08 May Marie Boyd, JUST A WORM, and a Giveaway!

 I’m so happy that author/illustrator, Marie Boyd stopped by to talk about her new book JUST A WORM. This lovely book about a worm trying to face his place in the world is one you don’t want to miss.  And, of course, the gorgeous illustrations (which we’ll read about soon) are perfect! Children and the adults who read it with them will love this book!

EL: Marie, welcome! I’m so happy to have you here today. Please tell us a little about yourself and more about this adorable book.

MB: I live in Columbia, South Carolina, with my husband and two young kids. In addition to being an author and illustrator, I’m a law professor who studies the regulation of food, cosmetics, and other products by the Food and Drug Administration. I enjoy cooking, baking, and decorating cakes and cookies for my family and friends. I also enjoy spending time outside and going on walks with my family. 

The idea for Just a Worm came to me on a walk with my family. When my son was younger, I’d tell him, “It’s just a worm” when we saw worms on the sidewalk after the rain. I started thinking about how a Worm might feel if it could understand my words and that question eventually led to my debut book JUST A WORM.

In JUST A WORM, after being called “just a worm” by two children, Worm embarks on a journey through the garden to prove them wrong. Along the way, Worm encounters several insects and other creatures, each of which has important qualities. But what can Worm do? What makes Worm special? That question is at the heart of JUST A WORM.

I think at some point many people have compared themselves to others and felt that they have fallen short. I know I have. One of the things that I hope readers will take from JUST A WORM is that everyone has something to contribute to their community. 

EL: I agree that so many times we feel that we are “Just a (fill in the blank). Your message is wonderful, and I especially love it because children can relate, but your story is never preachy.  You are one of those wonderful creatures called author/illustrator. Can you tell us a little about that? Which comes first, the words or pictures? And that quilling is amazing!

MB: I’ve always enjoyed art and crafts, but for a long time I focused on writing and didn’t really consider illustrating my own books. One piece of advice I kept hearing was don’t try to illustrate your own books unless you are a professional illustrator. However, whenever I imagined Worm’s garden, I imagined it made out of quilled paper. I had a very clear vision for the illustrations and I knew I could make them if I had the opportunity. I was THRILLED to be able to illustrate JUST A WORM with quilled paper. I cut colorful paper into narrow strips. I then coiled, curled, and shaped the paper and glued it on edge to make the illustrations.

If you are interested in quilling, JUST A WORM includes a quilled craft. I also share quilling videos and more on my website.

EL: I absolutely love the quilling. I am sure readers will take advantage of your lessons. Do you have a writing/ illustrating routine? If so, will you share it?

 MB: I have a busy career outside of children’s publishing and am a mom, wife, daughter, and friend. There are a lot of demands on my time so I have to be flexible about when I write and illustrate and patient with myself when it doesn’t happen. I used to think that there were a lot of things that had to happen before I could write or make art, but I’ve realized that I was letting those things prevent me from pursuing my dreams. At this point, I often write on my phone when I’m waiting for my kids at appointments and activities. I also try to carry quilling supplies with me so that when I have a few minutes waiting I can quill. I do try to touch my writing and quilling regularly as slow and steady progress adds up. That being said, since JUST A WORM released in March I haven’t had a lot of time to write or quill. 

EL: I get it!  What do you think is the most difficult part of this job? The best part about this job?

MB: One of the most difficult aspects of writing and illustrating for kids for me has been finding the time to work on and develop my ideas. It’s also always hard to get rejections although my career as an academic has given me LOTS of practice with that!

The best part of this experience has been the people I’ve met—members of my critique groups, other authors and illustrators, teachers, librarians, and of course children and their grown-ups. Reading JUST A WORM at the White House Easter Egg Roll a few weeks ago was also a highlight. 

EL: That’s amazing!! I can’t even imagine what a thrill the Easter Egg Roll must have been. Congratulations!  As we wrap up, do you have any words of advice for aspiring kidlit writers or illustrators?

MB: I’ve found it helpful to focus on what I can control and that’s carving out time and working on my writing and art regularly even if it is only five or ten minutes at a time. 

EL: Thank you so much for visiting with us today. Marie would love to connect with readers at  www.marieboyd.com or on Instagram @artistscholar.  

MB: Ellen, Thanks again for having me on your blog!  JUST A WORM  is available from your favorite bookseller 

EL: My pleasure, and I am happy to be able to help spread the word about this wonderful book.

Find Marie at @MarieBoydAuthor  on Twitter, @artistscholar on Instagram, and Marie Boyd Author on Facebook.  

But first, a…..

 Marie is generously offering a 20 min Zoom classroom visit or Ask Me Anything session! All you have to do to get in the running is comment on this post! Let me know if you are a subscriber and/or if you’ve shared this to get extra chances to win! GOOD LUCK! 

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On a personal note, please check out other parts of my website, https://EllenLeventhal.com, to learn more about me, my books, and my school visits.  

NEW BOOK ALERT! Available wherever books are sold including: 

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

 Brazos Bookstore

This tale bears the same timely message as its subject’s music: Let’s all unite in a spirit of community.

Kirkus