I'm delighted to feature my writing friend Kate Allen Fox on the blog today. We chat about her writing process and the inspiration behind her debut picture book, PANDO: A LIVING WONDER OF TREES, illustrated by Turine Tran, Capstone Press (August, 2021). I enjoyed learning about how Kate used her love of nature and poetry, and her background in science, to create this magnificent book. Read on for Kate's thoughts about stories . . . creativity . . . and connection. Welcome, Kate!
STORIES – Discuss the inspiration for your ideas and stories, and share the process about your latest projects.
Most of my stories are inspired by science and nature. I discover a phenomenon that I’m inspired by and then dive into research to learn as much as I can. My debut, Pando: A Living Wonder of Trees, is about a grove of aspen trees that are connected by their roots to form one of world’s oldest and largest living things. When I learned about it, I was hooked and had to learn more.
My previous career was at a scientific agency where I often had to dive into topics I knew little about, so I feel less daunted by the task, but I always check with an expert during my research process to make sure I haven’t drifted off-course.
As much as I enjoy research, I truly love crafting facts into a narrative and finding the “heart” of the story. I believe great nonfiction not only informs but connects emotionally with a reader. When I’m writing nonfiction, I always look for what emotions or themes the topic might represent to young readers.
CREATIVITY -- How do you showcase your creative side through writing/illustrating and other pursuits?
I’ve always been passionate about poetry. When I was a young child, my dad would read me his favorite poets, like Eliot, Poe, and Frost. While I didn’t always understand the meaning of the words, the musicality drew me in.
When I began writing seriously, I wanted to write novels, but I soon realized that writing lyrically was my passion. In every story I write, I try to bring a poetic feel to the text. It brings me great joy, and I hope some joy to kids as well.
CONNECTION -- How do you connect to your young readers through your writing/illustrating, and how do you stay connected to the KidLit community?
Kids are intensely curious, and I try to channel that energy whenever I’m writing. I ask myself what kids would want to know about a topic (my kids often help me with this). I also try to connect with emotions my younger self felt. Some of those feelings are negative, like being afraid that you can’t make a difference. But some are positive, like passion, optimism, and hope.
I love the KidLit community! I am part of SCBWI and volunteer in the San Diego chapter. I’m also a member of 12x12PB, a few critique groups, and far too many Twitter discussions. I absolutely would not have a debut without the help of the talented and generous KidLit community.
KATE'S BIO:
Kate Allen Fox is a children’s author from Southern California. After a career as a public health professional, she combined her passions for research and writing and began writing picture books about science and nature. Her debut picture book, Pando, A Living Wonder of Trees, will be published by Capstone in 2021. Her writing has appeared in several publications, including The New York Times.
CONNECT WITH KATE:
Comments