a child, I loved stories that transported me to a place that was both different and yet somehow relatable. Books sparked my imagination, and I often took elements of the story into the real world, like going geocaching after reading Ghost Town Treasure Hunt. That’s why I try to recreate a sense of wonder and discovery that feels like an adventure.

What funny experiences have you had with young readers about your books? 

The best question so far was at my first school visit, and a young boy asked when Book #2 in the Geocache Club series was coming out. When I told him it wouldn’t be out until 2026, he pouted and asked if I could make it come out sooner. So sweet!

What inspired you to write about geocaching? How do you research and incorporate this unique activity into your stories?

I stumbled upon geocaching a few years ago, and it was an instant hook! It combines mystery, exploration, and real-life adventure—all elements I love in a story. I go geocaching myself, noting little details like the anticipation before finding a cache or the quietness of the cemetery. These experiences add authenticity, making it easier to capture the thrill and mystery of geocaching in Layton’s story.

You’ve won and been recognized in several kidlit writing contests. How do these contest experiences impact your confidence and motivation as a writer? Which ones do you recommend for newbie writers?

Having my work accepted into magazines and doing well in writing contests proved to myself that I was a good writer. Since I was near the beginning of my writing journey, I needed that reassurance to believe that this was something I should keep pursuing. 

For newbie writers, 

I recommend contests that have a 

fun community surrounding them 

and offer multiple winners/prizes. 

Such contests include Kaitlyn Sanchez’s KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy and Spring Fling Kidlit contests, as well as Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords contest. 

You juggle many creative interests, from crafting to baking. Do any of these hobbies influence your storytelling, and how do they feed your creative process?

Absolutely! Crafting and baking involve patience, creativity, and a bit of experimentation—all valuable in writing. Sometimes, while working with my hands, a plot solution will come to me. These hobbies also offer an outlet when I need a break and remind me of the joy of creating something from scratch.

As a Kansas native, do the places you've lived—farms, small towns, big cities—make their way into your stories? How do these settings inspire your writing?

They do! Multiple scenes in Ghost Town Treasure Hunt are fictionalized versions of places I’ve experienced first-hand. I have found that I can create richer scenes if I’m drawing from a place I’ve interacted with, such as the grain elevators, the church pond, and the Havenboro cemetery from the story. 

How do you manage the balance between working on multiple projects at once, like finishing the Geocache Club series while outlining new middle-grade stories? Are there any apps that help you with time commitments?

Juggling multiple projects was one thing I wasn’t prepared for when I sold my first book. I listen to a lot of writer and author podcasts and everyone has apps they recommend, but so far, what’s worked the best for me is goal-setting and planning out my month on a calendar. For example, I’m currently promoting and marketing Ghost Town Treasure Hunt while also on a deadline for the revisions of Book #2 in the Geocache Club series. Plus, I’ll soon be outlining the third book in the series. Determining the highest priorities at the beginning of the month and looking ahead showed me that I needed to work my marketing goals around the deadline for my second book. Once the revisions have been sent to my editor, I’ll amp up my marketing efforts for Book #1 again and also work on Book #3 until I get another edit letter. Staggering my projects in this way helps me feel productive with all of them and ensures I don’t miss any deadlines.

You keep a “bucket list” book filled with experiences and goals. How does this practice of documenting aspirations help you stay inspired in both life and writing?

It helps me remember how much I’ve done; 

it reminds me to step out of my comfort zone; 

and it inspires me to always move forward.

What do you find most challenging when writing realistic contemporary fiction for kids, and how do you overcome those challenges? 

The most challenging part of writing for kids is making sure the voice is authentic to them. Kids are incredibly perceptive—they can instantly tell if dialogue, behavior, or emotions feel forced or “off.” To create an authentic voice, I spend time listening to kids in real-life settings, like when I volunteer in my daughters’ classrooms or attend their sports practices. I also talk with other parents, teachers, and librarians to gain more insight into how kids express themselves. To make the story resonate with more kids for a longer amount of time, I try to avoid current slang and trends so they don’t immediately date the book.

What organizational methods do you use when creating a book? What would you recommend to other writers? 

I’m a planner by nature, so I outline scenes, character arcs, and major plot points. I have tried a couple of different ways to outline the Geocache Club books, but I have found the most success when I assign an aspect of the story with a certain color so I can follow the layers of the story all the way through. 

For example, whenever I focused on the relationship with Layton’s parents, I used blue. Anything to do with his friendships or school was pink, and all geocaching elements of the story were green. Using these colors, I pieced together the outline on my computer and used the computer’s highlighter tool to show me gaps in any of the storylines. I have also used this method with sticky notes if I didn’t have a cohesive timeline for the story and needed to move pieces of the story around. 

