This week, I’m speaking with Miki, who I met through a mutual friend at Storyteller Academy. (Shout out to Ricardo Aguilar!) After connecting virtually, we decided to meet up in person, organizing a group outing to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC. Though we had to contend with heavy rain on the day, we found space in an academic building, and spent hours talking about our stories, our experiences, and our goals. I really liked Miki’s positivity and her stick-to-itiveness. She’s dedicated a lot of time to her craft, and I wanted to interview writers who are putting themselves out there in the kidlit space, who are striving, who are trying, who are diving in headfirst and soaking it all up. Miki embodies those important qualities.
Let’s meet Miki!
MIKI MATSUMOTO (she/her) is an active member of the SCBWI Los Angeles County and Storyteller Academy. When she’s not attending conferences (or tutoring students in Japanese), she’s entering writing competitions, submitting to PBParty, PB Rising Stars, and We Need Diverse Books. Miki has aspirations to produce bilingual books – in both Japanese and English – as well as to illustrate. She currently resides in California, but visits Japan as often as she can to see family and friends. These visits keep her connected to her cultural heritage and provide a rich source of inspiration for her writing. She loves to travel all over, and next hopes to visit Australia or Costa Rica.
Q: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING PICTURE BOOKS?
I started writing picture books when I joined Storyteller Academy during the pandemic in 2020. However, I have been practicing creative writing since I was a teenager. I’ve dabbled in poetry, script writing, magazine articles, and am also currently working on a short story.
Q: WHY DID YOU START WRITING PICTURE BOOKS?
As an educator in early childhood education, I always enjoyed reading stories and picture books to my students. It inspired me to start creating and writing my own stories. I wanted to see more children like me in the stories I read. And as an educator, I wanted to encourage children to practice critical thinking as well as develop imagination and curiosity.
Q: WHAT DO YOU WRITE?
As a little girl, I admired the “American look” – blond hair, blue eyes, white picket fence, etc. But as an adult, I wanted kids like me to see kids who looked like them in books and drawings, which is why many of my stories with human characters are BIPOC-focused.
Being an educator (and a self-professed nerd), I also write STEM and SEL stories. STEM creates a great opportunity to introduce arcs where characters overcome a challenge. SEL is such a hot-button issue right now. Arguably, in this aspect, I think kids today are more emotionally intelligent than in the past, confronting issues like depression and anxiety at a much younger age. I strive to address these topics in a child-friendly way.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK? WHY?
The picture book that initially pushed me to invest time and energy into this craft is WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom. I keep on going back to it as a master study, motivation, or possible comp. The author’s story behind the book and his publishing house is something I aspire to. He never set out to be a writer, he just wanted to inspire creativity in kids. Plus, I am motivated by his success as a Japanese person.
Q: WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST PART OF THE JOURNEY TOWARD PUBLICATION SO FAR?
My favorite part of this process has been meeting all the creators in this industry, sharing ideas and advice, and continuously being inspired to develop my craft.
I have discovered so much on this kidlit journey. Before taking “Crafting Picture Book Dummies” at Storyteller Academy, I didn’t know anything about the picture book format. I don’t think I even realized that picture books have a beginning, middle, and an end with a challenge faced by the protagonist and perpetuated by the antagonist. Then, I learned that storybooks and picture books are different, and that the kidlit genres include middle grade, young adult, early reader, graphic novels, and more. I’ve also enjoyed the learning process and realizing my capabilities and boundaries.
Q: CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT? HOW HAS WRITING HELPED YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I dove into this journey because I had a lot of great story ideas… but I realized (as we all probably did) it’s harder than it seems to translate ideas into picture books. I thought I could draw, but it also turns out illustrating is not the same as drawing. Taking “Drawing 1” and “Illustration 1” was a huge reality check. But I also learned that if you take it step-by-step and continuously practice, you can do it. Discipline is important. This journey has pushed me to discover new forms of art too — everything from crocheting and mandala coloring to 3D crafting and sticker-therapy.
