We were lucky to catch up with Jenny Turnbull recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenny , thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I’d always had a passion for creative writing and had children’s book ideas floating in the background for years. It wasn’t until after working in film and television for 15 years that I made the slow realization that writing picture books is something I wanted to dive into, and I got serious about learning the craft. There have been times I’ve wondered if starting on this journey sooner would have changed anything, but I also believe I wouldn’t be the same writer I am today. The ideas became clearer, and the inspiration to make this transition became stronger with time, and at the time meant for me.

Jenny , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a children’s book author living by the sea in Los Angeles. My debut picture book, Tate’s Wild Rescue, was released in June 2024 with Crown Books For Young Readers (Random House Children’s). It’s a sweet, funny story about an animal-loving girl who invites wild animals to live in her house and be her best friend, and it honors my love for animals.

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and made the move to Los Angeles with my husband, after receiving an offer to relocate. It wasn’t until after working in film and television for nearly 15 years that I left that career to pursue my passion – writing picture books!

My ideas are rooted in heartfelt inspiration and my goal is to not only make reading fun, but to also help readers see things in new ways. The thought of my words connecting with a child, whether that be bringing joy, comfort, hope, or inspiration to make a difference. This is why I write.

Since releasing, Tate’s Wild Rescue has been added to The Jane Goodall Institute Library and has been the greatest ‘pinch me’ moment to date. She’s been my idol for as long as I can remember. I was also thrilled to see the story receive a lovely Kirkus Review.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There have been quite a few highlights! Holding my book for the first time (the official unboxing!) and seeing the cover and color pages in person… there’s nothing like it. The process typically takes about 2 years, so needless to say there is a lot of anticipation. Aside from that moment, at the top would have to be receiving feedback from parents and teachers about how the story has impacted their kids and students. Receiving cards, letters and photos from kids themselves is everything!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Revising is the biggest part of writing. Writing a book will challenge you to unlearn the definition of “done”. Getting a solid draft in place is just the beginning, and the magic happens in the revisions.

Like anything in life, it’s the practice and being open to both learning, and sometimes unlearning, that opens the door to work towards your true potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jennyturnbull.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyturnbull_writes/
• Facebook: Jenny Turnbull Malizio
• Twitter: https://x.com/JennyTwrites