Interviews
I recently did a fun interview with Joanna Szeto, a talented children's book author. She has a wonderful trilingual Chinese picture book, Chicken and Duck Talk: Learning to Swim. In it, young readers can practice Mandarin, Cantonese, and English all with the same story!
Sandy, what kind of picture books do you write?
SE: Animals are my main characters. I write adventure stories with informational facts about the animals featured in my stories.
JS: I love writing about animals, too. My favorite animal is the dolphin.
Where do you get your inspiration to write your picture books?
SE: I mostly get my information from the animals in the wild, from books and from experts in the field.
JS: Thanks for the tip. Usually, I get inspiration when I’m driving or taking a shower, but visiting a national park and getting inspired sounds like so much fun.
Can you share tips about how you do research before writing your books?
SE: Sure. I use various places to find the information I need. I start with the library, then use the internet, and then talk to professionals who work with and/or have knowledge of the animals I am writing about.
JS: Sounds like you had a lot of fun learning.
Did you enjoy reading and writing as a kid?
SE: I always loved books. Writing was more proficient as an adult.
JS: Yes, I loved reading and writing as a kid, but my grammar was horrible. My grammar has gotten more proficient after having to teach it to students.
Do you have a favorite children’s book author? Favorite book?
SE: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White was my favorite story growing up. I love animal stories of all kinds.
JS: I loved animal stories as a kid. My favorites were Kavik the Wolf Dog and Rascal. So my favorite kind of dog is a Husky and my second favorite animal is a raccoon.
Do you have a children’s book coming out soon? What is it about? When will it be coming out?
SE: I am currently writing my second story of Penny’s Adventures. Penny prairie dog, is on another adventure, which takes her to another area where she meets up with other mountain animals and the predator that searches her out. I am hoping it will be published next year.
JS: Wow! Can’t wait to read another adventure about Penny.
What is your number one tip for writers?
SE: Write stories that inspire you and want others to know about. Continue writing even when it is hard to come up with ideas.
JS: Yes, I’ve just heard through Picture Book Author Academy that perseverance is the key to success. Writers get a ton of rejections, but published writers are the ones who don’t give up.
What is the best writing workshop or conference you have ever attended? Why?
SE: Two come to mind. The first one was when I signed up for a 21-day Picture Book Challenge with Karen Ferreira back in 2021. That’s what inspired me to write my story. The second one was when I attended my chapter of SCBWI conference. It was so exciting to be among so many talented children’s book authors, illustrators, editors, and publishers. I learned quite a bit.
JS: I agree that Karen Ferreira’s courses are great. After signing up for Karen Ferreira’s Children Book Mastery Coaching Program, I gained the confidence to self-publish my Chinese picture book through a Kickstarter campaign. I also suggest joining SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).
What is one writing goal you have for 2026? How do you plan on accomplishing your goal?
SE: My main goal for next year, 2026, is to complete the illustrations for my second book in my Penny’s Adventure series and get it published. I also want to spend time marketing my first book to promote it further and introduce the second book.
JS: I will be working on my second book for When Chicken and Duck Talk while marketing my first book. That is why it’s great to have accountability partners. I have also signed up with Rate Your Story to keep up with my writing in 2026. I’m looking forward to their crafty web seminars and a chance to get my manuscripts critiqued by more seasoned writers.
Where can readers go to follow your writing journey or buy your books?
SE: Currently, Penny’s Adventures: In Search of Tasty Treats is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble stores. Please check out my website at sandyeckerauthor.com
JS: I already have my copy. Can’t wait to read the next book in your series. Next time I go out into nature, I’ll be inspired to write another book.
