Interview with Adam Rex, Author of A Little Like Waking

Adam Rex is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than forty books including the New York Times bestsellers Frankenstein Makes a SandwichSchool’s First Day of School, and Chu’s Day, as well as The True Meaning of Smekdaywhich was adapted for film by DreamWorks. He lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his cat, dog, son, and wife.

I had the opportunity to interview Adam, which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hello! I’m Adam Rex, an author and illustrator who used to mostly illustrate games like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, but who now mostly makes books for kids of all ages. I live with my son and physicist wife in Tucson, Arizona.

What can you tell us about your latest project, A Little Like Waking? What was the inspiration for this story?

It’s a funny adventure romance about a young woman, Zelda, who discovers her reality isn’t real—that her life is but a dream—and just as the dream starts getting good. She meets a boy who has her feeling things she’s never felt before, and it makes her question everything. So she and the boy and a talking cat set out to find out who’s dreaming the dream, and what to do about it.

As creatives, what drew you to the art of storytelling, both as a writer and illustrator?

I was always an illustrator—I didn’t know that was the case, but most kids are. They draw pictures, and if you ask them the right questions, you’ll get the story their picture is telling. I didn’t write stories much myself until later, but both a keen interest in comics and a rediscovery of picture books as a teenager started to narrow my path a bit. Then I think it was a confluence of things. I fell in love with kid’s books while working after school at a Waldenbooks. And I often think about this birthday present my mom got me when I was seventeen or eighteen.

She knew I liked comics, even if she didn’t get the appeal herself, and she somehow found a shop that was selling original art in 1989 or 90. She bought me two pages—I’m ashamed to say I no longer have these pages, but one was definitely a Marc Silvestri X-Men page from near the end of Inferno—and just looking at them made the whole notion of a career in professional art feel attainable and real. Here I could see that the art was pencil and ink on Bristol board. That it was created much larger than the printed size. That it had white-out on it. It was like an artifact from a land of mystery, there to tell me that the legends were real.

How would you each describe your creative process?

Like trying to bake a cake in an unfamiliar kitchen in the dark. Or something.

As s creative, who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration?

Douglas Adams was a big deal to me in my formative years, and I think I discovered a lot about authorial voice and just what language can do from reading him. More recently, while trying to figure out how to write a romance, I read a lot of Rainbow Rowell.

Growing up, were there any stories in which you felt touched by/ or reflected in? Are there any like that now?

Looking back, I think Peter Parker hit so close to home that I was an X-Men fan instead. I don’t think I could deal with just how much the early Spider-Man stories tapped into my feelings of standing apart, and believing kind of desperately that I had a power and appeal that no one understood.

Now? I don’t know. I think I’ve grown steadily wiser over the years, and with that comes more of a capacity to find myself in nearly every character and every story. Now I think I feel most reflected in the stories that feel like something I could have written myself, had the stars aligned.

What are some of your favorite elements of writing/illustrating? What do you consider some of the most frustrating and/or challenging? 

I love to write something I think is genuinely funny, and it’s a great gift when you can invent something and actually make yourself laugh. And my kind of humor can’t be for everyone, but it’s fantastic when someone tells me my book made them laugh, too. It’s a connection that’s hard to fake.

Thing is, I’m usually also trying to break your heart, and that’s harder. At least it is for me. Of all the reviews I’ve received of A Little Like Waking, it’s the ones that acknowledge both that really make me think I might have written what I set out to write.

Whats a question you havent been asked yet but that you wish you were asked (as well as the answer to that question)?

Probably a question like, How are you so naturally handsome? Something like that. There’s an obvious reason why no one’s ever asked it.

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

I also have a brand new chapter book series starting up for younger readers! The first is just now coming out, and it’s called The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. It’s narrated by a raven named Helvetica, and features a tiny ghost with amnesia, and it’s about a silly little wizard who really wants to be a hero, but everyone thinks he’s a noodlehead.

Finally, what books/authors would you recommend to the readers of Geeks OUT? 

I haven’t read many books lately that have grabbed me as much as How Long ’til Black Future Month? by N. K Jemisin or Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri.

Interview with A.J. Irving, author of The Wishing Flower

A.J. IRVING once wished to be friends with her first crush. Her wish came true. She will always remember the little girl who made her feel like she could fly. Now A.J. writes picture books and poetry beneath an old elm tree in Salt Lake City. As a children’s author and former bookmobile librarian, she is passionate about inspiring kids to love books. A.J. received a BA in journalism and women’s and gender studies from the University of Oregon. She is also the author of Dance Like a Leaf.

