Member Spotlight: Stephanie Wildman

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing is important to me as an expression of my identity. But more importantly developing the writing habit is important for children (as my latest book demonstrates). Storytelling strengthens both our imaginations and voices.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? Writing prompts like “What objects do your characters keep?” or “What is something you (or your character) loved doing as a child and how did you feel when you did it?” help break the ice. Morning pages (write anything!) also sets a tone for a writing day.

What is your favorite time to write? First thing in the morning, but also whenever my accountability group meets (several afternoons a week and some mornings).

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? I write for kids and my wonderful teacher Maxine Rose Schur said, “Whenever you can take an adult out of a kid’s book, do it!”

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? In this digital age, reading to children remains crucially important to develop language skills and for family bonding. Books take the reader and writer on adventures and also build empathy for others.

Stephanie Wildman’s Story Power!, co-authored by Simon Wildman Chung and illustrated by Estefania Razo, is out now with Lawley Enterprises.