Posts Tagged Author Interview

Interview with Author Naomi Milliner

Today, it is my pleasure to welcome Naomi Milliner to the Mixed-Up Files! I first got to know Naomi after reading her funny and deeply touching 2019 debut, Super Jake & The King of Chaos. She then went on to co-edit and contribute to the MG anthology On All Other Nights, a collection of short stories centered on the Jewish holiday of Passover. Her sophomore MG, The Trouble with Secrets, a heartfelt story of a tight-knit Jewish family impacted by secrets and tragedy, has been lauded by Kirkus asA touching, intimate exploration of universal themes of trust, conformity, and the impact of family dynamics,” and by author Jeff Zentner asA moving, gorgeous, and life-affirming exploration of grief, faith and how we can build ourselves a joyous life after everything seems to have fallen to pieces.” The book is out tomorrow, April 8, from Quill Tree Books.

The Trouble with Secrets: A Summary

Twelve-year-old Becky has great expectations placed upon her. Not only does she need to be as perfect as her older brother and sister, but her upcoming bat mitzvah needs to be perfect, too. She is the rabbi’s daughter, after all. The trouble is, Becky’s intentions often lead her astray. At least when she plays the flute, she feels like the best version of herself. Until playing the flute causes Becky to do something not so perfect: keep a secret from her parents.

Then Becky discovers that Sara, her “perfect” sister, has an even bigger secret; one that could turn the family upside down. The sisters couldn’t be more ready to keep each other’s secret safe…until the excitement turns to guilt, and Becky is forced to make an impossible choice.

MR: Welcome to the Mixed-Up Files, Naomi. I’m so happy to have you here!

NM: Thanks so much, Melissa! There is no place I’d rather be. 🙂

Inspired Choices

MR: First, I have to tell you how much I enjoyed The Trouble with Secrets. It was incredibly touching, warm, and highly relatable. Can you tell us a bit about the novel? What inspired you to write it?

NM: Thank you! Secrets is a before-and-after story: before there are secrets; before there are consequences of those secrets; and after everything changes as a result. In fact, before and after play such a pivotal part that the book is divided into two sections: Part One (Before) and Part Two (Now). Although I do sprinkle glimpses of Now throughout Before, to warn readers that Something Bad Is Coming!

As far as the original inspiration… it was a very minor subplot in a TV show I loved back in the day (whose name shall remain a secret!). Although the storyline involved a pair of teenage siblings, they actually never had a single scene together!

Character Study

MR: Becky Myerson, the 12-year-old protagonist, is a flawed but incredibly likeable character. She may not always do the right thing, but the reader roots for her nonetheless. What’s the secret to creating believable and nuanced characters, warts and all?

NM: I think fictional characters, like the rest of us, have to be flawed to be believable. And, so long as their flaws are relatable and understandable – maybe even justifiable (lying to protect a friend or sibling; doing something bad for a good reason) – a character can remain sympathetic.

The Magic Flute

MR: Another important aspect of Becky’s character is her love for music (she plays the flute). Are you a flautist, Naomi? If not, what kind of research did you do to make Becky’s love for the flute so realistic?

NM: I am not a flautist, but I did piano for ten years when I was much younger. My husband and younger son, however, do play the flute, and my older son plays trumpet and a few other instruments – and is a music teacher. Both of my sons were in All-County, and my older one was in All-State as well as All-County Jazz, so I had plenty of inspiration!

Secrets: A Slippery Slope

MR: Secret keeping is an important, overarching theme in this book. What were you trying to say about secrets, and the burden of keeping them?

NM: Keeping secrets can be a slippery slope! They can be fun and exciting, but also have the potential to cause harm – sometimes minor, sometimes major. They can bring people closer together or tear them apart. In Becky’s case, she suffers double the guilt by keeping two secrets, her own and her sister Sara’s; on the other hand, she would feel just as guilty if she betrayed her sister’s confidence. Keeping her own secret is hard enough; keeping her sister’s proves to be even more difficult. There’s really no way she can win.