Being part of a critique group, I’ve learned about my editing style. I tend to see the leaves before the tree, and fellow writers have told me they appreciate my attention to detail. I also try to create patterns and repetition within a story that bring out an underlying theme.
Q: WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF THE JOURNEY SO FAR?
This industry is tough, small, and highly subjective. It can also be very isolating. There’s a lot of rejection and failure. It’s been difficult to find the balance between developing my craft and other life priorities. You have to know what your ultimate goal is – Is it getting published? Making this a career? Becoming famous? Or just developing your craft and enjoying writing? Also, focusing on these goals can be costly, both financially and timewise. I’m searching for a reliable mentor who can be objective and supportive, but still help me succeed.
Q: WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE?
In-person friendships! Although meeting creators online has been rewarding, there is nothing better than meeting and talking in person. Online opportunities allow you to meet and share with hundreds of people from all over – which is great – but I strive for the one-on-one. I am not the best conversationalist, so I don’t do well in big groups. For me, the fastest way to meet people is online, but the best way to develop a relationship is in person. If there is ever an opportunity to meet IRL after forming an online relationship, I am all for it! I’m even willing to travel (another favorite hobby of mine) for an in-person opportunity.
Q: CELEBRATE YOURSELF! WHICH WRITING ACCOMPLISHMENT MAKES YOU FEEL THE PROUDEST?
Personally, I am proud of all my stories. And I am very proud of my first dummy! I wanted to illustrate the first picture book that I wrote and, so far, that is my first and only dummy. I’ve been working on my drawing skills.
Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE REJECTION?
I step back for a while. I remind myself it isn’t personal. I’m proud that I challenged myself, and put myself out there. I am still developing my craft, and rejection is a chance for a new learning opportunity. You may win some, you may lose some. So, finding the next challenge makes me think, “I can’t be rejected from everything!” I’ll just give something else a try.
Q: WHAT KEEPS YOU WRITING?
It’s important for me to pace myself so I don’t burn out. And I think it’s okay to take breaks, especially if I’m not feeling inspired or motivated. It’s during these breaks that suddenly, I get a story idea. And if it keeps on coming back to me after a few weeks, that’s when I know it’s worth the time, and I start drafting.
Of course, if you take too long of a break, it’s hard to get back into things. Scheduled meetups keep me connected. I also like to stay on top of scholarships, mentorships, and challenges that have deadlines. Also, reading other creator’s success stories as well as discovering new books keeps me going.
Q: WHAT HAS WAITING FOR YOUR “YES” TAUGHT YOU?
It only takes one person to say “yes.” Until then be patient, keep working, and enjoy the process. Through all the networking opportunities I have participated in, I’ve learned that writing can continue for as long as you want to and for as long as you keep on having great ideas.
Thank you so much for sharing, Miki! Miki was one of the first writers I asked for an interview, and I was so nervous. We’d only just met, and this blog was a wisp of an idea. But she agreed! When I read her initial answers, one line in particular stood out: “I’ve also enjoyed the learning process and realizing my capabilities and boundaries.” It’s a beautiful sentiment, a true reminder that writing brings us back to ourselves, helping us in ways that have nothing to do with publishing a book. I started reflecting on the things I’ve learned about myself through writing. I’ve learned I’m determined. I’ve learned I don’t give up. I’ve learned issues that are important to me because I keep writing about them — self-confidence, speaking kindly to yourself, and the power of words. I’ve learned that a writer is not the only thing I am, and that putting all my worth into being one thing isn’t healthy. I’ve learned that as much as writing is a solo activity, it’s also not! I need community. It fuels me. I’ve learned that, at the end of day, I have to trust myself. Only I understand the true vision for my story.
What about you? What have you learned about yourself through writing? Please share in the comments below. If you’d like to keep in touch with Miki, you can follow her on Instagram at @missmikinoie. In honor of her favorite book, we’re giving away a copy of WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? In order to enter, subscribe to the newsletter! Everyone who is subscribed by 11:59PM PT on September 22nd, 2025 will be entered to win! (No purchase necessary. You must be 18+ to enter. US Residents Only.)
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