Creator Interview: Pamela Morgan

Picture Book Author of Simply Skye... And a Playwright, Too!

"I've kept writing stories for or about my kids and their unique experiences and differences, because I think those kinds of stories resonate with all kids and its good for us to see diversity."

A writer since she was 12 years old, Pamela has been focusing on children's literature for the past five years. In addition to releasing her debut picture book, Simply Skye with illustrator Heather Bell, Pamela has amassed an impressive list of awards for her plays in 2022 and 2023 alone.

Pamela truly does it all- she's a full-time mom, works a "day job", is earning her MFA in creative writing, is involved in theatre, AND makes sure to prioritize her writing. She's currently writing, revising, and querying her work.

Be sure to read through the whole interview so you can get to know Pamela's heart for helping children feel seen. She has some valuable insight for KidLit creators and is offering a generous giveaway! Details at the end of this post!

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How did your journey as a KidLit creator begin?

I wrote the story, Simply Skye, back in 2016, when my oldest child started exploring their own gender. Friends and family had so many questions, we ourselves had questions, but I wanted to let my child know that what they were experiencing was normal and okay. So I wrote this story and shared it with friends and family and then put it away as they grew up.

I've kept writing stories for or about my kids and their unique experiences and differences, because I think those kinds of stories resonate with all kids and its good for us to see diversity.

What is your favorite thing about creating for children?

Honestly, my oldest child read Simply Skye and said this is the story they wished they'd had on the bookshelves of the library when they were growing up. That's what I love about creating for children...making them feel seen.

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?

The highest peak had to be when the acquiring editor from Amicus Publishing emailed me to say how close to her own family and heart my story was, and that she planned to bring the manuscript into the next acquisitions meeting. The valleys are obviously all. the. rejections.

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 have a mix of things. I work a "regular" job, remotely for a trucking company. I'm also finishing up my MFA in Creative Writing. I'm still the primary caregiver to my two children. AND in all my spare time, I write plays and get involved in theatre. The best advice I was ever given is making writing a priority. When I plan to write, everything else needs to wait and that's simply that. It's been a learning process but worth it.

Describe your perfect writing/illustrating/creating day.

Wake up early and take a walk with my bestie. Then coffee, oatmeal, and browsing through submission opps and social media. By around 10, I tuck in for a good solid two to three hours of writing until lunch. Then back again until the afternoon. Some more time outside in the late afternoon and spending time with the family all evening.

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

I genuinely believe that I have something to say and that I'm the right person to say it. I think as creatives we have to know our voices matter. Of course, there are better writers than me, but there is no better me than me. So it keeps me discovering and creating, always holding onto that truth.

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

Anytime I come up with a new idea, which always happens at the worst times, I keep an ongoing note on my phone, and I add a line or two about it. Anytime I read something or overhear something (because I can't be the only writer who eavesdrops, right?) I jot it down in a note for later. Then anytime I'm feeling out of ideas or not sure, I scroll through and find new inspiration.

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

I'm going to do plays, because that's really where my heart lies: The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson, How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel, and Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl.

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

Honestly I've become inspired since becoming a children's book author by some of the incredible creators I've met in this journey. Sarah Steinbacher, Laura Roettiger, Liz Lazar, and of course, Heather Bell, the illustrator.

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

A lot of people think it's very easy to create authentic and interesting work for children and it's not. Get involved in a critique group, read a lot, be open to feedback, and be ready for a long, long journey.

Here are the awards Pamela has received for her plays just in 2022 and 2023. I'm so impressed!!

• Words of Wonder Fellowship from The Writer's Colony of Dairy Hollow

• Finalist for Jane Chambers Excellence in Feminist Playwriting 2023

• Winner of the Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival Region V Rosa Parks Award 2023

• Winner of the Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival Best Full-Length Play 2022

• Winner of the Renaissance Theatre / Theatre 166 Emerging Playwright Award 2022

• Finalist for the Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting 2022

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

It's Giveaway Time!

Pamela is generously offering one lucky winner a copy of Simply Skye! To enter the giveaway, comment on this post with your name and e-mail (so we can contact you if you win!).

For extra entries in the giveaway:

• Follow Pamela on Twitter (@affirmedmom) or Instagram (@pamelamorganwrites)

• Subscribe to my mailing list

Be sure to check out Pamela's website, too!

Enter by 11:59pm on 9/19/23. Winner will be announced 9/20/23!