February and March have been chaotic with teacher strikes, report cards, and parent teacher conferences. Tax season is finally over. I now have time to get back to my interviews and writing.
Here is my interview with one of my critique partners, Cecilia Vega-Ryan, a Cuban American educator and author of Flyboy! The High Flying Life of Jim Kunkle.
Joanna: Cecilia, when and why did you start writing children’s books?
Cecilia: I wrote stories in 6th grade and my teacher always wanted a copy for herself. I got good grades, and I enjoyed the writing process. As I got older, I dabbled in playwriting, until I finally got back to children’s book writing. I had a bad experience with an author who told me how “bad” a story I wrote was, that I stopped for several years. Then new ideas popped in my head and finally I found the time to jump in again, learn about craft and move forward. I never thought about self-publishing. Now I have.
Joanna: I also didn’t start in children’s book writing. I only started writing picture books when I switched to teaching kindergarten. Now I understand that there are so many different forms of writing. Learning about each one keeps me actively engaged in the writing process. Some of the skills transfer to all areas of writing. Writing flash fiction has improved my picture book writing.
I also never thought I would ever self-publish a book. Now I’m working on self-publishing my second book in the When Chicken and Duck Talk series.
Are there things you learned in theater arts that helped you as a picture book writer?
Cecilia: Rising tension, how it can feel, comedy, its timing and landing a good line. I also learned dramatic pauses and dialogue.
Joanna: Makes me want to take a theater arts class. Writers can draw inspiration from all aspects of their lives. One of the things I love to do is take a class on something interesting. Maybe it’ll spark my imagination that’ll lead to a story.
Why did you decide to write this story? Why did you decide to self-publish?
Cecilia: I saw a painting with a young boy fascinated with an airplane and learned it was the host of our holiday dinner. I knew there was a story there. I interviewed him and found that he and I both were in Glendale California albeit different times. I knew places he talked about in the interview.
Joanna: That must have been so cool to hear all his stories. Everyone has great stories to tell. Find one that tugs at your heart and begs to be shared with the world.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about Jim from your interview?
Cecilia: There was a street named after him in Normandy, France. He still has fans there today. I admired his tenacity and perseverance. During the depression, he worked. He was quite young. He focused on his goal and found a way to obtain what he wanted. Yet, he came across in his older years as a very humble and low-key person.
Joanna: Hearing that makes me wonder who some of the streets near me are named after. I’m doing research on American heroes and it makes me wonder if Clay Street in San Francisco is named after Henry Clay.
How long did you spend researching for your book?
Cecilia: It took 6-7 months from the idea in December 2024 to setting up interviews, transcribing, reading articles and a book on the airport, and then beginning my first draft. Then I rewrote. My research didn’t end. I made an appointment with the Glendale Public Library’s history department to obtain real pictures of the airport. Asking for photos of him from his wife, and photographing the painting that inspired me. I had to stop myself from doing more research and editing so I could share with my critique group several times. Finally, I sent it to a professional editor.
Joanna: Yes, research takes time. Even when I write fiction, I still need to do research. I started writing a chapter book with a hammerhead shark, but had to change it to a zebra shark because hammerhead sharks don’t lay eggs. If I had done my research beforehand, then I wouldn’t need to rewrite my entire draft.
How many times did you revise the manuscript?
Cecilia: It went through 13 rewrites and still had some minor edits with an editor right before printing.
Joanna: That was a lot of work, but all the rewrites were definitely worth it.
What tips do you have for aspiring authors?
Cecilia: Take classes, join a critique group, keep writing and be patient.
Joanna: I can’t agree with you more. I would also suggest joining a writing community like SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). They have a lot of workshops and conferences where you can learn how to write. Connecting with other writers and forming critique groups makes writing less lonely. Another tip is to read lots of children’s books.
Who are your favorite children’s book authors?
Cecilia: S.E. Hinton and E.B. White. I tend to fall in love with books and not focus on who wrote them. Two favorites are Charlotte’s Web and A Wrinkle in Time.
Joanna: That’s true. I don’t always remember the authors of my favorite books. But a few of my favorite picture book authors are Dan Santat, Mac Barnett, Joanna Ho, and Jason Chin.
What tips do you have for authors trying to write a nonfiction book?
Cecilia: Make sure you are “in love” with your subject. That makes diving into the research easier and enjoyable. Always ask anyone for whatever you are looking for or need. Don’t feel nervous or embarrassed. The worst that can happen is they ignore you or say no. At least you tried. You will be surprised how many people will contribute and help you.
Joanna: Great tips. When my Chinese picture book got published, I gifted one to our school librarian. She surprised me by sticking a barcode on the book and displaying it on the counter of our school library.
What other stories are you currently working on?
Cecilia: I have a fractured fairytale, an adventurous penny, and a young girl who wants to believe she will reunite with her father.
Joanna: Sounds like you are a busy writer.
Where can readers go to follow your author journey or buy your books?
Cecilia: My website is cvegaryanwrites.com.
Joanna: Good luck with your other stories. I would love to see another one of your stories turn into a beautiful picture book.
Leave a Reply