Exploration of Grief

MR: Another important theme in your book is grief, and how people grieve in such different ways. You explored this theme in Super Jake & the King of Chaos, too. Could you speak more to this?

NM: Thank you for asking. You have such a good memory! I did explore that theme in Super Jake, as well as “Chocolate Tears,” the short story I wrote for On All Other Nights. Apparently, I’m still not done exploring it!

As painful as grief is, we all experience it at one age or another: there is no avoiding it. And there may be no getting over it. But there is getting through it. When I hear that my stories have helped readers (both children and adults) cope with their own losses, it means everything.

Jewish Joy

MR: The Trouble with Secrets is a book that oozes Jewish joy: Becky comes from an observant Jewish family, and her dad is a rabbi. Your debut novel, Super Jake, also features Jewish themes, and the MG anthology you co-edited and contributed to, On All Other Nights, celebrates the Jewish holiday of Passover. Can you tell us why it’s important for you to feature Jewish characters and themes in your books?

NM: The simple answer is, “Write what you know.” I was raised in a very religious family (my grandfather and mother were both Hebrew school teachers and principals; my brother is a rabbi), and Jewish holidays like Passover and Hanukkah were, and are, part of what makes me, me. Some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to Jewish holidays and events, and I did my best to share them with my own children, from participating in our synagogue’s musical services to blowing the shofar on the High Holidays. I am proud to share my Jewish heritage through my books and characters, and hope that all readers can relate in some way.

Path to Publication

MR: Can you tell MUF readers about your path to publication? Was it smooth sailing, choppy seas, or a combination of both?

NM: How long is this interview? 🙂 I guess, in the end, it was a combination. My debut novel took 16 years from first draft to publication (not that I counted)! But the anthology came together quickly (probably thanks to my incredible friends and coeditors, Chris Baron & Joshua S. Levy), and Secrets was acquired just a few weeks later. However… the current version of Secrets is not the original, which I had first written, several years ago, as a YA novel.

The Caffeinated Writer

MR: What does your writing routine look like? Do you have any particular writing habits or rituals?

NM: Nothing gets done before I am fully caffeinated. And fed. And, preferably, after a few word games on my phone… what was the question? 🙂 I am not one of those writers who are disciplined enough to get up at the crack of dawn and write for three hours straight. But, somehow, I always make my deadlines – usually ahead of schedule. And when I’m excited about what I’m writing, I can be found happily scribbling away (yes, I write the first draft in longhand) late into the night, or even sending myself emails on my phone when I come up with a bit of dialogue or a scene I don’t want to forget.

MR: What are you working on now, Naomi? Care to share?

NM: Sure! Thanks for asking. My next book is about four girls who meet at the beach, become fast (and lasting) friends, and try to help each other: save a pet store; uncover a secret origin story; and keep a marriage from falling apart. I’m also revising another mg book about a girl who is an unreliable narrator, which is proving to be a fun challenge!

Magnificent Mah Jongg!

MR: And finally, rumor has it that you’re an avid mah jongg player. (Okay, it’s more than a rumor. I know you love the game as much as I do! 🙂 ) How did you first get interested in mah jongg, and why does it appeal to you?

NM: I was always curious and intrigued by the tiles! I grew up loving board games and card games, but this was something new. My favorite thing is that there is a new card every year, and each card presents endless combinations, so it never gets old or predictable. I only wish my mom had been around when I finally learned how to play. She would have loved it – and been amazing at it. We would have had a lot of fun.

 Lightning Round!

Yellow graphic lightning bolt

MR: No MUF interview is complete without a lightning round, so…

Preferred writing snack? Chocolate. Period.

Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning; tea in the afternoon.

Cat or dog? This one is tricky. We have a (very fuzzy, sweet and adorable) cat, but I really do love dogs… But what I really want is a quokka! 🙂

Zombie apocalypse: Yea or nay? Nay.

Superpower? Can it be losing weight while still eating whatever, and whenever, I want?

Greatest indulgence? See preferred writing snack above. 🙂 Also books, whether by the armload from local libraries and bookstores, or a filled-to-the-brim virtual cart.

