Meet Troupe 21’s Kira Bigwood
Meet Troupe member Kira Bigwood!
Kira is a mother, advertising copywriter, Coke® drinker and children’s book author. Her debut picture book, SECRET, SECRET AGENT GUY, with Illustrator Celia Krampien (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, Summer 2021), is a lullaby for spies—a humorous 007-twist on the classic, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Get to know Kira!
What is your earliest picture book memory?
My mom is a (now retired) librarian, so relishing books was pretty much a mandate in our family. On Saturdays, she used to take us to the public library, and while she perused the adult stacks, we would explore the children’s section…ON OUR OWN. Something about that small slice of independence—choosing what you want to read, no matter its literary value—was exhilarating. That, and the library smell. One of my favorite smells to this day.
Name three picture books that you adore.
Anything by James Marshall, but especially the George & Martha series. How could you not love Martha? Smart, kind, conniving when she needs to be…a feminist (femipotamus?) when you really think about it. More recent books that have my heart are, A Hungry Lion or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Lucy Ruth Cummins (ridiculously adorable, dark and delicious), and Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson (salad with a few croutons and a light vinaigrette, anyone?).
What themes and ideas will readers find in your stories?
I love to find the fun in being a kid, which is accomplished pretty easily when you have three small, “spirited” children at home to jog your memory. Humor, truth, a little bit of heart and a splash of sarcasm are all a part of my writing voice. But more than anything, I’m a concept writer, which stems from my advertising background. So, when children and their caregivers read my stories, I hope they’ll first be hit with a big idea, and then enjoy the way the words and pictures execute that hook. Also, laughing is good.
What are your favorite writing snacks?
Twizzlers, and pimento cheese with cornichons (and no, I’m not pregnant:).
What advice can you share with pre-published authors?
Do everything everyone’s been telling you. Write, revise, research, repeat. Don’t query too soon. When you do query, expect to get some (lots of) rejections. Don’t take them personal, but do take them, because they are almost always right and offer a lesson to be learned. Be kind. Be appreciative. And keep at it. Someone has to get a book deal. Why not you?
Connect with Kira on Twitter at @KBigwood! And be sure to come back to PB Debut Troupe 21 for more about Kira’s story, including her cover reveal and pre-order information for SECRET, SECRET AGENT GUY.
See you back soon!
