Author Spotlight: Barbara Joosse
Popular author Barbara Joosse’s picture book MAMA, DO YOU LOVE ME? (Chronicle, 1998) sold three million copies. The companion book, PAPA, DO YOU LOVE ME? (Chronicle, 2005) sold one million copies, as did her book I LOVE YOU THE PURPLEST (Chronicle, 1996). Author of 55 books, many are collaborations with prolific illustrator Renee Graef. Barbara lives in Wisconsin. Visit her at www.barbarajoosse.com
Q: You have published more than 50 books. Does writing get easier? Has your creative process evolved?
A: Writing isn’t easier, but I write with far more confidence. After daily writing for so many years, along with daily reading of picture books, I’m able to flex considerable writing muscle. Of course, when I get stuck, I’m frustrated. The difference is that I KNOW I’ll figure it out. And it’s a big YAHOO when I do. That never gets old.
Here’s my process: Research first (collecting facts, images, and books that inspire). These things swirl under my skin and feel very physical in their energy. Then comes a morning of clarity and magic. I wake up with a few lines that define the path I’ll take. Now I clear the deck for very, very intensive writing. Friends and family are pathetically ignored, the dust in my house gathers for a huge convention, my refrigerator whines for new food. Also, I don’t sleep because I’m buzzin’ and can’t hold still. I’m quite aware that a story can slip away if I don’t write through this exciting period, which lasts about a month, although there will be months of revision after that as I gain perspective.
Q: Your picture book MAMA, DO YOU LOVE ME? sold 3 million copies. Were you surprised at the response to that book?
A: I was gobsmacked. I kept thinking there was a mistake. There was a lot of pressure after that to write a sequel, but I stubbornly would not, not for many years, anyway. I was freaked out about having Expectations, about being known for this genre. I wanted to write in many voices and styles. I would have enjoyed a lot of financial success if I’d followed up with Mama sequels. But writing might have lost its fizz.
And here’s a funny thing. I’m working on a new manuscript that’s in the same trailblazing place that Mama was so many years ago. It’s something very, very new and very, very compelling. Maybe lightning will strike twice.
Q: You have created many picture books with illustrator Renee Graef. is there a benefit to working with the same illustrator?
A: Yes Yes Yes! Renee and I are co-creators and ridiculously silly friends! With Renee, I laugh so hard my face hurts. She makes me a better writer and I make her a better illustrator.
I do enjoy working with a variety of illustrators, though, like Giselle Potter, Jan Jutte, Barbara Lavallee, and Randy Cecil.
Q: What famous writers inspired you the most? Any new children’s book writers you especially admire?
A: Favorite classics are Ruth Krauss for playful language, William Steig for plot, Maurice Sendak for grit, and Chris Van Allsburg for magic. I think my style reflects the influence of these masters. Current loves are the Fan Brothers, who thrill me to the bone, Beth Ferry, and Dave Eggers.
Q: Is there any advice you’d like to give aspiring children’s book writers?
A: You mean, besides, “Don’t quit your day job?”
Fill yourself up with only the best writing. Subscribe to the Horn Book and buy three books from each crop every quarter. Only fill your shelves with the very best. Don’t write what’s popular; write your personal passion.
And this is very important to me: Our world needs citizens who are empathetic, and picture books are the finest way to get outside of your own skin and experience someone else’s heart. If you write picture books, part of your job is to watch children. Know them. Then use your voice to help them understand themselves and others.
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