The bold font are the questions I asked, the regular font are her answers, and the bold italic font are my comments about her answers.
Would you please describe your book, Until Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children, in seven words?
Thank you, Jessica. I’m delighted to be on your blog.
Refugee children create toys from found items.
What was the inspiration for this book?
A National Geographic article about refugee children making their own toys from mud, paper and plastic caught my eye. The exquisite pictures in the article started the picture book story for me.
I noticed the photographer, Nora Lorek was on Instagram. I contacted Nora to ask if she would consider confirming what animals might be found in the Bidibidi Settlement. Nora was gracious enough to give me her email, and became my inspiration and resource.
Random Question! Where is your favorite place to write?
I love to write on my porch swing in the sunshine, in my chair by the window in the sunshine, outside in the sunshine…I see a pattern here. Don’t worry, I also write when the weather is cloudy or snowing here in Ohio.
That sounds lovely! :)
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
These quotes are on my bulletin board:
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ~Ronald Dahl
Believe in yourself. Writing is magic—with a wave of your pen, you can make something from nothing appear. Keep your glittering writer’s eyes open—find the unlikely hidden idea that ignites your heart. As Julius Lester says, “The primary purpose of story is one heart touching another.” Only you can write your story.
Good advice! :)
What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2021? And if you’ve already read some ‘21 books, would you like to mention them?
I enjoy reading historical fiction, fiction and nonfiction picture books, and poetry. Here is what is on my list to read:
Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-Winning Children’s Book Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing Melissa Stewart, ed.
To craft engaging nonfiction, professional writers choose topics that fascinate them and explore concepts and themes that reflect their passions, personalities, beliefs, and experiences in the world.
The Night Portrait: A Novel of World War II and da Vinci's Italy by Laura Morelli
An exciting, dual-timeline historical novel about the creation of one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings, Portrait of a Lady with an Ermine, and the woman who fought to save it from Nazi destruction during World War II.
Check out these picture books coming in 2021.
There's a lot of great sounding Picture Books on that page! :)
Thank you to Janie Reinart for participating in this event! :)
Author Bio: Janie Reinart revels in playing with words. As an author, educator, storyteller, and poet, words are her tools. Janie’s passionate about encouraging emergent writers of all ages to find their voice, share their stories, and experience the sheer joy of writing. She lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio with her charming husband. Janie relishes reading historical novels and poetry, writing picture books and singing, and delights in playing with her 16 grandchildren. Janie’s debut picture book, WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A STORY OF REFUGEE CHILDREN, splashes on the scene in spring of 2021.
Here Are a Few Links:
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