WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES
INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION
FOR WRITERS
TODAY’S GUEST
JULIE ROWAN-ZOCH
Back in 2013, before I had taken any picture book writing classes and before I had attended any conferences, I really felt like a newbie. Luckily, there were fabulous kid-lit people who lived in my neck of the woods (I lived in Colorado Springs at the time) – and when an opportunity came to attend a book launch for Peter Brown and his MR. TIGER GOES WILD at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, one of my dear friends, Stacy Jensen, said she would drive. It was a fabulous afternoon, not only because I got to meet Peter Brown, but more importantly because I got to meet the two Julies…Julie Hedlund, the founder of 12×12, and Julie Rowan-Zoch, author/illustrator extraordinaire!
I asked Julie for a short bio…most of the time, when you ask a writer for something short, you don’t get it. But maybe because Julie is also an illustrator, she knows how to write sparsely:
Julie Rowan-Zoch Author, illustrator, bookseller, and activist: Julie Rowan-Zoch grew up collecting freckles and chasing hermit crabs in NY, and spent years slicing rich breads in Germany before waking up to 300 days of blue Colorado skies. If she doesn’t answer the door, look in the garden! Julie is on Twitter @JulieRowanZoch, Instagram @jzroch and her Blog.
Honestly, I am so thrilled that Julie stopped by to chat today! I’m so excited about her newest book which is also her author/illustrator debut, I’M HARE, SO THERE!
ME: Welcome, Julie! Thanks so much for stopping by. I know everyone is anxious to find out more about you. Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?
JULIE: Hi, Vivian. I’m so glad to be here. As a very young child I remembered books and pictures better than names of authors or artists. My favorites were the Frances books by Russell and Lillian Hoban (though the first was illustrated by Garth Williams), especially Bread and Jam For Frances. I was a picky eater, and though I was not willing to concede any of my preferences, I did enjoy being seen! Another I loved was Caps For Sale, by Esphyr Slobodkina. My father had a Chagall print hanging in the house that I was rather taken with too!
ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?
JULIE: Nothing really! I believe it has been to my benefit to pursue a career in children’s literature with the totally naive assumption of being already able to write and illustrate picture books! Ha! It’s not really a sense of vanity – I knew I would have to learn a lot, but somehow I possessed a sort of matter-of-fact, child-like confidence which kept me going! I only wish I had started on the path much, much earlier!
ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?
JULIE: All of the above, although I haven’t got a special room in my very small house. In bed if it’s early – or very late; front porch if the weather is fine; desk, especially if I am also tending to emails; sofa in all other instances. Back in pre-pandemic days I might meet up with a friend to write, for the company, the food (!), but mostly for accountability! Almost all my artwork is done on a tablet, but I am happy to write on paper as much as on a computer.
ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?
JULIE: Anytime, but I prefer drawing first thing in the morning.
ME: Why do you write for children?
JULIE: I don’t think I do write specifically for children. Technically, yes, I am writing picture books which are meant to be shared with children, but I want to make myself and others sharing picture books happy too! Age is no matter to me as long as the work I do sparks joy.
ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.
JULIE: For aspiring picture book creators: yes, read all the new titles to get an idea of the current market and trends, but I’d like to add that you should be hunting down older gems, preferably with the help of your local children’s librarians – they know what sings! And the relationships you build with them are priceless! It’s a wonderful thing to share with another lover of picture books!
For parents and educators: I am no expert on the developing child’s brain, but drawing absolutely assists with writing, creating, problem-solving on so many levels. I would like students to be motivated to draw as much as possible AND beyond an 8.5×11 sheet of paper. Use the chalk board, big newsprint, even chalk on the sidewalk (be mindful of amount and clean-up though – very bad for aquatic organisms!). And be mindful of your comments! Kids have been known to take up or give up pursuing passions based on one single remark from someone they respect.
ME: Ooh this is awesome, Julie! I so agree with everything you are saying. Especially about how what a parent or teacher says can be carried by a child into his or her adult life – both negative words and positive ones. We all need cheerleaders, and parents and teachers can be a child’s biggest fans – encouraging and inspiring.
Thank you so much, Julie…you’ve shared so much already…and I know you aren’t finished – you’ve got something absolutely delightful and delicious!
JULIE: You asked for a favorite treat, Vivian. I absolutely adore a slice of gooseberry torte, which I would often get from a local bakery while I lived in Germany. Here is a link to a recipe in English, but it’s not the same as the photo attached – but the photo shows the way I really like it, with a mountain of meringue!: https://www.daslebenistsuess.de/stachelbeer-baiser-kuchen/?lang=en
Oh my goodness…this looks AMAZING!!!! I totally want some of that! I also totally want to get a copy of Julie’s new book, I’M A HARE, SO THERE! And someone who leaves a comment on this blog post will be the lucky winner of a brand new copy that Julie and her publisher are generously giving away. Please share the post on your social media channels to spread the word – that’s how we can help our favorite authors and illustrators!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Please come back next week for a Cover Reveal on Monday, a Book Birthday on Tuesday, the announcement of the winners of #50PreciousWords on Wednesday and a Will Write for Cookies post a week from today.
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! My bunny-loving daughter will be thrilled!
