Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a wonderful nonfiction picture book author with us today! I’m such a fan of nonfiction books and my boys are currently consuming lots and lots of them. I’m thrilled to have this author with us today to talk about her fabulous books, road to publication, and process.
So without further ado, please welcome Annette Whipple!
Where do you live?
I live outside of a small town in southeastern Pennsylvania near Maryland and Delaware.
How many years have you been in publishing?
My first book was published in 2016. But I began writing for some magazines in 2012.
How did you first get published?
I met an editor at my first writing conference who focuses on work-for-hire educational books. I sent her a writing sample, and later she asked if I wanted to write a book about insects. For those curious about the educational market, I wrote about the educational market here. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2020/08/what-are-educational-and-trade.html
Do you write/illustrate full-time?
My writing-related work is full-time for the most part. My days begin early but typically end when my kids arrive home from school. I spend a lot of time preparing presentations, teaching (children and adults), and marketing outside of the writing process.
What inspires you to create picture books?
I think this world is amazing, and I want to share what I learn with curious kids—or make them curious to know more. I also love that picture books are for ALL readers! Here’s how a middle school teacher uses picture books in her class. https://www.annettewhipple.com/2020/09/teaching-middle-school-with-picture.html
What surprised you the most working as an author?
The biggest surprises for me are how much work I do that isn’t writing for kids and how hard it is to make a living at it.
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
I love connecting with kids! So often I’m also told by adults that they didn’t know they liked nonfiction until they read my books. I love that I can turn readers (of any age) on to nonfiction!
What do you find difficult working as an author?
Finding focus and not allowing myself to get distracted. Also finding the write structure for a book can take years!
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
Sometimes I return to my writing notebook. Other times it’s getting outside, reading a book, or watching a documentary.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
I’ve learned to dedicate one day a week to writing projects. On those days I don’t email (much) or marketing or prepare presentations.
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?
I’ve learned so much from others’ generosity over the year. I’ve made incredible friendships that I’m thankful for with people so much more published than me as well as new writers.
Recommended reading?
Oh my…there are so many. Here are a few authors to check out for some great nonfiction books. Candace Fleming, Debra Kempf Shumaker, Melissa Stewart, Steve Sheinkin, Tina M. Cho, Amy Ludwig, VanDerwater, Christina Soontronvat, Laura Purdie Salas.
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Holding an owl during my research for Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls. He’s a Eurasian Eagle Owl named Quincy. [Add photo]
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?
That even nonfiction writers benefit a lot from having an agent. (I sold my first 12 books without an agent.)
Can you tell us about your newest book?
Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs is the fourth book in The Truth About series. Like the others, it’s a question-and-answer book. Each page spread asks and answers a question related to frogs. Bold photographs capture the reader’s attention. Additional illustrations add some humor and more facts about frogs. The hardcover editions of all of The Truth About series even include a full-size poster!
Interior art from RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books
Interior art from RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books
Interior art from RIBBIT! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple published by Reycraft Books
What’s up next for you?
Later this year Meow! The Truth About Cats will release with Reycraft Books. I have an offer from a publisher (though no final contract) for a book but can’t share details yet. It’s definitely something different for me.
Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
If you’re reading this, you’re taking time to learn and connect with other writers. That’s fabulous! Be sure to also join some writing groups specific to your genre and audience. Keep learning through workshops and conferences. In-person is best for connecting with others, but you’ll still learn a ton from webinars!
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
I had to check the date. But The Princess Bride came out in 1987 though I didn’t see it until the ‘90s. Who can’t love a movie that has ROUS?
Huge thank you to Annette for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your fantastic books!
Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of many fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press), The Story of the Wright Brothers (Rockridge Press), and Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (Reycraft Books) in The Truth About series. When Annette’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking for her family in Pennsylvania. Get to know her and explore her resources for teachers and writers at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Annette, visit her online or follow her on social media:
https://www.annettewhipple.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteWhippleBooks
https://twitter.com/AnnetteWhipple
https://www.instagram.com/annettewhipplebooks/
ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS, click here.
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