Where will you be next for book signings? How can my readers help support your writing journey? 

My next book signing will be at the brand-new Barnes & Noble in New Market Square, Wichita, Kansas on November 24th from 2-4pm. (Since this interview came out today - readers, I will be updating the next signing for Abbi soon)

Ghost Town Treasure Hunt is also available anywhere books are sold, but my local independent bookstore, Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita, Kansas, has signed copies available at all times. 

If people want to follow me on social, they can find me on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook under @abbileebooks. I'm also pretty good about keeping my website updated (https://abbileebooks.wordpress.com/), and that's where people can sign up for my email newsletter. It goes out every month or so. 

Thank you for allowing me to chat about my book and my writing journey!

__________________________________________

Oh wow - Abbi, thank you for being here! 

We all appreciate you sharing your writing journey with us. And what a beautiful journey it is, and what a testament to the power of storytelling to spark curiosity and connect readers to the world around them. From geocaching adventures to realistic characters navigating life’s challenges, this series will surely capture the essence of wonder and discovery that kids will love. 

When my children were younger, we went on many geocaching adventures together. The funny and cute things we found inside those hidden treasures always had them laughing and filled with wonder. I'm so glad the first of your Geocache Club book series is out in the world. Get outside and go find one -- after you read her book, that is!

Whether you’re a fan of treasure hunts, heartfelt friendships, or simply love a good read, Abbi’s Geocache Club series is sure to delight. Don’t forget to follow her on social media and stop by her upcoming book signings to join in the adventure!

And if you have a book coming out, please reach out for an interview...I love supporting writers, illustrators, and creators for kids. 

The photo was taken in Bend, OR, years ago with my geocaching kids. 

Interview with Picture Book author, Zilla Brownsly Asterplume

PB KidLit ALERT!

Zilla Brownsly Asterplume

Hello and Welcome Back, Amazing Writers, Illustrators and Readers! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary illustrator and writer joining us on Teazurs Blog! Her name is Amber Owen, but her readers know her by the enchanting pen name, Zilla Brownsley Asterplume. Isn’t that name just dripping with magic and creativity? I’ve always toyed with the idea of a pen name, but now I’m seriously considering it—how fun would that be? I first discovered Amber’s work on Instagram, and let me tell you, her illustrations stopped me in my tracks. Her characters are brimming with life, and they radiate something truly special—an alchemy of authenticity, warmth, curiosity, and truth. Her work doesn’t just invite you in; it enchants you. Oh, and as a proud Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac, I felt like her book was calling my name. Naturally, I had to order it—can’t wait to dive in! So, let’s give a big, cozy welcome to Amber (aka Zilla)! Grab your favorite beverage and join me in celebrating her incredible talent and spirit. Welcome to Teazurs, Zilla! We’re so excited to have you here. Let’s dive right in!

What’s the story behind your love for tigers?  

Tigers are just the coolest. That said, the reason this book has a tiger in it is just because I had drawn a picture of one that I liked and then wrote the first draft of the manuscript for the book based on that picture the next day.

 

Do you still get messy while creating?

I am not messy. In fact, I cannot work if my studio is a mess. I think I might be an anomaly in that way. Most of my illustrator friends are just the opposite.

 

Your mother encouraged you to draw on your bedroom walls—what would young Zilla be drawing if she had a blank wall today? 

I wouldn’t say she encouraged me to draw on the walls, it was more of an artistic compromise ; ) I think I drew a lot of elephants and tulips back then. Now that I’ve remembered that, I might draw some of those today for fun.

 

Dario starts his day “hungry for possibilities.” What would it be if you could magically make any possibility happen for him (or any of your characters)?

All of the characters in the book have challenges. The grocer needs more hands to stock the shelves, Mr.Townie needs to get out more, etc, and Dario suggests an animal to aid each of them. The pink dodo bird on the big spread belongs to the reader, though. The dodo has the best vantage point to view the story. I wish for all young readers that they have the “vantage point” to view and engage with every kind of story, by way of books.

 

What’s the most unconventional place you’ve sketched on? Any favorites? 

I sketch on everything. I don’t really have a favorite.

 

You’ve said the quick sketch is your favorite part of the process—why do you think that first, unpolished version is so special to you?

They are always the best. I don’t know why. I guess its because...

...it is the moment you capture it

        out of the ether.

They rarely make it into the book for me because some part of the anatomy is wonky, or the angle doesn’t fit the background or something. But they always inform every other drawing going forward.

 

Teaching special needs students and working in software sounds like an exciting shift! How did these two roles impact your storytelling?

The software company paid my bills better, and even sent me to an SCWBI conference, which is how I met my agent. Teaching special needs students (btw, I actually work with adults with IDD/special needs now) is just the most rewarding occupation one can have. It pays in other ways.

