1a. Hello Lisa! How long have you been writing Children’s Literature and approximately how many Children’s books have you traditionally published?

Hi Kimberly! Thank you so much for welcoming me to your blog. I started writing kidlit about twelve years ago and have two traditionally published books, Ollie Oxley and The Ghost and Hart & Souls. Both are not‐too‐spooky middle grade ghost stories with heart and humor.

1b. What is the name of your favorite book that you have written?

That’s a difficult question. It’s like asking a mom which of her children is her favorite. I don’t have one. There’s something about each story I’ve written that emotionally resonated with me at the time. But I am especially fond of Ollie Oxley, most likely because it was my first book. I also have a chapter book series that is about to go on submission that tickles my funny bone. I’m not sure if it will ever see the light of day, but the main character (a crime‐solving pup) cracks me up. I haven’t given up on him yet. Maybe someday he will find his forever home. Woof!

1c. When did you first take a kidlit class? How long have you studied kidlit?

Ten years ago, I attended The Big Sur Writers Workshop. It was my introduction to kidlit. I’d just completed my first draft of Ollie Oxley and decided to attend. I foolishly thought my manuscript was publication‐ready. I quickly discovered I was quite wrong. My book was a hot mess. I remember watching my group leader mark up my pages during a session. I learned more from her notes than any class I’ve ever taken. On the flip side, my other group leader unintentionally hurt my feelings, and I left the session in tears. But I quickly realized this experience was part of the learning process and shook it off. Since that day, I’ve never taken a critique personally. I use what resonates from feedback and discard what doesn’t. For anyone just starting out, my advice is to be brave‐share your work and find critique partners. That’s where real growth happens. I learned an enormous amount about craft from the writers around me.

What would you say are the themes across all of your many Children’s Literature publications?

Empathy has always been central to my storytelling. Books give children the chance to see themselves reflected on the page while also stepping into someone else’s world.

The idea for Hart & Souls came to me after I ran into the local “school bully” at Target. He was standing near the front of the store, on his phone, frightened and crying. After overhearing his end of the conversation, I realized no one had picked him up from school and he didn’t know where else to go. From what I gathered, this wasn’t the first time.

This incident served as a stark reminder of the lesson I’ve always taught my son: when someone is unkind, it often means they’re fighting a battle we know nothing about. Don’t take it personally. Lead with kindness.

At that moment, I knew I had my next book. By the time I finished shopping, the title Hart & Souls was swirling around my brain. While sitting in the parking lot, I figured out how the story would begin and end. I’ve never veered off course. I knew I had something special. I recreated the Target scene in my book through the eyes of my main character. It still makes me tear up when I read the chapter. I gave the bully a very sad and traumatic backstory.

What themes are represented in your middle grade books?

Kindness and empathy guide every story I write. If young readers walk away feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone, then I’ve done my job.

Why do you want to write Middle Grade books? What do you want to tell the world?

I attended thirteen different schools growing up and never stayed long enough to make lasting friends. Books became my escape. My first stop in every new town was the local library. Middle school was especially difficult. Kids can be cruel. Now I write middle‐grade stories to help children feel less alone, offer hope, and remind them there is light on the other side‐they just need to find a way through.

What is the significance of this message?

You are not alone.

Why is this message good for children, especially concerning humor?

Difficult subjects are, well, difficult. Wrapping them in humor and sprinkling in funny moments can ease the tension and help kids feel more comfortable. As an anxious person, I understand the desire to consume stories that aren’t heavy‐handed.

My favorite book of all time is The House on the Cerulean Sea. It tackles important themes, while wrapped in joy and magic, with very little tension. That’s what makes it such a wonderful read. The message of unconditional love comes through loud and clear.

Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention?

Unfortunately, there are no new books on the immediate horizon, but I do have two projects on submission with publishers. I’m also working on a top‐secret project with my Writers With Wrinkles co‐host, Beth McMullen. Stay tuned for an announcement. ?

How can people purchase your books?

People can find my books wherever they are sold. But I truly appreciate it when they are purchased through an independent bookstore.

You are open to giving a free book to someone who likes and comments on your interview on my blog. Which book?

I’d love to gift one copy of each book to two winners‐one will receive Ollie Oxley and the Ghost and the other Hart & Souls. Please comment on the blog in order to be eligible to win a book. Winners will be chosen randomly.

Any other comments?

Readers can learn more about me and the publishing industry by listening to my podcast Writers With Wrinkles.

Thank you!!!