14 May Kelsey Gross, SUMMER SOLSTICE, and a GIVEAWAY!

EL: I am happy to welcome my friend, Kelsey E Gross to the blog today. She has written a new book, Summer: A Solstice Story, and the lyrical text joined with Renata Liwsky’s lovely illustrations invites you to read this book over and over again.  Kesey and I met in the wonderful marketing group, PB Spree, and we’ve also exchanged a few manuscripts. I need to say that Kelsey gave me an idea for tweaking a story that I’ve been playing around with for YEARS! Thank you, Kelsey! 

 Now, onto her newest book! Kelsey, after reading your beautiful book, Winter: A Solstice Story, I was so excited to see Summer: A Solstice Story. Did you know from the beginning that you would write this pair? If not, how did it come about?

KG: Right after Winter: A Solstice Story came out, one of my critique partners suggested I do a follow-up summer book. I’m so grateful – at that point, it hadn’t occurred to me!

Initially, I wrote a draft for fun, without even mentioning it to my agent or editor. Luckily, both liked the concept, and my editor had a vision for “The Solstice series.” I was thrilled that Renata Liwska agreed to illustrate again. I knew she would do an amazing job creating beautiful summer scenes.

EL: Yes! The illustrations are gorgeous! Here are a few sneak peeks for our readers, but really, everyone should go out and buy this book!

Please tell us a little about how you got your inspiration.

KG: Winter: A Solstice Story celebrates the start of the winter season, so I knew this book would be a celebration of summer. I wanted the text and pictures to bring children into the sensory experience of the season, from the muggy air to the colorful flowers, to the taste of ripe berries.

It also occurred to me that in nature, many spring babies start leaving home in the summer. So, the story also includes a send-off for young animals and shares a message close to my heart: that all young people go into the world knowing they have a special light to share. I also hope every child has a grown-up in their life who will always be there for them, no matter what.

EL: That’s beautiful! Do you have a writing routine? If so, will you share it?

KG: Some days I fit in writing here and there, around work and my family’s schedule. But on days when I’m lucky enough to have a long writing block, I start by reading two new picture books from the library or doing reviews/critiques for other authors. Reading others’ work gets my creativity flowing. I also take notes on newly published books in a big spreadsheet, which later serves as a resource for mentor texts and comp titles. After that, I usually split my time between different projects and a mix of writing and revision tasks. It helps me to have multiple projects at different stages – that way, I always have something I can work on when I’m “stuck!” I challenge myself by trying different styles and genres too, including nonfiction, middle grade, and poetry.

EL: Very ambitious! What do you think is the best part about writing kidlit?

KG:As a child, I loved books and poetry that sparked my imagination. It’s an honor to think that my books might do the same for young readers!

Despite all the ups and downs of the publishing business, it’s so enjoyable to create new stories and to continue escaping into my imagination – just like I did when I was a kid! I also love partnering with an illustrator to create a book that immerses the reader in the story through pictures and text. It’s pure magic.

EL: Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about?

KG: I have a third unannounced picture book and hope to share details soon!

EL: Congrats! I can’t wait to hear all about it! 

Kelsey’s books are available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. 

Please check out Kelsey’s socials @kelseyegross on Instagram and X, and make sure you visit her website 

 Kelsey’s Bio:

 Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and lived in New Mexico and California before returning to the Midwest. She now lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her family. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking or skiing in the woods. She is the author of Winter: A Solstice Story and Summer: A Solstice Story, both illustrated by Renata Liwska and published by Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books. Find her online at kelseyegross.com.

And now,

Kelsey is offering one of three options: A signed copy of Summer: A Solstice Story (US locations only), a picture book manuscript critique under 700 words, or for preschool-grade 2 teachers, a free 20-minute zoom reading with your class.

Just comment on this post and let me know if you are a subscriber or if you have shared the post for an extra chance to win. Good luck! 

Until next time,

Ellen