Favorite place on earth? Highlights. No question. I have formed wonderful and lasting friendships (see Chris Baron and Joshua S. Levy above) at this magical place. It is bursting with talented, creative writers and illustrators, and it’s impossible to leave feeling uninspired (or hungry).

If you were stranded on a desert island with only three things, what would they be?

My 1900-page Riverside Shakespeare (and reading glasses!); Hermione Granger’s fabulous expandable bag (filled with essentials like sunscreen, conditioner, non-perishable foods, and emergency flares); and either Tom Hanks – he knows a thing or two about being a castaway! – or Tom Hiddleston, because he would make excellent use out of the Shakespeare tome… and is tall enough to get plenty of coconuts down from the tree!

MR: Thank you for chatting with us, Naomi—and congratulations on the upcoming publication of The Trouble with Secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I know MUF readers will, too!

NM: Thank you, Melissa!

Bio:

Naomi Milliner is the author of Super Jake & the King of Chaos (Running Press Kids) and The Trouble with Secrets (Quill Tree/HarperCollins), as well as coeditor and contributor of On All Other Nights, a Junior Library Guild Selection. She created the Author Book Club for her SCBWI chapter, served on The Women’s National Book Association’s Great Group Reads Committee since 2009, and enjoys mentoring both children and adults. Naomi lives in Olney, Maryland, with her family, too many books to count, and one very fuzzy cat. Learn more about Naomi at https://naomimilliner.wordpress.com.

Author Spotlight: Tricia Springstubb + a GIVEAWAY

Today, I’m excited to shine the Author Spotlight on children’s author, Tricia Springstubb! Tricia’s latest MG novel, How to tell a True Story, was praised by Kirkus as “A sincere and humane narrative that probes human complexity.” It released April 1 from Margaret Ferguson Books and is a 2025 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Learn more and connect with Tricia at https://www.triciaspringstubb.com/

Interview with Tricia

Welcome, Tricia! Thank you so much for being a guest on the Mixed-up Files! 
I absolutely loved How to Tell a True Story. It’s such an impactful book that will be sure to spark many important conversations about honesty, ethics, and whether it’s ever okay to lie to protect those you love. Can you tell me a little about the inspiration behind it?
I started to think about this book years ago when I attended a school assembly where a student whose house had been destroyed by fire was presented with a collection of brand new books. It was a lovely, generous gift, such a heart-tugging moment, and of course the child said thank you. Afterwards, though, I found myself wondering: what if she didn’t really want all those books? What if she secretly wished she’d been given toys or games instead, but she had to act grateful?

Mind you–I had no reason to believe that was the case! But a writer’s brain is a devious place. I began thinking about how complicated the acts of giving and receiving are. How kindness is always well-intentioned, but how, often, we expect something in return. I started making notes for a story about a girl whose community comes together to help her and her family after a fire, and all the complications that could arise from that.

About How to tell a True Story

You do such a great job maintaining an element of mystery in the story about what exactly happened the night of the fire. Was it difficult to craft this novel? What was your biggest challenge in writing it?
I love to read mysteries but have always failed miserably when I tried to write one. (I’m also really bad at telling jokes too–I always manage to give away the punch line!) How To Tell a True Story was different, because though it revolves around a dark secret, it’s a book that asks as many questions as it answers. Is the truth black and white? What makes a hero? If kindness is a gift, can we change our minds and take it back? How does social media affect the way we see and present ourselves?

It was hard to keep the story taut and suspenseful while making room for all these questions. Also, research is never my favorite part of writing, but to describe the fire, the burn treatments, and the legal aftermath, I had to do a lot of reading and interviews. I’m so grateful those details ring true.

You describe the experience of surviving a devastating event so authentically. It is such a difficult topic, and you handled it with grace, care, and sensitivity. I’m always interested in hearing how authors make tough topics accessible to young readers and would love to hear your thoughts on this.
I’m a ridiculously hopeful person—probably both my biggest strength and weakness. Also probably why I write for young readers. No matter how deep their troubles, most kids stay alive to possibility. Their friends, their crushes, their dreams of what they might do and who they might be—all that beckons to them. I love that! I try to honor it in my stories.

