J.E. Thomas: Trust Your Instincts
KidLit Craft is back with another Snack-Sized Author Interview. In this series, we ask authors five quick questions that give us insight into their craft and process. Today we’re talking with author J.E. Thomas.
J.E is known for her humorous middle grade novels, like Control Freaks and The AI Incident. In these funny stories, kids tackle big obstacles, find friends, and work together. Without shying away from the real-world challenges children are facing today, J.E.’s books are engrossing and engaging with a side of fun, qualities you’ll find in this interview as well! –Sarah
Welcome, J.E.!
Question 1: What's your writing superpower?
I'm a master idea generator. If I have a superpower, it’s seeing potential story ideas in everyday situations, overheard conversations, memories, daydreams, wishes—even an empty seashell on the beach or a pile of red-and-gold aspen leaves in the mountains.
That said, my superpower is also my kryptonite. It's very challenging to stick with one idea through completion. There's always an ebb and flow when creating a story. During the difficult writing periods, new story ideas will pop in like raindrops during a downpour. They’re so tempting to pursue.
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?
The AI Incident has solid lessons about the intersection of technology and humanity, but at heart, it’s a quiet story about found family. All of the characters are looking for a place to fit. They are lonely, albeit to varying degrees.
In revision, I focused on finding ways to depict loneliness in dialogue and action. These tips are actually based on questions my editor asked of me. Rather than dictate what should happen on the page, he posed questions such as:
• What would Malcolm, my 12-year-old main protagonist, physically do when he hears this news? How would he move?
• How does a character's voice sound in this moment versus the way it sounded a few pages ago?
• What other sensory experiences does the character have, and how do you present that to readers?
By asking these questions, my editor helped me present characters more clearly.
Question 3: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a new author?
I would advise myself to trust my instincts and stay focused on the story I want to tell. It's easy to get swayed by reviews and social media, but I believe there's a reason certain authors are drawn to certain stories or approaches.
Question 4: What inspires you as a writer?
Being in the presence of other writers—particularly young students—is what inspires me most.
I recently taught a virtual summer camp with teen pre-published authors. The energy they brought to those sessions was fantastic. They believe so strongly in the creative process and the value of expression. I left ready to face the blank page and make measurable progress on my upcoming project.
At one point, I saw writing as a competitive enterprise. But what I've discovered is that authors and writers have a strong sense of community. Many of us find great joy in helping others. Being able to mentor and encourage the next generation of authors is wonderfully inspiring.
Question 5: What’s one book you think every kidlit author should read?
I’m a huge fan of The Magic Words by Cheryl B. Klein. Cheryl is an author and an editor, and she uses her expertise in both areas to offer actionable advice. I read her book several times and I have a number of pages bookmarked.
Here are a few chapters I found particularly helpful:
• “Identity and Choice: Creating Multidimensional Characters”
• “Obstacles and Negotiation: Seven Ways of Looking at a Scene”
• “Person and Personality: Fundamentals of Voice”
I highly recommend it!
J.E. Thomas grew up near Colorado’s Front Range mountains. She spent her early summers stuffing grocery bags with books at the local library, reading feverishly, then repeating the process week after week. J.E. has bachelors’ degrees in Mass Communications and Political Science, as well as a master’s degree in Public Communications. Her first book, Control Freaks, was a People Magazine Summer Must-Read and a "Best of the Best" pick by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.
Visit her online at www.jethomasauthor.com and on Instagram @jethomasauthor
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