Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is Sarah Choi, founder of Komerican Pie, a quarterly webzine celebrating Korean-American Komerican life and the immigrant experience with defiant joy since 2024. Made with heART.

In 2023, Sarah canceled her debut book deal with an international publisher to take a chance on creating new channels of media and representation. She resides in Atlanta with her family.

Komerican Pie website to learn more.

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Hi Everyone, I interviewed Courtney Pippin-Mathur, children's book author and illustrator. I got to meet and talk with Courtney in person at a KW retreat and she was so welcoming!

Here is more about Courtney:

Courtney grew up in East Texas and passed the hot summer days reading, drawing, watching She-Ra and exploring her grandma’s farm. She doodled constantly through elementary, middle and high school but didn’t think about art as a career until a fateful art history class at The University of Texas at Austin. After transferring from Government to Studio Art, she moved to the east coast and started pursing a career in childrens’ books where she could combine all of her favorite things.

She now lives in Northern VA with her husband and three kids and is the author/illustrator of several picture books, Maya was Grumpy, Dragons Rule, Princesses Drool, Fairies Don’t Fight and Dinosaur Days (2026, author only) She has also co-written and illustrated  a picture book with her sister-in-law, Sanyukta Mathur, titled Happy Diwali! and illustrated It’s Holi! which Sanyukta wrote. 

Courtney also makes paper maché and polymer clay figures, ornaments, original acrylic paintings and more. (See shop link above)

To see what she’s up to lately, follow her on Bluesky or Instagram @pippinmathur.

Visit her website: www.pippinmathur.com

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Hi Everyone! I interviewed the skilled author, Eric Bell, of Alan Cole Is NOT a Coward. Eric shared some incredible wisdom about his journey as an author and someone who struggled with mental health. Here is more about Eric:

Eric Bell lives and writes in Pennsylvania. He was once in middle school. He survived. You will too. Alan Cole Is Not a Coward is his debut novel, followed by Alan Cole Doesn't Dance. You can find him online at www.iamericbell.com.

www.iamericbell.com

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Hi Everyone, my guest today is Lindsey Gerow, artist and art teacher. She talks about her passion for creating art, teaching art, and founding the Effingham Artists Association in Georgia.

To learn more about the Effingham Artists Association, visit:

https://effinghamartists.org/

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Hi Everyone! I interviewed Erin Richardson, Illustrator. Here is more about Erin:

As a lifelong artist, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through illustration. Growing up, I spent countless hours lost in books, captivated by the details in the artwork and eager to create my own. My vivid childhood imagination still inspires me today—whether it’s the cozy world of my beloved dollhouse or the magic of turning a simple idea into something tangible.

My dream project is to build a 3D set to illustrate the story of a spunky girl navigating her emotions in a miniature world within her dollhouse. It’s a tale of self-discovery, unlikely friendships, and realizing you don’t have to shrink to escape.

I’m inspired by all things that matter to kids—emotions, relationships, and the beauty found in small, everyday moments. My artistic influences include Jessie Wilcox Smith, Norman Rockwell, David Hohn, Arthur Rackham, Chris Van Allsburg. I loved the classics from storytellers C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, and Judy Blume. If there’s an element of fantasy, magic, or adventure, I’m all in!

Beyond illustration, I’m passionate about color, texture, and atmosphere, blending vintage aesthetics with modern storytelling. I’ve painted Trompe L’Oeil murals, designed hand-painted furniture, and created custom cards and advertising. Lately, I’ve been exploring 3D set design, finding joy in building miniature furniture and discovering new textures.  Studying the papercrafting and 3D world building from Samantha Cotterill, Nancy So Miller and Cybele Young, I am fascinated with the interaction between cut paper and the way a shadow falls from a structure in dimensional set.  If I am not illustrating, I can be found hiking the Rocky Mountains, trying a new recipe, or spending time with family and friends. 

Most of my illustrations are digital, using Photoshop and my Cintiq, yet I love traditional media like watercolor, gouache, ink, and cut paper.  I believe pictures open doors where words sometimes can’t, offering kids a window into new worlds and deeper emotions.

This year, my goals are to write and illustrate my own manuscript, expand my website with a store and blog, and continue honing my skills through SVS Learn. I’m excited about school visits and hope to inspire kids to believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Awards: 

Top 12 Critique Arena, 2022 SVS Learn

Winner of the Rocky Mountain Chapter SCBWI Annual Calendar Contest, 2023

Illustrator of the Month, September 2024 SCBWI

Books:

Oliver’s Shadow, Brinkley Press, written by Martin Knight-Yeager.  When Oliver discovers his shadow disappears as soon as the light goes out, he decides his shadow must be afraid of the dark. Joined by favorite bear, Watson, they set out to find his shadow. This heartwarming tale of Oliver's misguided first impression about his shadow's disappearance leads them both to explore the unknown. Yet, it also allows the reader to explore a bit more about the fears we all face. As Oliver decides his shadow must be fearful of the dark, he also shares his concerns about being alone. 

I’m Making a Wish, Tootsie and Teed, written by Linda Teed. 

One little girl’s travels in her grandfather’s car evoke an overflow of emotions that remain deeply woven in her heart. Years later, she recalls those early days as she makes new memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren. I’m Making a Wish is a tribute to all those that enjoy the simplicity of time spent together and the memories that are created for a lifetime.