Characters

Along with Amber, I enjoyed your other characters a lot too. I thought Amber’s relationships with her peers were so real and relatable. Do you have a favorite secondary character? Who and why?
I love Amber’s friends!  Please don’t make me choose among them!  I will say that my editor found Mariah unlikeable and pushed me to make her nicer, but I like her exactly the way she is. And of course I love Clancy, Amber’s goofy sister. All my main characters seem to have little comic sidekicks–in my last book, Looking for True, it was Spider and Sophie, who adore potty jokes.

Takeaways

What do you hope readers take away from this story?
I hope they’ll have a great reading experience, meaning they won’t want to put the book down! Beyond that, I hope they’ll think about the questions I mention above, and about the notion of kindness. Kids are constantly urged to Be Kind and Choose Kind. Of course in the best of all worlds, humankind is both human and kind! But as Amber discovers, many things are easier to say than to act on. Most of us can be kind to people we feel sorry for, but it’s hard–very hard–to be kind to people we don’t like, to people we feel have betrayed us. I hope readers will think about what Max, Amber’s classmate (and nemesis), says, “If only some people deserve kindness, then it’s just a reward.”

Writing Process

Will you tell us a little about your writing process? Are you a plotter or pantser? Where/when do you prefer to write?
To be honest, Sydney, I always dread this question! My process is so messy, I’m not sure it even deserves the word. Mostly, I start with a situation, a setting or a character that intrigues me, then write my way into the story, following where it beckons. Obviously, I do a LOT of revision, but I really enjoy going back over drafts and finding the clues I’ve left myself. One of my favorite writing quotes is from Flannery O’Connor:  “Like the old lady, I don’t know so well what I think until I see what I say; then I have to say it again.”

Influences

What are some current books that have influenced you as a kidlit writer?
I read everything Kate DiCamillo writes. She is so deft–a great lesson for a blabbermouth-writer like me–and I love her dark sense of humor. When The Horn Book said Looking for True is “Because of Winn-Dixie for a new generation”, I about died.
Anne Tyler doesn’t write for kids, but she’s been a hero of mine for decades. Her quirky characters are so specific yet universal. Also, she just published her 25th novel at the age of 83–I’d love to follow in those footsteps.

Advice

What is your advice for aspiring writers?
As anyone reading this probably already knows, the writing life can be hard. I recently got a rejection that really stung!  But I don’t know anything better to do with my one wild and precious life than to keep trying to see through other eyes and walk in other shoes–in other words, tell stories. Read, observe, question, open your heart!

What’s Next

Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?
I have a fantasy novel out on submission. This is a HUGE departure for me, so who knows what will become of it. I’m also working on a new project. Like How to Tell a True Story, it falls into the category of Young Teen Lit, that space between true middle grade and true young adult. So far, all I know is it centers on A Big, Complicated Crush.

And for the lightning round:

Coffee or tea? Coffee! More coffee!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset (only because I like to sleep in)
Favorite dessert: I eat ice cream every single day.
Superpower: I crave the superpower that would let me infiltrate the hearts and minds of those in power right now.
Favorite music: I’m bad at favorites questions, but today I’ll go with Motown!
Favorite book from childhood: Again, so bad at favorites, but I’ll pick Little Women. I’ll never forget my shock and grief when Beth died—my first experience of how enormously powerful a book can be.
Thanks again, Tricia! It was so much fun to learn about you, your writing journey, and your amazing novel! Learn more about Tricia on her website and follow her on Instagram.

For a chance to win a signed copy of How to Tell a True Story, comment on the blog!  (Giveaway ends April 11, 2025 MIDNIGHT EST.) U.S. only, please. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEM Tuesday– Periodic Table — Author Interview with Jon Chad

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math!

