#KIDLIT INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ANITRA ROWE SCHULTE

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I love the #kidlit community on social media. Anitra reached out to me in a message and when I checked her out, I loved her work and couldn’t wait to interview her for Writers’ Rumpus. I know you’ll be inspired!

Anitra, you come from a background in Journalism. Please tell us how you found your way into the #kidlit world of picture books.

ANITRA ROWE SCHULTE: From a very young age, a large part of my identity was as a reader and writer. I relished my quiet hours in our small-town library, and always kept a journal of musings and a notebook of sketches. A moment that loomed large in my childhood – and cemented my oldest and wildest dream – was representing my grade school at a state-wide writing conference for young authors, as a third grader. Writing was always my very favorite thing. When the time came to choose a college track, I briefly considered majoring in Theater or English. But ultimately, I decided that the job that would allow me to write every single day was the job for me. Journalism was an excellent fit. I loved exploring my curiosities – filling up my long, skinny reporter notebooks with delicious interview quotes, and starring and circling things when I knew I had found the heart of a story. This work led me to public relations and speech writing, which I also found super exciting and challenging. But it was when my three daughters were very young that things came full circle. I found myself in the library constantly, as in my youth, and fell in love with picture books – and the notion of creating them – all over again.

CGE: Your first book was DANCING WITH DADDY, illustrated by Ziyue Chen, published by Two Lions in 2021. You received some wonderful awards for that. That set the bar high! Were you at all influenced by that when your second book was coming out?

ARS: It is impossible to know how your work will be received, including your debut. The kindness shown to DANCING WITH DADDY blew me away. The story came from such a personal place, so reader and industry validation of it has felt like a big hug. To me, it’s a perfect example of picture book magic. It’s truly astounding how something can live within your imagination, then come to life in a way that reaches others in such a personal, intimate way. I’m so honored to have collaborated with Ziyue Chen to add a story to bookshelves that conveys disability neutrally and provides much needed representation for children who use AAC and wheelchairs and who have G-tubes. The awards and honors that the story has received have been a huge surprise. I mostly hope the accolades have elevated the profile of the book so that readers continue to find it, over time.

CGE: Did you sell your book with the help of an agent? Tell us about the acquisitions process of your books. Was it quick and easy or were there twists and nerve-wracking turns?

ARS: I have been with my agent (Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency) since the start of my writing journey in 2017. DANCING WITH DADDY was the third book we took on submission. The acquisition process was swift for the books that have been acquired, so far. DANCING WITH DADDY and WILLOW AND BUNNY were acquired by Kelsey Skea of Two Lions, who is the absolute best. Working with Kelsey has been at the very top of my experiences in this publishing journey. The acquisition of my upcoming chapter book series, STARLIN, was a direct link from a webinar I attended, where an editor noted that she was seeking a book that was a lot like the one I was writing at the time. That said, submissions, in general, are tough. We have had a book go to acquisitions, then not make it through. We’ve shelved stories, after they’ve fully made the rounds and not found a home. Those moments hold disappointment and hurt. The hope, I find, is in continuing to cast messages in a bottle out to sea. I believe they’ll wash ashore and reach the person they are supposed to when the time is right.

CGE: Now let’s talk about WILLOW and BUNNY, which came out in October ’23. It’s not only gorgeously written, but the amazing Christopher Denise, a Caldecott Honor artist, did the spectacular illustrations. How did that come about? Did you have any input in that choice and what is the story behind the story?  

ARS: After WILLOW AND BUNNY was acquired, Two Lions messaged to share that they would like to approach Christopher to illustrate. I was already a huge fan. Christopher brings woodland settings and creatures to life with such tenderness, emotion, focus, and heart. It was the perfect choice, and I was floored when he said yes. I received glimpses of the art along the way, and each spread just took my breath away. WILLOW AND BUNNY is about how we move through life when unexpected, frightening things upend our sense of safety. Sometimes, we shelter others. Sometimes, we’re the ones who need protection, and others come alongside us and remind us of who we are and what is on the other side of our fear and loss. Our book has some dark moments, and Christopher captured the mood so dramatically and gently. But perhaps what grabs hold of my heart most of all is the cohesion of the visual storytelling and how Christopher carries readers safely through the storm.

CGE: How do you balance promotion and writing?

ARS: What a wonderful question! I’m not sure I am very balanced about this, in truth. If I find a bit of momentum – whether in writing, or in promotion – I simply go for it. I just pull the string and follow where it takes me. My professional background is in public and media relations, so I have a few promotional tools in that toolbox. A big one is calibrating to opportunities that are inherent in the cycle of the calendar year. Although I would love for readers to pick up my books just because – and sometimes, that’s exactly what happens! – I also know that DANCING WITH DADDY is a great book to give around Father’s Day and that it’s often read by children preparing for school and community dance events. Spring and summer will likely hold opportunities for WILLOW AND BUNNY, as bunny books will begin fronting displays, and I think it is an evergreen baby shower book. Thinking through who might need or want your book – and when and where they’d like to find it – has been a fruitful strategy. As for writing? That is a completely different mindset for me – not at all strategic. In fact, the less I think, the better! When I get up early (hello, #5amwritersclub!), and let things flow before my brain has entered editor mode, I am always astounded by what happens. Setting an early alarm is key for me! I also love writing retreats with friends, especially when I need to focus on revision.

CGE: What are your top tips for our #kidlit #amwriting audience?

ARS: There are so many things that are out of our control in this journey. But the things we pursue out of the love of the craft are the things that deliver sustained joy, and sustenance, too. Research is a big one. What books do you love? Which creators? Why? When I seek to learn, and analyze and explore and feel, I always uncover something that improves my writing. Also, isn’t it so incredibly fun to get lost in discovery? It takes me back to my teenage years, when my friends and I would spend hours in CD stores. I would pour over each clinking case, studying the album cover and wondering what the artist’s sound would be like. Then I’d fork over my hard-earned babysitting cash to find out. When I go to the library, I’m in a similar mode – that of an enthusiast, who wants to learn and go somewhere I’ve never been before. My advice, I suppose, it to nurture that sense of wonder. Then let that pursuit of knowledge guide you to community – to conferences and crit partners, to social spaces and, when the time comes, debut groups and presentation opportunities. And all along the way, lift up the work that lights you up!

CGE: What does the future hold for Anitra Rowe Schulte?

ARS: The fall release of WILLOW AND BUNNY led to a series of book events – a homegrown book tour – that just concluded. This winter and spring, my emphasis will be on school visits, which I love. There is nothing like being in a room full of young writers, who are just as focused on their craft as we are. The first two titles of STARLIN (the previously mentioned chapter book series, illustrated by Katie Crumpton) will be released in fall 2025, and I can’t wait! Starlin is a dramatic, imaginative, disabled girl, who uses a tablet and proximity switches to communicate. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Katie and Beaming Books, who share my passion for growing disability representation in kidlit, particularly in the chapter book space.

You can connect with Anitra here:

Instagram: @anitraroweschulte

Twitter: @anitraschulte

Website: www.anitraroweschulte.com