Member Spotlights Member Spotlight: Barbara Weiss Kimmel March 6, 2026 Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) on Facebook (opens in a new tab) on Linkedin (opens in a new tab) via email Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Books help people learn, grow, and imagine. I especially love children’s books, where little readers can explore the illustrations and discover something new each time they reread. I wasn’t a reader when I was young—books intimidated me—and my three kids also struggled with reading. That’s why it’s so important to me to write for the youngest. Through playful, interactive books, I hope to spark excitement about reading and help children form a positive relationship with books from an early age. What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? The best way I’ve found to cure writer’s block is simply to write. I grab a spiral notebook and a pen and write continuously without lifting the pen from the page. Journaling about my day, my to-do list, or whatever comes to mind clears space in my head and allows ideas to emerge. What is your favorite time to write? I’m easily distracted, so I tend to write early in the morning or late at night. Traveling is also a good time for me to write. On a plane, at an airport gate, or even on an Atlanta bus, I find I can get some of my best writing done. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Find writing friends! Writing and publishing can be a roller coaster, and having a supportive community of fellow writers makes all the difference. They cheer you on, console you when things aren’t going well, and make the journey much more enjoyable. What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? I think we’re in an age where people are trying to be online less and more connected to the world around them, including through reading books. I love leading storytimes and seeing kids engaged and excited by my books. I hope they fall in love with books and spend a little less time attached to screens. Barbara Kimmel’s Purim Possibilities, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich, is out now with PJ Publishing.
