Creator Interview: Andrew Hacket

Kidlit Author of THREE Upcoming Picture Books!

Anyone active in the #kidlit #writingcommunity on social media probably already knows Andrew- he's got a fantastic blog, The Backstory, and he hosts the super fun Solstice Surprise Book Bash! It if you haven't already crossed paths with Andrew, I'm so excited to introduce you to him.

Andrew is the author of three picture books: Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea, Curlilocks & the Three Hares, and Hope and the Sea, all releasing in 2024. Additionally, he has poems included in The Writers' Loft anthology Gnomes and Ungnomes, and his middle grade, haunted, short story The Tunnel was selected for inclusion in the anthology The Haunted States of America.

Andrew has been creating for four years and is represented by Dan Cramer at Page Turner Literary. He is currently writing and revising, and is on submission!

Andrew is generously offering one reader an Ask-Me-Anything call! Read on for details on how to enter!

"I hope that my children are seeing all parts of this journey, the highs and the lows, and seeing how I persevere despite these challenges."

How did your journey as a KidLit creator begin?

I am a pandemic writer. 2020 hit and I found myself out of work and as a result with much more brain capacity than in my pre-Covid life. I put this time and energy to work learning all about the kidlit community, participating in contests, attending workshops, and building my network of critique partners and supports.

What is your favorite thing about creating for children?

My favorite thing is creating entire worlds and characters that had not previously existed. I love the magic that is inherent in that and the potential that has to inspire young people to do the same.

This is an industry full of high highs and low lows. What are some of the peaks and valleys you've experienced in your career?

Obviously, having three books publishing in my debut year is the pinnacle of highs. An additional high is the community I have been able to become part of as a result of following this path into kidlit.

The lows are the moments of self-doubt that creep in after months and months of silence from editors where you begin to wonder if any past success was a fluke and if you will ever be published again. It sounds dramatic, but I think other creators will relate.

Do you have a "day job"? If so, what is it, and how do you create balance between your "day job" and your work as a creator?

I am a second grade teacher of 17 years and finding a balance between teaching, writing, and being a parent is the unobtainable goal. My answer is that I don't do a great job at finding a balance. I am in a constant state of prioritizing and reprioritizing and stealing minutes wherever possible to accomplish the most pressing task. When necessary or if I am immersed in a project that I can't get enough of, I will wake up early or stay up late to find those elusive moments of quiet.

Describe your perfect writing/illustrating/creating day.

What a fun question! I think my perfect writing day would be spent in a cabin in the woods where the words would effortlessly flow from my fingertips onto the screen. I would take way more breaks than needed to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and I would probably accomplish way less than expected, but it would be glorious.

What motivates you to keep going when this industry gets you down?

My constant motivating factor is being a role model to my kids. Becoming a published author was a huge dream of mine that felt like it would always remain a dream. I hope that my children are seeing all parts of this journey, the highs and the lows, and seeing how I persevere despite these challenges.

What is a favorite craft tip you'd like to share with other creators?

I would advise creators to not put self-imposed limits on their creativity. Push the envelope further than you think you should. Write the wacky, borderline inappropriate scene that makes you laugh. Tackle the topic that you wish there had been a book about when you were a kid. The picture book market is terribly hard to stand out in and perhaps writing freely is what will create the manuscript that editors have to have.

What are your top 3 favorite books of all time (any age range)?

I am terrible at ranking anything, but if I had to give it a shot I'd say, 1. James and the Giant Peach 2. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 3. Could Be Worse

Who are some authors or illustrators that inspired your style as a creator?

This is a hard one! Having taught for so long also means I have read a TON of books. I think this constant exposure to children's literature was silently shaping the author I would become. Some creators that come to mind are Jane Yolen, Mac Barnett, Mo Willems, Jory John, Jan Brett, and Chris Van Allsburg.

What advice do you have for someone considering starting their journey as a KidLit creator?

My advice is to get into this for the journey and the community. If the only goal is publication you will be missing out on the amazing people who make up this kidlit community, and that would be a shame.

Andrew, thank you for taking the time to share your insight! Congratulations on your upcoming releases!

Speed Round: This or That!

Let us get to know you better! You must pick ONE- no "I don't know" or "neither" allowed! Ready... Go!

Summer or Winter?	Summer
Chocolate or Vanilla?	Vanilla
Cats or Dogs?	Dogs
Playlists or Podcasts?	Playlists
Text or Call?	Text
Unicorn or Dragon?	Dragon
Ice Cream or Cake?	Ice Cream
Physical Books or E-Books?	Physical Books
Sunrise or Sunset?	Sunset

It's Giveaway Time!

Andrew is generously offering one reader an Ask-Me-Anything call! To enter the giveaway, comment on this post with your name and email address so we can contact you if you win!

For an extra entry, share this post on Twitter (X)!

That's it! The giveaway closes on Tuesday, April 16th at 11:59pm EST!

Be sure to connect with Andrew! Visit his website or follow him on social media @AndrewCHacket!