15 Aug HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY! Out and About with Liza Wiemer plus a GIVEAWAY!

I am excited to have an amazing author and a good friend here on Writing Outside the Lines today. Many of you may know Liza Wiemer for her wonderful YA novels, HELLO and the much acclaimed THE ASSIGNMENT. But today she is here to talk about her lovely picture book, OUT AND ABOUT: A TALE OF GIVING, illustrated by the talented Margeaux Lucas. This book like her others comes from her heart, and her passion is spilled out on every page.  I consider myself lucky because I got to see an early draft of this book, and I have been waiting to hold this in my hands. HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, LIZA! 

EL: Welcome! Before we get into your story, will you tell us a little about yourself?

LW: First of all, thank you so much for having me! I think you’re an amazing author!

EL: You are more than welcome! And you are too kind, but that means a lot to me especially coming from you.

LW: I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my husband, Jim. I love to cook, and hike along Lake Michigan or in state parks. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to travel to speak about my books, so that takes up a lot of my time. I’m also a bubby, which I LOVE! Spending time with my grandchildren brings me so much joy.

EL: Nothing better than those grandkiddos!

You are known for your YA.  What made you want to switch to writing a PB?

LW: This was a story I wanted to share for over 25 years. It was inspired by a story that my grandpa had shared about his childhood. Originally, it was set in the early 1920’s. But I knew I had to modernize it. It took a long time to figure it out. I also set it aside for many years. It took me quite a bit of revising to get it right. I am grateful that Kalaniot published it.

EL: What do you try to accomplish in your books? Do you have specific messages in them?

LW: All my books touch on the importance of speaking up and letting the reader know that their voices matter.

EL: I want to let everyone know that you don’t just do this in your books. Your passion for what you write about spills out into your everyday life. I know that is much appreciated.

Do you have a writing routine? If so, will you share it?

LW: No specific routine, but I do often find myself so focused that I rarely stop for lunch. I love the opportunity to write and write and write until I am so exhausted I can’t keep my eyes open.

EL: It’s magical when that happens, isn’t it? What inspires you?

LW: Kindness. Grace. When I meet young adults who believe that they can help change the world for the better.

EL: What do you feel is the most difficult part of this job and the best part about this job?

LW: Rejection hands down is the most challenging and difficult part of this job. After having a book published, the best part is working with students!

EL: Agree 100%! In that same vein, do you have any words of advice for aspiring kid lit writers or illustrators?

LW: Take webinars and read lots of books! Pat Zietlow Miller has an excellent source of materials.

EL: And finally, do you have anything else you’d like readers to know?

LW: If writing really means a lot to you, don’t give up. Perseverance is the act of true role models and heroes!

EL: Thank you so much for being here, Liza! Keep doing what you do so well.

To learn more about Liza, please go to her website here.  OUT AND ABOUT can be found wherever books are sold. And now…

Liza is happy to give a signed copy of OUT AND ABOUT to one lucky winner (US only). Just comment on this post, and let me know if you are a subscriber or if you shared this post for an extra chance to win.

Until next time,

Ellen