29 Nov The Many Hats of Ann Koffsky
EL: I’m thrilled to have the multi-talented Ann Koffsky on the blog today. I usually have the featured image of the author, not her book, but this bright purple cover of Kayla and Kugel’s Happy Hanukkah made me smile, so I decided to put that front and center. Not that Ann doesn’t make me smile too. She does! 
Ann, you are not only prolific, but you wear many hats. Will you tell us about all that you do?
AK: Thanks for asking that. I always get confused about which hat to pick when people ask about me—being able to answer ALL of my hats is a relief!
I am an author and illustrator of picture books, and I’ve got about six different projects in the works in that capacity at the moment. I am also a freelance art director, and I’ve got about six different projects in the works in that capacity too. I also have three kids, one husband, and I often go grocery shopping.
EL: Hmm…that grocery shopping can put a crimp into things! 🙂 On the books that you illustrate as well as write, which usually comes to you first, the words or the illustrations? Or is it kind of a meshing of ideas?
AK: Usually, it’s words first, then pix. But I definitely have the visual in my mind’s eye as I write the words.
EL: I just read Kayla and Kugel’s Happy Hanukkah, but perhaps not everyone has read it (horrors!). Can you tell us a little about the book and what sets this apart from other Hanukkah books?
AK: It’s the third book in the Kayla and Kugel series, featuring the beloved Kayla and her mischievous dog, Kugel. I think what sets it apart is that it’s part of a series. Now that the books are up to three, I’m starting to see how kid readers enjoy seeing the same character in different stories and situations. They form this nice connection with Kayla—it’s like they say: oh her! I know her. Now she’s doing Hanukkah? Great.
EL: I totally get it! It’s a great book, and now I have to go back and get the others for my grandkids. I chuckled the whole time I read this. Without giving too much away, more Kugel can be an adorable mess!
I am always impressed with people who can write across genres or categories. Please tell us a little about what types of books you write. Which books flow the easiest for you while you write?
AK: I’ve done board books, chapter books, picture books—I even wrote a textbook for kids. None flow easiest or hardest—it’s about the story, not the format to me. And some come easier, and many come harder.
EL: Interesting. Do you consider yourself a planner or a pantster? Why?
AK: What an interesting question! Both. I plan to pants. Does that make sense? I say: Ok, I am going to make some stories this month ( plan), But then I end up writing them when I get the idea which I can’t really plan; it just happens when it happens. (pants) I TRY to plan to be creative—but that often just doesn’t work.
EL: Although that’s kind of funny, it’s beneficial. Sometimes people (myself included) feel like we’re not doing things “the right way.” I think you’ve let us all know that there isn’t any “right” way, and we all need to do things the way we do them. Thank you for that.
Do you have a writing routine? If so, will you share? Doing all that you do, I’m interested to know how you get it done!
AK: See above. I write when the ideas show up. I wish I could plan a routine around writing, but I haven’t been able to discipline my creativity that way.
EL: Well, you’re making me think again. Yes, “routine” and “creativity” don’t always go hand in hand, do they?
Most of your published works are of Jewish content. As a Jewish grandmother, that makes me happy. Was this a specific decision, or is this just what you are most comfortable with?
AK: They say write what you know, write what you are passionate about—that seems to be what I am interested in/ care about. ( I DID write a book about Thanksgiving…I guess I like Thanksgiving too!)
EL: There is no doubt that when crafting stories about subjects I’m passionate about, the writing comes easier. Not EASY, but easier.
Let’s talk rejections. Many people feel that when you’re multi-published like you are, there will never be rejections. Can you tell us if you get rejections and, if so, how you deal with them?
AK: Oh, if only it would be so! My rejections continue to greatly outnumber my acceptances. By a factor of at least 4 or 5. Maybe more. Yeah, definitely more. Making a good book is HARD. It takes a zillion tries each time
EL: Non-writers are always so surprised with how long and how many attempts it takes to get a good book in kids’ hands. Thanks for reminding everyone.
Please let us know where we can find out more about you.
AK: Here are some links. (website) annkoffsky.com. On Facebook @ArtbyAnn, and on insta and twitter @JewishArtbyAnn. I also just started another insta account called @wordsandpix. I hope to put my portfolio up there soon…any minute now…
EL: I can’t wait to see your new IG account. And as far as your website, I want to let everyone know that people can sign up to get free coloring pages. I just did! I’ll make it easy for you. Here you go! http://annkoffsky.com/coloring/
Here are a few links to get Ann’s wonderful books.
Thank you for joining us, Ann! I learned so much about you, and now I’m even more amazed at all you do. Make sure you scroll down to see Ann’s bio. It makes me tired just looking at it.
AK: Thanks for having me!
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If you’re interested in learning more about me, my books, and my school visits, please check out https://ellenleventhal.com/. I would love to hear from you!
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BIO: ANN D. KOFFSKY: Ann D. Koffsky is the author and illustrator of more than thirty books, including Creation Colors, Sarah Builds a School, the Kayla & Kugel series, Judah Maccabee Goes to the Doctor and Shabbat Shalom, Hey. Several of her books have been PJ library selections, and her book Noah’s Swimathon received a Sydney Taylor notable designation from the Association of Jewish Libraries.
Ann has also created 100+ greeting cards and products for Hallmark Cards, Costco, Great Arrow Graphics and Rite Lite Judaica. Her work has also been featured in The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jewish Action Magazine, Mishpacha Magazine, and Hadassah Magazine.
Previously, she was also an editor and art director at Behrman House Publishers and an adjunct professor of art at Stern College for Women.
Ann lives in West Hempstead, NY with her husband and three children.
Laura Roettiger
Posted at 18:13h, 29 NovemberGreat interview, ladies. I’m always looking for Jewish themed books to read with my granddaughter.
Ellen Leventhal
Posted at 18:36h, 29 NovemberShe’ll love this, Laura!