In development:  A Magic Stick Box, by author Michael Kujawa.  Release date TBD 2025

Erin Richardson Designswww.erinrichardsondesigns.comIG: @erinrichardsondesigns21

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Hi Everyone! In this episode, I talk about finishing my picture book and reflecting on what's next!

My work can be seen at:

https://www.nmillerillustration.com/

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Hi Everyone! I interviewed the lovely Allison Rozo, children's book co-author of Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon and Unique Like You. She and her Colombian husband, Rafael Rozo, write bilingual stories in English and Spanish for their children to weave together their two cultures.

Here is their site:

https://www.rozobooksart.com/

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Today I interviewed Carolyn B. Fraiser, an award-winning children's book author. Here is more about Carolyn:

Carolyn Fraiser is an award-winning author of M IS FOR MASON JAR, a Homesteading Alphabet, and Moon Tree. Carolyn and her husband currently manage a small homestead in western North Carolina where she continues to write for the non-profit sector and encourages local youth to discover a passion for writing. When she is not reading, writing, or researching a new topic.

Link to Carolyn's site:

https://carolynbfraiser.com/

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Hi Everyone! I interviewed Amanda Fletcher, kidlit author and co-assistant regional advisor for the SCBWI Southern Breeze. Here is more about Amanda:

Formerly a magazine art director, Amanda Fletcher writes novels, picture books, and short stories for children. She’s the co-assistant regional advisor for the SCBWI Southern Breeze region where she helps plan workshops, conferences, and monthly writing webinars for the kid-lit community. She’s also actively involved with the Atlanta Writer’s Club, where her coming-of-age short story won the Terry Kay Prize for fiction in 2024. She lives in Suwanee, GA, with her family and is querying her first middle grade novel. Find her on Bluesky @mandyfletcher.bsky.social and on her website www.mandyfletcherwrites.com

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of interviewing Sheree Tomba, children's book author and illustrator. She's also an agency sib!

Here is more about Sheree:

Sheree's award winning art career was solidified at age 6 when she took home the $10 grand prize from the local grocery store coloring competition. She has since expanded from crayons and especially enjoys working in graphite, acrylic, and digital media. Her time studying theater at New York University taught her how to tell a story using color, space, and shape. She sees picture books a lot like a piece of theater - a chance to bring the audience into a different world and give them an experience through story. Sheree has loved animals since she was a little girl and they often show up in her work. Her list of former pets includes a Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula, a Giant African Millipede, and some very cuddly guinea pigs. When she isn't riding her bike, she can be found at home in Dallas, Texas with her dog, cat, and more often than not, a litter of foster kittens.

Represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary Agency.

Link to Sheree's website!

Hi Everyone! I had the pleasure of interviewing Shelley Hanmo, illustrator. Here is more about Shelley:

Hi Everyone, I interviewed the lovely Shelley Hanmo, illustrator. I love Shelley's paper collage art. Here is more about Shelley!

Shelley Hanmo is a self-taught illustrator specialized in hand-cut paper art. Since the launch of her art studio Junonia Arts in 2020, Shelley has worked with clients throughout the US, creating children's book illustrations, editorial art, product illustrations, and more. As a paper collage artist, Shelley loves exploring different possibilities of colors, shapes, layers, and textures in pieces of paper. She incorporates watercolor, colored pencils, and digital mediums into the final illustrations. Shelley’s artistic inspirations often come from her life experience as a woman of color, immigrant, professional musician, as well as her love for nature and conservation. Therefore, you will find lots of fun characters and quirky stories in her illustrations. In addition, Shelley teaches paper cut art courses and workshops across the country, including workshops at Brooklyn Art Library, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis Public Library, Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, and more. She recently designed a self-guided kids art activity for Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields that celebrates botanical plants through creating hand-cut paper art.

Shelley is a member of SCBWI and Illustrators For Hire. She is represented by Marietta B Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency for children’s books.

You may visit Shelley's website at: ⁠https://www.junoniaarts.com⁠ 

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Hi Everyone! I am taking the time to talk about transitions during one's career and creative life. Sometimes those changes in our life lead to anxiety, and getting perspective on those times can be helpful.

To see behind the scenes of the interviews visitMclarts on Instagram.

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Hi Everyone! My guest today is the lovely, Jasmine Fang, kidlit author. Here is more about Jasmine:

Jasmine Fang (she/her) is a Taiwanese American writer and civil servant. She started writing poetry in high school and later performed spoken word in coffee shops. With a deep commitment to community building and amplifying minority voices, Jasmine's work reflects her motto to "livekind." Her book Beneath The Same Round Moon will be published in Fall 2026.

Visit Jasmine's website or Instagram!

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Hi Everyone, I interviewed Chris Tebbetss, MG and YA author. Chris Tebbetts is an award winning author and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Middle School series with James Patterson and the Stranded series with Jeff Probst. He has also written two YA novels (Me, Myself, and Him), the adult thriller 1st Case (with James Patterson), and the middle grade fantasy-adventure series The Viking.

Check out Chris' website and Instagram!

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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.

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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

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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/

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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.

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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

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