Three Interview Questions with Author/Illustrator Julie Rowan-Zoch

December 1, 2021

Julie Rowan-Zoch is coming to The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop Author Signing Fair from 1-2 on December 4th! Julie writes and illustrates books. Her titles include I'm a Hare, So There, Louis, and You're Here!. Get to know her with these fun interview questions, check out her website, and stop by the store to say hi and snag a copy of her books!

1. What got you into writing and what genres inspired you in your early writing career?

Being a 5yr old at heart, I’ve only been interested in writing/illustrating picture books. When a friend needed a guinea pig for her Creative Coach certificate in 2011, I jumped at the chance to have that extra boost. She got the certificate yet never became a coach, but she hoisted my writing sails and I am forever grateful!

2. What was the greatest challenge you dealt with while writing/illustrating your book and what advice would you give to young writers?

Self-discipline is always my greatest challenge. I’ve adopted the routine of drawing something every day which has helped with illustration, but haven’t yet managed to do the same for writing.

3. What purpose do you find in your writing? In other words, why do you write?

I don’t have an answer to why, aside from enjoying the act of writing and illustrating, the same as I enjoy most other creative or problem-solving activities. I also view it as very fortunate that I don’t need to know!

BONUS LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite procrastination snack and/or activity?

Snack: nuts, pistachios and/or cashews; activity: starting a load of laundry so that at least one entity is at work in the house!

Would you rather write in a secluded lighthouse or in a cabin in the woods?

Lighthouse!

Book or movie you could read or watch repeatedly?

I Know Where I’m Going

Pen, pencil, typewriter, or computer?

Ipad

What’s your favorite One-True-Pairing (favorite fictional romantic relationship)?

Joan and Torquil (see film title above)

Nov

The Extraordinary Power of Picture Books Author Panel

It was a crisp day in Niwot. The wind blew papery leaves along the ground as attendees gathered inside the warmth of The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop. They sat on chairs and velvety purple couches arranged to face the panel of award-winning picture book authors Beth Anderson, Andrea Wang, and Dow Phumiruk, there to talk about the power of picture books as an invaluable educational tool.

Oct

Resident Write-In Author Megan E. Freeman Gives Her "Secret Advice for Aspiring Writers"

In almost every school or library author visit, I am asked the same question: “What advice do you have for aspiring writers?” And of course, the best answers are those you’ve probably heard many times before: Read a lot! Write a lot! Butt in chair! And yes, by all means, do those things, and do them with dedication. But I have one more suggestion that has made a critical difference in my writing life, and it’s a little bit of a secret.