Along with Jensen’s words, Victo Ngai’s illustrations gradually bring us back to what was “there” before we were. I love this unique and well-written book! 

NOTE:  Interior from BEFORE I LIVED HERE. Text copyright © 2025 by STACY S. JENSEN. Illustrations copyright © 2025 by VICTO NGAI. Used with permission from Holiday House Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.  

EL: Welcome, Stacy! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

SJ: I’m a picture book author who wears many hats outside of writing. I live in Marietta, Ga. — north of Atlanta. I’m a freelance writer and I’m a part-time attendance clerk at an elementary school. I feel like I should tell every parent it’s important to be at school every day and arrive on time. Outside of work, most of my volunteer roles involve supporting children, youth, and literacy programs. In my spare time, I enjoy paper quilling and baking. My husband and son support my disappearing to write or research stories. Our two Vizslas appreciate me walking them as much as I can. 

EL: Reading this story, it’s obvious that you care about what has come before. The part about us all living on stolen land resonated with me. Can you tell us a little about how you came to this story?

SJ: I lived in a growing neighborhood in Colorado Springs called Banning Lewis Ranch. It used to be an active cattle ranch. I knew there had to be more history before the ranch. The story took several different forms before I landed on this format of going back in time. Many sections weren’t in my first draft. I kept digging a little deeper about who lived on the land and how it was used with each draft. It’s always tricky on what history to tell, especially when you have a 32-page picture book. Hopefully, children will like the choices I made.

    EL: Check out how Banning Lewis Ranch has changed.

(Black and white picture is courtesy of Regional History & Genealogy, Pikes Peak Library District, 098-10.Color picture is courtesy of Stacy S. Jensen. )

EL: Has working around children fed your curiosity and creativity? If so, can you tell us how?

SJ: Yes, children are the spark for many of my manuscripts. Sometimes, I’m just super curious and think kids would like to know about a topic too. For many years, I worked at home, so I intentionally volunteered with programs for children. I especially loved sitting and reading with toddlers.

EL: I think the illustrations are perfect for your book. Did you communicate with your illustrator? When did you see the roughs? 

SJ: We agree. Victo Ngai’s illustrations are perfect. My text is sparse. It was wonderful to see how she brought my words to life. We communicated through the editors if she had a question or needed additional research from me. She added so many nice touches like the squirrel you see throughout the book. I first saw the rough sketches when I reviewed comments from a second sensitivity reader. My initial reaction was to deal with the written comments. I was in awe when I stepped back from the feedback and just enjoyed Victo’s sketches.

EL: Illustrators certainly add touches that we, as writers, don’t always envision. Do you have a writing routine? If so, will you share it?

SJ: My writing routine is a little scattered. I’m often the person walking their dog, writing down story ideas, or taking notes on my phone. Before my office schedule changed, I attended a weekly writing time called the Writer’s Space by picture book author Dori Kleber. She has a Zoom link on her website, and every Tuesday, Dori is there from 10 am to noon EST. https://dorikleber.com/writers-space/  I used to be too. I’ve enjoyed catching these sessions on school breaks. I always have a list of stories on my “to do” list, and critique groups are wonderful motivation to turn ideas into manuscripts. I also participate in the 12×12 picture book challenge and StoryStorm for ideas each year.

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

SJ: I hate saying no, but it’s important to share this part of the business too. I have manuscripts on submission, but no offers yet.

EL: I can so relate! And I agree that it’s important to share this part of the business. You’ve mentioned your critique group. Will you talk a little about that?

SJ: My critique groups and writing groups are very important. They keep me motivated to write. I treasure both their friendship and feedback. I love their praise, but my stories get better with the criticism. Not that I’m willing to hear the criticism immediately — sometimes feedback needs to marinate a little.

EL: Some books are done relatively quickly, and others take longer. What was your timeline for this book?

SJ: When I share the journey of this book, some writers sound a little discouraged. Every book has a different journey. I didn’t give up on this story. Neither did my friend and agent Ana Crespo. I wrote my first draft when my son was 3, and he’ll be a sophomore in high school on publication day! The book sold in 2021. The publication date changed a few times. Now, Aug. 26 is just around the corner.

EL: That is amazing! I can’t wait to hold it in my hand. Speaking of that, here is where people can buy the book.

https://holidayhouse.com/book/before-i-lived-here/ 

Oh, and while you’re there, check out all the incredible reviews this book has gotten already!

SJ: I appreciate your time, Ellen. Thank you for sharing BEFORE I LIVED HERE with your readers.

EL: Thank YOU for joining me!

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for! It’s time for a

Stacy, Victo, and Holiday House/Neal Porter Books are happy to give away a book to one lucky winner (U.S Only). To get in the running, please comment on this post and let me know if you’re a subscriber or if you have shared this post to get an extra chance to win.

Until next time,

Ellen 

On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the 2025-2026 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out

 https://ellenleventhal.com/school-visits/