 

How does Zilla make “crazy delicious popcorn”? We’re intrigued and need details!

Put the salt IN the pan with the olive oil

before you add the kernels.

Game changer.

 

If you could introduce your tiger character to Jim Panzee from Grumpy Monkey, what kind of adventure might they have together?

Wow. Probably a nap.

Tigers love to sleep and Jim seems like he could use a good nap in most of his books. Not adventurous, but we could all use a nap once in a while.

 

Which song lyrics are you most famous for singing “hideously incorrectly”?

All of them. I usually just sing about whatever I am doing right over the top of the melody.

(**Begging you...Please, please, please record these and put them on Instagram with your illustrations of your characters doing exactly what you are singing about!)

 

What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve had from a reader, young or old, about Sometimes, a Tiger?

More than once, a dinosaur-loving child has thanked me for making such a cool book about dinosaurs. I always sign the books to them, “Hope you enjoy this book about dinosaurs.”

 

What advice would you give to young artists seeking their unique style?

Your style will show up… when it shows up.

A watched pot never boils,

but your style WILL show up.

 

If your illustrations had soundtracks, what types of music or sounds would we hear in your artwork?

The hurdy-gurdy, probably.

 

How do you hope Sometimes, a Tiger will make kids see “what could be” in their lives? 

I don’t really want to make kids see anything. I hope it opens up conversations with each other and with the grown-ups in their lives. And entertains them. I feel like I grow as a human when I least expect it, and often, it happens while my heart is open because I am reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to music.

 

You just announced that Random House has bought a new book, To Knit a Ghost. Can you tell us about it and when it's coming out?

I wrote it, and my good friend Heather Brockton Lee is illustrating. It came about when I saw one of her warm-up paintings and couldn’t resist writing a story to go along with it. We are very excited to get to do a book together. It is scheduled to come out Summer 2026.

 

I've been writing for years, and I'm getting close to having something ready for agents/publishers. How long did it take you to get to where you are today?

The silly answer is, of course, 55 years. The one I think you are looking for is, well, I joined SCBWI in 2018? I think? That is when I started considering the possibility of being a published author/illustrator. But I had been making books my whole life.

 

What is your advice for writers and illustrators about patience and progression in the publishing world?

No matter where you are in the publishing journey, you will always need patience. Period.

Even when your dream editor emails you

and wants to work with you...

(squeal! This happened this year, more to come…)

...everything moves slowly. Use the time to walk your own path. You’ll pick good stuff up along the way that will come in handy when the time is right.

 

What has SCBWI done that helped you, and why should other writers and illustrators join?

I found all of my critique partners through SCBWI. It really is a one stop shop to gain the knowledge you need to make your project into a strong pitch. You can find all the information for free on the internet, but you can access it all in one place with SCBWI.

 

What is your favorite class, book, or tutorial that has helped you with your artwork - you know, taking it to the next level?

My critique group. I am surprised they even let me in. They are soooooo talented.

 

Where will you be next so my readers can get a book signed and meet you?

Here in Colorado, I will be at many schools. SOMETIMES, A TIGER has been nominated for the Colorado Children’s Book Award, which will be announced in February 2025, I think. But anyone can email me at aco@asterplume.com for any reason. I will respond.

 

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you, your books, and your art?

I suppose you might want to know my real name… it’s Amber Cowan Owen. But I always say, Amber could never make a book by herself. Zilla is my children, my husband, my critique partners, my agent, my editors, my art directors, and truthfully, my readers all rolled into one name.

 

How can my readers help support you on your writing journey?

Read anything you want. Find ways to read anything you want. And I will keep writing and drawing, so you don’t need to worry about little old me.

What fantastic advice, Zilla! Reading widely is such a gift—and so are you and your books! This writer’s humility and authenticity make me adore her even more. So here’s how we can cheer her on: buy her books, order her incredible art, leave those sparkling star reviews, and show up for her book signings. Living a creative life takes courage, and every bit of support fuels that spark of creativity. Let’s keep her fire burning bright! Amber (Zilla), thank you for sharing your wisdom, your personal stories, and your heart with us. Your work makes the world a better, brighter place for kids and adults alike. Together, let’s keep bringing the good, the bold, and the amazing from deep within ourselves out into the world. Cheers to more magic, more creativity, and more Zilla Brownsley Asterplume!

If you'd like to support Amber (Zilla):

Z.B. Asterplume Instagram

Amber Owen Facebook

Asterplume Website

Z.B. Asterplume X

As always, if you or someone you know is publishing a fantastic book - traditionally publishing or self-publishing- reach out for an interview. Each one inspires us to try new things, read new books, and buy new art. Email me at angazur @ gmail.com.

Cheers!

Angie