How does she do it? Wendy Wahman shares her inspirations, techniques, and (lack of) superstitions

Beth Bacon: Hi Wendy, tanks for agreeing to be interviewed for the SCBWI-WWA blog. Let’s start by talking about your most recent release.

Wahman Wahman: “Nanny Paws” is an exuberant little poodle dog who thinks she’s looking after the twins, Ally and Mae, but in reality causes chaos.For a while, my poodle LaRoo, and I were getting the kids next door ready for elementary school in the morning. They started calling her “Nanny LaRoo,” and the story took off from there. 

Wendy Wahman

BB: What do you hope your audience will get from this book?

WW: A good laugh and a great big hug of love, and caring and accepting each other, foibles and all.

BB: How does it relate to your other books? (How is it similar, how is it different? You can describe a bunch of your other books here, too.)

WW: Someone recently said about my stories: “Wendy Wahman has the magical ability to turn the tables on interspecies relationships and help kids discover their own natural empathy for all sorts of creatures.”  Don’t Lick the Dog and A Cat Like That are nonfiction picture books on being safe with dogs and cats. Like Pony in the City and Rabbit Stew, Nanny Paws plays off the misinterpretations animals might make about us – and probably do.

How do you approach a new topic?

WW: I have a devil on my shoulder who whispers, “You’re not good enough; you can’t do it; failure, loser; give it up.” Fortunately, the angel on my other shoulder has some pithy comebacks of her own, “Not now (to the voices); go ahead, why not; no one will see this; and, might as well, we’re all just going to die anyway.”  Right, I know that last mantra may not be comforting for most people, but it works for me. 

I do a lot of research, looking at photos and reading. I surf the Thesaurus. Writing and drawing, of course. Tons of revisions, then off to crit group, and my other friends who critique with me through email. I’ll revise until nothing catches my eye. That’s my litmus: do I linger anywhere, any speed bumps? If so, then that something needs attention. 

A selection of Wendy’s titles.

BB: Do you have any rituals, superstitions, or preferred materials for creative work?

WW: Thankfully, no rituals or superstitions.  

BB: How does your critique group influence your work?

WW: They see things I cannot possibly. This is true for everyone – you can’t see the forest for the trees. Take someone in the forest with you from time to time. See what they see. 

BB: How has your process shifted through your career?

WW: I’m using a new illustration style, due to pressure and/or encouragement from agents and editors. There are some nice things happening with the softer, hand drawn style. It’s how I used to work for many years, drawing and watercolor. 

BB: What’s next for you?

WW: I have a new picture book out on submission, and I’m working on a YA graphic memoir about my year in the seventh grade. It’s called, Progress, and I’m surprised and pleased with all the positive attention it’s been getting. I won the Martha Weston grant to attend the LA SCBWI conference this past summer, and also a grant from the City of Tacoma.

I’m working on a picture book called, Old Pearl, with Caitlyn Dlouhy and art director Lauren Rille. Old Pearl is a story about compassion, responsibility  and continuing to give and receive love even after someone you love dies. My hope is Old Pearl will help children prepare for loss, opening the door to discussion about their feelings, worries, and perceptions. My mom died in July, so working on Old Pearl is bittersweet. I’m dedicating the book to her. I wish everyone got to grow old; and I wish for everyone who does, that they be cared for and loved, even if, like Pearl, they can no longer fly.

Wendy’s Social Media Links

Website: http://www.wendywahman.com

Behance: https://www.behance.net/wendywahman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wendywahman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendywahman2

Wendy’s Book Trailers:


3 thoughts on “How does she do it? Wendy Wahman shares her inspirations, techniques, and (lack of) superstitions”

Comments are closed.

Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Baskerville 2 by Anders Noren.

Up ↑

%d bloggers like this: