WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES
INSPIRATION, INFORMATION, AND INSIGHT
FOR WRITERS
TODAY’S GUEST
ARIEL BERNSTEIN
I met Ariel a couple of years ago while participating in many of the kidlitland writing challenges. Then, when my debut picture book was scheduled to launch this year, I joined PICTURE THE BOOKS 2017, the group founded by Ariel, Katey Howes and Julie Segal Waters. And even when my book got pushed, they let me stay in the group…which just goes to show you what an awesome person Ariel is.
Ariel Bernstein is a children’s book author. Her debut picture book, I HAVE A BALLOON, illustrated by Scott Magoon, releases Sept. 26, 2017. Her chapter book series, WARREN AND DRAGON, illustrated by Mike Malbrough, will be published Summer 2018.
Ariel, I’m thrilled to welcome you to Picture Books Help Kids Soar.
ME: Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
ARIEL: My parents had a book of Russian folk tales that I read and reread many times. I thought that Baba Yaga was the creepiest villain and it felt kinda crazy that she was allowed to be in a children’s book, which made the stories all the more enticing. The illustrations, by Ivan Bilibin, are incredible.
And I loved Beverly Cleary’s RAMONA books. Ramona was also a younger sister, so I felt like I was seeing myself in some of those situations. I appreciated that she was a relatable kid in so many ways – she didn’t always do or say the right thing, but she always felt real.
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
ARIEL: When I first started writing, I heard a lot about writers who write every day, no matter what. So I thought I needed to do that. I ended up getting burnt out and not enjoying the process at times. I realized it’s 100% fine to take a break and then go back to writing. Every writer works differently. For some, it really does help to write every single day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. For me, breaks help me to write with a clearer mind and more creative energy.
ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
ARIEL: I like to write on my laptop while inside, usually in my living room. I often think of my best ideas while walking though, so I’ll take my phone and every once in a while I’ll have to stop to write something quickly in the notes, otherwise I’ll forget it by the end of the walk!
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
ARIEL: I try to get most of my writing done in the morning or early afternoon during the week before getting my kids from school. I wish I was one of those writers that can grab 10 minutes here or there to write, but I need a big block of time to devote to writing.
ME: Why do you write for children?
ARIEL: I love reading books when you can practically hear the narrator dictating the words aloud, such as stories by David Sedaris. With picture books and chapter books, they actually do get read out loud by parents, teachers, librarians, and beginning readers. So it’s fun to write them knowing the reader will often get the experience of hearing the voice and tone interpreted by whoever is reading it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, ARIEL! I loved getting to know you a little better…I can’t believe that Baba Yaga was your go-to book when you were young…MINE, TOO!!!!
Dear friends, Ariel is generously offering a giveaway of a copy of I HAVE A BALLOON. Please leave a comment here or on yesterday’s Perfect Picture Book Friday review of the book. Her book is available for preorder on Amazon or at Indie bookstores everywhere…and remember…a review on Amazon or Goodreads is a gift of love for your favorite books.
You can find more about Ariel at http://www.arielbernsteinbooks.com, and on Twitter and Instagram @ArielBBooks.
And now…drum roll please! Time for Ariel’s favorite cookie recipe!
Super Chocolate-y Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Preheat oven to 300
INGREDIENTS
1/2 lb butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 TBS milk
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 3/4 cups oatmeal
2 cups ground walnuts (optional)
2 packagas chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS
Melt the butter
Beat together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar
Add the mixture to milk, eggs, and vanilla. Beat together.
Add and beat together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Stir in oatmeal, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
Cool the batter for two hours.
Bake for 20 minutes (or until done).
YUM…those sound
This past week has been a nightmare for many in Texas and surrounding areas. Please keep them in your prayers and help in any way you can. Many kidliters are banding together to raise money. The fabulous Kate Messner has a KIDLITCARES auction going on with fantastic items like critiques and more: KidLitCares Hurricane Harvey relief effort
Thank you for spending some of your precious time here, dear friends…we’ve got several treats in store next week when PENNY PARKER KLOSTERMANN is in the house…and then a dynamic duo Q&A over the weekend with author NANCY CHURNIN and illustrator DANNY POPOVICI.
Lovely to hear Ariel say that writing is different for everyone and that you need to find what works for you. Nice to find out a little more about Ariel and her book. Thanks for a lovely interview, Vivian.
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It took me a while to figure it out, Norah! I hope every writer is able to find what works best for them 🙂
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I hope so too!
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Loved reading this. Great interview, Vivian and Ariel! :-). Must try this recipe now!
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Thanks, Katrina! I hope you enjoy the cookies!
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Thanks Vivian and Ariel for the great interview. Congratulations and much success for “I Have A Balloon”!
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Thanks so much, Mary!
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Love the insight into the writing process, Ariel. While I’d love to say that I write everyday, the reality is that this isn’t possible for me and, I’d guess, for many of us. Thanks for sharing that success is possible even when you don’t follow every “rule.” Look forward to I Have a Balloon soon!
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Thank you! It’s always good to know you’re not alone in needing to find your own way!
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Thanks for sharing your writing journey!!! ENCOURAGING!!
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I’m so happy to hear my writing journey is encouraging!
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How inspriring! My best thinking occurs while I walk, too. And I have to jot it down before I forget. But the difference is that it goes on a to do list. We can’t wait to read your books. Andrew has not forgotten about a certain dragon and a certain treat.
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Thank you, Sing! I so love Andrew’s reaction to Dragon and the marshmallows 🙂
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Great interview and your PB looks adorable. Congratulations Ariel! Thanks for your insight on your writing life.
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Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
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Fun, fun, fun! This books looks like a winner! I also need to have a chunk of time to write…though I’m quick to jot down notes all the time. What a mess! Congratulations and thanks for the cookie recipe! Mmmm
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Thank you, Angie! I hope you enjoy the cookies 🙂
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Thanks so much, Ariel! I can’t wait to read your book!
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I appreciate it, Jen!!
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Your book sounds wonderful! Congrats, Ariel! I love the cover art!
And the recipe looks delicious too. I’ll try it w/o walnuts 🙂
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I agree, Scott Magoon’s cover art is amazing! Thank you and I hope you like the cookies!
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As much as I absolutely adore Ariel, I realized I didn’t know her as well as I would like so I really enjoyed this interview of her! I’m so thrilled for her writing success and hope to meet her one day in person. Thanks for the yummy sounding cookie recipe, too! (I just bought 5 lbs of chocolate chips at Costco so am looking for many recipes to use them in. LOL!)
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Aw, thank you, Teresa! 🙂 I might need to stop by for a cookie!
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Congratulations, Ariel. Looking forward to reading your debut books! Nice to know someone else who works better when you can take a break now and then!
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Thanks, Judy! Responding to these kind comments is a really pleasant way to take a break!
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Congratulations on your debut! Thank you for taking the time to give us some insight into your writing and love of books. And the recipe will definitely be tried here!
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Thank you, Danielle! I hope you enjoy the cookies!
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Thanks for a great interview, Vivian and Ariel! I love the Ramona books too! I can’t wait to read I HAVE A BALLOON! And your chapter book series too! So happy for you!!
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Thanks, Melissa! I so appreciate all the support you’ve shown me!!
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Everyone, everywhere is going to love I HAVE A BALLOON. I think this book is destined to become a classic. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer person :-). Congratulations, Ariel and Scott!
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Thank you, Andria!! Your comment makes me smile! 🙂
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Loved the interview. Thanks for a peek ointo your writing life Ariel!
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Yay Ariel! Great interview, though it left me curious if the fish provide any assistance with your writing or just totally stare at you nonstop:)
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