My guest today is the very dear Carmela LaVigna Coyle who I am lucky to have shared the stage at a collaborative space themed story time event as we read CAN PRINCESSES BECOME ASTRONAUTS? and ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON. She has inspired me as a picture book writer, we’ve bonded over our love of nature and photography, and I can’t wait until we can see each other again in person! Carmela is the author of the successful series, DO PRINCESSES … illustrated by Mike Gordon.
Carmela is generously offering a signed 1st edition of DO PRINCESSES WEAR HIKING BOOTS? or CAN PRINCESSES BECOME ASTRONAUTS? Comment on this post to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I was a twirler around the age of my target audience. Not a baton or flag twirler (that came later), but rather, I twirled and spun in place to music, usually to my mom’s classical choice of the day. But, I mostly recall being a quiet observer, ever watchful for the simple and the complex. My recollections from those early days always include nature—a bobbing branch, the scent of fresh peat, clouds easing across the sky. To this day, I call on some of those early nature memories when searching for just the right word or ambience. I was raised by artists so there was a lot of encouragement for creative expression.
What inspires you?
Inspiration has a better chance of snagging my attention IF I’ve had a good night’s sleep. And if I’ve been following a decent routine, which includes daily yoga and meditation. Sometimes after a hearty walk in nature, I can’t get home fast enough to jot down what I just saw. Of course my children inspire me, and even as young adults, they still say enormous things! But it’s also the little things—tiny treasures, a blade of sunlight, a spring sprout pushing skyward. Inspiration might come from something someone says that tickles me. Reading picture books inspires me. Music inspires me (remember twirling?), particularly Vaughn Williams, Respighi, Carwithen, Irish Folk, Georgian Chant. Hah, I guess inspiration wears many disguises.
What’s the one thing you hope your readers take away from your books?
Almost like magic, the DO PRINCESSES series, illustrated by Mike Gordon, has spanned eighteen years so far. Yep, that lil’ princess on the pages of a book can now legally vote! Since the very beginning though, my hopes and wishes for my young readers have been the same—to love yourself, love others, be kind, be brave, dream, ask questions, explore…
What’s next for you?
This question gives me tingles. Because there’s always hope in the pipeline. Currently, it’s a bit unknown if there will be any future DO PRINCESSES titles, but my latest PBs are spinning me in a fun new direction. Muddy Boots Books has acquired my informational-fiction picture book, SOMETHING SPECTACULAR, the story follows a behemoth hunk of sandstone on its 250-million-year journey through time and erosion to become something spectacular. Nope, it’s not a diamond. Or a ruby. It’s something even more spectacular. [Winky face]
I’m also looking forward to a few upcoming life events like hugging my kids again; sitting eye to eye on the couch with my mom; going for coffee with my sis. Simple pleasures have become the “new” life events.
To connect with Carmela and learn more about her books:
Twitter: @carmelacoyle FB: carmela.coyle IG: carmelalavignacoyle Website: www.carmelacoyle.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
What a wonderful interview! Carmela, your childhood sounds magical, and SOMETHING SPECTACULAR sounds amazing!!!! Congratulations! I can’t wait to learn more! ❤
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Thanks for reading, Jolene! I feel like Carmela is magical and magnetic in every way. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Jolene! It was a magical childhood and just perfect for the kind of kid I was. And yes, I’m super eager for SOMETHING SPECTACULAR. It demanded a lot more information gathering than any of my other books. Besides research, I consulted with three geologists to make sure I had the timeline and transitions right!
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My favorite part of this interview was the author’s discussion of where and how she finds inspiration. I know as someone who runs every morning, this “me time” with nature is when I’ve had most of my ideas come to me. Thank you for the post today and sharing with us.
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Thank you, Danielle! Time in nature is inspiring and rejuvenating. When you combine it with the endorphins of exercise, it’s really amazing! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Danielle! Yes, it’s the best “me time”! I adore sunrise and find being out “in it” the most inspirational moments of the day. So much to experience. And it never gets old.
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Yes, getting out in the world, even if it’s into the garden can be inspiring. Great interview! Congrats on Princesses and Something Spectacular! I love the look of uncertainty on the dog’s face on the cover of Princesses, and the cardboard box spaceship reminds me of so many contraptions our son built. Getting a little weepy as I think about it.
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It is fun to remember back to when my children were little and their imaginations were endless. I was watching little girls play yesterday and felt wistful. Thanks for reading and good luck in the giveaway.
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Ah yes, Jilanne, I also have so many fond (and yes, teary) memories of my kiddos contraptions! My son built a submarine, spaceship, working elevator, race car, sea floor explorer. He loved cardboard. Sounds like your’s did too! My Princess series illustrator, Mike Gordon, is a genius at creating nuances in our characters especially the dog. Thank you, so much for commenting! So happy you, too, have adventures in the great outside.
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Wonderful interview! So nice to learn more about Carmen!
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Thanks for reading, Beth! I’m really enjoying all of these behind-the-scenes moments and I love the photos. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thanks Beth! I’m loving Laura’s author and illustrator blogposts.
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What a wonderful interview. I loved your statement about your children “say enormous things”. As an elementary teacher, I hear enormous things all the time and I love it! I would love to share your books with my students and add them to our classroom library!
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Thanks for reading, Melissa. It’s nice to connect with others who understand how magical children are. Good luck in the giveaway.
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You are so right, Melissa! And you have the best job for hearing all the colorful things children say. I hope you’re writing them down! My daughter, Annie, asked me a question that later turned into the title and theme of my first published book. Pure magic.
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