Creator Interview Plus a Giveaway: Jenny Lynn Pease

Host of #KidLitCritiqueDay and #ChatWithThePBLady and generous member of the KidLit community!

Jenny has loved writing as long as she can remember and spent her childhood creating stories. Now, her debut picture book I LOVE HARRIET KIPLEY, illustrated by Alessia Girasole will be available to readers in April 2024!

While promoting her new book, she also maintains a fantastic blog and is working on writing, revising, and querying new work. Jenny is a generous and active member of the KidLit community on social media, offers critique and promotional services, has a variety of picture book classes available. Check out her website for more details!

Jenny is generously offering one lucky winner a picture book critique package (pitch, query, and manuscript)! Details on how to enter are below!

"Every moment wont be joyous, but when those joyous moments do come it will make every step you took worth it."

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How did your journey as a KidLit creator begin?

I’ve been writing and creating stories for a long time, but my love of picture books began about seven years ago. There was just something about picture books that I really loved. The ability to create a wonderful story in so few words was something really magical to me. In the beginning, I wasn’t very good. I look back at some of my earlier stories and wonder, “What was I thinking?” However, even though I needed a lot of practice and studying, I knew deep down I was meant to write picture books. Now, after lots of webinars, lots of critiques, and of course reading many many picture books, I feel proud of the picture book writing skills I’ve developed.

Although, I’m not perfect and never will be. That’s part of the beauty and magic of being a creator though.

What is your favorite thing about creating for children?

It’s so fun. I mean I get to read all these fun and wonderful picture books from other authors and illustrators as mentor texts. There’s nothing more awesome than that.

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?

Low: Having to part ways with my agent due to circumstances beyond my control. It was honestly heart crushing, but I was able to overcome it and now I have my debut picture book coming out soon.

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 recently made the bold choice to quit my day job and focus only on my writing services and my writing career. I run a full-time affordable critique business for picture book writers. I also host different classes for picture book writers too.

I thought back to all my different day jobs and realized that while I was working, writing was constantly on my mind. I even wrote everyday during my break times. That’s when I had an epiphany and I realized I needed to make writing my full time job.

Describe your perfect writing/illustrating/creating day.

I love writing outside by the lake at my favorite state park.

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

I think having the mindset that rejections and bumps in the road are foreseeable and common really helps me. I know I’m not the only one going through these bumps, and that it doesn’t mean my writing or stories are bad. So, when rejections come I just take a deep breath and keep going.

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

Its been said over and over but it’s so true. Read lots and lot and lots of picture books.

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

There are so many wonderful picture books. I’ll give a shout out to three that I love. There Could be Lobsters, A Big Mooncake for Little Star, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

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

I honestly can’t narrow this down. Every creators picture book that I’ve read has inspired me in some way or another.

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

I would tell them that the journey will be hard, but that if you love writing and creating you should stick with it. Every moment wont be joyous, but when those joyous moments do come it will make every step you took worth it.

Is there anything else about you, your career, or the industry that you'd like to share?

I Love Harriet Kippley is my debut picture book with Alessia Girasole and it’s now available for preorder. It’s a fun and lively book about self-love that was inspired by one of my favorite songs Answer: Love Myself. I wanted to take the songs message of self love and translate it into a fun story that would be relatable to young children.

I would love it if you showed Harriet and her story lots of love and support.

Thank you, Jenny! I can't wait to read I LOVE HARRIET KIPPLEY and encourage readers to add the title to their "want to read" shelves on Goodreads or pre-order by clicking HERE.

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

But wait! There's a GIVEAWAY!

Jenny is generously offering a picture book critique package (pitch, query, picture book) to one lucky winner!

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:

• Follow Jenny on one of the following platforms:

Twitter: @kidlitjenny Instagram & Threads: jennylynnpease

• Share this interview on Twitter or Instagram!

The giveaway closes on Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on Twitter and notified via email on Wednesday, November 1st!