Happy book birthday, Kim! Goat’s Boat Won’t Float is finally here! I’m so excited for you! Now Goat and Turkey are out in the world and ready for readers to have a blast!
Friends, Kim is one of my fabulous critique partners. I love reading her manuscripts, and she always has wonderful insights for me when she reads my work. Be sure to read to the end to learn about a special giveaway of Kim’s book by The Little Press. LEAVE a message on this blog post for a chance to win a copy of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float!!!
But enough about me. Kim, welcome to the blog! Thanks for celebrating your book birthday with us!
Tell us about your writing journey.
I wrote as a hobby for many years (but I wrote very poorly). Then in 2010, I was laid off after a 23-year career in mortgage lending. It had always been my dream to write full-time, and with our two sons almost grown, my husband gave me his blessing. I took three creative writing classes at the same college my son attended, then I started a critique group that met in my home for many years. I published twelve short stories and poems in regional anthologies and also wrote a few picture books. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled onto a local SCBWI writing group in 2018 that I switched to writing for children exclusively. Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (The Little Press) is my debut picture book. My second is Doll Trouble (Clavis Publishing) and it will be released in 2025.
I love learning about your journey of becoming a picture book author!
What was your inspiration for Goat’s Boat Won’t Float?
My grandchildren’s fainting goats inspired the main character.
Having grown up on a farm, I’m drawn to stories with anthropomorphic animals. The story itself was inspired after watching an SCBWI webinar by Ann Ingalls in 2020 on how to write early readers. I learned that most early readers use sight words, which are common words kids recognize without sounding them out. On the kindergarten list was the word “goat,” and I knew I had my main character.
That is awesome! Early readers are so important for young readers. What perfect characters! Our neighbor raises goats (but not the fainting variety). They are such unique funny animals. 😊
What special plans do you have to celebrate the October 1 release of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float?
The day will probably be like any other day, Lol. I have my first bookstore signing on October 5, so that will make it feel more real. I’ll be featured on several blogs throughout the month, so I’m sure I’ll be interacting with friends, family, and readers on social media who will help me celebrate the entire month.
A perfect plan!
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my presentation for the schools I will visit this fall. At the same time, I’m also trying to find time to draft a new picture book idea. I highly value receiving feedback on my stories, so I’m determined to share something with my critique group every other week.
Kim also visited the blog in August and shared some of her strategies for promoting Goat’s Boat Won’t Float. You can read more here.
Do you have any tips you would give to a new picture book author or illustrator?
Never stop learning. Never give up. Never lose your joy in writing. These tips are best accomplished by staying connected with other authors—and the KidLit community is the greatest. Everyone shares their knowledge and encourages and supports one another. It’s truly a community that makes a writer’s life more fun.
This is absolutely true!
Surprise us! What else would you like to share?
Here’s a fun fact: goats don’t really faint. Certain breeds of goats have a genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. This makes their muscles seize when startled, causing them to topple over.
Animal facts are amazing!
Congratulations, Kim! I have my own copy to read and reread! Such a fun read!
Kim A. Larson grew up surrounded by every imaginable farm animal—except fainting goats. Her grandchildren introduced her to these skittish creatures, and she knew she had to write about them. Goat’s Boat Won’t Float is her debut picture book, the first in the Goat & Turkey series. Her second book, Doll Trouble, will be released in 2025 (Clavis Publishing). In 2021, Kim won the Ann Whitford Paul Award for most promising picture book manuscript. She was a #PBParty finalist in 2022 and 2023. When she’s not reading or writing, you may find Kim gardening or playing her favorite game Sequence. She and her husband live in Moorhead, Minnesota.
You can reach Kim on her website at KimALarson.com and on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you sign up for her quarterly newsletter, you’ll receive a PDF copy of her first published book of short stories and poems: Love, Laughter, and few Happily Ever Afters.
*GIVEAWAY ALERT
The Little Press is offering a copy of Goat’s Boat Won’t Float (US only) to one winner. All you have to do is leave a copy on this blog post! Ta-da!
Love, Laughter, and Life 