Though she has been on the team for only a few short months, Lisa is wholly #TeamNat. She’s tenacious, super nice, and constantly surprising me with the picture books she comes up with. She’s one of the nicest people I know and I could not be more excited to officially welcome her.
Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often?
My usual writing time is at my dining room table while my kids are at school. If I am in heavy revision mode, I’ll take a couple hours on a weekend morning too, but I try to save that for family time. I have learned to get creative and write during my kids’ gymnastic classes and swim lessons. Sneaking in 15 or 20 minutes here and there can really make a difference.
What do you love about writing picture books?
I love that picture books are a child’s first introduction to literature. That time of sitting with them on your lap, snuggled up, and sharing a story is such a special experience. I hope to share stories that help kids foster a love of reading.
What is the hardest part about writing picture books?
Having a full narrative arc, conflict, character development, action, and emotion in a mere 500 words.
If you’re not reading or writing, what would we catch you doing?
I like to stay busy, so I have lots going on. I work part-time as a technical writer to fund my writing classes and conferences. I also volunteer as a Fiction Editor for Literary Mama and am a member of the leadership team for KidLitExchange. Once my kids get home from school then it’s Mom time (although I have been known to write during an episode of Paw Patrol if I’m on a roll). And to relax on the weekends it’s date nights with my husband.
Do you belong to any writing organizations?
Yes! I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and serve as the Social Media Coordination for the Illinois Region. SCBWI is a must for anyone interested in writing or illustrating children’s books. They offer exceptional education, support, and camaraderie.
Where can readers find you on the web and social media?
Readers can find links to my published short stories, articles, and essays at
Since I mostly read picture books, I’ll give you my last stack that came home from the library: I Have a Balloon by Ariel Bernstein, Love Is by Diane Adams, and After the Fall by Dan Santat.
What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?
My favorite quote applies to not only reading or writing, but all of life: “Do more of what makes you happy.”
Plotter or pantster?
I am a pantser. I have tried to plot my stories but it just doesn’t feel right to me.
Drink of choice when writing? When not writing?
When I’m writing I drink coffee or Diet Coke. When I’m not writing I love IPA beer.
What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?
Being part of a team. The connection I have with the rest of #TeamNat is so wonderful, and I have leaned on them when I need support. I would do anything for the BookEnds family.
What advice would you give to other authors in the query trenches?
Do not stop. Ever. The query I sent to Natascha was #106, and she had previously passed on an earlier query of mine. If you aren’t getting positive feedback from queries after a while, consider moving on to another project, but never ever stop. Ever.
Though she has been on the team for only a few short months, Lisa is wholly #TeamNat. She’s tenacious, super nice, and constantly surprising me with the picture books she comes up with. She’s one of the nicest people I know and I could not be more excited to officially welcome her.
Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often?
My usual writing time is at my dining room table while my kids are at school. If I am in heavy revision mode, I’ll take a couple hours on a weekend morning too, but I try to save that for family time. I have learned to get creative and write during my kids’ gymnastic classes and swim lessons. Sneaking in 15 or 20 minutes here and there can really make a difference.
What do you love about writing picture books?
I love that picture books are a child’s first introduction to literature. That time of sitting with them on your lap, snuggled up, and sharing a story is such a special experience. I hope to share stories that help kids foster a love of reading.
What is the hardest part about writing picture books?
Having a full narrative arc, conflict, character development, action, and emotion in a mere 500 words.
If you’re not reading or writing, what would we catch you doing?
I like to stay busy, so I have lots going on. I work part-time as a technical writer to fund my writing classes and conferences. I also volunteer as a Fiction Editor for Literary Mama and am a member of the leadership team for KidLitExchange. Once my kids get home from school then it’s Mom time (although I have been known to write during an episode of Paw Patrol if I’m on a roll). And to relax on the weekends it’s date nights with my husband.
Do you belong to any writing organizations?
Yes! I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and serve as the Social Media Coordination for the Illinois Region. SCBWI is a must for anyone interested in writing or illustrating children’s books. They offer exceptional education, support, and camaraderie.
Where can readers find you on the web and social media?
Readers can find links to my published short stories, articles, and essays at
www.lisakatzenberger.com. I’m active on twitter at @FictionCity and starting to explore Instagram at @lisakatz17.
What’s the last book you read?
Since I mostly read picture books, I’ll give you my last stack that came home from the library: I Have a Balloon by Ariel Bernstein, Love Is by Diane Adams, and After the Fall by Dan Santat.
What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?
My favorite quote applies to not only reading or writing, but all of life: “Do more of what makes you happy.”
Plotter or pantster?
I am a pantser. I have tried to plot my stories but it just doesn’t feel right to me.
Drink of choice when writing? When not writing?
When I’m writing I drink coffee or Diet Coke. When I’m not writing I love IPA beer.
What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?
Being part of a team. The connection I have with the rest of #TeamNat is so wonderful, and I have leaned on them when I need support. I would do anything for the BookEnds family.
What advice would you give to other authors in the query trenches?
Do not stop. Ever. The query I sent to Natascha was #106, and she had previously passed on an earlier query of mine. If you aren’t getting positive feedback from queries after a while, consider moving on to another project, but never ever stop. Ever.
Share this:
Like this: