28 May Gabrielle Nidus and a GIVEAWAY!

I am THRILLED to introduce my friend and critique partner, Gabrielle Nidus! I was lucky to see early versions of her wonderful debut picture book, QUIET VIOLET FINDS HER VOICE, and even in the early stage, we all knew it would be a winner!  I have had the opportunity to see this go from idea to idea and draft to draft, and I couldn’t be happier for Gabrielle on how it turned out.

There is so much that I love about this book. When quiet Violet finds her voice through her passion, readers will want to cheer! The minute we meet Violet, we root for her. This is a wonderful, hysterical, and relatable SEL book. Nidus’s words are filled with humor and wit, and Stephanie Dehennin’s wonderful illustrations, bring the fun, the chaos, and finally the ahh…moment to this lovely book. Welcome, Gabrielle!

 Now on to Gabrielle. How did you come up with the idea of Quiet Violet?

During the throes of the pandemic, I found myself isolated in my room, with COVID. As a mother of three, silence is a rare commodity–but that quiet gave me time to think.  Alone in my room for several days,  an idea took root, and I had the time to try and write down my thoughts. Drawing from my experiences as a teacher, I was inspired by the quiet students I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. I thought about one particular student: her introspective nature had hidden depths. She was often overlooked even though she was so talented.  It occurred to me that though her voice was quiet, her perspective was so important for the world to hear. I wondered first in my mind and then on paper what it might mean for that girl to find her voice. She and the other quiet students served as the foundation for the character of Quiet Violet.

Is having a writing group important to you?

My writing group has been my rock throughout this entire process. They’ve not only been my cheerleaders but also my invaluable editors, pushing me to refine each sentence and word in a picture book where every bit counts. Their support and insights have been instrumental in helping me realize the significance of every detail, no matter how small, in a narrative as concise as a picture book. Their encouragement and constructive criticism have motivated me to keep pushing forward, even when the task seemed daunting. I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance and unwavering belief in my work.

What inspires you?

 I am always inspired by the kids I see in my everyday work. When I sit down to write, I think about the talk and energy they bring. I think to myself, “What stories have I seen or heard lately?” Then I usually make some notes and give it a go trying to write. Typically, my first drafts are just jots or unconnected paragraphs. But I find getting those initial thoughts out is helpful in formulating my story.

You are so busy! How do you find time to write?

Finding time to write has been a constant struggle, especially with the demands of a full-time job and a bustling household. Often, I find myself with just slivers of time—maybe a spare 10 minutes squeezed between chores or during a quick break. The challenge intensified when returning to work full-time meant bidding farewell to my writing group who had been so inspiring for me.  I was fortunate enough to find a new group.  Despite the constraints on my time, their support and the sense of belonging they provide have been invaluable in keeping my writing journey alive and thriving.

Is anything new in the pipeline?

I’ve been working on a middle-grade novel for a while. My plan, this summer, is to have a draft ready to send out to publishers. I also have several picture books that I’ve been sending out this year. 

What do you think the best part of writing for kids is? 

Truly the best part of writing has been the ability to share my work with my family and friends. Sharing my stories with kids and watching their excitement has been everything I hope for, and I especially love how my daughter has become involved in this process. When I had my reading at Brazos Bookstore in March, it felt like a big birthday party. I was surrounded by kids from my school and many of my friends and family. At the end of my reading, I had this feeling that it felt just like one of those important life events like a graduation or a move to a new state. Rather than be an end in and of itself, I felt like the book had taken on a life of its own. 

EL: It did feel like a beginning and a big party all at once. Congratulations, and thanks so much for visiting!

And now a…