As the fall weather slowly leads us into cooler days, we thought we'd warm up with an interview from children's book author Sue Lancaster about her upcoming picture book release, SUPERMOON! Enjoy!
What inspired you to write this book, and/or how did you come up with the idea?
I've always loved looking up at the night sky, and I came up with the idea for Supermoon while watching a beautiful full moon rise on the horizon. I thought about how the word 'supermoon' looked and sounded like the word 'superman' and considered all the ways in which the moon was Earth's very own superhero. Children love superheroes and space, so I figured it would be great to combine the two into one story! The non-fiction element means young readers are learning something about the moon while enjoying a fun-filled story.
What were some challenges you faced during the development process, and how did you overcome them?
As with most stories, Supermoon went through many drafts before it was accepted for publication. It started life as a non-rhyming manuscript, however after some very helpful feedback from the lovely author Amy Sparkes, I redrafted it into rhyme. Adding the rhyming element really brought the story to life and enabled the text to flow from page to page. It is, however, much more challenging to sell a rhyming manuscript (especially a narrative non-fiction one), so I am very grateful to Tielmour Press for accepting it!
How do you hope your book impacts its readers? Is there a particular message or feeling you want to convey?
First and foremost, I want readers to enjoy Supermoon as a fun superhero story that they come back to time and time again. However, Supermoon is more than just a fun story - it teaches little ones about the importance of the moon and highlights its special powers. The subtle educational element is reinforced at the end with a page of moon facts.
What is one scene or moment in the book that you found particularly memorable or rewarding to write, and why?
I found ALL of it rewarding to write! From coming up with the initial concept, to piecing it all together into rhyming text. I am very proud of the finished product and I love how the illustrations have brought it to life.
Looking forward, are there any projects or new directions you are currently exploring? What can your readers expect from you next?
Picture books are where my heart is and I'm excited to have another rhyming story coming out in May 2025 with HB Publishing House in the UK. It's called Outside the Box and is all about a forward-thinking fox. I have also recently received an offer for a prose picture book, although I have not signed anything yet.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers or other artists who are starting their own creative journey?
Read widely in the genre you wish to write in and research the market. Then simply write, write and write some more! Once you have a completed first draft, don't rush into sending it out to agents or publishers, instead take the time to hone your craft. This can be done by taking writing courses, watching webinars and joining a critique group. Giving and receiving feedback is invaluable and will really help you see where improvements are needed. Plus, it will give you a ready-made support network for those highs and lows along the way. When you do start submitting to agents and publishers, don't expect anything to happen quickly and be prepared for some inevitable passes along the way.
Don't forget to look to the skies on November 15th, as it will be a lunar (and literary) supermoon event! Find out more about Sue: Instagram:@suelancaster_author Twitter: @WritesSue
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