I had the opportunity to interview A. J., which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you so much for having me! I’m a mama, children’s author, and jail library assistant. I love my job! I check out a lot of kidlit in the jail, mostly YA and MG, but my heart bursts with joy every time I receive a picture book request. My first picture book, Dance Like a Leaf, published in English, French, and Spanish in 2020. I’m proud to be a mentor for picture book creators through the Queer Kidlit Mentorship Program. I am very passionate about queer rep for younger kids!

What can you tell us about your latest project, The Wishing Flower? Where did the inspiration for this story come from?

The Wishing Flower is the queer girl picture book of my heart. This story was inspired by my first crush in elementary school. I was a shy girl who felt different and alone. I remember spending a lot of time in the big field at recess watching the other kids play and longing for connection. Just like Birdie, my wish came true when I became friends with a girl who truly saw me.

How did you find yourself getting into storytelling and children’s books? What drew you to the medium?

I have fond memories of my grandma reading to me before bed. I visited her every summer in Montana when I was growing up. I rediscovered my love for children’s literature after I became a mother 15 years ago. I will never forget the way my son’s eyes lit up or how his little hands excitedly explored the pages of picture books. My desire to write for children deepened year after year as we read book after book.

How would you describe your creative process? And what went into collaborating with an artist for your book when you are a writer?

Nature has always been a big part of my creative process. I get my best ideas when I’m outdoors. The first lines of The Wishing Flower came to me on a hike in Wyoming. I always follow my muse. I’ve learned to trust that the words will come to me when I’m ready. Sometimes it feels like wordstrings are floating all around me and all I have to do is catch them and piece them together. I start every project with pen and paper. I feel more in tune with my memories and emotions this way. I think this connection goes back to all the journaling and poetry I wrote during my childhood.

Kip was my number one choice to illustrate The Wishing Flower. I’m grateful they brought Birdie and Sunny’s story to life. I could not imagine the art any other way. In most cases in traditional publishing, the author and illustrator do not collaborate. The illustrator works closely with the art director and the author words closely with the editor. My editor sent me Kip’s art at various stages and encouraged me to offer feedback. I had very few suggestions. Seeing art for the first time is my favorite part of the process. Kip’s art for The Wishing Flower took my breath away!

As a creative, who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration?

Most of my work is inspired by my life and my lyrical books always come from my heart. The first few drafts of The Wishing Flower didn’t include wishing flowers. I knew the story was missing something. My daughter has always called dandelions “wishing flowers.” She had been asking me for a few years to write a book about them. This was the missing piece that tied everything together. I also find inspiration in art, photography, other books, and things I observe in nature.

Besides your work, what are some things you would want readers to know about you?

I only read kidlit. I used to drive a big blue bookmobile named Thomas. My family just got an English bulldog puppy! His name is Derwin. He loves his big brother Bosa, who is also an English bulldog, and he’s very curious about our cat, Ish. I’m obsessed with the sky. I adore clouds, sunsets, lightning, rainbows, and shooting stars. Looking up always fills me with hope and wonder.

What’s a question you haven’t been asked yet but wish you were (and the answer to that question)?

My question would be: “What do you hope your readers get out of your books?” and my answer is: I hope my readers feel seen, safe, and loved. I hope they honor their wishes, spread their wings, and feel proud to be themselves.

Are there any other projects you are working on or thinking about that you can discuss?

My latest project is inspired by my job in the jail library. I also have an unannounced queer picture book that I am eager to share!

What advice might you have to give to aspiring creatives, especially to those interested in making their own picture book?

Read. Read thousands of picture books. Don’t try to follow trends. Write from your heart. Find exceptional critique partners and participate in the kidlit community. This community will celebrate your wins and lift you up when you’re feeling down. Kidlit folx are the absolute best!

Finally, what LGBTQ+ books/authors would you recommend to the readers of Geeks OUT?

In the picture book space: Strong by Eric Rosswood, Rob Kearney, and Nidhi Chanani, Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild and Charlene Chua, Hope for Ryan White by Dano Moreno and Hannah Abbo, Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson and Gillian Reid, A Costume for Charly by CK Malone and Alejandra Barajas, and Door by Door by Meeg Pincu and Meridth McKean Gimbel.

For middle grade, I love Ellen Outside the Lines by A.J. Sass; Camp Quiltbag by A.J. Sass and Nicole Melleby, Dear Mothman by Robin Gow, and This is Our Rainbow edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby. For YA, I am wild about The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons, A Million Quiet Revolutions by Robin Gow, Bianca Torre is Afraid of Everything by Justine Pucella Winans, and Things I’ll Never Say by Cassandra Newbould. I could go on and on!

