Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Lavelle.
Hi Kari, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I left Kansas to attend graduate school at UT in 2000. I am a speech pathologist and my work focused primarily on kids who stutter. I’ve always been passionate about children’s literature too and started writing my own stories around 2010. I went to conferences organized by the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), signed up for classes at The Writing Barn, and joined an online writing group, 12×12. I wrote and revised (and repeat!) until 2018 when I landed my agent, Elizabeth Bennett. She helped me sell my debut picture book, WE MOVE THE WORLD, to HarperCollins in August 2018.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Some people erroneously think the simplicity of a picture book equals an easy route to publication but there is so much to learn in the art of writing for children! As a mother of two kids, I’ve struggled with finding time and energy to write. I’ve also been challenged by Imposter Syndrome as so many creatives are – it’s hard to ignore that negative voice. My debut picture book, WE MOVE THE WORLD, launched in May 2021 so I’ve found it especially tricky to promote this book successfully while we are still in a pandemic. As with most challenges, the hard work and persistence are worth it!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write both nonfiction and fiction books for kids. I’ve sold two nonfiction picture books: WE MOVE THE WORLD (HarperCollins, 2021) and an unannounced picture book biography. WE MOVE THE WORLD is an inspiring and empowering nonfiction picture book that connects the everyday actions of kids with historical events and people that changed the world. I am really proud to send a book out into the world that inspires kids (and maybe their parents too!) to make the world a better place!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
This year has been full of lessons: how resilient we are, how important social connections are, how creative people can be when faced with challenges and finally, how important it is to educate the next generation.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@karilavelle.com
- Website: www.karilavelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karilavellewrites/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KariALavelle
Image Credits:
WE MOVE THE WORLD illustrations by Nabi H. Ali
