13 Feb LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND by Mary Munson and a GIVEAWAY!

EL: It’s always fun to meet new kidlit friends. Everyone has so much to offer, and I believe that kidlit people are some of the nicest people in the world. Today’s guest, Mary Munson, is no exception. Her debut picture book, LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND, is precious, and the talented Kate Talbot’s illustrations are beautiful and perfect for this book. You will love this sweet and clever book about the power of friendship and determination. 

Welcome, Mary! I’m so glad you stopped by today!

Will you tell us a little about yourself?

MM: Thanks for having me. To tell you a little about me, I am a lifelong teacher. I have worked with preschool students with special needs for 25 years. I find so much joy in teaching and feel blessed to have been able to do it for so long. I have met amazing educators, parents, and children and feel very devoted to the town I work in.

I have been writing my whole life. I remember one of the first stories I wrote in 5^th or 6^th grade about being locked inside a school and what we did all night long. I wish I still had that; I’d love to look back on it now. I became an English major in college and wrote for the campus newspaper. Writing never let go of me!

EL: Will you tell us a little about your road to publication?

MM: My road to publication has been a long one. I started submitting “books” back in 1998. I thought I was a genius then! For example, I wrote “Picky Pinky Prefers It Plain”…I thought if all the words in the book started with the letter Pp, it was a masterpiece!  Needless to say, I have learned a lot since then. I joined SCBWI and just couldn’t get enough workshops, networking, and craft lessons about writing children’s books. Somewhere along the line, I realized I wanted to write picture books and ended up in 12×12. I love the idea of packing a lot into 32 pages! It is such a challenge and a puzzle that I like to try and solve!

Then came Twitter, and my circle expanded even further. I actually found my publisher on Twitter. She put a post on looking for writers and scooped up the most recent manuscript I wrote. Sandra Sutter of Gnome Road Publishing was so professional and understood the layers of the book. She kept me informed throughout the whole process, even letting me look at illustrator’s portfolios when we were choosing an illustrator. We ended up with the very talented Kate Talbot, and I am blown away by her vision and artwork. I didn’t have contact with Kate until after the book was completed, but after meeting her, I realized why the illustrations are so lovingly sweet!

EL: I also love Kate’s work! The illustration below is adorable as are all of them in the book. 

EL: What kinds of things do you do when you’re not writing?

MM: When I’m not writing, I’m trying to be the best mom I can to my two amazing children. My daughter is learning how to drive, and watching her grow into a woman brings my life full circle. My son has autism and other special needs. He has the most generous and loving spirit and is developing a pretty awesome sense of humor, so joking around with him lately has brought me joy. My husband helps us keep it all together, and snuggling up with my wolfhound on a cold winter’s day with a good book and a hot beverage warms me to the core!

I am not sure where my writing will go next. I really like writing educational, heartwarming, and useful books, so the educational and school market is appealing to me. We shall see.

EL: Do you have any advice for aspiring kidlit writers?

MM: Yes! Don’t ever stop. I was just about to give it all up (after 30 years), and then someone wanted to publish my manuscript.

I have had this quote posted in my office. It helped me see the dream but also the little parts along the way like taking an Artist’s Walk, sitting on a beach, watching children play, taking a nap, and even taking a break for a while. It is ALL part of the process, and it does lead you to the dream, keep reaching and follow along.

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”

― Louisa May Alcott

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today!

EL:  My pleasure! And I love that quote. Congratulations again on a wonderful book! LOVE WILL TURN  YOU AROUND IS available at Amazon, Bookshop, and other booksellers. 

EL:  One lucky person will win a critique from Mary. Just comment on this post and let me know if you are a subscriber or if you shared it for an extra chance to win.

Thanks again for visiting, Mary, and congrats on your lovely book! 

Until next time, be well,

Ellen