Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators.

Congratulations to Jacquie Sewell on the release of her new book, Whale Fall Café!

Congratulations on the release of Whale Fall Café! What was the inspiration for this book?

I was working as an elementary school librarian at the time so I was well aware of how kids love the "gross factor". When I read an article about the first discovery of a natural whale fall and the wonderfully engrossing creatures that live on whale falls, I knew kids would find the whole topic fascinating.

This is your second nonfiction picture book, after Mighty Mac, The Bridge that Michigan Built. What part of nonfiction writing do you enjoy the most?

For me the research is definitely the most enjoyable part of writing non-fiction. Research is like a treasure hunt - finding interesting nuggets of information to share with others. One source leads to another which leads to another and sometimes opens up a whole new topic of fascination!

Learn more about Jacquie's book on the Mackinac Bridge here

You reached out to two marine biologists during your research for this book. What advice would you give to other authors looking to connect with specialists to help in their research?

Just do it. The worst that can happen is they say no - but hey, we're writers! We're used to rejection! Seriously though, most specialists, be they scientists, artists, engineers or what-have-you, are usually very happy to share their work and expertise with others. Of course they are busy people so that could be a constraint. But it never hurts to ask. I contacted the two scientists I ended up consulting with because their names appeared most often in the research papers I was reading. Dr. Smith was the scientist featured in that first article I read so of course I reached out to him. He was very helpful. Interesting connection: my son had taken one of Dr. Smith's classes at the University of Hawaii. And Dr. Smith was originally from Michigan!

What does your writing process look like? Do you prefer to carve out a large block of time for writing, or do a little writing here and there?

I try to carve out time but it's so easy to let life derail those plans. It's easier to make time when the words and ideas are flowing. Starting a manuscript is hard for me, I'd rather keep researching. Researching is a whole lot less scary than putting words on paper.

Who are some authors you look up to?

Melissa Stewart is my newest favorite children's author. She is very prolific (translated: she works hard at her craft). She writes great books. And she's very generous with her time and advice to the kid-lit community. Deborah Hopkins is another author whose work I respect and recommend. I had the privilege of attending a workshop she taught at Highlights Foundation. Very informative! I also look up to Miranda Paul, another author who works hard and puts out very creative and interesting NF books for kids. And she lives in Green Bay, my hometown!

What’s your favorite type of deep sea animal?

I think some of the octopuses that live way down in the deep, deep sea are my favorites. Octopuses in general are amazing animals. The Dumbo Octopus is adorable with his fins that look like ears. And the Vampire squid puts on an amazing light show and can turn itself inside out.

A Dumbo Octopus, with his little fins. (NOAA)

You can catch a glimpse of some dining cephalopods on the Whale Fall Café cover!

What’s up next for you? Where can our readers learn more about you and your work?

My publisher suggested I collaborate with one of the scientists who gave us a jacket quote for Whale Fall Café on a topic he would be interested in publishing. She agreed to work on the project with me so I am currently in research mode. It's a deep topic (that's a hint) related to whale fall so there's lots of potential information to research and share with young readers.

Thanks to you and several other bloggers/lit writers your readers can learn more about me in upcoming posts. PJ McIlvaine of Children's Book Insider did an article about my writer's journey in their April edition. Cindy Mackey of KidLit Village will share her interview with me on April 12th. Shay Fan interviewed me for her blog, First Draft to Final Book. And of course I have personal info and some supplemental material about whale falls on my website: http://www.jacquiesewell.com

A little bit about the book:

In Whale Fall Café readers journey to the deep ocean floor where an amazing ecosystem has developed on a dead whale. The hidden world of whale falls was serendipitously discovered in 1987 by Dr. Craig Smith. Since then scientists have identified an engrossing ensemble of "diners", some found nowhere else on the planet. Creatures like hagfish, giant roly-polies, and zombie worms will intrigue readers of all ages.

A little bit about the author:
I have always loved to read. A love of writing seemed like a natural consequence. In my early days as a writer I did a lot of freelance writing for Lansing City Limits Magazine and several other local and hospital publications. That experience taught me to choose my words carefully. When the editor said he wanted 300 words, he meant 300 and not one word more. So every word had to earn its keep. A bit later in life I discovered my dream job: children's librarian. Truly, what is better than working with kids and books all day and getting to help children fall in love with stories and words and books? That experience taught me the power and beauty of picture books. My writing shifted focus from adult to children and my innate curiosity led me to write several nonfiction pieces, two of which have found publishers. I have several fiction manuscripts out on submission as well.