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With Aliana Reaches for the Moon, Laura Roettiger has written an entertaining book about the moon, environmentally friendly art and family relationships. Illustrator Ariel Boroff and publisher Eifrig Publishing, facilitate Ms. Roettiger’s STEAM story. The backmatter includes references and an illustration of the moon’s phases.
Three Question Interview with Laura Roettiger
Hello Laura, Thanks so much for being with us.
ETC: What was the best piece of advice that you received when you first started writing picture books?
LR: I hope it's okay to list some best pieces of advice because it's difficult to choose just one!
- Join SCBWI.
- Read widely in the genre you are writing in and focus on newer books. Classics are great, but they don't reflect the current market.
- Find critique partners that ask questions, challenge you, and don't be afraid to keep trying new things even if they don't end up working. Listen to all feedback; think about what resonates with you and don't be too quick to dismiss feedback that isn't what you want to hear.
ETC: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were beginning to write picture books?
LR: After the Letters and Lines Conference (SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter held September 2022) I found myself thinking over and over, 'I wish I had known that 5 or 6 years ago,' but in reality, I wasn't ready to know all of the information at that point in time. I think the most important thing is to work on craft, rewrite, revise, change the point of view, and don't be afraid to try.
ETC: Are you writing in any other categories or genres such as middle grade?
LR: My first manuscripts were picture books but I wrote a YA novel in 2016 that broke a lot of rules and will likely never see the light of day. I wrote the beginning of an adult novel in 2017 that made it to a few writing conferences but also got pushed aside as I worked on picture books and getting ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON polished for publication. During Covid, I moved three times and struggled to focus on writing. I have a second picture book that will be announced as soon as an illustrator is secured for the project. I have a detailed outline for a middle grade contemporary novel but there's a fatal flaw in the plot so, you guessed it, it's on hold until I figure that out because the draft is at the point where I need to address the flaw or start again.
Thank you so much.
ETC: It has been my pleasure.
Visit author: Laura Roettiger
Visit illustrator: Ariel Boroff
Learn more about the moon: Moon Phase and Libration 2022
A slightly different NASA site: Moon Phase and Libration, 2022
Earth's Moon phases and eclipses: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/earths-moon/lunar-phases-and-eclipses/
Visit your local bookstore: The Wandering Jellyfish
