22 Oct Moni Ritchie Hadley, MISO MAGIC, and a GIVEAWAY!

EL: Welcome, everyone! I’m excited to host author Moni Ritchie Hadley on the blog today. I had seen Moni around the “Kidlit-verse” (yes, I made that up, but hey, Spiderverse isn’t a real word, either, is it?), but I was lucky to meet her in person at the Big Sur Writing Workshop last February. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Moni and her newest book, Miso Magic. 

In Miso Magic, Chiyoko wants to play in the snow, but Papa says it’s time for her to learn the family business of making miso. Miso takes time and patience, and Chiyoko isn’t sure she has the patience. But, as Papa helps Chiyoko learn the process, she realizes that making miso is magic, and so is continuing the family tradition with Papa at her side. This lovely book is one that children will want to read over and over again. Hadley’s child-friendly text along with Mizuho Fujisawa’s beautiful illustrations bring the reader into young Chiyoko’s world. The back matter which includes vocabulary and even a recipe, makes this book even more delightful.

Welcome, Moni!

MRH: Thank you, Ellen, for your interest in my writing and latest book, Miso Magic.

EL: All of your books are lovely. It’s obviously important to you to share Japanese culture. Will you expand on that?

MRH: Yes, in all of my books, I share about Japanese culture. However, my writing didn’t always reflect this aspect of my identity. Initially, much of my inspiration came from my daughter and our interactions. A shift occurred when my mother came to live with me many years later. I began to explore and unearth parts of myself that I had unintentionally hidden away. I spent years traveling between the US and Japan as a child, trying to assimilate into each country with every move. When my dad retired from the service, we finally settled in California. We began establishing roots, and I have lived here ever since. Many years later, when I started writing, Japan felt very far away. But my mom’s presence in my home offered a new narrative to a story I was working on, which became The Star Festival. Revisiting my childhood and delving into my family history became regular discussions with my mother, and the trend in my writing continued.

EL: What was your inspiration for Miso Magic?

MRH: Miso Magic, my third book, was inspired by conversations with my mom, who shared about my grandpa’s miso business. I thought it would make a great background for a story, so I let it ruminate for some time. As I began researching how to make miso, I was surprised to learn that rice was an ingredient and became fascinated with the process. And I began writing Miso Magic. The main character, Chiyoko, initially resists helping, reflecting my mom’s own reluctance. I love that I get to share my books with her because it has helped my mom feel seen. The joy of seeing her reactions is a priceless part of my writing journey.

EL: That’s wonderful. I think the illustrations for your book are perfect. Will you talk about how that partnership went?

MRH: I am grateful to Mizuho Fujisawa for illustrating this book, as well as my first one. Partnering with a Japanese illustrator truly enhances the authenticity of the reader’s experience. Having been familiar with Mizuho’s work from her illustration of The Star Festival, I had a clear understanding of what to expect this time around. Throughout the process, our communication was exclusively through our editors. I received updates for sketches, the cover, and color interiors. The publisher considered some of my notes, as it was crucial to ensure the accuracy of historical and traditional facts and images. Mizuho’s dedication and talent have truly brought my story to life.

EL: Do you have a writing group or critique group? If so, will you talk a bit about that?

MRH: I’m equally grateful to my critique group and several others in the kidlit community for help with this book. Getting a book made really is a collaborative effort. The value of a good critique group cannot be overstated. It’s like finding the perfect pair of jeans; the fit must be right. You have to consider personalities, schedules, locations, genres, and commitment levels. When I first started, I mistakenly joined a writing group when what I needed was a critique group. At that time, I didn’t understand the difference, but I quickly realized that a group offering writing prompts and on-the-spot writing time was not what I needed. I wanted to write on my own and then gather feedback from others. And through the SCBWI, I found my first group. I have joined several others since that first. The constructive feedback and diverse perspectives they offer have been invaluable to me.

EL: I couldn’t agree more about the importance of critique buddies. Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

MRH: Finally, to give back to this community, I started the Write Kidlit NOW! Scholarship fund designed to support pre-published and unagented kidlit writers in advancing their writing studies. It closes at the end of October, so please check out my website for details before the 31st!

EL: This is amazing, Moni! Ok, everyone, hop over to Moni’s website at https://www.moniritchie.com/ to learn about this great opportunity and a lot more!

Find Moni on Instagram @bookthreader

You can buy her book here.

https://bookshop.org/p/books/miso-magic-moni-ritchie-hadley/2030382  

And now a…

Moni is happy to give a copy of Miso Magic to one lucky winner. Please comment on this post to get in the running for this wonderful prize. Let me know if you are a subscriber or if you’ve shared the post for an extra chance to win. Good luck!

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On a personal note, I’d love you to check out my school visit section on the website. I’m currently booking visits for this school year. Also, please check out some of my books here. They are also available wherever books are sold. THANK YOU! 

DEBBIE’S SONG: THE DEBBIE FRIEDMAN STORY

https://bookshop.org/p/books/debbie-s-song-ellen-leventhal/18680277?ean=9781728443027

A FLOOD OF KINDNESS

https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-flood-of-kindness-ellen-leventhal/15150623?ean=9781546034582