Interview with Author & Illustrator Mike Curato

Mike Curato is the award-winning author and illustrator of the Little Elliot series and the graphic novel Flamer and has illustrated a number of other books for children, including What If… (by Samantha Berger), Worm Loves Worm and All the Way to Havana.

I had the opportunity to interview Mike, which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Cheers, queers! I’m Mike Curato. I am an author and illustrator of graphic novels and children’s books.

What can you tell us about your most recent graphic novel, Flamer? Where did the inspiration for this story come from?

Flamer is the story of Aiden Navarro, a chubby fourteen-year-old Filipino-white mixed kid who is away at scout camp. The year is 1995, and Aiden is navigating friendships, bullying, and how they can overlap. He has lots of questions about his religion, struggles with his body image, and deals with racism. All of that is the backdrop to Aiden confronting his sexual identity, and questioning his very existence. Also, there are fart jokes. The story runs parallel to a lot of my personal experiences as a teen. 

As opposed to your other work, much of which includes children’s books based in fiction and fantasy, Flamer is semi-autobiographical. What made you decide to explore the personal in a young adult graphic novel?

While much has changed in nearly thirty years, queer youth still face many of the same challenges that I did. Except now, they don’t have to think they’re alone. I wrote Flamer as a life raft for those young queers who have not found their community yet, who don’t feel safe, who feel like there’s no one out there who understands them. Writers are called to create the books they want to read or wish they had when they were younger. Flamer is my response. I’ve also heard from a lot of adults who felt very seen by this story in a way that they hadn’t before.

How did you find yourself getting into storytelling, particularly comics and children’s books? What drew you to the mediums?

I loved picture books as a child and was an avid comic book reader from middle school through college. In high school, my dream was to one day write and illustrate for X-Men. In college, as an illustration major, I rediscovered my love of children’s books. I figured, why limit myself? I want to do it all! The magic of picture books is that there is so much emotion and wonder boiled down into just 32 to 40 pages. Meanwhile, a comic plays with time and pacing in its own unique way with limitless possibilities. Picture books and comics lay somewhere between the written word and film, each commanding their own realm. That kind of magic excites me.

As someone who has worked on many of their own picture books, as well as having collaborated with others, can you give insight or advice into what goes into making a picture book?

Laughs? Tears? Metric tons of ice cream? There are so many ways to approach making a picture book (or any type of book), but my free advice is that you have to be moved by your own book if you want it to resonate with a reader. That’s the test. If your book doesn’t make you feel something, then it’s not ready to be shared with others. Don’t waste the time and trees otherwise.

As a creative, who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration?

Whoa, buddy, that’s a long list. Here are some names in no specific order: Alison Bechdel, Edward Hopper, Ian Falconer, Michael Sowa, Jillian Tamaki, Mariko Tamaki, Mark Ryden, Gene Yang, Berenice Abbott, Pierre + Gilles, David Small, Tillie Walden, Wes Anderson, Isabel Arsenault, Beatrice Alemagna, Chris Van Allsburg, Shaun Tan… I think I need to stop with names because I will just keep going, but I also need to say that my friends and family are probably my biggest inspirations and support system.

Besides your work as an author/illustrator, what are some things you would want readers to know about you?

My sister made fun of me once for a promo reel I made for a picture book that I illustrated. I guess I have a certain way I speak when talking to children and parents that’s “cutsier” than my normal self. But in my defense, I can’t really sell picture books by being a sarcastic cussing mess, which is how I appear in my natural habitat. So if you see those clips, just know that I did it for the kids. You should also know that I am a sugar fiend, film buff, Pisces sun (splash!), Scorpio rising (smack!), and world traveler who loves karaoke.

What’s a question you haven’t been asked yet but wish you were (and the answer to that question)?

THANK YOU for this. 

Q: MIKE! If you were on Drag Race, who would you be on Snatch Game?

A: Edina Monsoon, darling!!! Help mama…

Are there any projects you are working on or thinking about that you are able to discuss?

Well, wouldn’t you like to know! Yes! I am currently working on my very first adult graphic novel called Gaysians, which centers the gay Asian American experience, all T (some shade). It features an ensemble of friends in early 2000s Seattle as they navigate dating, family, racism, and transphobia. It is going to slaysian the house down boots.

Finally, what LGBTQ+ books/comics would you recommend to the readers of Geeks OUT?

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

The Check, Please! series by Ngozi Ukazu

The Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag

The Marvels by Brian Selznick 

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Melissa by Alex Gino

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice & Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo


Header Photo Credit Dylan Osborne