Kathie: What’s one thing you’ve learned as a debut author that you think would be helpful for others to know? Luckily, after many revisions, the story came together! However, I do not write without outlines any more. I had a rough idea where I wanted the story to go, but had no idea how I was going to get there. I wrote the first draft of Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins! without an outline, so I had to come up with all Tahlia and Lily’s crazy plans on the fly. Karina: Hmm… tough question! Part of me is pretty meticulous when it comes to planning things like parties and trips, but another part of me (probably a much bigger part) is a total wing-er. Are you the type of person who plans ahead, or do you like to wing it as you go? Kathie: I love how creative Tahlia and Lily are with their solutions. But if kids don’t have ‘what is going on with my body’ conversations with their peers and adults, then they may not be mentally or emotionally prepared for all the changes we go through. I think many people believe periods are something that should be endured and experienced privately (which is completely fine if that is your personal choice!). Karina: There is still such a stigma around discussing puberty-specifically periods-with others. Why do you think many girls are still so unprepared given the resources? Kathie: You did an excellent job educating readers while entertaining them. When I decided to write middle grade books, I knew I wanted to write stories that would fit into that same ‘figuring out puberty’ vein. I remember looking for books that were similar to it, but struggling to find stories with protagonists that had the same body-changing anxieties I did. Karina: Oh, thank you so much!! Growing up, I really loved Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume because it talked about periods, crushes, and friend dynamics-all must-read subjects for me. What made you decide to write a book focusing on a girl getting her first period?
Kathie: I absolutely loved the humor in this story, and that it’s SO relatable.
Karina: Hi! Thank you for having me! Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins! is a fun, coming-of-age romp all about friendship, puberty, and growing up-in all its awkward glory.
Kathie: Hi Karina, and welcome to MG Book Village! Your middle-grade debut novel, Grow up, Tahlia Wilkins, comes out on April 19th from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
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