Q&A with Katie Munday Williams
My first children’s picture book author interview! And I’m so excited it was with Katie Munday Williams the author of POET, PILGRIM, REBEL: THE STORY OF ANNE BRADSTREET, AMERICA’S FIRST PUBLISHED POET. This story is her debut book and this is my debut interview. Thank you so much, Katie, for being my Guinea Pig. I appreciate your time and trust!
Enjoy!
In your book you give us an inside look into Anne's writing process. Can you share a bit about your writing process?
“My own writing process is not so different from Anne’s. I steal bits of time here and there, sometimes late at night, sometimes on breaks at work. Unlike Anne though, who did not have the benefit of critique groups, I rely heavily on my two CGs who not only help me with revisions, but support me through all the ups and downs of writing.”
How many drafts did Poet, Pilgrim, Rebel go through?
“More than I can count! Seriously though, probably at least 10 if not more. I kept playing with different settings, different points of view, which angle to take and what aspects of Anne’s life to focus on. It was quite a process and kept me awake many, many nights.”
Have you always wanted to be a writer? (I love that she was a brave child and actually sent her work to a publisher!)
“Not in a concrete, conscious kind of way, but I do remember being in third grade and writing/illustrating my own picture book. I then sent the story off to a publisher (I’m sure they loved my wonky drawings) wishing fervently that they would accept it. Of course they did not, but they were kind enough to send it back to me. I used to write a lot though, I had pages and pages of notebook paper with poetry, and always wanted to be included in the annual poetry anthology. It wasn’t until a few years ago though that my love of writing was rekindled when a friend asked me to be a contributing writer for her nutrition book. Something clicked and I’ve been writing steadily ever since!”
Why did you want to write about Anne and why a picture book?
“Anne was near and dear to my heart for several reasons. My mother told me a few years back that we were supposedly descended from her, so I started reading her poetry. I found her words touching and surprisingly appropriate even in today’s world. I chose a picture book format because I am pretty much obsessed with picture books. I couldn’t wait to have kids to start reading books to them (which I’ve been doing daily for the last 10+ years) so it felt very natural to write in the format I was most familiar with. I love how the illustrations and the words each tell a story, and seeing it brought to life that way is very exciting.”
Do you think you'll stick with non-fiction picture books or would you like to venture into different genres?
“I have lots of manuscripts that I’ve written and the vast majority are fiction. Having said that, I do enjoy writing nonfiction and will probably write more if, and when, a subject grabs me. Maybe someday I’ll even branch out into chapter books or MG, but for now I’m all about the picture books!”
Any words to encourage young authors?
“Many others have said it before me, but the best advice I can give is to keep at it! Find groups to help you hone your skills, take advantage of the many writing platforms and communities that are available online (often for free), and never stop learning about your craft. If writing is your passion, do it because you enjoy it and anything else will be icing on the cake.”
Katie Munday Williams
Katie is a picture book author, as well as a registered nurse, mom, wife, and all the rest of it! Her debut picture book, Poet, Pilgrim, Rebel: The Story of Anne Bradstreet, America’s First Published Poet published on August 3, 2021.
