Interview: Susan Johnston Taylor
SARAH STEINBACHER: The School Library Journal called your debut picture book, ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES, an “engaging…combination of science and poetry” that “should delight young readers, encourage young writers, and spur interest in young scientists.” Which featured animal from the story was your favorite to write about and why?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Definitely the pink manta ray! First, I had fun creating that shape poem with word “adventure” as the curvy tail. But more importantly, the pink manta ray is unique because there’s only one that we know about, so that opens the door to conversations about how the things that make us different also make us special, valuing those differences, etc.
SARAH STEINBACHER: Publishers Weekly called your upcoming picture book, IF PETS WROTE POEMS, an “artful collection” that “offers a whirlwind introduction to varied poets and the pets at their sides.” Do you have any pets? If so, what would they write about you?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Yes, at the time I wrote the book I had two rescue dogs named Sadie and Sebastian who were a huge inspiration for this project. I even dedicated the book to my “two furry muses.” Sadly, Sebastian is no longer with us, but the opening poem of the collection, which introduces the premise, was “written by” Sadie in the style of my opening poem for ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES.
SARAH STEINBACHER: In your stories, you showcase a variety of poetic forms, including haiku, concrete, tanka, and quatrain. Which poetic form is your favorite to write and which do you find the hardest to work with?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: I love writing in rhyme but it’s really challenging trying to get all the pieces to fit together. Maybe that’s why I love it.
The hardest poetic form I’ve written is the reverso, where the poem takes on opposite meanings when it’s read top to bottom or bottom to top (“Refugees” by Brian Bilston is a powerful example of this form). I didn’t include a reverso in either book, but I do have a reverso that will be published as part of a forthcoming MG poetry anthology (details have yet to be announced).
My ADHD brain thrives on novelty and challenge, so trying different poetic forms works well for me (and those books can be used as a classroom tool during poetry units).
SARAH STEINBACHER: Who is your all-time favorite poet?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Do I have to choose just one? I love contemporary female poets like Maggie Smith and Kate Baer, because they really pack a punch in very few words. Plus, I find their work very relatable as a woman living in 2026.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What do you like most about partnering with an independent children’s book publisher? Is there anything you wish you could change?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: I’ve had a great experience working with Gnome Road Publishing! I feel like my two books have gotten more editor attention and marketing support vs. being at a bigger press where they release dozens of books every season and you’re one of many.
I wouldn’t change anything about the publisher itself, but I’ve met several booksellers who lump books from small presses with self-published books, so I wish they’d take a closer look. I think all of Gnome Road’s books are high-quality with that re-readability factor so it’d be great for more booksellers to consider stocking those books (although I know bookstores have all kinds of business pressures, too).
SARAH STEINBACHER: How have your previous experiences as a freelance writer influenced your kidlit writing?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Freelancing really taught me how to pitch my work, because I was constantly emailing story ideas to editors. It also got me used to rejection and self-promotion.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What do you like most about working for The Writing Barn?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Now I’m Senior Manager of Client Success, and I love how it combines lots of different skills: coaching writers, leading live events, creating systems to help streamline processes, community-building, and creative problem-solving. With 20+ virtual events per month, it’s fast-paced work with a lot of variety and a nice complement to my own author work.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What do you think is the most important thing a debut author can do to promote their book?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Honestly, I think the most important thing is to protect your sanity so that you don’t burn out. A lot of debut authors overcommit themselves trying to book a zillion school visits and/or bookstore events, posting on social media, pitching themselves to blogs and podcasts, etc. They put a lot of pressure on themselves, then they stop sharing about their book because they’re so fried and/or they think everyone is sick of hearing about it.
Do whatever marketing brings you enjoy, because that’ll make it more authentic. Don’t feel like you have to constantly post on social media or that you MUST sell a zillion copies during launch week. Pre-orders do help, but your book can have a longer shelf life beyond the first few weeks. ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES gets renewed interest each April for National Poetry Month and Earth Day, and I’m sure that releasing another poetry book won’t hurt that momentum either.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What tips do you have for school/library visits?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: During school or library visits, I love asking kids to vote on things, because it gives them agency and gets them excited about the idea of voting.
For instance, “show of hands, whose favorite animal was the pink manta ray?” or “raise your hand if you want to hear another animal book; keep you hand down if you want to write a poem together instead.”
SARAH STEINBACHER: What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
SUSAN JOHNSTON TAYLOR: Write about your curiosities. Even if they seem a little niche, there are likely people just like you who are hungry to read about that topic. The musical [title of show] explores the creative process and there’s a line saying, “I’d rather be 9 people’s favorite thing than a hundred people’s 9th favorite thing.” I agree!
Follow Susan on her website and on Instagram.
*****Order Susan’s debut picture book ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES here.*****
*****Pre-order Susan’s newest picture book IF PETS WROTE POEMS here, available 4/14/26.*****
