Book Birthday Blog with Lisa Wheeler

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog! 

Where we celebrate new books by Michigan's children's book authors and illustrators

BIG congratulations to Lisa Wheeler for the release of her new book, 

A Hug Is For Holding Me!

Question #1: A Hug Is For Holding Me offers a beautiful perspective on what comfort is as seen in nature as well as with the little girl and her dad. Did you choose the father/daughter characters and what do you think it brings to your story? I didn't imagine this as a father daughter book. As I was writing, it was about all the people who love the children in their lives. But I do love what the talented Lisk Feng did with my words. So sweet and lovely. I have a close relationship with my stepdad who raised me. I am a sucker for all things father/daughter.

Question #2: You have so many incredible picture books and easy readers! How do you find your book ideas and what would you say your writing process is once you get that next great idea? Ideas are everywhere. I realized long ago that when I 'hunt' for ideas, none come. When I fertilize my brain with good books, walks in nature, and surrounding myself with loving people (and dogs!) who make me laugh, ideas come out of "nowhere". Once I get an idea, I am on fire. I write snippets on scraps of paper, envelopes, wherever I happen to be, including spin class! Once it feels like it could be a book, I take the snippets to the computer and begin typing.

Question #3: If you could choose one moment (sorry!), what would you say has been your favorite moment as an author? Why? The pressure! There have been many.  

But what is fresh in my mind is one of the most recent.  I wrote a book this summer that came from a place deep inside my soul. It was personal. I figured that if no one else liked it, that is okay because I had to write it. My agent orchestrated an auction for the book and eight publishers sent me wonderful letters and proposals telling me how much it resonated with them. I cried through each one. I couldn't stop crying for three days. They were tears of joy and validation. But I think also the part of my soul that I put into that book, was surprised that others out their saw a bit of the real me, and liked what they saw. That was overwhelming.

Question #4: Would you mind sharing three pearls of writing wisdom for those just starting the journey?

1. Be yourself. It's okay to emulate other authors when you are starting out. I did. But then, when you will eventually find your own voice, be true to that.

2. Be kind. No matter where you are on the publishing ladder, someone is always above or below you. We are all on that ladder together so treat each person you meet along the way with kindness and respect. This goes for all aspects of life!

3. Don't give up. There are very few 'overnight success' stories in publishing. While you are waiting to be 'discovered' hone your craft, join a critique group, take workshops, go to conferences, and write, write, write. I've always said the only difference between a published author and an unpublished one is ONE DAY. 

Question #5: You had three books come out this year, yay! Are you currently working on anything else?

Always! I have three more coming out next Fall. The next Dino-Holiday book--Dino-Halloween--will debut. Plus, there is a sequel to Even Monster Need to Sleep called Even Monsters Go to School. I also have a follow-up to People Don't Bite People for the toddler/preschool set called People Share With People.

I, of course, am working on something at this moment. Whether that idea becomes viable, sells to a publisher and becomes a book remains to be seen. The important thing is the writing!

A little bit about the book: A Hug Is for Holding Me is a sweet, cozy book about love and affection and invites children to engage with the natural world in a fresh, new way. Some hugs are tight and some hugs are snug . . . but guess who gives the BEST hugs?

A little bit about the author: Lisa Wheeler has written many books for children, including The Pet Project, illustrated by Zachariah OHora; Spinster Goose, illustrated by Sophie Blackall; and People Don’t Bite People, illustrated by Molly Idle. She lives with her family in Addison, Michigan.