Tim McCanna: Embrace Brainstorming

We’re back with another Snack-Sized Author Interview, where we ask authors five questions that give us insight into their craft and process. Today we’re talking with author-illustrator Tim McCanna. 

Tim’s books for children span formats and genres. From picture books like In a Garden, which was named a Bank Street “Best Children’s Book,” to his popular early graphic novel series, Peach and Plum, Tim draws on his craft knowledge to pen (and illustrate!) engaging KidLit. Today, we’re lucky to sit down and talk shop with Tim.

Welcome, Tim!

Question 1: What's your writing superpower?

I guess it would have to be writing in rhyme. It’s the skill I’ve practiced the longest and owned as my particular voice. People like Batman because he’s a regular human, but he’s smart and resourceful and has lots of gadgets at his disposal. That’s how you have to be as a children’s author, whether you rhyme or not. We aren’t born with literary superpowers or bitten by radioactive books! We put in years of planning and practice, build creative muscles, and acquire a wide range of skills and strategies so when we’re faced with tough challenges, we can take them on fearlessly.

Question 2: What’s an element of craft you explored in your latest project and what tips can you share with other authors for growing in their use of that particular element?

Brainstorming a solid idea for a book is as much a part of the creative process as actually writing the book. Sometimes you’re struck by lightning and that can be exciting. But often it’s about putting on your thinking cap and solving the riddle of “What should I write next?” Eventually, you develop a keener sense for knowing when one of those ideas has a little extra spark. 

The word “Cold” came to me on the couch as I was putting in some quiet time to just ruminate over potential book ideas. That single 4-letter word offered so many interesting opportunities, I was instantly hooked. I’d encourage any writer to brainstorm loads of single word concepts and see where it takes them.

Question 3: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a new author?

Like Kyle Reese in The Terminator, I’d go back in time to warn myself about the imminent threat of artificial intelligence! Seriously, it’s on my mind a lot these days. Call me old-fashioned, but I do not like the idea of AI “writing” or “illustrating” children’s books one bit. 

On a lighter note, perhaps I’d advise myself to put in five solid years of writing, training, and networking before ever submitting a single manuscript. Like many eager authors, I received a lot of form rejection letters early on because I got ahead of my skis.

Question 4: What inspires you as a writer in your career?

Hands down it’s the school visits. Sometimes I read with 40 kids in a library, and other times it’s 400 in a gymnasium. There’s nothing like meeting your audience in person and seeing the excitement on their faces to read books that you wrote just for them. We creative types have our selfish reasons for doing what we do. But the real reward is knowing that your work might give a moment of joy or inspiration or enlightenment to a young person.

Question 5: What’s one book you think every kidlit author should read?

I always say that Oliver Jeffers’ The Great Paper Caper was the book that made me realize back in 2009 that I had a limited understanding of what picture books could be. It really opened my eyes to new possibilities. It’s so odd and inventive and full of voice and visual style. A good reminder that storytelling is way more than just telling a story.

Bonus Question: What can fans look forward to next?

I have a new rhyming picture book with Disney coming out in 2025 called When You Wish Upon a Ghost. It’s an original story set in the Haunted Mansion!

---

Tim McCanna is the author and illustrator of the Peach and Plum early graphic novel series. He has also written several picture books including Disney’s How Far You’ll Go; Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway, an ALA Golden Duck Notable Picture Book; In a Garden, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year; So Many Sounds, an ALA-Children’s Book Council “Building a Home Library” book; and Watersong, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids and NCTE Notable Poetry Book. Tim is a picture book writing instructor for Storyteller Academy and he lives in San Jose, California with his family. Find him online at www.timmccanna.com.

You can find Tim on Instagram @tmccanna and Facebook at tsmccanna.

---

Related Articles: