Interview and Inspiration with Tenacious #Kidlit Author Pam Vaughan

Pam Vaughan is one of the most supportive creators in the kidlit community. She cheers everyone on with her positivity. It came as no shock when Pam’s debut picture book, Missy Wants a Mammoth, was released, that the crowd at The Silver Unicorn bookstore was so large I started thinking about fire exits. While I am sure there were plenty of family and non-writing related friends in attendance, I saw a room filled with authors and illustrators who wanted to cheer for one of the New England region’s biggest cheerleaders.

Now I’m super excited to share Pam’s sophomore picture book Tenacious Won’t Give Up. The title character, Tenacious, is used to trying hard to achieve something, but no matter how hard she tries riding a bike it ends in crashes and skinned knees until she learns to not only try harder but smarter. This clever picture book, with images by Leanne Hatch, was published by Knopf Books for Young Readers in June, 2025.

Thanks for joining the blog, Pam! Can you tell the readers a bit more about your inspiration for Tenacious Won’t Give Up?

I have always loved fun words like Tenacious and thought that it would make an awesome character. I also have a background in coaching and helping kids accomplish more than they thought they could through mindset, resourcefulness, resilience, and learning to adapt and adjust. There are some things you can push through with sheer grit, but many things take a little strategy and flexibility. I guess I was combining something I love, something I know, with something I thought could be universal experience and take away for all readers. Who hasn’t struggled with trying something new and the thrill of accomplishing it? 

I love that Tenacious starts the story as a kid who works hard and is always willing to put in the effort. Riding a bike is within her grasp, but it is the wise words from her sister, Sage, that get her there. How did you land on just the right growth arc for Tenacious?

Tenacious is a lot like my sister, Kellie, both fearless and determined. She once won a watermelon-eating contest just by refusing to quit, and she could climb to the very top of a tire swing, no matter how high.

Something else that was important to the story was the close, sisterly bond between Tenacious and Sage. They are each others’ biggest fan. But they also share a deep trust, respect, and love for each other which allows Tenacious to accept and incorporate Sage’s advice and encouragement.

The art by Leanne Hatch really captures Tenacious’s… well… tenacity! Are there any images that are particular favorites of yours? Any surprises during the illustration process?

Leanne knocked it out of the park!!! I love the vibrant palette she used. It makes everything pop off the page! She added so much energy and depth to every spread. People often think illustrators are just drawing what the words say, but in most cases, they are depicting what is not in the words. The way Leanne portrayed big emotions as well as nuanced emotions…frustration, determination, exuberance, success, compassion, and contemplation (just to name a few) is hard to even put into words! 

– just WOW!! I love the cover so much, too! I’m so grateful she took on this project. She absolutely brought the story to life!

It feels like there are a lot of parallels between Tenacious’s journey to riding her bike and the journey to publishing a book. Can you share any adjustments you have made as an author?

For children’s book writers, I think tenacity shows up in these quiet, almost invisible ways—rewriting a story for the tenth (or hundredth!) time, sending out one more query after a string of rejections, or asking for feedback even when you know it might sting a little.

When I worked on Tenacious Won’t Give Up, I was living the title. There were endless drafts and moments I wondered if the story would ever click or if I should just move on. But how could I write a book called Tenacious and give up?

 What kept me going was both the story’s potential and the encouragement of my writing friends. They reminded me that persistence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about moving forward, little by little. Sometimes tenacity is a quiet nudge, a spark of inspiration, or someone saying, “Try again—you’re almost there.”

After a round of passes from editors, one editor sent feedback that caught my attention:

“Hmm, this one’s tricky! I really love the title and the core of what it’s going after. The story isn’t quite special enough yet. Perhaps a lighter touch on the message might do it? If Pam rethinks it, I’d be happy to take another look.”

At first, I read it as a standard “no.” But then three phrases stood out:

• I really love the title and the core.
• A lighter touch on the message.
• Happy to take another look.

It wasn’t a rejection—it was an invitation or rather an opportunity!

So I dove back in. I studied all of the editor’s (fiction) books that she published, to see what I might be missing, then revised the manuscript with fresh eyes and perspective. When we resubmitted, the editor said yes!

That experience taught me that tenacity isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about adjusting smarter. Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t in the extra effort; it’s in listening, reflecting, and being willing to try a new angle.

As children’s authors, we hope our readers keep learning, growing, and believing in themselves. Our own creative paths mirror that same message. Tenacity isn’t all grit and grind—it’s patience, openness, and trust in the process.

What is one skill you had to try harder and smarter to achieve?

There are so many! Off the top of my head, I’ll go with shooting a puck in hockey. It took me a long time to figure out how to lift a shot both forehand as well as back hand. I didn’t start playing until I was an adult so I didn’t have any coaching. I would try to get on the ice early with a bunch of pucks and practice. If I lifted a shot I analyzed what I did and how I did it. Eventually, I was able to shoot high with consistency!

Author Bio:  Pam Vaughan is the author of Tenacious Won’t Give up (illustrated by Leanne Hatch 2025, Knopf) and Missy Wants a Mammoth, (illustrated by Ariel Landy, Holiday House/Pixel+Ink). She is the director of the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat and a co-assistant regional advisor for New England SCBWI. Pam is an inspirational speaker and coach who has led workshops on team building, leadership, and mindset and mental toughness. She lives in central Massachusetts with her family and loves to play ice hockey, hike, and be near the ocean. Website: www.pamvaughanauthor.com  IG/Bluesky: @pamvau