19 Sep Norene Paulson and NILA’S PERFECT COAT Plus a GIVEAWAY!

Happy Tuesday!  I’m thrilled to welcome my friend, Norene Paulson to Writing Outside the Lines. You will definitely want to check out her book, NILA’S PERFECT COAT. In this book written by  Norene and illustrated by Maria Mola, Nila uses her birthday money from her father to buy a new coat at the thrift shop. She doesn’t need another coat since her one from last year fits, but she still decides to get it. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Nila makes a decision filled with kindness and compassion. You will love sharing this book with the little ones in your life.

EL: Welcome, Norene! Before we get back to the book, will you please tell us a little about yourself? Where you live, what you do when you’re not writing, and anything else you’d like to share.

NP: I am a retired middle school language arts teacher who has been writing for kids for decades but was pre-published up until five years ago when I participated in a #PBPitch event and connected with my agent. I live smack-dab in the middle of Iowa on acreage with my husband and rescue pup, Ellie. When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with our two boys and their families, especially with our granddaughter and grandson.

EL:Oh, those grandkids make life fun, don’t they? Back to the book.  How did you get your idea for NILA’S PERFECT COAT?

NP: The idea for NILA’S PERFECT COAT grew out of my love of thrift store shopping and my disappointment in the stigma that is still sometimes attached to it. Often when I was teaching, I’d see some of my students thrift shopping with their families. They almost always seemed embarrassed. That bothered me. I never forgot their uncomfortableness, and that is what inspired me to write a story that showcased thrift store shopping but was not “about” thrift store shopping.

EL: Yes! I love that. I feel like it’s important to highlight different parts of life and experiences without it being the main part of the story. I love how you make it clear that Nila’s parents don’t like together, but the story is not about divorce. I really do think that books like this help normalize everyone’s unique situation. I have to comment on Maria Mola’s beautiful illustrations too. I can feel the emotion through the pictures.   Next question: What do you do when the words won’t come?

NP: When the words won’t come, I wait. Whether I’m waiting for the next story idea or trying to figure out the perfect ending, I let ideas swirl around in my head until something clicks. I do find my words faster when I have a deadline. I’m a procrastinator, and a deadline keeps me focused and helps me avoid spending too much time “waiting” rather than writing.

EL: I get it! Do you have any words of advice for aspiring kidlit writers or illustrators?

NP:  One thing aspiring kidlit writers and illustrators should realize is that whether a writer is published or pre-published the struggles, the waiting, the insecurities, the rejections, and the disappointments are the same. Before I was published, when being a kidlit author was just a dream, I thought getting that first book deal would make all of the above easier, and although it is a surreal, glorious moment, it doesn’t miraculously change the dynamics of being writer. In fact, getting your first book published may add additional layers of anxiousness. There are sales and reviews to worry about, and, of course…will I get a second book deal or a third? Ultimately my advice is don’t put published authors on a pedestal and compare yourself or your journey to theirs because we are right there in the trenches with you whether we’re a debut author, a multi-published author, or even a NY Times Best Selling author.

EL: So true! Do you have anything else you’d like our readers to know?

NP: One additional thing I’d love your readers to do is check out NILA’S  back matter and learn about the nonprofit One Warm Coat. For over thirty years, this organization has led the way in providing coats and other winter necessities to those who are less fortunate. The support and resources available on their website for any individual or group interested in organizing and implementing a One Warm Coat community service project by either donating funds, donating coats, or hosting a coat drive is phenomenal. As colder weather approaches, the need is greater than anyone realizes. Please consider #sharewarmth by visiting www.onewarmcoat.org for all the how-to details and resources you need to make a difference in your community by ensuring everyone, kids and adults alike, has a warm winter coat.

EL: Wonderful idea! I know that your book launches included successful coat drives which is phenomenal. 

NP: Yes, they did and it was so easy and everyone was so generous. Truly the best part of each launch.

EL: Thank you so much for dropping by, Norene. NILA’S PERFECT COAT  is available for order wherever books are sold or through Norene’s website at http://www.norenepaulson.com/my-books.html

Keep up with Norene at:

website–www.norenepaulson.com,

Twitter (X)–@NorenePaulson,

Instagram–@nrpaulson

Threads–@nrpaulson

AND NOW:  Norene is happy to give away a signed book to one lucky reader (U.S only). Just comment on this post by September28 and let me know if you are a subscriber or if you shared the post for extra chances to win. 

Until next time,

Ellen

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On a personal note, I’d love for you to check other parts of my website to find out more about me, my books, and my school visits. Thank you!