Today we’re interviewing Jon Chad, author and illustrator of  The Periodic Table of Elements. Understanding the Building Blocks of Everything published by First Second a division of Macmillan.  The graphic novel gives rare insight into the anxiety children experience the night before the test. In this case, the young girl, Mel, faces apocalyptic fear over the next day’s test on elements. When she falls asleep she’s transported to a land where elements control the narrative and push her boundaries. There, she has to recover a book of science experiments and stop the evil Elemancer in his fortress modeled off the Periodic Table. The Jon Chad describes this story as part chemistry, part dungeon crawler!

“Solid gold.” —Kirkus, starred review

“A fun scientific romp with a Black girl protagonist; perfect for middle grade readers who need a chemistry review or a clever introduction to the periodic table.” —School Library Journal

Periodic Table cover

Christine Taylor-Butler: How did you get started illustrating? Did you draw as a kid?

Jon Chad: Yes. I’ve always been a drawer. My mother and grandfather were artists so I was always encouraged to pursue it with love. I started drawing vocationally in 2009. I studied sequential arts (comics).

For college, I went to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). In my early years I was illustrating picture books for a publisher in Massachusetts about sports mascots for gift stores – for example: Atlanta Braves, Louisville Cardinals. I was a great chance to work with editors and learn about making files ready for publication. But on the side I was working on comics. I was fascinated by self-published comics and inspired by the field of artists making books. I wanted to make something novel – something that would push against expectations of what a book should look like.

CTB: So what early work did you create?

Jon: I created Leo Geo. The handmade comic is long and narrow but you read it vertically. It’s about a guy who goes to the center of the Earth. I wanted to see if someone could read a comic without panels and understand the plot without getting confused. All through the book the character is spouting off facts about various things. Leo Geo was published along with a other self-published books.

Leo vertical comic

Comic without panels

Eventually an editor at Roaring Brooks/Macmillan asked if I would do a book more focused on geology. I was willing to play ball and it was an amazing experience. We too often separate fiction and nonfiction culturally. We have a fear of young reader’s ability to absorb information.

I think there are a lot of examples of things we can point to that are wildly successful. For example, people now know there is more than one way to peel a potato (i.e. teach a child). We use videos, lectures, literacy types, etc. There are proven studies that show that comics can tap into cognitive ability. Allan Paivio talks about the dual coding theory of cognition: verbal representations and mental images. Graphic novel formats are helpful in this way. The proximity of words and pictures often has a greater success in teaching kids.

Dual coding

This knowledge fuels my artistic ambition. To create integrated works that give kids a rewarding story while teaching them about the world around us. I don’t think I’m hoodwinking my characters. I try to write my science comics aspirationally and think about where the readers are. But I’m ambitious. I think we underestimate their interest and capability. If someone is picking up a volcano book then they are ready. And I make the information not integral to the understanding of the plot. I want all the readers to connect with the story first – that’s part of my promise.

CTB: Is it difficult to translate facts into the story?

Jon: No. I can build a classic story while using the material. The facts build and become more complicated. And then when the stakes are the highest – the biggest most complicated topic – it comes.

CTB: Which is harder – authoring or illustrating?

Jon: I am intimidated by writing. I don’t consider myself to be a strong writer with words. So when I think of these books, I have a two page synopsis of what the story is going to be. Then I move on to a sketching phase because I’m better at that. I make tiny sketches so I can see how the book will develop – this is about metals, non-metals, etc. Then I put the information into a document where it can become a conversation between the text and the images. Do the images need to change or the illustrations? How do they support each other?

Thumbnail layout

Thumbnail layout of book

Also, because kids have such an incredible access to media and narrative fiction – what is the potential prior exposure that a kid has to a topic I am writing. For instance – lava. Where does a kid get information about lava prior to reading the book. Is it Super Mario Brothers? A movie or show? So I’m looking at contemporary media to see if there are examples. For example, video games such as Minecraft may talk about how diamonds are formed. Once I see those examples, I think “how can I build off that?”

CTB: Where did the idea of doing this book on the Periodic Table?

Period table page 1Jon: When I make books about various STEM topic I want them to mix and match up. There’s a universe where you could have a periodic table that’s couched inside of a narrative – like a 50’s surfing narrative. So I was looking for the genre/theme that would fit the periodic table. I felt like I was exploring the elements. They mix and match. There are similarities between some of them. Some of the qualities of the materials felt so wildly alien.

