 In this heartfelt Q&A, Jan Zauzmer shares candid wisdom on writing what matters even when trends pull elsewhere, why the writing community can make all the difference . . . and more! Whether you're an aspiring writer wondering if it's too late, a parent seeking books that spark meaningful conversations, or simply someone who believes stories can change the world, Jan's journey and advice will leave you encouraged, amused, and ready to pick up your pen.  2025 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL HOT OFF THE PRESS PICK A timely allegorical picture book about the very real dangers of book banning. Paige and her pals picked out teal books and red books and plum books and more—so many they spilled from the shelves to the floor. . . . But not everyone thought that this rainbow was grand—some wanted lime-colored books to be banned. When a town bigwig and her cranky crew snatch all the lime-green books from the school library, Paige and her pals must defend their right to read. With rollicking rhymes by Jan Zauzmer and colorful illustrations by Blanca Millán perfect for read-aloud fun, Down with Lime Books! takes young readers on an empowering adventure to banish the ban and save the books to edit. If you could go back to your early writing days, what one piece of advice would you give your beginner self? Start sooner! Though I have gravitated toward writing my entire life, I didn't dive into publishing until what some would consider early retirement age. I entered professional life as an attorney, but I knew from that first brief that legal writing didn’t satisfy my creative side. So I found other writing outlets that better fit my penchant for combining a hopeful message with an innovative twist. I loved conjuring up stories, speeches, plays, and more as part of my volunteer work, but it never occurred to me to try to publish those pieces. Until I wrote a playful children’s story about voting. It was a thrill to see If You Go with Your Goat to Vote hit the shelves in 2020. And I had more to say. During the pandemic, I wrote Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters to soothe kids’ fear of shots. And just recently, my third picture book came out. Down with Lime Books! is an allegorical tale about book banning — an issue I care deeply about. I am beyond grateful to work with talented editors and illustrators, an awesome agent, and other dedicated professionals now. What rituals or tools help you stay productive without burning out? Even though writing children’s stories is my work, it still feels more like play to me. When I do need a screen break, my go-to habit is to take a walk. Fresh air often yields fresh ideas and fresh energy. Revision can often feel endless. How do you know when your book is done? Is it ever done? If “Rinse and Revise” were on a T-shirt, I would buy it. But when a line in my stories makes me burst with joy, that line is done. My cue that the whole book is done is that ideas for my next manuscript start popping into my head unprompted.  A shot can be a little frightening—but it’s quick, as quick as lightning! When Maxine tells her pets, “Let’s get to the vet!” Scott does not want a shot. Jervis is nervous, Franky is cranky, Biffy is iffy, and Cary is wary. Can Maxine help her critters get over their jitters . . . ? Perfect for any child afraid of shots or needles, this rhyming book in free meter is a “must-read-aloud”! Spunky Maxine takes charge of her vaccine fears with a playful game of pretend: Her adorable stuffed animals are the patients, and Dad steps in as the “vet.” Relevant to any pediatric shot, Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters will delight children ages 5 and under who face this understandable fear. No need to be grouchy about this little ouchy! How do you balance writing with the business side—marketing, social media, or day jobs—and still protect your creative energy? Building my author website taught me to look for creativity within the business side. Though I knew that this project would expand my skillset, what I didn’t see coming was that it would provide a creative outlet as well. But it did. After choosing a popular website-building platform, I slowly but surely learned how to manipulate container boxes, strips, layers, grids, hex codes, buttons, and more. I even learned that a hamburger menu doesn’t refer solely to a drive-through. To my surprise, I got a kick out of designing vivid layouts, adding cute animation, and displaying my books on perky webpages. And I went live with www.janzauzmer.com on the eve of pub day for Down with Lime Books! How do you reconcile the tension between writing what you love and writing what the market demands? Have you ever regretted following (or ignoring) trends? As the kid protagonist in Down with Lime Books! proclaims, “Hey, I have something to say!” That’s why I write — because I have something to say. When my story overlaps with buying trends, that’s fantastic. But I am more concerned about crafting my tale in the most creative way that I can than letting the market dictate my direction. Plus, giving too much power to the market takes the fun out of the process.  What happens when you go with your grown-up to vote? If you are a kid, you may chew over the ballot. If you are a bunny, you may hop to the polling place. If you are a piglet, you may squeal with delight when you get a sticker. And best of all, if you go with your grown-up to vote . . . you will grow up to vote yourself! Lighthearted and colorful, If You Go with Your Goat to Vote shows little ones just what to expect on Election Day—and will inspire grown-ups to be model voters. Includes 16 stickers! What advice would you give new writers chasing their first big break? As predictable as this sounds, keep at it. And don’t go it alone. Join professional organizations. Take advantage of their resources in person and online. Reach out to agent siblings and seasoned authors. Find your cheering squad. In my experience, the writing community is full of fuls, such as helpful, insightful, and delightful. For example, when I had the pleasure of presenting at the American Library Association’s annual conference, the wonderful leaders of my local Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators chapter went out of their way to make my time at the SCBWI Eastern PA book-signing table enjoyable and successful. Above all, hold on to a steadfast belief in your manuscript. Oh, and be a little lucky. If you could leave one word of advice for future writers, what would it be? Today’s world needs you. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, children’s stories or adult novels, poetry or prose, your voice matters. So, writers of tomorrow, take that refreshing walk, crack open that laptop, and follow your dream — for your sake and for the future’s sake. Jan Zauzmer is tickled lime to be the author of If You Go with Your Goat to Vote, Maxine’s Critters Get the Vaccine Jitters, and Down with Lime Books! Jan lives with her husband in the Philadelphia area, where they raised their children once upon a lime and are now proud grandparents. She hopes that her latest book shines the limelight on the freedom to read. You can find out more at: www.janzauzmer.com  Attend a Writers Conference in 2026:
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