I met this incredibly talented author in one of the most awkward places: the bathroom...at a writing conference. As you may have guessed, I completely geeked out amidst the sound of flushing toilets and hand dryers. Aram could have backed away slowly or not made any sudden moves. Instead, she grinned, accepted me for the crazy lady that I am, and eventually agreed to let me interview her! She's also agreed to send one lucky reader a signed copy of one her books! Winner's Choice! The winner will be announced this Friday 7/26 along with Aram's cover reveal for her brand new book, Let's Go to Tae Kwondo! So who is Aram?
Alright Aram, if you could be any kind of donut, what would you be and why? Boston Cream Donut, for sure! It was my older sister’s favorite when we were kids, and therefore, my favorite. I followed my sister around like a tail. I always wanted to copy everything she did. Moreover, a Boston cream donut is so sweet and delicious inside out!! If I could bring joy to others like it does, I will be pretty happy. Tell us a little about your writing journey. My writing journey goes side by side with my illustrating journey because I draw and write simultaneously most of the time. In the summer of 2009, I went to many different publishing houses in NY. I dropped off my portfolios for review. They still reviewed portfolios the old-fashioned way then (even though it was definitely not as common then as I heard it was a long time ago.) Though I received some valuable feedback, it didn’t really lead anywhere, and I was discouraged. In 2012, I started an MFA program at the School of Visual Arts. There I hoped to find an artists community, support and guidance. During that time, I really got to experiment, draw and write what I wanted. The next year, Pat Cummings became my mentor. It was life-changing. Without her support, guidance and expertise, I would not have been published. My debut picture book, Cat on the Bus, was one of several projects I worked with her. It came out in 2016, two years after I graduated. My next book, No Kimchi for Me! came out in 2017. Its sequel, Let’s Go to Taekwondo! will be out in April 2020. I met my agent, Erica Rand Silverman, at my very first book event in the summer of 2016. It was almost by chance (or destiny?) at a book festival she organized. I was very lucky to have met her. She's been the great support ever since! My editor, Grace Maccarone from Holiday House, has also been in this journey with me all along the way.
What inspired you to write your book? My first book Cat on the Bus was inspired by a random photo I saw online that was taken in South Korea on a very cold winter day. Someone took a photo of a street cat who got on a bus and took a seat. It made me imagine that the kind bus driver must have let the cat on the bus because he knew how cold it was outside. The kindness of the driver and the passengers of the bus who did not mind sharing the seat with the cat inspired me to write a story about how small act of kindness can change someone’s life. I had a cat I adopted from the shelter and I used to imagine what life she might have led on the street. So with all these, my debut picture book was born. My second book No Kimchi for Me! was a natural path for me because I wanted to make a book about Korean food and culture. It was something I always missed. And also something I knew very well. I really wanted it to be a story that any child could relate to regardless of their heritage or background. My editor Grace Maccarone helped me add a sibling quarrel element, which enriched the story significantly and made it more universal. I felt very at home working on this book; drawing a lot of kimchi, Korean food, and children (though they are cats) with a lot of emotions! I’m happy to add that a sequel is coming out next spring with the title Let’s Go to Taekwondo! (In fact, I was told the cover would go LIVE this Friday.) Can you share with us a favorite line from one of your books? They chop…pour…break…add…stir…and cook.
What is your number one revision tip for writers? Learn to detach yourself from your work. If you’re too attached, which is very natural, it is hard to keep an open mind and accept the critiques, even the good ones. Trust your critique partners, editors, and your author friends. Keep an open mind to their critiques. Do you think it is harder or easier for author/illustrators to break into the publishing industry? It is definitely not “easy,” but I think it is somewhat “easier” for author/illustrators to break into the publishing industry when the work is right because they can show their work visually therefore capture someone’s eyes instantly. Also illustration pieces are easier to share on social media where publishing industry people definitely pay attention. But of course, work has to be good first. There you have it, ladies and gents! Aram's desire to impact her readers has me inspired as well! Be sure to follow her on social media.
AramKim.com Twitter: @StudioAram Instagram: @aramkimart Tell us what you think of Aram's apparent lack of arachnophobia. Are you the same way? Or, do spiders have you sprinting away?
9 Comments
Nicole LM
7/24/2019 11:15:12 am
What a wonderful interview! As a cat lover, I can't read to read "Cat on the Bus" and as a food lover, I can't wait to read "No Kimchi for Me." Thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights, Aram Kim (and for the wonderful interview, Ciara!)
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7/25/2019 05:42:57 am
Aram is such a lovely and talented spirit. I consider myself lucky to have met her in NYC a few years back, and her path to superstardom is certainly inevitable in my view! Great interview and site.
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Ciara
7/25/2019 08:48:57 pm
She is lovely. Aram really reminded me of why I started writing kidlit in the first place. I really want to help kids see themselves in books! She is definitely on her way to stardom. Thanks for stopping by, Raven!
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Kaitlyn Sanchez
7/25/2019 08:36:41 pm
Wow! What a wonderful interview Ciara. Aram, I adore your story, don't we always end up where we should even I we didn't plan it? And your advice was spot on, detaching is so hard, but definitely necessary. Can't wait for Let’s Go to Taekwondo; it empowered me so much as a kid, having a book about it for my daughter will tickle me pink!
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Ciara
7/26/2019 06:04:08 am
Taekwondo is an empowering sport for kids. My middle son loved it. And I love cats. The Cat on the Bus can ride with me any time!
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7/29/2019 10:31:20 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your fascinating journey, Aram. I love that your stories give us a view into everyday life and your words...and your illustrations have so much heart. And Holiday House is such a wonderful publisher to work with!!! They definitely make beautiful books and yours are perfect examples of that!
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