Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,

where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.

(Note that we enjoy the series so much we’ve reset for a second round of 20.)

This month’s question:

What’s one thing you’re grateful for in your creative or personal life?

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and privilege to explore and express myself in a creative way. Not only does the act of writing and illustrating fulfill me to no end, it allows me to connect with others in a way very few can–especially kids! Just seeing the little ones light up and fill with joy when they read my books warms my heart.” 

– Isabella Kung, author-illustrator of NO SNOWBALL! (Orchard Books, 2022)

“There’s a lot of overlap between what I’m grateful for in my personal life and my creative life. I’m grateful to live in a place full of natural beauty that inspires me daily. I’m grateful that my family, especially my husband, is supportive of my writing and celebrates all sorts of book-related milestones with me, large and small. I’m grateful that the words I’ve worked so hard on are then turned into beautiful art by illustrations whose talents I can’t even begin to comprehend. And I’m grateful to work in partnership with my editor, who so very carefully guides these books into existence!”

– Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY: THE STORY OF ROBERT McCLOSKEY, NANCY SCHÖN, AND SOME VERY FAMOUS DUCKLINGS (Random House Studio, 2023) and WORLD MORE BEAUTIFUL: THE LIFE AND ART OF BARBARA COONEY (Random House Studio, 2024)

“When I was growing up, I never saw a kid like me in a book. I am so grateful that I get to publish books that allow Native kids, specifically Wichita kids, to see themselves centered as heroes in stories.”

– Kim Rogers, author of JUST LIKE GRANDMA and A LETTER FOR BOB (Heartdrum, 2023)

“As newbie authors, we’re all tempted to seek relationships with editors and agents in pursuit of a contract. While those relationships are important, my friendships with local writers or writers I”ve met at conferences have sustained me through the tough times, motivated me, opened my eyes to new ideas and experiences, and made me a better writer. With love to all my writer-pals out there. You know who you are!”

– The Soaring 20s “collective unconscious”

“Seeing my words matched with gorgeous art to produce a book, meeting and inspiring young readers and writers, connecting with other creators who are also passionate about writing/illustrating stories for children are all things I’m grateful for. I’m also thrilled that I get to determine and manage my own schedule, which means I can make time for what’s important to me besides writing – like walking/exercising, reading, and spending time with my husband and our friends.”

– Valerie Bolling, author of BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM!, illus. Sabrena Khadija (Abrams Appleseed, 2023)