The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Laura Clement (Part 2)
Today, I am doing part 2 of Laura Clement's interview [Part one was posted April 10th.] Her book will be released on May 4th! Enjoy some of her thoughts about herself and the publishing process.
Welcome back, Laura. Congratulations on Egg’s birthday!
Yup! May 4th! Egg be with you (wink).
ME: How has your world “changed” with your book published?
I am more focused. I have more energy for Egg, for things like marketing, and reading to kids.
I have been writing up a storm, enjoying just being creative, now that I have more non-Egg editing time with the release.
But the biggest change, achieving a new level of joy I encountered the night that I read my book to my daughter. Watching her run her fingers over the illustrations and point to letters. Seeing her smile widen at the end of the book when she saw my picture. That was inspiring. My daughter will know that she can chase and tackle her dreams because I have. I am.
ME: That does sound truly amazing. Holding your book baby in your hands and reading to your first baby. Priceless. Enjoy this special moment.
What is something no one (or few) knows about you?
I wish I had conquered math and gotten a chance to be an architect.
ME: It's never too late. I know a man who always wanted to go to law school. So, at 80-years old he was the oldest student in my first-year class. Maybe you should channel this dream and write about an architect you admire. (hint)
Who was your favorite author, illustrator, and/or favorite book as a child?
A book I have loved since childhood, one that I reread almost every yea,r is The Fledgling by Jane Langton. There is such magic in that book. Still.
What's something you want your readers to know about Egg?
That greatness, their greatness, is within them. Always. Just waiting to hatch.
Is there anything about publishing or book launches you know now that you wished you had known when you started?
It’s okay to not be perfect. Get as close as you can, enjoy the creative process, but breathe and know that PERFECT is a goal not a destination, we are human.
What was the hardest part of publishing Egg? The most interesting thing about marketing or launching your book? The most rewarding?
The deadline was the hardest part. Getting everyone on the same page at the same time, on time.
I am still waiting to do that launch. I am thinking about going outside the “bookstore” box and do something really interactive at a park…
As for marketing - it’s exciting. I like all the possibilities- swag bags, contests etc. even though it can be distracting and can suck up all your “free time.” But, I think some of it is really worth it. I just finished making a book trailer. Conquering PowerPoint and putting something magical together, that was pretty darn rewarding.
Egg book trailer!
But the most rewarding is seeing photos of kids (young and old) with their Egg Swag. Seeing their excitement and their joy about something I created, that is AWESOME!
ME: Good luck coming up with a creative lunch for Egg. It deserves a something special.
What do you most like about working with Spork as your publisher?
I love that I got to pick my illustrator. That I had say in many aspects of the creation of the book. That I always felt heard by the publisher.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I am still looking for an agent. The right agent. I am constantly writing new stories and enjoying meeting new characters, solving new problems, and working on my craft.
I signed a second contract with Spork, Clear Fork Publishing for my story Q. I am excited about this story’s publication because it is a home for an issue that is near and dear to my heart - A child with a developmental speech delay. It’s nice to be giving voice to an issue that effects someone I love, an issue that effects many children and adults. Q will be out April of 2018.
Thank you Laura, for stopping back by and sharing the joys of holding that first book and the joys of continuing to keep working on new projects.
To find out more about Laura Clement, or get in touch with her:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraClement
