In today’s edition of “Write Now,” we have the pleasure of diving into the whimsical world of children’s literature with Ariel Bernstein, the talented author behind delightful reads like I HAVE A BALLOON and MABEL WANTS A FRIEND. Have you ever pondered what goes on in a children’s book author’s mind? From grappling with the nuances of character voices to capturing the imaginations of budding readers, Ariel shares her journey, inspirations, and writing habits, all while tackling the sweet chaos of creativity. Whether you’re a fellow writer or just curious about the art of storytelling for kids, her insights are sure to inspire and amuse. So grab a cozy seat and a favorite snack—let’s unravel the magic behind the pages! LEARN MORE.
Today’s Write Now interview features Ariel Bernstein, children’s author of I HAVE A BALLOON and MABEL WANTS A FRIEND.
Who are you?
Ariel Bernstein, children’s book author, New Jersey.
What do you write?
I write mostly picture books, and sometimes early readers and chapter books. I started writing fiction on my own in high school. There was no pressure to write anything good or noteworthy, it was just for fun and I enjoyed trying to find interesting voices for characters. For children’s books specifically, I started about ten years ago when I was reading picture books to my children and I began to think of ideas. I really didn’t know how to turn the ideas into actual manuscripts though, so I did a lot of research and found critique partners. I love what I do when I find a concept or character that’s interesting enough to write about. I don’t love it when I get stuck figuring out how the story should proceed!
Where do you write?
I usually sit at my writing desk or on the couch in my living room and work on a laptop. I almost always try to write when no one else is home (besides my cat), otherwise I get distracted too easily.
