Today I am very excited to share my interview with Lindsay Leslie, author of SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A LIBRARY, illustrated by Aviel Basil which is coming out tomorrow! Do you love libraries? Me too, and I can’t wait to read this wonderful new book!
Lindsay is offering an amazing giveaway: a copy of SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A LIBRARY and a picture book critique! Comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
Little Lindsay no-swim, as I used to call myself, was at once nervous, shy, and wary of the world and yet outgoing, friendly, and determined. And those somewhat conflicting feelings created a young girl who slowly approached life step-by-step. I loved living in my imagination, playing pretend with my dolls, and playing dress-up with my friends. I equally loved catching toads, playing soccer, and getting rough and tumble. Reading was a go-to when I needed an escape from the world. I have vivid memories of snuggling up for a read at the Richardson Public Library and the library at my elementary school. And, I did learn how to swim and quickly became a fish, as well as a certified scuba diver when I was 10. Slow and steady wins the race.
What inspires you?
Really, what doesn’t inspire me? I’m an observer by nature. I think that’s why I’m slow to do things. I have to take it all in and process what I’m seeing and experiencing. I’m inspired by my childhood experiences, my children’s experiences, their friend’s experiences, and conversations I have with the kids. I’m inspired by messy rooms, ill-fitting clothes, the depths of space, and nightmares. Inspiration is floating through the air. I breathe it in daily and see what takes hold.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I will try to stick to one thing. For me, SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A LIBRARY, which releases on August 1, 2021 with Capstone (illustrated by Aviel Basil), celebrates the imagination, and what better vehicle to spur the imagination than books? I hope young readers are inspired to let their imaginations wander and play, and that they build their own cozy or wacky personal libraries and maybe fill it with books they create out of crayon and construction paper.
What’s next for you?
What’s next? I’m working on it. I have a couple of picture books out on submission and am writing new ones all the time. I have a middle grade I’ve been toiling with for five years and my goal is to get it to my agent this year. I’ve got to rip off that band-aid! As for life, I’m loving every day I have with my family and loved ones. My youngest just graduated from elementary school, so another chapter has closed. Right now, I’m trying my best to live in the moment and enjoy what I’ve got.
To learn more about Lindsay and her books:
Twitter @lleslie. Instagram @lindsaylesliewrites website at http://www.lindsayleslie.com
Laura Roettiger Books 
I love that: slow and steady wins the race. We don’t always acknowledge that enough 🙂 Adding Lindsay’s books to my list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fleur, thanks so much for reading. I hope slow and steady wins the race because that’s all I can do! And thank you for being such a wonderful supporter of the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
I admire this author’s life attitude of living in each moment and appreciating what she has. That is my goal for each day too. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s work. I’m also going to start looking at things I experience with the eyes of an author–so many ideas are everywhere,.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Danielle, thanks for reading. Yes, attitude is EVERYTHING! Good luck in the giveaway and make sure to look for Lindsay’s other books too.
LikeLike
As a school librarian I have a special affinity for books featuring libraries! Thank you for putting your imagination to pen to share your story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laurie, thanks for reading. I have always considered my public library my ‘home away from home’ and when I was teaching, we didn’t have a library at our school so my room became the library (I was the reading specialist) so I understand exactly what you mean! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Thank you Laura and Lindsay, great interview. Congrats on your new book, I can’t wait to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Jennifer. I’ve enjoyed these interviews and the simple format has worked well for the interviewees as well. I appreciate your support. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Congratulations on the new book, Lindsay.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Riya. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Go ahead and rip off that bandaid! Love it! Can’t wait to read So You Want to Build a Library! Congrats on your book birthday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Jilanne! It turns out the release was moved to 8/15 but still exciting to know it’s coming soon
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all of Lindsay’s books and this is no exception. Thanks for sharing, Laura! I will definitely be sharing this. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ellen, thanks for reading and being such a wonderful supporter of so many authors. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Can’t wait to read Lindsay’s newest title! Great interview and giveaway! Thanks for sharing Lindsay’s writing journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa, thanks for reading. The interviews have been fun for me too! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
In today’s world reading allows people to go on adventures that they otherwise couldn’t do. Great job on writing what moves you! I’m hoping my stories bring imagination and comfort to children too. I write picture books and a middle grade series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cindy, thanks for reading the blog. Yes, reading takes me to so many places and makes me able to meet such interesting people. Good luck with your books and good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Congrats on writing what moves you. Readers realize when someone is passionate about their work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book looks lovely, look forward to reading this to my twins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by the blog, Zachary. I haven’t gotten to read Lindsay’s latest book, but her others are wonderful! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
This book looks great, think my twins will love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book looks great! Think my twins will love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laura! Fabulous interview. How true…what doesn’t inspire me? Anything. Everything!! This interview!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy, thanks for reading. Between what inspires my guests and their little kid pictures, I’m enjoying the interviews as much as anyone. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Wow, a certified scuba diver at age 10? That sounds like an experience that book you’ll use in a book someday. Lindsay, you sound like the type of person who could have a conversation about almost anything.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Janet. I’m sure Lindsay would be fun to hang out with. Maybe when life gets back to normal, I can get some in person time with my guests! Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Thank you for this interview! Congratulations on your newest book! Imagination and libraries — perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mia, thanks for reading. Yes, I’m a huge fan of libraries and imaginative play. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike