For the Love of Horses: Author Interview with Kathy Simmers

What inspired you to write your picture books? How long did it take to write the first one? How many revisions did you do? 
I never intended to write picture books, but I had a story that needed to be told. My first book, Jump the Moon, is based on the true story of my daughter and her pony, Me Too. After being separated for 7 years the pony came to her in her dreams. She went on a quest to find that pony and brought her home. It seemed impossible, it wasn't practical and it didn't make sense, but she refused to give up. I was standing in my barn marveling that Me Too was there and the story just came to me.  

I went inside and wrote the original draft. It came out as a picture book. That was 20 years ago before self publishing was possible. I met an editor from Harper Collins who had an interest in the book. When she left Harper Collins for personal reasons, no one else was interested in the book. I sent it out to publishers again and again and got rejected again and again.

When I decided to self publish I reached out to my editor friend from Harper Collins, Simone Kaplan. She helped me edit and publish. We worked on it for at least a year with at least 10 revisions.

The story of Jump the Moon was a very meaningful event for my family.  Telling the story in a picture book made me strip away the unnecessary details and stick to the essence of the story. I love drilling down to find the simplest version of a story while creating the emotional connection to the characters and the story. I write books for kids who love horses. It makes me feel like a horse crazy six year old again.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement came from my editor, Simone Kaplan.  When she called me after she read the manuscript and said, "I think we may have a book here." She had experience working on picture books for several major publishers. Her belief in my manuscript kept me going.

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
As soon as the book was released, I realized I needed something to make it stand out. We created a gift set with a book and plush pony that we market on Facebook and sell on my website. Facebook ads have worked well for me. Since my books are about ponies, I target horse people. 

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
There are a lot of Facebook groups for picture book authors. I wished I had found them as I was going through the writing process. Everyone is supportive and encouraging. They are also very willing to share marketing tips.

 What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Work with an editor. My editor makes me dig deep and to say things better, with emotion and fewer words. She challenges me to be a better writer. 

There were so many times I thought the manuscript was finished and she made me rethink things. As writers we are too close to the work to see where the writing could be stronger. Now that the books are published I am confident that they are the best they could be.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Don't be in a hurry to publish your book. Let the manuscript rest for a little while. Revisit it and revise it as many times as it takes. Join a writer's group, work with an editor, be open to suggestions. As a writer we can be too possessive of our work. We need to be able to take criticism and work to make the writing better. 

I see too many picture books that are good, but they could have been so much better. Don't publish till you are sure it's the best it can be. You put so much into publishing a book, make sure it is exceptional.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Pickles for Christmas: A Pony Tale is on pre-sale now on my website. It is based on a true story of a boy named Matthew who falls in love with a pony he rides in his lessons named Pickles. Matthew knows his parents will never buy him a pony. When he finds out Pickles is for sale, he doesn't know what he will do without Pickles. But then he worries about what Pickles will do without him. He decides to make sure Pickles is well loved by his new owner.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Kathy's books, here are some links to get you started.
www.readjumpthemoon.com
https://www.facebook.com/readjumpthemoon
https://www.instagram.com/readjumpthemoon/

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of  Kathy's book, Pickles for Christmas. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Friday!