Happy Monday Everyone! I hope you all had a lovely weekend!
You know, I struggle a little with this blog schedule. On the one hand, I don’t want to post more than three days a week. On the other hand, I don’t want to cram so much into a post that you the one look at all that text and skip on to the next blog (I know – I haven’t quite mastered that one :)). On the other hand, I don’t want to post twice in a day because that’s as bad as adding a day – I know how busy everyone is, how many great blogs there are to read out there, and how limited your time is. On the other hand (I believe we’re up to four hands now… so you see the struggle!) there’s is so much to share!!! I had thought I could solve one problem by posting the monthly interviews on Saturday or Sunday, but I didn’t like that and neither, I think, did you. We all need a break. So I’m booting Oh Susanna this week and putting the interview in here.
And oh I have such a treat for you today! Please join me in welcoming the incomparable Iza Trapani!
SLH: When did you first become interested in writing and/or illustrating? Was it something you always did, or something you came to later in life?
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| Author/Illustrator Iza Trapani |
IT: I have been an artist since I could hold a pencil in my hand (or lipstick for that matter; as a toddler, I used my mom‘s lipstick to paint a masterpiece on our wall.) I have also always enjoyed writing, especially poetry. In high school and college, while art was my main focus, I took as many creative writing courses as I could.
SLH: Were you encouraged by family/teachers?
IT: Yes, as long as I stayed away from the lipstick, my family encouraged me. They read and sang to me and instilled in me a lifelong love of art, language and music. Friends and teachers did as well, throughout my whole life. Their belief in me has always been and continues to be empowering.
SLH: You are both an author and an illustrator. Which comes first for you, the story or the art?
IT: The story comes first, but I envision the pictures as I write it. I want to be sure that the story suggests wonderful imagery and that scenes vary from page to page.
SLH: Where/when/how do you get your ideas?
At the most inopportune times- in the middle of the night, in the shower, when I am driving…The idea for my first children‘s book, What am I? An Animal Guessing Game came to me when I was on a long mountain bike ride twenty-two years ago. When a turtle crosed the trail in front of me, I made up a little rhyming riddle about him. By the time I returned home an hour or so later, I had the book roughed out and some of the verses composed. I never really thought of myself as a writer until that point. I had a portfolio packed with children‘s book art but not one story. And then one day (thank you turtle), I tapped into that part of my brain, and after that ideas kept pouring out.
SLH: What has been the most challenging thing you have faced as an author/illustrator?
IT: Maybe two things: The waiting- hearing back from editors and art directors, waiting for the book to be printed, waiting for reviews, waiting for royalty statements…The other challenge is having my illustrations in progress (especially covers) reviewed by, not just the art director and editor, but the marketing team, the sales team, the editorial departments etc. I am very easy to work with and totally open to viable suggestions, but after a while it becomes “art by committee.” Have you ever heard the expression that “ a camel is a horse that was designed by a committee?” Well, it‘s something like that!
SLH: What has been the most wonderful thing that has happened to you as an author/illustrator?
IT: I can‘t put my finger on one thing. There have been so many exciting and gratifying moments. What warms my heart the most is the love and loyalty from my generous fan base – the parents, the early educators, the children, the supportive fellow authors, like you, Susanna. I have met so many wonderful people on this great journey!
SLH: What has been your best selling book so far?
IT: The Itsy Bitsy Spider. I am proud (and amazed) to say it has sold over a million copies and is still going strong.
SLH: Why do you think that might have been?
IT: Timing might have had something to do with it. There weren‘t many retellings of nursery rhymes at the time (that I know of ) and so I found a niche in the market. The book became instantly popular with teachers, especially Pre-K to K. I had very positive feedback from early educators telling me how useful the book was in teaching young children to read – that the kids recognized the title so they were eager to look inside the book, that they already knew the first verse so that gave them confidence to learn the other verses. Plus the book could be sung for even easier learning.
SLH: Were you surprised by one book’s success over another’s?
IT: With over twenty years of practice, both my writing and illustration have improved, so it surprises me that my fifteenth book, Froggie Went A-Courtin’, which has some of my best artwork, is not doing anywhere near as well as my second book, The Itsy Bitsy Spider.
SLH: Have all your titles earned out?
IT: Fifteen of the seventeen books that I haveboth written and illustrated have earned out. I have also illustrated four books for other authors and two of those have earned out.
SLH: Are they all still in print?
IT: All but one of my titles, a non-nursery rhyme book, My Jack are still in print. Of the four books I illustrated for other authors, only one, The Wedding by Eve Bunting, is still in print. I have worked with small presses, who keep books in print longer than some of the big houses. My books have had a long run. I have been very lucky.
SLH: Have sales affected publishers’ willingness to do further projects in a good or bad way?
IT: The publishing world is in such a sea of change right now and publishers are wary and much more discriminating. It’s a very tough market right now- even for those of us with good track records.
SLH: Can you give us any hints about what you’re working on now?
IT: I have a new book coming out Apri11, 2012- The Bear Went Over the Mountain. As for works in progress, I have a few children’s stories brewing and am also working on the last chapter of an adult(maybe YA) memoir.
