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- Elizabeth Weiss Verdick
Elizabeth Weiss Verdick
"I write a mix of nonfiction and fiction for children. I’m a graduate of Carleton College (BA) and Hamline University’s MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and I’ve taught writing classes and done manuscript critiques to help other writers with their craft.
Before I was a writer, I was an editor of children’s books. Every book I work on is an attempt to express what’s in my heart: a love for children, animals, and the natural world."
Tell us about the featured book. What is it about, and why did you choose to write this story?
When it comes to Make Way for Harriet and May, there were so many points of inspiration for me! First, I’m a mom who raised two neurodivergent kids (one with autism, the other with ADHD, both grownups now). As a picture book author, I wanted to shine a light on kids growing up with special needs or sensory issues. Looking back, I was this kind of kid myself, feeling alarmed in social situations and often preferring my own imaginary world instead—maybe that’s why I became a writer. I dreamed up a character named May, a young girl who often feels overwhelmed in a fast-paced, loud, and “people-y” world. For her, certain places and spaces were unpredictable and hard to fit into. But like every child, May also experiences wonder, curiosity, and a deep need to be seen for who she is. As soon as May invites “Harriet”—a big, goofy stuffed spider—into her world, the adventures, and a new sense of safety, begin. Another inspiration was the human need for comfort objects. I’ve kept old toys that hold special meaning for me: from the time I was a baby all the way to preschool age, I carried around my personal comfort toys: little stuffed white kitties that had to go everywhere with me. They helped me feel that the world was a softer, sweeter place—and gave me something to tend to while I played. Many children feel such tenderness toward comfort objects. I really wanted to celebrate that.
Tell us a little about your writing process. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I often have to laugh at myself because EVERY time I start a new picture book, I have the same annoying thoughts: How do I do this? Did I ever know how to do this? What the heck am I even doing?! I’ve talked to many writers who are plagued by the same doubts, no matter how long they’ve been writing. Even my published professors at Hamline University in the MFA program still wrestle with creative doubt. But eventually, we get words on the page. Those first rambling attempts never live up to the vision I have in my head...many, many revisions later, things start to come together. That’s an amazing feeling!
I mentor children and teens who want to be writers, and I watch them go through a very similar process of struggling, hoping, trying, doubting, and rewriting...their growth always delights me. So I try not to be too hard on myself or believe that everything I write has to be “perfect” from the start. Nothing is perfect, so don’t ever let the silly thoughts stop you from doing the work! There’s a beautiful flow that happens during writing...eventually. Once the story is in place, the fun part begins for me: the word-smithing. Playing with language is so satisfying when writing picture books.
Are there any writers or authors who have influenced your writing? If not, who are some of your favorite writers?
When I was in my forties, I went back to school to get my MFA in writing for children and adolescents. I’d been publishing books long before that time (nonfiction for children, not fiction). I fell in love with picture-book writing while at Hamline, where I met many talented writer-professors and students. There is no shortage of picture-book authors I admire! Where could a list begin—where could it end? It would be long. If I focus on a handful of local writers I admire, the list is still long, but I’ll just mention the work of some amazing women I’ve met: Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, and Molly Beth Griffin. I’m blown away by their range of work that includes picture books and novels.
Has a library or librarian impacted your life or writing life?
I love libraries! Librarians are out there on the front lines every day trying to put books into the hands of kids and families, while also defending the right to read whatever it is you wish to read. I’m so proud to say that my daughter is a children’s librarian in Washington County. I marvel at how she creates programming for families with young children—story times and events—while also championing diverse books and working hard to welcome all community members, of every age. She—and her colleagues—help me remember my love of children, books, and community involvement. When I was a student at Carleton College, my favorite place was “The Libe.” I studied there, wrote papers there, and even worked as a part-time staff member shelving books. Libraries have always held a special place in my heart. I’m over the moon about my daughter’s career in libraries—and she and I write together, too!
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, a lot of my free time is spent with my two “writing helpers,” who are actually my very needy French Bulldogs. (If you ever want the kind of dog that sticks to you like Velcro, then a Frenchie may be for you.) If I could, I’d spend all my free time with animals, children, books, flowers, art, and nature. That’s what I live for.
Favorite place to go to in Minnesota?
I love attending art fairs, music events, and anything that has animals. One of my favorite places is Grand Avenue in St. Paul, where I shop at the Red Balloon or other fun stores, and never fail to eat at either Café Latte or Bread & Chocolate. (If it were possible, I’d just move right into Café Latte and eat every meal there while sipping delicious lattes.) My absolute best place of all is a family lake home near Annandale, Minnesota; my great grandfather built the place in 1914, and it still welcomes us to this day.