Creator Interview: Andi Chitty

Picture Book Author, Mom, Coffee Shop Owner, and Co-Host of Storytime Sprint!

Andi is one of those kidlit people who goes above and beyond to lift up and celebrate creators. A co-host of Storytime Sprint with the equally lovely Ryann Jones, Andi helps spread picture book love by spotlighting creators celebrating book birthdays. If you haven't joined a sprint yet, you should try your best to do so ASAP! It's a wonderful opportunity to hear a picture book author read their newborn picture book aloud, learn about their writing journey, and ask questions. I'm a huge fan, and I just love that Andi and Ryann came up with this amazing way to support kidlit creators.

I was lucky enough to pop in on March 18th when Andi switched gears from co-host to guest of honor and read her new book, THE WAGA-LAGA BUGS WANT TO PLAY ALL DAY, illustrated by Sandra Attema-Welte and SELF PUBLISHED by Andi! The book is colorful, fun to read aloud (especially with Andi's adorable voices for all the bugs!), and includes interesting back matter that littles will love. It was such a special moment getting to hear Andi read the book and celebrate this huge milestone with her.

Andi has also self-published two adorable board books: BANANAS IN THE BATH with illustrator Alexandra Elliot and Rock-a-Bye Forever with illustrator Naya Kirichenko. Each of her books is delightful to read aloud with littles, and they all feature gorgeous illustrations. Andi has a wealth of knowledge on craft, querying, and self-publishing, and I'm so excited to share a bit about her publishing journey here.

AND... Andi is generously offering one reader their choice of a 30-minute AMA OR a critique of a picture book manuscript (800 words or less) OR a copy of THE WAGA-LAGA BUGS WANT TO PLAY ALL DAY (U.S. only). Read on to find out how to enter the giveaway!

"I have no choice but to write. I literally don’t think it’s an option for me to give up!"

How did your journey as a KidLit creator begin?

As with many of us, the idea formed while reading a picture book to my then-toddler for bedtime. I remember the book was “Llama, Llama, Red Pajama”, and I just had this overwhelming feeling that I wanted to write something like that!

What is your favorite thing about creating for children?

I used to say my favorite thing was crafting a nicely flowing, tongue-twistery rhyming stanza. It’s like a puzzle, finding the right words and rhythm! But these days, I think I’d say my favorite thing is when parents reach out to tell me how much their kids love my book. It brings me so much joy, and reassures me that the decision to self-publish was absolutely the right one for me.

This is an industry full of high highs and low lows. What are some of the peaks and valleys you've experienced in your career?

I’ll start with some valleys!

1. Pushing through over 150 rejections to get an agent

2. Getting a critique was so brutal I cried for 20 minutes

3. Being ghosted by an agent I was specifically referred to

4. Making the decision to leave my agent after 2 years

Now for the peaks:

1. Getting an agent! This was such a boost for me, even though I ended up leaving 2 years later.

2. Making the decision to leave my agent (yes- I’d call this one of the lowest AND highest points for me! It was so scary, but I felt so sure that it was the right decision. I still feel that way!)

3. Receiving 2 Writely Awards for “Bananas in the Bath”

4. Receiving a Kirkus Star for “The Waga-Laga Bugs”

5. Getting to work with 3 incredible illustrators (Sandra Attema-Welte, Naya Kirichenko, and Alexandra Elliot)

6. Holding each of my books for the first time

7. Every time someone reaches out to me to tell me how much their little one loves one of my books. The first copies of “The Waga-Laga Bugs” started arriving to people this week, so I’m getting a lot of people reaching out right now. It’s been such a joy, knowing kids around the US are yelling “Waga-Laga, Taga-Laga, Baga-Laga, HEY!” as they run around their house, haha. Sorry, parents!

Do you have a "day job"? If so, what is it, and how do you create balance between your "day job" and your work as a creator?

I do! My sister and I own and operate a coffee shop in Downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. We just celebrated our 10 year anniversary! I also roast coffee when needed (our mom is our Head Roaster!). If you’re ever in Fredericksburg, let me know! I love meeting KidLit peeps in person <3

Being a small business owner means I was a bit familiar with what I was getting myself into re: starting a publishing company. Thank goodness I have my sister and husband to ask tax-related questions, though! That is NOT my forte.

Because I’m a mom as well, I do most of my publishing work after I put them to bed. Unless I receive files from an illustrator I’m working with, that is! I drop everything when my illustrators email me. It’s truly my favorite part of the book creation process!

Describe your perfect writing/illustrating/creating day.

I wake up bright and refreshed at 6am, not because a kid woke me, but because I’m so well- rested and ready to start the day. I make myself a cup of black coffee and open my laptop. The house is quiet because, miraculously and for the first time ever, the coffee maker didn’t wake a single child. I send some emails, create a killer social media post that goes viral, and respond to a message from Ms. Rachel asking me if it would be ok to read my book on her show (of course it is!). My husband and kids wake up and I make pancakes for everyone, then they run outside to play while I sit on the porch drinking a second cup of coffee, this time with sweet vanilla creamer.

From there, I open my laptop to a manuscript that’s been giving me a hard time. I immediately see the issue, and spend the rest of the day revising and creating the coolest rhymes you’ve ever read! At dinner time, one of my kids says something so funny I immediately write it down. It becomes the title of my next best-seller. A girl can dream, right?

The end :)

What motivates you to keep going when this industry gets you down?

My critique partners and the realization that I have no choice but to write. I literally don’t think it’s an option for me to give up! But when I get down, my critique group is my rock. We’ve been together for over 4 years now! Love those ladies.

What is a favorite craft tip you'd like to share with other creators?

To quote the great Renee LaTulippe: “We don’t count syllables, we count stressed beats!”

What are your top 3 favorite books of all time (any age range)?

Just THREE?!? Ok, in age order:

1. Picture book: “King of the Swamp”

2. MG/YA: “The Wind Singer” (it’s a trilogy, but I’m counting it as 1!)

3. Adult: “Pillars of the Earth”

Who are some authors or illustrators that inspired your style as a creator?

I’ve studied a lot of the great rhymers, and find myself really connecting to the styles of Carrie Finison (“Dozens of Donuts”), Catherine Emmett (“King of the Swamp” and “The Pet”), Katelyn Aronson (“Poo-Dunit: A Forest Floor Mystery”), and Adam Rex (“On Account of the Gum”)

What advice do you have for someone considering starting their journey as a KidLit creator?

Find a critique partner or group that you really connect with. It may take a few tries, but a good group will push you to grow beyond what you think you’re capable of!

Speed Round: This or That!

Summer or Winter?	​Summer!
Chocolate or Vanilla?	​Chocolate
Cats or Dogs?	Dogs​
Playlists or Podcasts?	If I *have* to choose... playlist​
Text or Call?	Text​
Unicorn or Dragon?	​Dragon!
Ice Cream or Cake?	Ice Cream!!​
Physical Books or E-Books?	Physical​
Fiction or Non-Fiction?	Fiction
Sunrise or Sunset?	​Sunrise <3

It's Giveaway Time!

Andi is offering one reader their choice of a 30-minute AMA OR a critique of a picture book manuscript (800 words or less) OR a copy of THE WAGA-LAGA BUGS WANT TO PLAY ALL DAY (U.S. only)!

Click Here to Enter the Giveaway!

That's it! The giveaway closes on Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59pm EST!

Be sure to connect with Andi! Visit her website or follow her on social media:

X: @AndiChitty

Bluesky: @AndiChitty.bsky.social

Instagram: @AndiChitty_Booksnbugs

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