SLH: What advice do you have for authors/illustrators just starting out?
IT: Spend A LOT of time reading and studying children’s books. Read adult books on writing and/or illustrating. Practice and work hard on your stories and art. Take classes, workshops, join a critique group. Look honestly at your work and polish it to the best of your ability before submitting. There is a wealth of information on the internet. Check out writing/illustrating blogs. Join the SCBWI (society for children’s book writers and illustrators)who offer great advice and opportunities for those hoping to become published.
SLH: Where can we find you?
And now the quick, fun questions for the end! 🙂
Agented or not? agented
Traditionally or self-published? traditionally
Hard copy or digital? hard copy
Apps or not? no
Left-handed or right? I”m a rightie (hands only :-), though I have suspicions I was born leftie and my parents raised me to use my right hand. I lead with my left hand in so many things…Long answer!
Plotter or pantser? plonster
Laptop or desktop? laptop
Mac or PC? Mac
Day or night worker? day
Coffee or tea? Both
Snack or not? Snack
Salty or sweet? Yes!
Quiet or music? quiet when writing/music when illustrating
Cat or dog? One of each (although – SLH here – I’ve seen her dog and he’s more like a pony :))
Currently reading? Besides blogs? 🙂 Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman
Thank you so much for joining us, Iza!
And now, as if that very informative interview wasn’t enough, you all have a chance to win a signed, hardcover copy of Iza’s brand new book which isn’t even officially out until April 1!!! To qualify, leave a comment below in which (in addition to whatever else you might or might not say) you include 4 rhyming lines about a bear 🙂 Qualified comments will be loaded into random.org and one lucky winner will receive The Bear Went Over The Mountain before the rest of the world 🙂
Now, very quickly before we go:
1. Look for Phyllis’s visit to Saskatchewan on Beth’s blog tomorrow (Tuesday, March 20) – it promises to be quite something!
2. I will be featured on Children’s Literature Network’s new feature – Bookscope: The Story Behind The Story – with the story behind Not Yet, Rose tomorrow also! (link will be added when I have it!)
3. Phyllis had an AMAZING visit to Missouri which you won’t want to miss (especially if you’re a CARS fan :)) so please visit Andi 🙂 And be sure to check in with Phyllis’s World Tour page for updates between blog posts here!
Thank you all for visiting with Iza! Now write those 4 rhyming lines about a bear 🙂 – you could WIN!!! (Oh, and please get your rhyming lines in by 5 PM EDT Tuesday March 20 – the winner will be announced Wednesday!)
Susanna Leonard Hill 
There once was a bear,
Who didn't flinch on a dare.
To prance around his lair,
In his people patterned underwear.
Iza, your books look amazing! Thank goodness you're a wonderful artist, or you might have gotten punished for your lipstick wall drawing! Best of luck with The Bear Went Over The Mountain! Great interview Susanna!
Great interview and nice to meet you Iza. I had a question, what does earn out mean? Also, when a book goes out of print, can an author do republish it else where?
My bear went over the mountain
To see all that he could see
And when the sun went down
My bear came home to me. 🙂
If I were a bear,
I'd dress with utmost care
and beguile all the ladies
with my silky savoir-faire.
Iza, I was just thinking yesterday that I miss you! And today there you were in my inbox. I don't know how you squeezed in there, but I'm glad you did. Wonderful to learn more about your process and your books and…ONE MILLION COPIES??? You are a goddess. 🙂
Well, a sly one like me, has her ways! I'm glad to have squeezed in and be featured on Susanna's wonderful blog. I miss you too!
Nice to meet you Saba! Earning out is paying off an advance. Publishers pay authors an advance against royalties. Once they sell enough books to cover the advance, then the author starts earning royalties. And, yes, when a book goes out of print, (as per contract) the rights revert back to the author and she/he is free to republish elsewhere.
People patterned underwear-ha! Thanks so much, Julie!
Thanks so much for this interview, Susanna!
Thank YOU so much for joining us!!!
Love your lines, Renee 🙂 And I agree – Iza is a goddess!!
I see Iza has already answered your questions perfectly, Saba. Apparently I overslept 🙂 Love your bear rhyme 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it, Julie! I enjoyed your poem – especially the people-patterned underwear 🙂
There once was a bear,
Whose name was Claire,
He was very shy,
He'd hide from every creature, even a fly!
Great interview Ms. Hill and Ms. Trapani (I saw the one with Ms. LaTulippe)! I see that Saba asked the question I was going to ask! Loved the interview! I've been checking out your website/blog Ms. Trapani! 🙂
Erik
Great interview, Iza. Thanks for sharing your insights with us.
I have always loved my bears,
be them polar, grizzly, black, or teddys.
Don't want to meet them face-to-face, alone or in pairs,
but at bird feeders or Susanna's back door I'd be ready!
Teri Miller
I enjoyed learning more about Iza.
Here's my bear memoir:
Once I saw a sign for a bear.
Since I moved ahead,
Hubby thought I did not care.
My feet shuffled with dread.
