Curious what life is like being an author? Wondering how experienced writers feel about their craft behind the scenes? In this interview roundup, six talented writers spill the beans on their love-hate relationship with writing, how they stay focused on writing when the muse doesn’t speak, who they find encouraging in the often solo-endeavor of writing, and what they’re most proud of in their literary journey. The answers will surprise you, guide you, and help you as the illustrious vale is pulled back.

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The 6 Talented Authors who Spilled the Beans

> Brian Gehrlein is the creator of Picture Book Spotlight and #PBCritiqueFest, a member of SCBWI, represented by Storm Literary Agency and author of THE BOOK OF RULES.

> Meredith Vigh is a 2021 WriteMentor mentor, member of SCBWI, prolific writer, seeker of writing competitions, and lover of rhyme and prose.

> Helena Rhee is the author of a #1 Indie Bestseller, THE PAPER KINGDOM, published by Penguin Random House and THE TURTLE SHIP, SORA’S SEASHELLS (2022), and ROSA’S SONG (2022). Her writing has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and Salon. Helena is represented by Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents.

> Katy S. Duffield is the author of MANY books, such as CROSSINGS: EXTRAORDINARY STRUCTURES FOR EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS, LOUD LULA, and ALIENTS GET THE SNIFFLES TOO! AHHH-CHOO! Katy is represented by Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

> Annelouise Mahoney is the author-illustrator of JULIUS AND MACY: A VERY BRAVE NIGHT and represented by Olswanger Literary. Annelouise is a member of SCBWI and The United States Board on Books for Young People.

> Bonnie Clark is the author of CATCHING THOUGHTS and TASTE YOUR WORDS. Bonnie is a member of SCBWI, writes for “adults” (AKA blogs for old people – Hey, like me!) at Life, Love, and Letters, and is represented by Martin Literary Management.

1) Authors often have a love-hate relationship with writing. What do you love most and hate most about writing?

Brian Gehrlein: Whether I love or hate writing is dependent on momentum. Momentum and whether or not I can hear the voice I’m attempting to capture. It sounds so odd to articulate. By momentum, I mean that everything is rolling. I think starting is the hardest part of any task, writing or not. And maybe it’s the thought of the task that creates an emotional block or barrier. It’s like a pile of dishes in the sink and you’re already exhausted. It isn’t so bad once you begin the work, but looking at all you have to accomplish is daunting. So there’s little things I do to trick my brain into generating momentum. Maybe it’s a quick journal to get my writing brain and fingers warmed up. Or just the very act of beginning because once you’re rolling…you’re rolling. The other part that makes me love writing is when I can really hear or sense the voice. When it’s like I’m capturing something being dictated to me from some extrinsic force. It’s hard to force that or trick my brain into that mindset. There are times when it’s so clear it’s almost audible. And the writing just flies out of me. That’s very fun to experience. But I also love making something work by revising it and making it what it should be.

Meredith Vigh: Picture books have many elements to get right – character development, heart, structure, originality – I love seeing all these things coming together. But what I REALLY love is writing rhyme – it’s like solving a puzzle and so satisfying when you nail a tricky verse or come up with something ingenious. I hate struggling with first drafts where my ideas won’t translate on to the page and my head feels like it’s full of wool. This is when I remind myself first drafts are always rough and can still be molded into something great. And I often get stuck on endings – they are my nemesis!

Helena Rhee: I really enjoy the revision process – it’s like figuring out a puzzle, moving pieces here and there. The part that’s hardest for me is getting started on a new project. The blank page can be intimidating! It can often take me a while to figure out the opening scene or whose POV is best for the story.

Katy Duffield: On most days, I’d say there is NOTHING I hate about writing – especially writing for kids. I feel so incredibly blessed to get to do what I do. But there are those moments when writing can be frustrating. Sometimes, my heart knows exactly what it wants to say, but my brain and fingers just can’t put the right words on paper. Those are the tough moments for me. First drafts can be difficult for me, too. I sometimes want the words to be perfect from the get-go and that rarely, if ever happens! On the other hand, I love revision. When I can’t find the right words the first (or eighth) time around, I know I’ll always have another chance. I especially love it once the main story is in place; that’s when I can go back and focus on the language and try to make it really sing.

Annelouise Mahoney: It’s interesting that authors often have that love-hate relationship with writing. There is incredible joy in the desire to create something special. As far as what I love about writing, I’d say I really love the beginning, that dreamy part where everything and anything is possible. That is exciting to me. The part I struggle with is making all those dreamy bits fit into a well told story, not getting so lost that I forget what the story is about. That is the hard part. I enjoy the revising and polishing with the help of my editor, and the reward of the final book is the most amazing thing to see and experience.

