Jennifer Kam’s amazingly sweet and touching Until the Blueberries Grow released May 1. We are here to celebrate her book and all the behind-the-scenes tidbits readers need to know. Another PB22Peekaboo author, Tamara Girardi, released her debut board book, Why, Daddy? Why?, May 10. Since Jennifer and Tamara both have May book birthdays and also paternal themes, they interviewed each other about their process and experience bringing their stories to fruition. You can find Jen’s interview with Tamara here. So without further ado, here is Tamara’s interview with Jen! Tamara: Welcome, Jen! Thanks for doing this interview! Tell us a little bit about the book and how you got the idea. Jen: I was inspired to write Until the Blueberries Grow when my grandfather moved away, across the country. I was already an adult at the time, but those feelings of loss—of the void that his move created, were strong. I wanted—needed—to write about it. Until the Blueberries Grow, is a reimagining of the experience through the eyes of a child, perhaps how I would’ve felt if I had been a little girl when he left. Incidentally, “Zayde” is “Grandpa” in Yiddish. My grandparents spoke both English and Yiddish (usually Yiddish when they didn’t want me to understand what they were saying!) Tamara: Oh that’s so funny! Until the Blueberries Grow tells such a powerful story of family, but I especially loved the reciprocal aspect of Zayde and Ben's relationship. As you developed this relationship in your story, what were the most important points for you to develop for young readers? Jen: It was important for me to show the love between Ben and his Zayde, as well as the reassurance Zayde offers that even though things will change, he and Ben will continue to share more loving, wonderful experiences together. Tamara: Can you tell us about your path to publication? Tell us about the query process and timeline. Struggles? Tips? Jen: My path to publication has been anything but direct—although if you talk to enough writers, I think you’ll find, in many ways, this is something of the norm. I wrote for years, creating both picture book and novel drafts, and also freelanced for magazines and newspapers. Eventually, I entered the Vermont College of Fine Arts and earned my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. During this wonderful time, I put aside the pursuit of publication and instead focused on developing my craft. Still, it took several more years to publish my debut novel—a supernatural mystery—DEVIN RHODES IS DEAD, with Charlesbridge Publishing. Then several more years until I was offered a contract with PJ Library on Until the Blueberries Grow. I didn’t submit Until the Blueberries Grow directly to PJ Library, but in fact, entered the SCBWI PJ Library Jewish Stories Award contest. And…I didn’t win! A few weeks after the winners were announced, I received an email—PJ Library/PJ Publishing was interested in chatting about my story. A phone call followed, and soon after, a contract. Sometimes, when you don’t win, you still win. Tamara: Wow! That’s amazing! You never now how that call will finally come! What have you found to be the most rewarding aspect of writing for kids? Jen: I don’t have one favorite part, but I love to meet my readers, either in person through school visits and writing workshops, virtually on Zoom, or online through my website. I love when kids tell me about the stories they’re writing, or that after we met, they decided to write their own stories. I’m especially grateful for the wonderful relationships I’ve developed with other writers. I was fortunate to connect early on in my career with the writing community at Vermont College of Fine Arts, where I earned my MFA, and at the Writing Barn in Austin, where I’ve taken both in-person and online classes. Through these wonderful connections, I met many of my closest writer friends and my critique partners. I’m also grateful to be a part of the 12x12 Challenge picture book group, the Jewish Kidlit Mavens, and PB22Peekaboo launch group, where there’s tons of support and amazing people. Tamara: Can you tell us about the illustrations and the illustrator? Jen: I haven’t actually met Sally Walker, but I’m grateful she was the one who brought my story to life. I was a joy to see her sketches transform into gorgeous, colorful, textured illustrations. I especially love the way she conveys emotion with her art. Tamara: Do you have any words of wisdom for authors who might be at that critical point in their publication journey? What was most valuable to you along the way? Jen: Grit. Sheer, unadulterated, roll-your-sleeves-up, butt-in-chair grit! The only way to not succeed, is to stop trying. If writing is what you love, keep at it. Just keep at it. The world needs your stories. Tamara: Yes! I love that. Thank you so much for sharing that insight. Grit is everything in this industry. Congratulations on your picture book debut. Readers should click on over and order it now! Jennifer Wolf Kam
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