Get to Know Picture Book Author-Illustrator Alex Willan

Mermaids Are the Worst, am I right? To celebrate Alex Willan’s 5th installment in The Worst! picture book series, I interviewed Alex by email. We talk about inspiration, creation, the next book in the series, his motivation, and much more!

But first, let’s talk about the new book…

Mermaids Are the Worst

Of course, poor Gilbert’s vacation at the beach is ruined by mermaids who AREN’T as awesome as you might think. Gilbert explains– and it’s hilarious. As is the sweet, surprising ending.

Instagram Giveaway Contest Winner, Olivia the Librarian’s Question: 
OLIVIA: Where did the inspiration for Gilbert’s personality come from? (He reminds me of a few people I know.) 

ALEX: I can’t say that Gilbert is based on anyone in particular, but I love writing/drawing characters with big personalities and strong opinions, even if those opinions aren’t particularly accurate. Most of Gilbert’s assertions come from a place of jealousy, so it made sense for him to be a goblin, since goblins are not usually held in very high regard when it comes to other magical creatures. This has left him with a bit of a chip on his tiny green shoulder.

Melissa’s Questions:
MELISSA: I hear students suggested mermaids for your next book. Were there other suggestions you decided not to go with? Or any upcoming story ideas from fans that you can reveal?

ALEX: I love getting suggestions from kids on what should be next. I have gotten several that may work their way into a book at some point. Other times I get suggestions like “(Some specific sports team) is the worst” or “My little brother who takes all of my toys is the worst”. I think those ideas might be a little too specific.

MELISSA: We all love the Worst! Series. Can we expect more books in the series after MERMAIDS ARE THE WORST? (Or will Gilbert refuse to cooperate?)

ALEX: That is so wonderful to hear! The next book in the series is VALENTINES ARE THE WORST! which was actually a suggestion from my editor. It has been fun having such a grumpy character react to a day that is all about spreading love. He also gets into a bit of a standoff with some Cupids who have Gilbert in their sights. (And while Gilbert is not very cooperative, he will never pass on an opportunity to share his various opinions at length.)

MELISSA: What’s your book creation process like? Do you storyboard first? Write the text and then create the art? (Several readers in the giveaway asked variations of this question!)

ALEX: Part of what has been so great about working on this series has been developing that process over several books. I usually start with the idea and then try to get it down in the form of a loose manuscript. From there I start storyboarding, which is where the story really starts to take shape. Once I’ve landed on a storyboard that I like, I can dive into the sketches. One thing that is nice about being both the author and the illustrator is that words and images are always changing throughout the process. There is a lot of freedom knowing that nothing is set in stone, so if a new sketch inspires a change to the story, it can all adjust as I go. And, of course, I get incredible feedback from my team at Simon & Schuster at every step of the process.

MELISSA: Did you always want to make children’s books? If not, what drew you to children’s books?

ALEX: I have always wanted to make children’s books. I think there is something magical about them. Which is also what terrified me at first. I was so afraid of failing at it that I put off trying for several years. Thankfully, my passion for making picture books eventually outpaced my fears. It also helped that the kid lit community is so welcoming and encouraging.

MELISSA: What do you hope readers get from your books?

ALEX: My biggest hope with each of my books is that it will make readers laugh. I was never the “best” reader myself when I was younger and I feel like if a book can make you laugh, it can help you see books in general as a source of joy, not frustration. If someone reading my books also picks up a lesson about empathy, that is great too, but mainly I just want them to have a good giggle.

MELISSA: What’s your best advice to growing (kid) writers and artists?

ALEX: I would say that making anything is scary. It involves you sharing a part of yourself with the world. So, whether or not you are proud of what you made, be proud of the bravery it took to make it. And remember that bravery when you make the next thing.

MELISSA: Do you have any current favorite picture books?

ALEX: Gosh, I wouldn’t know where to begin. I’m a big fan of Dant Santat, Kelly DiPuccio, Jessie Sima and Jonathan Stutzman as well as absolutely anything illustrated by Júlia Sardà. I also really like the book, OGILVY, by Deborah Underwood and T.L. McBeth. I would recommend checking that one out.

MELISSA: What’s your favorite part of being an author and illustrator?

ALEX: For me, the best part is just knowing that my books are out in the world and that at any moment a kid could be reading one of them (for the first time or the fifteenth) and just feeling some sort of connection with the book. Maybe it makes them laugh or they like the artwork, it doesn’t matter. It’s like the books are my children and I know that they are out in the world making new friends.

MELISSA: THANK YOU SO MUCH, ALEX!

About Alex Willan

If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.

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