175 - Cleonique Hilsaca, Children's Book Illustrator

Hi Everyone! I had a lovely chat with Claudia Restrepo, artist and art teacher based out of Atlanta, GA. Here is more about Claudia. Is an Artist, art educator, and intrepid traveler with a passion for exploring the world and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, Claudia has embarked on numerous journeys that have shaped her artistic vision and enriched her soul. She has sold and shown her work in galleries all over the world. See Claudia's work: https://www.instagram.com/claudiarestrepoart/ The After Math blog post about Claudia and her work. https://aftermath.blog/2019/10/23/claudia-restrepo-the-organic-artist/

Hi Everyone! I got to interview Rashad Doucet, author and illustrator of award-winning GN! Here is more about Rashad. Rashad Doucet is from New Orleans by way of Eunice and Ville Platte, Louisiana. He’s been drawing comics since his grandma gave him a pencil and some paper to keep quiet during church. Rashad is currently a professor of sequential art in Savannah, Georgia, where he can often be found listening to K-pop and watching way too much anime. See Rashad's work! Rashad's IG. Thanks for listening!

Hi, Everyone; my guest today is Kristy Boyce, an accomplished YA author. Here is more about Kristy: Kristy Boyce is the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. She teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University. When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, or watching happy reality TV. Visit Kristy's website Kristy's IG Thanks for listening!

Hi, everyone. Today, I'm discussing what I've learned about Korean culture through Korean language classes. How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKK7wGAYP6k Korea Society Language Classes https://www.koreasociety.org/online-language To see my work, visit: https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, today my guest is a return guest Benson Shum, children's book author and illustrator of Anzu the Great Kaju and Mooncakes Mean Family. Here is more about Benson: Benson Shum is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. He uses watercolor and ink to create his illustrations. His books, Anzu the Great Listener & Anzu the Great Kaiju were awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature (SEL) by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC). Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animation Supervisor at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Visit Benson's Website. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Noelle, and she is a YA author and has some exciting projects brewing. Here is more about her: Noelle Monét is a Queer, Jewish, Black-biracial registered nurse and author living in the South. In the summers she co-owns a beachside ice cream store with her partner. In the off-season, she spends her time with her three children playing in the dirt and hunting down the perfect diner grilled cheese. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading, abandoning a new hobby, or sitting on her porch counting the Mississippis during a storm and watching the lightning bugs dance. Noelle's website Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, My guest today is DK Ryland, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about DK: DK is the picture book author/illustrator of GIRAFFE IS TOO TALL FOR THIS BOOK which was a Target Book Club book of the month. She loves to draw animals and nature and enjoys quirky and subversive humor. Before becoming an author/illustrator, DK filmed wildlife in Africa, was a collegiate All-American and professional athlete, and taught middle school English. DK received a PBChat mentorship with Cori Doerrfeld in 2019 and was a PBParty finalist in 2020. When not writing and illustrating, you can find DK going on adventures with her husband and two kids, playing pickleball, or reading a book. Her next picture book, HAVE YOU SEEN MY ACORN? releases in August 2024.  Visit DK's site for more info: https://dkryland.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Shanda McCloskey. Here is more about Shanda: Shanda (rhymes with panda) McCloskey comes from a whole family of different kinds of artists and entrepreneurs! She studied art in Atlanta and New York City. But before writing and illustrating kids books, she taught art to high-schoolers. Shanda now lives in Ball Ground, Georgia with her husband, daughters, and dog. She is also co-creator of the Author Visit Podcast and Author Visit Central. Shanda's website Author Visit Podcast Author Visit Central Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Kaitlyn Sanchez, children's book author and agent. Here is more about Kaitlyn: Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez is a mom, wife, literary agent, middle school math teacher, and picture book author. She's also the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. Kaitlyn's Website: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/ Another interview about her work as a literary agent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0hO9xuMmxc Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest today is Monica Acker, children's book author and agency sib at Bradford Literary Agency. More about Monica. Monica Acker is a writer and educator. She holds a BA in creative arts and a MAT degree in childhood education. Monica is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. She lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with her family. She is the author of Brave Like Mon published by Beaming Book. Visit Monica's website: https://www.monicaacker.com/ Monica's IG Monica's Twitter Thanks for listening!