A Warm Welcome
for
Susanna Hill,
who’s a longtime favorite writer for children!
My first experience with Susanna was taking her class, Making Picture Book Magic, 2014. It wasn’t until 2017, that we actually met at the North Texas SCBWI Conference in Dallas, Texas.
I loved meeting her from the very beginning and you will too.
Give her a clap-clapping hello!
Thank you, Patricia, for having me :>)
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in NYC, which was very fabulous except that it turned out to be impractical to have a horse in an apartment… maybe the reason one of my favorite books growing up was The Horse On The Roof? J But there is nothing like NYC as a back yard. The Met, the Museum of Natural History, Broadway, Central Park, giant hot pretzels at little corner stands on cold autumn days, Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center, etc etc – amazing!
I had 2 parents, 3 siblings, and 4 cats. (Nowadays I have 2 parents, 3 siblings, and 2 dogs J )
I started writing when I was 4 and haven’t stopped since.
I love horses, dogs, books, chocolate, living in the country, playing the piano, writing, blogging, teaching and, above all, my family.
Which of your books do you cherish the most and how did you come about writing it?
That is a hard question, akin, as people always say, to choosing your favorite child J But I think I can narrow it down to 3…ish J I love PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS because it’s such a fun book and was really my first picture book. I love NOT YET, ROSE because it’s about my daughter waiting for my son. And I love CAN’T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP because it’s my most favorite to share on school and library visits with kids. Oh, and I love all the WHEN YOUR… books because of the humor J
I have several of Susanna’s precious board books, which I love. I’ve always thought they were written in-house or as a younger book for an already published book. How did you get yours published?
The WHEN YOUR… board books were originally written and submitted as picture books. The editor who acquired them, Hannah Lambert at Little Simon, felt they would make terrific board books, so it was her decision. I think they came out beautifully! I love the art, and the size and feel of the books is very pleasing, and they make such a nice little set.
Want to share other books you’re working on for future publication?
I wish I was writing more than I am these days. Sometimes life… you know how that is! But I’ve got several ideas I’m enthusiastic about and have scribbled notes for, if I can get some time and mental energy to bring them to life!
Meanwhile, I am eagerly awaiting the publication of ALPHABEDTIME! from Nancy Paulsen books – hopefully spring 2019 – illustrated by Betsy Snyder!
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know?
I feel very lucky to get to do what I do. I love to write. I love working with other writers. I love the whole process of creating books for young readers. It is hard work and, as any of you who are writers know, it can be discouraging. But the highs are well worth the lows, and I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time.
Do you have any book signings coming up? We’d love to join in.
I will be at the Warwick Children's Book Festival Oct. 6th in Warwick, NY. And then the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck on October 20-21! Both are fantastic events, and I hope you’ll all come! Of course, it’s rather a hike from Texas, but New York and New England are beautiful in October, so maybe a great time for a field trip!
Website: https://susannahill.com/
Blog: https://susannahill.com/blog/
Face Book Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/SusannaLeonardHill
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusannaLHill
Thank you so much for having me, Patricia! It’s an honor to get to share time with your readers!
Thanks again, Susanna! And now for a glimpse of her up coming book, Miracle On 34th Street, and several others. I love them all!
