Congratulations on your upcoming picture book release! STORIES BY SEA has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and gotten some great early reviews. We’re very excited to be part of your team as your debut launches.

Thank you! And thanks so much for having me today.

What inspired you to write this story?

I got the idea for Stories by Sea in the spring of 2023 while reading an article about lighthouses (as one does, when one loves lighthouses!). A tiny fact was buried within the article, something I almost skimmed right over: lighthouse families in the 1800s received books by boat!

I knew the concept could make a delightful and unique picture book, especially for fellow book-lovers and history-enthusiasts. But it took me a while to get the structure just right. I finally settled on a circular structure, tracking one library case as it journeys from lighthouse to lighthouse, connecting families through the stories they share and celebrating the power of books to light the way.

Why picture books?

In many ways, it was a long time coming. Like many of us writers, I’ve loved books and reading since before I can remember. But I took a decades-long detour as I pursued other interests. Then, when I had children of my own, I started spending hours exploring books with them. I fell back in love with the beauty of the written word, and especially the unique world of picture books.

I was amazed by all the things a picture book could be. I felt instinctively drawn to them! I loved using them in our homeschool to teach and inspire, loved poring over them with a child sitting snug on my lap, loved laughing and making memories together through stories. And that is exactly why I write for kids now. I write picture books to ignite that growing curiosity and nurture those precious connections.

What is your writing process? Do you get it all down on paper and then finesse it into a polished picture book manuscript, or do you begin systematically in some way?

Most of the time, I start with an idea and spend a long while working it out in my head before ever putting pen to paper (or…fingers to keyboard). I like to have the full framework before writing a first draft. Sometimes the idea comes to me in the form of a refrain, a rhyming couplet, or an image in my mind.

But Stories by Sea actually required a much more experimental approach. I spent a couple of months noodling around, experimenting with different structures, points of view, characters, and voices. It can feel frustrating at times but when all the pieces finally click together, you can feel it.

You’re partnering with Gnome Road Publishing for this project. What has your experience been like, and do you have any words of wisdom for authors/illustrators trying to decide between Big 5 publishers and independent publishers?

That’s a great question. Since this is my debut, I can’t say much in the way of comparison. But what I can say is that Gnome Road has been a joy to work with. Being a smaller press, they care deeply about each and every one of their titles and spend their time and resources to help them find their readers.

Of course, there are pros and cons to every publishing house. But at the end of the day, I have felt very seen and supported by Gnome Road, and that is no small thing to me.

Gnome Road chose Angela Hawkins to illustrate your story, and the art is just fantastic! How does it feel to see your words paired with pictures?

Angela was the perfect fit for Stories by Sea! Her attention to detail, research behind-the-scenes, and whimsical visual storytelling truly brought my words to life. The first time I saw her sketches, I was blown away. She somehow found the deeper story in my words and brought it out for even the littlest readers to enjoy. All while being historically accurate!

What has surprised and/or delighted you most about the publication process?

That’s difficult to answer because, really – so many things! But most of all, I’d have to say that I’ve been delighted by the support I’ve felt from others. The kidlit community is genuinely so kind and encouraging. Anjanette (Dunham Literary) has been my constant cheerleader, even when I don’t know how to cheer for myself. My editor and fellow “Gnomies” have sung the praises of Stories by Sea from the start. And perhaps best of all, my friends and family are truly proud and excited for me. It has made every up and down of the journey well-worth it.

When you started on this journey, did you have any expectations or hopes for what “success” would look like as a picture book author?

To have a “real book” in the world, to add my voice to the legacy of literature, to create a story that could build lasting memories for children and their grownups – these are the things that have meant “success” to me since the very beginning of my journey.

What are you most looking forward to about your book release?

I’m so excited to read my book aloud to kids of all ages! I can’t wait to hear alllllll their questions, thoughts, and ideas.

Will you have a launch party or other fun kick-off events for readers (we know the answer to this one, and we’re excited!)?

Yes! I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll be visiting several local bookstores for storytimes and signings, plus I have a big launch party scheduled at one of my favorite indie bookstores.

*Jessica Iwanski signing copies of Stories by Sea for her local bookstore!*

Do you plan to celebrate in any way other than these events?

I plan to eat a big ol’ slice of cake and take a good long nap!

Any words of encouragement for authors finding their voice or beginning their hunt for an agent or publisher?

My absolute best advice for aspiring writers is to read a LOT of books in your genre. Join groups that inspire, uplift, and educate you (SCBWI and Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Challenge are my recommendations for picture book writers).

Start writing before you think you’re ready. Really, just start! Write some terrible first drafts. Words are cheap, after all. And never be so afraid to hear a “no” that you stand in the way of your “yes.”

Our thanks to Jessica for joining us to talk about Stories by Sea. We’re so excited for the release! Interested in snagging a copy? You can preorder now wherever books are sold. Check out Jessica Iwanski’s website for more info and where to follow her on socials!

Interview with Debut Author Jessica Iwanski, Celebrating the Release of STORIES BY SEA.