“Oh fiddlesticks where is Bear?”
“He's here! I was combing his hair.”
“A bear with hair? That can't be true.
He's furry, brown and cuddly too.”
What a wonderful interview Susanna and Iza. Nice to meet you Iza and I must read The Itzy Bitsy Spider.
This is my second exposure to Iza and it means I need to check out her books. You interview was fun and informative! Her comment about the changing world of publishing and that even authors with a track record are having a challenging time. The Bear book is so beautifully illustrated. Good luck with sales. Great interview Iza and Susanna.
Very nice interview, guys!
Wow, that was a fun–and inspiring interview! Thanks and Happy Monday Susanna!
Thank you, Coleen! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview! Iza is amazing!
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 Seems to me it's your turn next! 🙂
Thanks, Pat. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Iza's art is so beautiful, I think you'll love getting a better look at it through all her books. (And of course, her writing is fantastic too!)
Rupert and Small and Teddy Doh
Were three little bears that I used to know.
Small was smaller than all the rest
And so he suited his name the best!
I enjoyed and appreciated this interview with Iza very much. Thank you! And thank you for the shout-out about the Saskatchewan leg of Phyllis's World Tour. Phyllis and I had a blast together! She is tons of fun.
Thanks for such a fun interview and the chance….my rhyme:
The bear's new book was launching
for readers far and near.
He thought that he would give one
to a reader reading here!
Big bear,
small bear.
Both share.
Kind pair!
More of Iza. Yes! I can't get enough. Great interview, Susanna. All those wonderful books still thrilling kids!
So fun for you to have Iza here today! We have the Itsy Bitsy Spider book and we LOVE it. Read it all the time. Same with her book, I'm a Little Teapot. She is wonderful and I LOVE her art work!
You silly old bear,
Don't be such a ninny!
Come give me a hug.
I love you dear Winnie!
Thank you for the lovely interview Susanna and Iza! If you stacked a million copies of “Itsy Bitsy Spider” end to end, would they reach the moon?
I've met that bear! He's called Cornelius at Jama Rattigan's “Alphabet Soup” blog. LOL
We have so many of Iza's books! Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star…Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush…Row, Row, Row Your Boat…Jingle Bells…I could go on. We love them all.
Onto my bear poem…here goes:
My bear his name is Sparklespuffy
He’s brown and white and very fluffy
This bear is nice, he does not growl
Because he’s stuffed he cannot scowl
Thanks for the wonderful interview!
Patsy the bear liked to stay in her robe.
She thought, “I'm a bear, I don't need to wear clothes!”
I'll just sit here and rest, kick my paws up, unwind
Eat bonbons and berries straight from the vine.
Please don't ask me where this came from. I have never eaten a bonbon in my ife! What is a bonbon? I'm not even sure it rhymes. I'm a delusional rhymer, thinking things rhyme when they don't! =) I would LOVE a copy of Iza's book! Yay! You ladies are great! So happy to read this interview!
Thanks!
Love your rhyme! I'm not exactly sure what a bonbon is either, but it sounds decadent and it's fun to say, so I often joke about lying around eating bonbons 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the interview – Iza is terrific!
Thanks for stopping by and joining in the rhyming fun, Kim! Iza's books are really great, aren't they? 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it, Cathy! And you'll have to ask Iza about the distance to the moon – I don't have a million of anything 🙂 Love your poem 🙂
Itsy Bitsy Spider was the first one we had, too, back in 1994. It was loved nearly to pieces in our house 🙂 I love her artwork too. To me, it is just exactly what picture book art should be!
I think they always will, Joanna. The perfect combination of words and pictures 🙂 Thanks for the poem!
Hi Stacy,
Sounds like you had a close encounter! Fun poem!
What a perfect rhyme for the occasion! Thanks for stopping by, reading, and rhyming! 🙂
Excellent rhyme, Beth, thanks for joining the fun! And I cannot wait to see and hear about Phyllis's visit to you! 🙂
Thanks for your fun rhyme, Catherine! And i can assure you, you will love ALL of Iza's books! 🙂
Great poem! Bonbons and berries go so well together. Bonbons,you poor, deprived ladies, are chocolate coated nougats or little chocolate coated ice cream balls. I couldn't bear to be without them 🙂
Thanks so much, Kim! What a fun poem- I love Sparklespuffy!
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Stacy! And thanks for your rhyme… did you find the bear or did it find you?
Great poem! and I love your comment, Cathy. Great job on your video poem too! So nice to see and hear you!
Thank you so much Leigh! But did you forget to write a poem- or was the idea unbearable? 🙂
Thank you dear Joanna! I LOVE your Seuss-like rhyme!
Clever poem, Sharon! Thanks so much 🙂
Thank you, Coleen! I am glad you enjoyed it. No poem?
Thanks for introducing me to this talented illustrator!
I used to think a polar bear
lived underneath my bed
But now I'm glad it's not really there
For then I would be dead
You're too kind to me, sweet Susanna!
Thanks Lisa! No poem today?
I'm glad you enjoyed this! And thanks in advance for checking out my books 🙂