We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jackie Morera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jackie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The fun thing about being a writer is that reading voraciously is the best way to learn. While I mostly learned the craft by appreciating storytelling in various forms (film, TV, theater, music, etc.), I also found free resources online. When I worked a typical 9-to-5 job, I took my lunch breaks from my desk and dove into sites like Reedsy, The Write Practice, and several author-run blogs. I have dozens of notebooks filled with tidbits and takeaways from those delightful interludes from corporate America. Later, when I decided to “try this writing thing for real,” I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) where I signed up for more courses and conferences. SCBWI is also where I paired with amazing critique partners who helped take my writing to the next level.
It’s hard to say what, if anything, I could have done to speed up the learning process because even today I’m constantly looking to improve my craft, whether that involves working with a mentor, taking classes at places like The Writer’s Conservatory, reading any of the incredible books available (Save The Cat by Blake Snyder, Story Genius by Lisa Cron, and Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul, to name a few), or listening to podcasts, I’m always learning something new.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Jackie Morera and I’m a Cuban American author of books for young-at-heart readers of all ages. My work highlights Latine kids and their families who are curious, brave, and full of love. I write across genres and age categories but primarily focus on picture books and young adult novels. My picture books include Abuelo’s Flower Shop, illustrated by Deise Lino; Together We Remember, illustrated by Violeta Encarnacion, coming in the Summer of 2025; and an unannounced book slated for Fall 2026.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest motivation as a Latina author of children’s books is to contribute to the growing body of work that centers diverse voices. I write for any child who scans the shelves of their library or bookstore looking for characters who look like them but also like the people who fill their world. I write for children who are curious about our differences and are open to understanding them. I hope my books help readers to grow in empathy and kindness.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Meeting readers who see themselves represented in my book!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmorerabooks.com
- Instagram: @jmorerabooks
- Twitter: @jmorerabooks
