Author Feature with Luann Koester
Luann Koester, author of Gran Kissed the Blarney Stone, gives us some inside information about the inspiration behind their book.
Why was publishing this book important to you?
I have always wanted to be a published author and was sure that traditional publishing was the way to go. I had a friend indie publish a children's picture book, and she was in the process of publishing a novel when she was diagnosed with leukemia. During her illness, she encouraged me to seek publication, especially indie publishing. When she died in 2018, I felt that in order to honor her and our artistic partnership, I needed to pursue indie publishing.
What, if anything, did you feel like was lacking in other books in your genre?:
I'm fairly careful when buying children's picture books to choose those that have received some critical acclaim. I look for colorful, lively illustrations, language that dances, and a story that will stimulate the imaginations of children and adults alike. It seems there are always new books coming out that meet these criteria. That said, and something I am more acutely aware of now as I prepare to peddle my book, is that my main character and my two narrators, will probably not appeal to a diverse reading group, and that is perhaps what is lacking most in my genre.
What's something you learned about yourself through writing?
When I began writing this little book, I was simply playing with language and telling a story I thought my then four-year-old granddaughter might like. I had written a lyrical, little tale about a Gran kissing the Blarney Stone. And as I said above, decided to pitch it. When Laura Zats at Wise Ink said she liked it BUT, I didn't realize how much work my little, lyrical tale would require. She, and then Victoria Petelin, pushed and pushed. I would get off the phone with Victoria, who became my editor, and think I can't do what she asked me to do. But I did, and with each revision I was amazed to see how much better and stronger the story got. I think I learned I need to be pushed.
What do you hope readers walk away thinking after they’ve read your book?
It is my hope that Gran Kissed the Blarney Stone becomes one of those books that children ask to have read to them over and over. And I hope the adults reading the story love reading it over and over.
What are some books you’ve read recently that have inspired you?
Where the Wild Things Are is always an inspirational read. It is the definition of stimulating imagination. I also love picking up The Wind and the Willows from time to time for its whimsy and language. The ScareCrow by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers is a beautiful book. And Snooza Palooza by Kimberlee Gard is a fun little bedtime read. Each makes me want to start writing a new book.
What else would you like to include in your author feature article?
I was not the same after experiencing the sunrise, daffodils, music, food, and hospitality of Ireland, where I kissed the Blarney Stone. In Gran Kissed the Blarney Stone, I combined my love of travel, language, and humor to create a magical tale of a grandmother's transformation and a family's love and acceptance.
Gran Kissed the Blarney Stone celebrates the love and joy between grandparents and their grandchildren. It is a wonderfully lyrical story filled with shenanigans, malarkey, and plenty of blarney. Endorsed by Sir Charles Colthurst, proprietor of Blarney Castle and Gardens, he writes, "The illustrations and story of Gran Kissed the Blarney Stone are extremely well done and encapsulate the tradition and history involved in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone! This is a must-read book for all families, and I am sure it will become a very popular bedtime story!”
You can contact Koester at booksendwriting@gmail.com or pre-purchase her book, scheduled for release in July here.