This month’s Author/​Illustrator Interview is with Bonnie Kelso. I already know her because she’s coauthored picture book reviews right here at OPB, and we’re currently in a picture book PR group together.

A self-​proclaimed “seeker of truth and cuteness,” Bonnie serves as the SCBWI Nevada Illustrator Coördinator and has authored several picture, activity, and coloring books, including an April 2023 picture book release, Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea.

Bonnie’s an avid outdoors enthusiast and can often be found wandering about the desert with her family in Las Vegas, NV. She also says she’s traveled around the world twice!

That’s it–I can’t wait. I need to find out more about Bonnie right now. Let’s get to the interview.

• Bonnie’s Facebook
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• Bonnie’s Pinterest
• Bonnie’s Twitter
• Bonnie’s Website
• Bonnie’s YouTube

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RVC: What aspect/​part of you today gives away where you’re from and how you were raised?

BK: Wow, Ryan! That’s a loaded first question!

RVC: Absolutely. Loaded like the best type of baked potato!

BK: Okay, getting introspective here…

My parents always encouraged me to choose work that was fun. They knew that success is measured by how excited you are to wake up every day to do your thing. When the joy is gone, you’re not doing anyone any favors by trudging along. That’s when it’s time to pivot.

RVC: Great start. Now, what was that childhood moment that in retrospect was the AHA moment that led to your kidlit career?

BK: I always loved to draw and write stories. I used to make little drawings and sell them to my parents. I even started selling them on the school bus. Here’s a sample of one of my early art sales.

RVC: WOOF! You earned a BFA in Fine Art at the Rhode Island School of Design. What was the plan with that degree?

BK: Haha! Is there ever a plan with a degree in Art?

RVC: One hopes!

BK: I think the plan was to figure out a way to make a living doing something I loved to do. Somehow, I’ve managed to do that, but I’ve definitely learned how to live on a budget. Luckily, I’ve always valued creative time over fancy things.

RVC: Your press kit bio says you’re a “former museum exhibit designer turned children’s book author and illustrator.” How did that happen?

BK: So, my first job out of art school was packing staples in a factory. I don’t recommend it. A lot of my co-​workers developed carpal tunnel syndrome pretty quickly. I couldn’t let that happen to me, because I needed dexterity to draw and paint. My dad had a friend who worked at an exhibit design company in Lorton, Virginia. I met with the Design Director, and he decided to give me a chance as a paid intern. I loved that job! I ended up working in exhibits for 12 years. I even became the Design Director.

But then, something shifted in me. I felt like I wasn’t living enough. I wanted to travel and experience more of the world. So, I sold my condo and used the proceeds to start traveling. I went around the world twice, backpacking and taking adventure-​style tours. I’ve been to 40 countries!

RVC: Consider me impressed.

BK: After that, I landed in Las Vegas where my parents live and started a family. Being a mom reminded me of my childhood dream to write and illustrate books for children. In 2017, I started pursuing it seriously, joined SCBWI, and voila! That’s kind of how I’ve always approached my life journey. I ask myself, what do I want to experience next? Then I figure out how to make it happen.

RVC: If it works, it works.

BK: You bet.

RVC: Your first author/​illustrator picture book is Nudi Gill. What’s the story behind that story?

BK: The story behind Nudi Gill begins with my fascination with the ocean and everything in it. I remember growing up in Florida and combing the beach with my grandmother for “critters.” I was, and still am, fascinated with strange animal body shapes and behaviors. The first time I encountered a nudibranch was on a dive in New Zealand. It was love at first sight. The sea slug was bright blue with yellow stripes, just like Gill. Something in my heart reacts to these fierce little creatures. They are so small and live in such an enormous and sometimes hostile environment, yet they somehow find a way to thrive. I think a lot of kids can relate to that.

RVC: What was the most important lesson that book taught you?

BK: It taught me that you have to make stories about what you care about. Pick subjects that you feel passionate about and really understand why you feel the way you do about them.

RVC: For this book, you’re working with a small publisher—Gnome Road Publishing. What’s the experience been like?

BK: Amazing. GRP gives each of their titles equal attention. The brain and heart behind the gnomes is Sandra Sutter. She is one smart cookie. I’ve learned so much about the industry from her. I highly recommend that writers and illustrators submit their work to GRP if they get the chance.

RVC: For those who are intrigued by the Sandra Sutter shout-​out, I’ll add this: she describes herself as “a mom, crazy cat lady, and a fan of kind people.” She sounds delightful! But back to you, Bonnie. Describe your process for creating a book where you’re both author and illustrator.

BK: I usually start with a character sketch. I play around with some story ideas. Once I find a good hook, I might blurt out a first draft. This usually comes to me fast and furiously. Then, I tuck it away for a while. I have a lot of shelved stories. The one that keeps popping into my head over and over is the one I take to the next level. I run it by my critique groups until I feel like it’s ready for the next exciting phase: the down and dirty dummy. Then, the real work starts as I mold a pile of scraps and scribbles into something that resembles a presentable book idea. If it sells, that’s awesome! Now I get to fine tune it, bring it to life with full renderings, and send it off to print. Letting go at that point is both satisfying and terrifying.

RVC: How does that process differ from an illustrator-​only role, as you have with the forthcoming picture book by Heather Kinser, In a Cave?

