Picture Book Author Kelly J. Baptist

This week’s Writer Wednesday features Kelly J. Baptist of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Kelly is an author, SEL specialist and mother of five. Kelly won the 2015 We Need Diverse Books short story contest, and her winning entry is included in the middle grade anthology, “Flying Lessons and Other Stories.” A follow-up to that story, “Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero,” was published by Crown Books for Young Readers last year.

Kelly is one of our guest judges for the Children's Book Manuscript category in The Detroit Writing Room Awards! Submit your work by Sept. 3 at detroitwritingroom.com/awards. 

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I love being inspired with a new idea and letting it ruminate in my mind long enough to grow into my first chapter!

What does your writing workspace look like?

The truth is that my workspace varies from my bed to the kitchen to my porch to my car, but my OFFICIAL writing space is in my closet (my son just cleaned it up for me, so it looks amazing)! I have a desk, computer, printer, polka-dot bean bag, two bookcases filled with books and my favorite part — the art on my slanted wall! So as I write, I see the creative work of children’s book illustrators from around the world! I pick up postcards at conferences or order their art to decorate my space!

How do you tap into the perspective of your young readers when writing a story?

I have the benefit of being around young people all day and night, so I pick up a LOT! I have five kids, and I work in a middle school. I pay attention to their words, actions, jokes, arguments, etc. and just naturally absorb a lot.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Does reading count? Otherwise, I intake a lot of Kobe Bryant content and enjoy sports and music.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Start writing. Each and every novel begins with one word.

What projects are you currently working on?

I just finished writing the sequel to “Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero” and am now writing an upper middle grade/lower YA title about a young man learning about his place in his family’s huge legacy. I’m also working on a few picture books.

Read more about Kelly at kellyiswrite.com and follow her on Instagram at @kellyiswrite.