Bonnie Clark: All good relationships are a mix of both, aren’t they? I love the ideas that I have for stories and essays, and I love having written things, but the actual process is challenging. I struggle with the discipline of writing although I understand that if you put the time in (quantity) you will see results (quality). Much like working out a muscle, it’s consistency over time that gets you where you want to be…eventually.

2) In difficult moments where the muse doesn’t speak or the pressure to complete an assignment makes writing difficult, it’s easy to simply give up and get out of the writing rhythm. What do you do to stay focused and refreshed when the going gets hard?

Brian Gehrlein: Usually, I just let it be. I try not to force it. I have a theory I call the crock pot theory. Sometimes certain projects just need to simmer on low for a long time while my unconscious brain works out the problem. Sometimes forcing something to work is antithetical to creativity. I think there’s immense purpose and value in rest, in setting something aside. I also seem to generate other story ideas while I’m waiting to pick something back up – and that’s great!

Meredith Vigh: When I’m stuck, I find it best to either go for a walk, cook, or do some chores – a solution will often pop into my head while I’m distracted. The shower is another place where inspiration can strike! Never be afraid to abandon something that’s not working- I’ve got loads of stories which I was able to successfully rewrite even years later. When I’m feeling so down that I want to give up, I try to step away completely. Finding something else creative to do – such as home decorating or simply critiquing someone else’s work – helps to keep my mind occupied and satisfies the feeling that I should be doing something. Inspiration will come back. You can’t force it and often it just requires space.

Helena Rhee: I try to remind myself that it’s a true privilege and honor to be an author, and that I should treat this career with my utmost respect and attention (rather than just sitting there cursing the blank page!). I get a nice cup of tea, read a passage or two from a good book for inspiration, and then jump right in (keeping in mind that bad writing can always be fixed). When things are a true slog, I often take a long break by walking my dog – that really clears up the mind and gets the creative juices flowing.

Katy Duffield: I have a couple of methods that I try when I’m stuck. My first choice is to get outside. Taking a walk, riding my bike, hiking, and working in the yard all help clear my head and even when I’m not specifically thinking about a manuscript, the answers I need often pop into mind while I’m doing something outdoors. My other go-to method is to set the manuscript aside for a time and work on something completely different. When I start trying to force the words, it never works. The best case for me is to tuck the story away for a month or more—but I’m not always that disciplined. And by putting it away, I mean, not only not working on it, but also trying not to even think about it. Then when I come back with fresh eyes, I can often see what I’ve been missing.

Annelouise Mahoney: Ah, yes. The writing definitely gets hard. My family and the kidlit community helps me stay focused. My daughters have watched this creative journey and have such faith in me, I never want to let them down. The kidlit community is inspiring and supportive. The message to keep going is there for all of us. There is a collective understanding of the love and care needed to create stories and the kidlit community is a place where we can cheer each other on.

Bonnie Clark: Wow Rhys. I’m in the middle of that right now! May is always crazy and I have been deep in the end-of-school activities for my three kids. I have a project I’m working on that has seemed to slip to the end of the priority line even though it occupies most of my thoughts! Much of the “work” I’ve done on it is in my head during carpool and notes on my phone when I’m running errands. But I am showing myself compassion in this busy season and allowing space for things to unfold as they should. Including this project. It helps to remind myself “…and all these things will be added unto you”, knowing that when I put what is important first the rest of what my heart desires will be added.

3) While writing is often a solo endeavor, life as an author is almost always filled with other people (and often pets!). Who’s someone that has encouraged or motivated you to keep writing?

Brian Gehrlein: Definitely my wife, Katherine. She sees the highs and lows of author life and always has an encouraging word. And often has practical advice from my target audience: mom’s with kids who read picture books! She reminds me that the main character probably needs to fall asleep at the end. And not to use so many words. I also pitch ideas to her when they’re in their infancy. I avoid a lot of wasted time when she doesn’t connect to something. She’s always honest and kind. Recently, she’s been encouraging me to get back to writing just for fun. To stop worrying so much about the publishing side of things. Just write and explore and have fun and rediscover the joy of it all.

Meredith Vigh: I found most of my critique group through the wonderful SCBWI-BI, and I wouldn’t still be going if it weren’t for them. They are always there if I need another pair of eyes, to listen when I need a sympathetic ear, or to support me when I’ve had yet another unlucky break. We all started out together as complete rookies, so seeing where everyone is at now is quite amazing. I have also made a lot of fabulous friends and acquaintances through Twitter, which surprised me as I never thought I’d join Twitter when it first started!

Helena Rhee: My husband Eugene is probably the loudest and most supportive cheerleader of my writing. He works in the film industry, so he loves stories as much as I do. It’s really encouraging when he reviews a story of mine and speaks about my characters as if they’re real people.

Katy Duffield: I’m a member of a long-time critique group. They’ll laugh at me because I can never remember how long we’ve been together—15 years maybe? And they are the best at being there for me. I also have a few other critique partners whose opinions I value so much and who are also wonderful to keep me going.

