Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to A.J. Irving. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, A.J. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
I’m pretty active on social media. I share purchase links with my posts because a question I often get is: “Where can I get your books?” But I do not feel comfortable asking friends and family to buy my books. I think a lot of folx don’t realize that there are ways to support authors that don’t require spending money like library requests, writing reviews, social media posts, and word of mouth. I did invite friends, family, and coworkers to attend my book launch though. And they all came!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My desire to write for children blossomed after my son was born 15 years ago. After many years of rejection, my debut picture book Dance Like a Leaf (illustrated by Claudia Navarro), published in English, French, and Spanish in 2020. The Spanish edition, Baila como una hoja, recently won a Premio Campoy-Ada Award. My latest picture book, The Wishing Flower (illustrated by Kip Alizadeh), published on May 30, 2023. It has received starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal. I also have an unannounced picture book that I’m eager to share. I think my lyrical voice sets me apart from others. I always write from my heart. My social media bio sums up my brand: Mama. Wordsmith. Kidlit enthusiast. I also work in a jail library. I love my job! And I’m proud to be a mentor for picture book creators through the Queer Kidlit Mentorship Program. It is very important to me to support teachers and librarians. I offer free inclusive teaching guides and activities on my website.
I am extremely concerned about the increase in book bans. Certain groups are attempting to silence and erase BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators and their stories. Every child deserves to see themselves in a book. Period. Authors and organizations like the American Library Association, GLAAD, EveryLibrary, PEN America, and We Need Diverse Books are fighting back. GLAAD and EveryLibrary recently released a guide to help communities defeat book bans. I encourage everyone to take action and fight for our right to read!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of writing for kids is seeing their reaction to my work. I had The Wishing Flower launch party at my favorite queer bookstore, Under the Umbrella, the first weekend in June. After I read the book, we enjoyed delicious cookies from Sweet Hazel & Co and the kids shared their wishes in an art activity. Seeing their art and reading their wishes melted my heart!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I recently experienced a huge blow that could have potentially derailed my career. My literary agent was abruptly let go and my representation through the agency was terminated. The timing was horrible because it happened so close to launching The Wishing Flower. I had been with my agent for five years. I felt overwhelmed and terrified about trying to find new representation. It took so many years to sign with my agent and there are very few agents who are currently seeking text-only picture book authors. I worried I was going to have to start over. For a moment, I considered giving up, but I think children need my stories and I think my best work is yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ajirving.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aj_irving/?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajirvingauthor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aj_irving