#GrowYourWriting Creator Interview: Leslie Eva Tayloe

Welcome to the #GrowYourWriting 2025 Creator Interviews blog series. I’m thrilled to feature talented kidlit creators this year and spotlight their beautiful work and inspiring journeys. 

Our March featured creator is, Leslie Eva Tayloe. She is the author of Save the Trees (Brandylane Publishers, 2024, Illustrator Lintang Pandu Pratiwi) which is a Moonbeam Bronze Medal Winner. She has also authored two other books, The Attic Door (Doodle and Peck Publishing, 2024, Illustrator David Barrow), and I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today (Austin Macauley Publishers, 2022).

You are in for a treat as Leslie has offered not one but two giveaways for our readers! Stay tuned all the way to the end of the interview to find what they are and how to enter!

1 – What inspired you to pursue a career in children’s literature, and when did you start creating?

I’ve always loved writing in any format. As a kid, I wanted to write a novel but kept rewriting the first chapter over and over. In college, I enjoyed writing research papers, and throughout my career in the government, I sought out positions that required writing. During that time period, I wanted to write a children’s book, but between work and raising children, I put that dream on hold. After I retired, I worked as a substitute teacher. I loved teaching third graders, and one teacher, in particular, gave me the opportunity to teach rather than just babysit. That was such a thrill. At the end of the day, waiting for the buses to pick up the kids, I would read a picture book to them. They loved it. And that’s when I started thinking Why can’t I write a picture book? So, I began writing full time in 2019. 

2 – Can you tell us more about your journey from ideas to publication?

All my ideas so far have come from personal experience. My latest book, The Attic Door came from a childhood memory of being afraid of an attic that was attached to my bedroom by a large door. But my first book, I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today, and second book, Save the Trees came from my current life style (nature and fishing.) My partner and I moved to 75 acres (small farm) with a 2-acre pond—great for fishing. We share our land with deer, foxes, groundhogs, beavers, squirrels, skunks, bob-cats, coyotes, and many species of birds. Plus, we have over twenty-five different kinds of trees. 

I’m constantly writing new stories, and when one keeps my interest, I continue developing it—especially if I believe it’s a strong idea. I revise it many times, have critique partners review it, and then hire an editor for further review. This can take months or even years, depending on the story. My first two books took two years to publish. My third book, The Attic Door took about a year to publish. Every publisher has been different, and I’ve learned so much from each one. I’ve loved this journey, and continue to write and submit new stories.

3 – What part of the process, from the first draft to submissions, do you find the most challenging, and how do you overcome that?

I find revising to be the hardest part of the whole process. Sometimes, I end up rewriting a story a couple of times. Small revisions are no problem. But I’ve been working on my non-fiction story for four years and have restructured it three times. It’s been so frustrating! So, I’ve never really overcome the revising challenge. I know it’s necessary, so I just do it—but I might be kicking and screaming the whole time! 

4 – Who are your favorite children’s authors and illustrators that have inspired your work?

There are so many great writers and illustrators, so I really couldn’t name them all. I visit the library every couple of weeks and check out 20 books. Most of the time, I find at least one that helps me with structure or that I just love, so I buy it. I have a lot of picture books and my collection continues to grow. I especially enjoy books about trees and nature. So, far, I have 28 books on that topic alone on my bookcase. 

5 – What advice would you like to give aspiring kidlit creators looking to grow their writing?

It’s probably been said a million times, but patience is really important. After five years of writing and submitting, I’ve learned to slow down and refine my process. I make sure my work is in tip-top shape before sending out. When I look back at some of my early submissions, I cringe—but growth is part of the journey. I can see my growth so I believe I’m on the right track. 

A writer should find critique partners and editors that challenge you and provide positive and negative feedback. 

6 – What’s next for you as a creator?

I’ll continue to market my books, and write stories. For me, this is an 8-hour + job. There is always something to do. 

Are you participating in the #GrowYourWriting Challenge this year? Leslie has some advice to share on how to earn several badges including the CULTIVATE CONNECTIONS badge.

 There are so many great resources available to writers. I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) at the beginning of my writing journey. Then I joined Children’s Book Insider (CBI), the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and Women in Publishing. Recently, I became a member of Inked Voices. While I’m not currently a member of all of these groups, I highly recommend them, depending on where you are in your writing journey. Each offer something valuable.

Three years ago, Mona Voelkel, Tarja Nevala, Renee Bolla, and I started a marketing group (kidlit at heart). We’re still together today. We’ve learned so much from one another, and along the way, we’ve become good friends. Though we are very different people living in Virginia, New York, Michigan, and Washington State, our connection remains strong. I highly recommend finding a group—whether for learning, support, or simply sharing the ups and downs of the creative process.

I started a blog a few years ago because I wanted to give back to the kidlit community. I interview authors, both traditionally and self-published, and give a free book away each month. My blog has helped me grow tremendously as a creator and, in turn, has helped other authors gain visibility. 

I’ve helped my career through podcasts, blog interviews, and writing contests. I’ve provided various trainings webinars and workshops to adults. This November I’ll be a speaker for SCBWI’s PA Region. I’m also a vendor at festivals, speak at libraries, and schools. I seek out opportunities—rather than wait for them to come to me. 

Guess What? It’s giveaway time! Leslie has graciously offered to host a giveaway for two lucky winners! They will have a choice of:

A 30-minute Zoom storybook reading and Q&A with a classroom
Or A picture book critique (fiction, under 800 words—no rhymes or poems)
Or A free copy of The Attic Door

To enter, leave a comment on this blog post below. The entry period closes on March 25, 2025, at 12am PST. One Winner will be announced on March 26, 2025.