BK: Oh, yes, In a Cave. I feel dreamy just thinking about it. I’m so lucky that I got to have the experience of illustrating a manuscript that I adore about a topic that I love. When I read Heather’s words, I could see pictures right away in my mind. I was pulling from all the caves I’ve been to before, snatching details from each. I think when the writing is that good, the illustration comes very naturally.

RVC: How do your art skills inform your writing?

BK: When I’m writing, I’m always thinking, “Can I draw this?”

RVC: How do your writing skills inform your art?

BK: When I’m drawing, I’m always thinking, “What is this story really about?”

RVC: You’re a teaching artist on the Nevada Arts Council Roster for Schools and Communities. What do you like most about teaching art to children? 

BK: My favorite thing about teaching art to children is helping them see the beauty in whatever they create. I do this with my adult students, too. I think a lot of people stop drawing because they are dissatisfied with their end product. I try to show them that the real joy is in the process of creating.

RVC: You’re also deeply involved with SCBWI. How has that organization helped you get to where you are today?

BK: Yes, I’m the Illustrator Coördinator of the Nevada region. SCBWI connected me with the kidlit community when I was wanting to be something I wasn’t yet. They really showed me a pathway to publishing through workshops, critique groups, and other resources. I think winning the Karen Cushman Award in 2021 also helped me get some extra attention from agents.

RVC: Congrats on that! What else has been especially helpful in terms of your kidlit career path?

BK: Great follow-​up question! I was just about to add that Mindy Alyse Weiss is who I credit for finding my agent. Her #PBParty event is spectacular and has led so many people to publishing success. Thank you, Mindy!

I also want to thank all of my wonderful critique partners. If you don’t have a critique group, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.

RVC: Amen to that! Who or what has most influenced you as a creative?

BK: Mother Nature. I could list a whole bunch of people, too, but MN is always way up there above the rest.

RVC: In 2017, you self-​published I Am Shaylee Seakin: Speaking My Truth. What advice do you have for those who are considering self-publishing?

BK: I love the freedom of the self-​publishing world. My self-​published work is usually stuff that doesn’t fall into a specific trade genre.

Shaylee is actually an activity book. I’ve also self-​published several coloring books and workbooks. I plan to self-​publish more books that aren’t well suited to the trade or educational market. Luckily, my agent is cool with that. I do it because I know there is someone out there who needs to hear what I’m saying. I’m not in it for the money, but rather for the sharing of creative ideas. If you want to be successful financially as an indie publisher, you have to run it like a business and really market yourself.

RVC: Any tips on how to self-​publish better/​more effectively?

BK: Darcy Pattison runs a great class on self-​publishing that I highly recommend.

RVC: How much did having a self-​published book help you land an agent?

BK: I don’t think it helped me land an agent at all. I don’t believe that it hurt my chances either. Most agents are not even aware of anything in the self-​publishing realm. They will most likely be assessing your work through your current submissions to them, not from your list of previously self-​published work.

RVC: Did you talk about your self-​published work when you were submitting?

BK: No, I never mentioned my self-​published work when querying.

RVC: You’re now repped by Liz Nealon at Great Dog Literary. What’s the single best thing about Liz?

BK: There is no single thing. Everything about the LIZ is incredible. She is smart, savvy, honest, caring, experienced, and a genuinely kind person.

RVC: What would Liz say is the single best thing about you?

BK: I listen.

RVC: What are the odds that you can get Liz to do an Industry Insider with OPB in 2023?

BK: I can ask her. She really does love to be helpful to the kidlit community.

RVC: Yippy skippy! Now, how involved is your family in your kidlit career? Are they beta readers, idea generators, feed-​the-​tortoiseshell-​cat-​helpers-​so-​you-​can-​work people? 

BK: Yes, yes, and yes. It’s definitely a plus to be in proximity to young people on a regular basis when creating kidlit. The tortoiseshell cat on the other hand, does not help at all. I especially do not appreciate her fondness for chewing on expensive electrical cords.

RVC: Cats do that–confirmed. One final question for this part of the interview. Beyond the second Gnome Road picture book that comes out in 2024 (Sea Smiles), what’s next for you? What else are you working on?

BK: I’ve got a few things on submission right now through Great Dog Lit. We’re also developing a new STEM graphic novel series that I think will be so much fun to work on. I’m also working on a side project related to Nudi Gill that will probably hit Kickstarter this summer.

RVC: Good luck with that, Bonnie. But now it’s time for the much ballyhooed and never equaled LIGHTNING ROUND. Zingy zappy questions and powerful pithy answers, please. Are you ready?

BK: Let’s goooooooo!

RVC: If you could only have one app on your phone, it’d be…

BK: Alien Shooter. It has saved my kids from total meltdowns at the doctor’s office numerous times.

RVC: Which animal would be cutest if it were scaled down to the size of a hamster?

BK: Hard to choose, but I think I’ll go with sloth.

No…

Panda?

Nope.

Koala!

Final answer.

RVC: Favorite Crayola color? (Bonus points if it doesn’t currently exist!)

BK: Tortoiseshell.

RVC: Since you’ve traveled the entire world twice, what’s the most inspirational, creativity-​inducing place?

BK: The Pacific Ocean.

RVC: Who sets the standard for the type of author/​illustrator books you want to create?

BK: Ashley Spires.

RVC: What’s the best thing a child ever said to you about your art?

BK: “I wish could eat that.”

RVC: Bonnie, this was a hoot. Thanks so much!