I’m excited to share my interview with Molly Ruttan who is an author – illustrator and part of my promotion group Picture Book Gold . Her latest book, SOMETHING WILD, is an exquisite picture book about Hannah, a little girl who loves playing the violin but stage fright strikes before her recital. Hannah’s imagination runs wild and the reader is lucky enough to go along for the ride as Molly’s illustrations provide us with the lovely details. Even if you have never felt stage fright in your life, you’re going to want to read this book again and again!
Molly is generously offering one lucky winner a copy of SOMETHING WILD plus some wonderful swag including stickers and a bookmark! Comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway!
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
Hi Laura! First, I want to thank you so much for having me on your blog! It’s such a pleasure to be here. So, to get started— I was gifted from an early age with art and music. My identical twin sister and I loved to sing and to draw, and we did both all the time. We created our own world, and our childhood was full of wonder and laughter! But I was extremely shy out in the world. Everywhere we went people stared, and it really bothered me—I hated the attention! At school I kept quiet, and my favorite recess games involved play-acting. I remember being a hawk on the playground and flying all around, or being a lion and running away from hunters.
What inspires you?
People inspire me. When I hear about or see something someone has achieved, or experience someone’s talent, or see someone who has grown old and is still doing active things—all of this inspires me to embrace life and create. Being in nature and watching animals, trees, water, clouds and the night sky also inspires me. A meaningful conversation with a friend never fails to be a great inspiration, as well.
What’s something you hope readers take away from this book?
I created SOMETHING WILD to show how a deep love and passion for what we do can help us overcome the fear of being in the spotlight. Many people have stage fright, and there are many tips and tricks out there that are supposed to help. What finally helped me manage my own stage fright was when I realized that I could rely on my muscle memory and my discipline to pull me through, in spite of my mind, which was busy panicking. This awareness has given me a great sense of comfort. I hope that Hannah’s story will provide a reassuring and entertaining journey for other anxious kids (and adults) to embrace.
What’s next for you?
Right now I’m finishing the final art for my next book, THE YOWLERS, written by Stacy Lynn Carroll. It’s an amusing book about a grumpy family who slowly find themselves transformed into a happier state of being by the influence of their considerate neighbors. It’s slated for release in Spring 2024. I also have another book that I’m just starting, but I’m not at liberty to say anything about that one yet!
To learn more about Molly’s books and see her book trailer:
Laura Roettiger Books 
As a musician who still has a pounding heart when it comes to my solos during a concert, this books sounds exciting and fun to read. I can’t wait to see for myself what imaginative ways this character tries to get out of performing.
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Danielle, it’s a joy to read Molly’s book! Good luck in the giveaway.
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I love seeing little Molly and her family and seeing this celebration of the beautiful book SOMETHING WILD! Congratulations, Molly, and well done, Laura! ❤
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Thanks, Jolene! It was so wonderful celebrating SOMETHING WILD with Molly at Second Star to the Right. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I really like the sentiment of this book, Laura.
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Katherine. It’s truly lovely and Molly did such a beautiful job. Good luck in the giveaway.
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I, too, am a nervous nelly when it comes to performing. I’m a real introvert, and find the whole process exhausting, although I love the aftermath of performance before I head to a dark room to recharge, LOL. As I kid, it was nearly crippling anxiety, and it kills me to see it in my son. Congrats on making this lovely book that I’m sure will help kids know they aren’t alone! It’s on my TBR list. Cheers!
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Jilanne, this book is a masterpiece! I’m one of the few people who doesn’t suffer from stare fright but I love SOMETHING WILD and am proud to have a signed copy! I read it to my favorite little person and as soon as we got to the end, she said, “Again Bubbie, read it again.” That’s basically a standing ovation. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Stage fright can be such a difficult thing to overcome! Love that this book addresses it in a whimsical imaginative way and I know many children (including my own) who would find comfort and encouragement in this book ❤
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Heather, it’s such a strong fear and one of the most common. Molly’s created a magical book to show children how these emotions can be overwhelming and {spoiler alert} overcome! Good luck in the giveaway!
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I really look forward to reading this. I’ve also sang for years but still always get stage fright.
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I think stage fright may be the body creating adrenaline to enhance performance (the science geek in me making a connection to what happens before a race) but it’s a universal thing. Definitely a book not to be missed! Molly did a fabulous job with both the story and the illustrations. Good luck in the giveaway.
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“a deep love and passion for what we do can help us overcome the fear of being in the spotlight.” Such true and helpful words for us as creators!! Thank you, Molly and Laura, for this wonderful interview! Molly, this book is beautiful and important.
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Thanks for sharing such a beautiful quote from the interview, Lisa! And thank you for supporting the authors and illustrators on the blog. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Identical twins! Awesome! No wonder you two look so alike in the picture. I have two fraternal twin daughters. Both play violin. Love your writing and your art!
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Thanks for reading and sharing about your daughters, Songju. I didn’t know your daughters were twins. Molly’s writing and art are so special! Good luck in the giveaway.
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The struggle with our inner vs outer selves is so real. Helping children see this and pursuing what they love is a beautiful story.
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What a beautiful sentiment, thank you for sharing your kind words for Molly. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Laura, for sharing this interview.
I love Molly’s inspiration to write SOMETHING WILD and her advice to trust muscle memory to help overcome stage anxiety… It is a wonderful advice for children (and their parents).
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Molly has created such a special book and it’s really resonating with everyone! I love the way muscle memory is an important part of my life when I am in a dance class. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you for sharing. Your book brought memories of when I played the piano in grade school and going on stage for recitals. Music is truly a gift
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Thanks so much for reading and sharing your memories! I love this book by Molly and I know you will too. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Thanks Molly and Laura! I enjoyed this interview very much. I’ve had the pleasure of reading SOMETHING WILD and it’s a stunning book! Congratulations Molly!!
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Thanks for reading, Jill! It’s really a wonderful book.
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