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Back to Featured Interviews >> MEET BETHANIE DEENEY MURGUIA (2/2011)
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| Bethanie Deeney Murguia |
I grew up in rural Western New York. My county had more cows than people. To this day, my town still has no stoplights. There was a playhouse in my backyard, woods that seemed to go on for miles, a stream, and behind that, there was an apple orchard. It was the land of make believe. I loved nothing more than to gather a group of friends and get lost in our imaginations in the great outdoors.
What books influenced you most when you were growing up?
I have always adored Dr. Seuss. I am also a frog lover so, of course, FROG AND TOAD books were among my favorites. THE SECRET GARDEN and ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS stand out in my elementary school memories. My mother taught sixth grade and introduced me to many wonderful books.
When you went to college, were you already pursuing a writing career? (or a career in illustrating? or just art in general?)
As is the case with many creative folks who are the children of practical parents, I did not pursue a fine art career at first. Architecture seemed to be a good compromise between practicality and creativity; I loved both math and art. But it was not a good fit. I then majored in psychology. Psychology was fascinating, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to become a therapist or researcher. Finally, after finishing my undergraduate degree, I followed my heart and went to the School of Visual Arts where I received my MFA in Illustration. The program was art and writing focused—it was pure heaven.
What was your first job when you graduated from college?
I worked in a frame shop during and immediately after college. Framing skills are so essential for fine artists. I had no idea at the time how often those skills would be used over the years.
How soon after that was your first book published?
16 years! I spent many years after graduate school pursuing creative employment that would also allow me to pay off my school loans. I worked as an art director. In retrospect, I can see that the design skills I honed as an art director have contributed significantly to my abilities as an illustrator. I began to pursue children’s book writing and illustrating in earnest about 2 years before my first publication offer. (Yes, I received many rejections.)
How did your life change when you got married? and had children? Did it make it easier or harder to find time to write?
Up until I had children, I worked full-time as an art director. The dream of writing and illustrating was always in the back of my mind, but I couldn’t find the mental space to make it happen. After my first daughter was born, I became a stay-at-home mom. At that point, it became extremely important to do something for myself (sanity saver!) and also, to try to do something that would enhance children’s lives. Plus, I wanted my kids to be proud of their Mama! So, even though time continues to be extremely tight, I now have daily inspiration from my children. That certainly makes the process easier.What are the topics are some of your books?
I am drawn to quirky characters that march to the beat of their own drums. BUGLETTE THE MESSY SLEEPER is about a little bug whose sleeping habits annoy her family. While most bugs are neat little sleepers, Buglette has big dreams and consequently kicks her blankets, tosses her pillows and ends up with her feet where her head should be every night. Her family is annoyed and worried—what if all of the commotion wakes the crow?
In a forthcoming picture book (from Knopf), an energetic snail wakes bright and early every morning, long before the rest of his sleepy, snoozy snail family. The book is about the creative antics he employs to wake his Mama, Papa and sister.
In another forthcoming picture book (from Scholastic), the main character is a little girl who uses her big imagination to plan a wholly original outfit for the day.
Do you like to include humor in your stories? Or adventure? Or mystery?
I am a big fan of humor. We all want and need to laugh. I try to create picture books that engage children with humor on their level and also inject a bit of humor or a “wink” for adults. Picture books are shared experiences and I think they work best when both parents and children are thoroughly amused.
Tell us a few things people should know about you.
I have a nickname for almost everything. I love pranks. I rode my bike over 30,000 miles in 3 years (yes, that was before I had kids). I love brainteasers. I live in a town that makes me feel like I’m on vacation every day.
What do you most want the students to get out of your school visits?
I want children to understand that everything begins with an idea. Learning how to communicate our ideas to others—whether through music, art, writing, etc.—brings great joy.