I’m a big D&D nerd. I love going inside a dungeon. So I have the reader go into a dungeon that contains some sections of the table. And the elements have properties that show up in the characters. For example, I could have the different monsters. Some are aggressive. Others are easily startled.

So now you can have a situation where the emotion and actions of the elements are similar to their properties. And a reader can explore the same role playing that I did as a child.

CTB: It’s clever doing the periodic table as a graphic novel/comic. And using the character’s angst gave me flashbacks to having similar fears when I was a student. We study and still never feel prepared.

Periodic table page 4Jon: Yes – Mel is really paralyzed by her fears. I had huge test anxiety when I was in school but at the same time I knew all the information. I could have used some of the confidence that Mel gains by the end of the book.

CTB: Graphic novels are complicated. How long did it take to do this book?

Jon: The first round of thumbnails was done starting in April 2021. My final version was July 2022. So that’s about a year. It takes me about 12-20 hours to do a page of comics. I’m counting from the drafts to the final edits. I do the thumbnails, balance the images with the text, pencil it for approvals, then add ink. Then I wait for approval. Afterwards I scans the images and begin doing digital coloring, shading and word balloons.

CTB: Sometimes adults have a hard time getting their head around the idea that STEM can be embedded in speculative fiction for kids. You created a book about the periodic table that embedded so many facts and drawings about the concepts. It’s seamless. Is it hard incorporating all of that science into the narrative?

POL Comic Surface TensionJon: It’s hard but also easy. I have a lot of practice. There is not an upper ceiling in what you can make accessible to young readers. Physics of Life in Germany is a biophysics facility focused on using physics to understand biological organization. I work on POL Comics with them. It’s a ten week graphic project which you can read for free on the site. The first page I did was “Surface Area versus Volume”. Then I did Surface Tension. After that the comics moved to subjects where I had no experience. So I had long conversations with doctoral subjects to simplify the topics so readers could understand them. Like DNA looping, or cellular energy costs. It reinvigorated me. I really could take any topic and have it understood. It is always useful to have the concepts illustrated.

I’m always paired with an expert who can give me feedback. Also curriculum experts. That takes it out of the hands of the editors. Working with experts who know what a kid who is supposed to be learning.

CTB: Do you have any books coming out next?

Jon: Yes, but a lot of what I’m working on is a bit on the horizon. However last year I created two graphic novels called “The Solvers.” I took what we talked about in the science comics and applied those concepts to math. Sometimes there is sterility when we are talking about numbers. One book covers multiplication and division. The other covers decimals and fractions.

CTB: Thanks for joining our blog this month, Jon. This has been one of the most fun interviews I’ve done in a while. And we’re impressed at your ability to see that books can be sophisticated and still readable for children. I would like to urge readers to look at Don’s substantial body of work covering science in comics. It’s a great way to help encourage young readers to learn about the world and how they can create their contributions or solve problems. And most importantly? STEM is not a separate pursuit. STEM is everywhere!

 

Jon Chad headshot

Jon Chad lives in Vermont and is obsessed with giant robots, screen-printing, and bookmaking. He is the illustrator of Science Comics: Solar System, and the author of Leo Geo, Science Comics: Volcanoes, Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements, and Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball. Jon Chad’s newest graphic novel series, The Solvers, uses comics, and superhero action, to teach mathematics to young readers.

Jon lives in Vermont with his wife and daughter (and a beautiful cat!) You can find him at @JonChad on Facebook, and @Jonchlaunch on Instagram.

author christine Taylor-butler

Photo by Kecia Stovall

Your host is Christine Taylor-Butler, a graduate of MIT and author of The Oasis, Save the… Tigers, Save the . . . Blue Whales, and many other nonfiction books for kids. She is also the author of the STEM based middle grade sci-fi series The Lost Tribes. Follow @ctaylorbutler on Bluesky, @ChristineTaylorButler on Instagram, and @ChristineTB on X. She lives in Missouri with a tank of fish and cats that think they are dogs.