Lisa Wheeler is an award-winning children’s author who has written more than two dozen picture books. Wheeler’s first published book is Wool Gathering: A Sheep Family Reunion. Her most recent publication is Ugly Pie. Ms. Wheeler discussed what it’s like being a children’s book writer with Suite101 writer Jillian Bost.
What is the best part about writing children’s books?
LW: I get to play with words! Writing for adults does not allow the freedom for combinations like ooey-gooey or icky-sticky. It doesn’t let me use alliteration, onomatopoeia, or rhyme. Adults might not like a wolf who speaks or a mouse who wears clothing. Writing for kids allows me to do all-of-the-above and more.
What is the most difficult part about writing children’s books?
LW: Keeping it tight. I have to tell a complete story, incorporate a plot, create engaging characters, and wrap it all up with a happy ending and do it in 500 words or less. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Who are some of your favorite characters from your books?
LW: Sailor Moo because she is a girl/cow who won’t settle for less. She is brave and bold and not afraid to try new things.
Cushion the Porcupine because he is a sweet and affable male who is looking for love in all the wrong places.
Ol’ Bear from Ugly Pie because he is on a mission and will not rest until it is fulfilled.
What inspires you to write for children?
LW: Every book I’ve ever read inspires me. I’ve loved children’s books my whole life. Years ago, before I was published, I would read one and think either, “I wish I wrote this!” or “I can do better than this.” Eventually, I decided to give it a try.
Which author would you choose to read your books?
LW: I have never been asked this before! It’s daunting. I have some favorite children’s authors and it worries me they might not like my books. So heartbreaking! But two of my favorite books are written by Lois Lowry (The Giver and The Willoughbys) so if I knew Lois read one of my books and liked it—even a little bit—that would be a giddy little thrill.
What did you like about your favorite childhood books?
LW: I liked disappearing between the pages. That sense that you lose yourself in a book, enter a new, better, more exciting world than the one you live in. There was a picture book that I loved called Over and Over written by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Garth Williams. I recall “becoming” the little girl in the book and traveling holiday by holiday through her year. I checked it out of the library many times and it never failed to transport me.
Have any of your stories’ outcomes ever surprised you once you finished writing them?
LW: Yes, many times. I am character driven, so I never know the endings when I start. I let the characters take me on their journey. I had no clue Sailor Moo had a wedding in her future. I also didn’t know how I was going to get all those animals out of the gum in Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum. This seat-of-your-pants approach doesn’t work for many people, but I love the process.
Where is your favorite place to write?
LW: Anywhere but in my office. I am a kinetic learner. That means I need to move around to get my brain fired up. I write on walks, while driving, cutting grass, cleaning house. . . I work out lines in my head and then scribble them onto any available paper. Once I think something is gelling, I go to my computer and type. If I sit in front of a white screen too long, everything falls out of my head.
Lisa Wheeler's Website
Jillian Bost - Jillian Bost is an experienced writer with interests ranging from Victorian literature to 1980s pop and professional wrestling.
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