Also – I wasn’t aware that sidewalk chalk was bad for ocean organisms! I will research this and find less harmful ways to do outdoor art with my kiddos!
Thanks!
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I was saddened to find out about chalk too! I loved leaving messages and drawings for young neighbors to find, but have found other ways! Hope your daughter enjoys reading the book!
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Thank you Julie for sharing your journey. Your bunny book is on my list to read.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jay!
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Jackrabbit Who Called Gilamonster is the best title ever.
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It sure inspired me!
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Your confidence is well-founded, Julie! Your talent expresses your humor and your generosity. Wishing you continued success! —Deb in Glenwood Springs
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Deb! Hope you’re having some warm days in the Springs before our next bit of snow next week! Ah, spring!
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Thanks for your inspiring words and for sharing your process. Your new book sounds and looks like it will be such fun!
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I do hope you enjoy it, Beth!
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Thank you, Vivian, and Julie – loved getting a peek into your writing life & creative perspective! I’m A Hare, So There is a super fun title & looking forward to reading…
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Thank you, Ejess! There is a hidden 🍰 in the book for you to enjoy too!
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Love your style and substance!
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Thank you for the neat compliment, Maureen!
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Thank you Vivian and Julie! I enjoyed reading about this new book. And I agree, librarians are priceless!
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I just dropped off copies for two of my beloved but retired children’s librarians!
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Julie, thank you for sharing with us. This was an insightful interview. I too, thought I could easily write a picture book and I am learning the hard way that is simply not true. I agree completely that one comment from an adult can inspire a child’s passion. I look forward to reading your new book in my elementary school library classes.
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Thank you, Shannon! I’ve learned to embrace that struggle of learning to write PBs – obviously had some great teachers to show me where to find joy in it!
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You had me at cake!
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Haha! I must make time to bake one – might be just the thing with more snow on the way!
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Ironically, I just saw your photo in PW Children’s Bookshelf today, enjoying a lovely time signing books! I hope Hare hops off shelves & into many little hands. And thank you for the gooseberry torte…I adore gooseberries–and the expressive features of Hare!
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Another gooseberry-lover! I grow them, but wish I had found a thornless variety! Though this way many berries are left for wildlife – and they like ‘em!
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I wish I had the garden space for a gooseberry bush! I love gooseberry jam! Yum!
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They do grow and reseed easily! My white currant is much easier and smaller and I love them too!
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You’re inspiring me, Julie! 🙂
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Writing for readers, not just young readers, is brilliant! This older reader is sure to be a fan of I’M A HARE, SO THERE. Love your bio!
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My friend shared a video of her 4yr old grandson reading HARE himself and with such feeling – made me realize just how important our work really is! He also thinks it should be a show!!! ♥️
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Here’s to meeting again sometime soon – and with dessert!! Thank you so much for having me, Vivian!
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Insightful interview, Vivian & Julie. I love the older picture books that you review, Julie, and I especially appreciate how you focus on the illustrations. I’m looking forward to reading I’m a Hare, So There.
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I’m so glad you enjoy those posts., Patricia! Though I am not helping the industry much with sale incentives, I hope I am inspiring writers and illustrators to have a look!
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Thank you for sharing this conversation! I’m so excited to read the book.
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Thank you for stopping by!
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I can’t wait for my copy to arrive in the mail! ❤️
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I like the idea of part of me waiting in your mailbox! hehe
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LOL!
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I love the picture of you 2 with Julie H, too! I can’t wait until we are all back to holding books and standing close together again! What a fun interview! I agree with the goal of getting short answers being hard to achieve for some but since Julie is going to be on my blog in a few days, I can attest to this as well! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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I can’t wait to be holding books close together with you too, Laura! But my talk is not short in person, in fact I tend to talk toooo much!!!
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I look forward to to ALL OF IT!
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Thank you for this enjoyable interview today. I think this author/illustrator has the right mind set when creating picture books–not only the children need to enjoy them, but the adults who read to them also need to find joy in them. I can’t wait to read this book and shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/646826667990564864/via-julie-rowan-zoch-will-write-and-illustrate
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Thanks, Danielle! Even if I wasn’t writing them I would still be reading them – always have!
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Great interview with two of my favorite people who I’ve never actually met in person! And I can’t believe I haven’t seen the Jackrabbit Who Cried Gilamonster cover! So expressive. Congrats again, Julie!
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We need to change the IRL part!!! I’ve never been to CA, do you ever come to CO?
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Haven’t been to CO for perhaps 20 years? We usually head to Maine for a week or two in the summer, because my husband’s family is from there. And our son loves island life. He (we) built a treehouse there, and he can run wild with many of his cousins. So it’s been the default since he was born. Maybe a conference when we’re all back conferencing in person again…..
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The treehouse sounds delightful! Looks like I’ll just have to visit CA sometime!
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Well-worn copies of all the Frances books sit on my shelves too. They were some of the best books read to my kids. Do PB writers create strong characters like Frances nowadays? Some, but not enough. I think I’ll reread these books this weekend to mentor me in creating the voice in a story I’m writing. Thanks for the reminder.
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Sounds like a dream weekend to me! glad to find another Frances fan, Marie!
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