Annelouise Mahoney: Writing can be both exhilarating and lonely. I’m incredibly lucky to have the constant support of my sister. She has been a beacon of light and love from childhood. In moments of self doubt, she is there with her great big heart to listen and also remind me why I started writing for children in the first place.

Bonnie Clark: My family encourages me all of the time. Self-doubt creeps in even after you’re published! They remind me that I have written “great books that help people” AND that I can do it again (and again!). They are also the first ones I bounce ideas off of and I love getting their input in the idea stage of a story. My writer friends also keep me moving forward with their helpful critiques of my work and just watching their successes keep me motivated to ride the waves of the kidlit industry. If there was one piece of advice I could give an aspiring writer it would be: Don’t do it alone! Get in a critique group or take friends with you on the journey! It makes writing more fun and productive.

4) It’s often difficult finding the time or excuse to celebrate the little or big milestones in literary life. What’s one or two things you’re proud of as an author?

Brian Gehrlein: I suppose I’m proud that I didn’t throw in the towel when I was seeking representation. I racked up 600 rejections before I got my “yes.” Yep…600. Persistence or idiotic stubbornness can pay off eventually. I’d be silly not to plug my debut picture book as well, so I’m definitely proud of THE BOOK OF RULES. This was a story that wasn’t really on my radar as being my best work but somehow it found its way into the world. THE BOOK OF RULES (FSG/BYR) is illustrated by Tom Knight and comes out October 19th.

Meredith Vigh: Signing with an agent was a proud moment, but I’m even more proud of my resilience. Those that know me know my writing journey hasn’t been a rosy one, but I’ve continued to persevere and use setbacks as opportunities to improve on my craft, and as a result I’m writing better than ever.

Helena Rhee: I think my interview with NPR (Behold: The Magic Of Take Your Child To Work Night) was definitely a career highlight. And I will never forget my first international school visit, when kids saw me walking across the schoolyard and stopped their basketball game to rush over to me, yelling “There’s the author!” That was awesome.

Katy Duffield: I think we all have some bucket list items when it comes to our work and I was able to mark a couple of those off with my most recent picture book CROSSINGS: EXTRAORDINARY STRUCTURES FOR EXTRAORDINARY ANIMALS, illustrated by the fabulous Mike Orodán (Beach Lane 2020). First, it garnered stars from School Library Journal and from Kirkus (and was even named as one of Kirkus’s Best Picture Books for 2020!), and secondly, it’s a 2021 ALSC ALA Notable Book. Those types of honors are so validating, but the biggest joy truly comes from kids who enjoy reading the books I write.

Annelouise Mahoney: Rhys, this is a great question. I can’t seem to narrow it down. I’m in awe of the whole experience. Writing for children is something I’ve wanted to do for so long. I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with such talented people. I think the biggest milestone and what makes me the proudest is the opportunity to make more books.

Bonnie Clark: I am proud of BOTH of the books I have out right now. They both speak to relevant topics of kindness (TASTE YOUR WORDS) and mental health (CATCHING THOUGHTS) and I am grateful to have been able to do many virtual visits this past school year interacting with students and talking about these important concepts in fun and engaging ways. The feedback from educators, parents and especially students is the biggest thing I celebrate! I’m proud of those connections this past year and the thought that maybe my work has made a difference or been helpful in some way.

5) What’s the best way for others, especially up and coming writers, to follow your work or connect with you?

Brian Gehrlein: Connect with me on Twitter @BrianGehrlein or by swinging by my picture book literary blog, Picture Book Spotlight: www.PBSpotlight.com. I also respond to signal flares, Morse code, and smoke signals…

Meredith Vigh: The best place to find me these days is on Twitter @MeredithVigh. I’ve also recently been working with WriteMentor where I have enjoyed using my experience to give back to the writing community. I’d like to do more with them in the future. I hope my presence on Twitter is a positive one and I’m always happy to follow people back and offer support where I can.

Helena Rhee: I have a website with an extensive blog offering writing and publishing tips. Also, subscribers to my newsletter will be the first to hear my updates and will get sneak-peeks into my latest books. Subscribe at my website: www.HelenaKRhee.com/

Katy Duffield: I’m not the best at social media, but I’m most active on Twitter. You can find me at @KatyDuffield. I also enjoy Instagram, but it’s not that intuitive for me, so I mostly just dabble there: @katysduff. Learn more about me on my website: www.KatyDuffield.com and be sure to say hi!

Annelouse Mahoney: I’m on Twitter under @WoodlandAbbey and Instagram under @Annelouise_Mahoney. Anyone can connect with me through my website too: www.WoodlandAbbey.com.

Bonnie Clark: They can subscribe to my newsletter from my website: www.BonnieClarkBooks.com and follow me on social media: Twitter: @bonclark Instagram: @bonnieclarkbooks.

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