After discussing writing contests in the last interview, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that many of the people behind those endeavors are kidlit writers. Truly, the kindness of this community inspires its members to give back. This week, I’m speaking with a storyteller who did just that! Morgan is an author-illustrator, environmentalist, and podcaster! After honing her craft for years, Morgan partnered with fellow creatives to launch the Kidlit Deconstruction Zone Podcast, giving listeners “tools” to write their best stories. (I love the theme!) They released their first episode in March 2025. Since I also started this blog as a way to give back, I was eager to chat with Morgan about her experiences. Furthermore, if you’ve been thinking about creating something, hopefully this conversation is intriguing. There are so many ways for you to add value just by being YOU.
Let’s meet Morgan!
MORGAN LAU (she/her) is an avid gardener, environmental scientist, mother of two, and wife of one. Morgan’s daughters sparked her literary fire to create characters that reflect the glee and chaos of their childhood and nostalgia of her own. As a member of the SCBWI and Storyteller Academy, Morgan has cultivated kidlit bonds with fellow writers and illustrators while strengthening her storytelling skills. Morgan is also ⅓ of the Kidlit Deconstruction Zone Podcast, with Rona Shirdan and Mel Mwai, where monthly episodes offer bite size tips with a big impact. When Morgan is not fulfilling snack requests and prepping crafts, she writes stories and creates art inspired by nature, family traditions, and her children’s shenanigans.
Q: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING/ILLUSTRATING PICTURE BOOKS?
Although I wrote poetry as a child and I always enjoyed drawing, I didn’t seriously pursue writing until 2019.
Upon the encouragement of my husband and while pregnant with our first child, I explored self-publishing. I gave myself a year to get comfortable with this path, but ultimately, I didn’t have the bandwidth. I wanted to make the best product possible for young children with more support.
At the end of 2020, with an infant in my arms, I attended a “Black Friday Bootcamp” and finally decided to invest in my writing and illustration dreams by joining Storyteller Academy. I have never been more thankful for a social media ad!
Q: WHY DID YOU START WRITING/ILLUSTRATING PICTURE BOOKS?
While in graduate school for environmental science, I imagined writing an adventurous chapter book with characters who are passionate about the environment. Like many writers, I envisioned publishing a series of books, but with more awareness of the industry, I pumped the brakes on that approach.
After becoming a parent and taking all the courses possible on craft from Storyteller Academy, I realized picture books are what I really enjoy reading to my children and what I want to create. I would love to recreate that enjoyment for caregivers and young children through my words and art.
Q: WHAT DO YOU WRITE/ILLUSTRATE?
There is a place for all types of children’s books, but I gravitate toward lyrical, social emotional learning (SEL), STEM, and humor.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK? WHY?
PIG TOWN PARTY by Lian Cho. It’s the perfect blend of humor and science fiction. I would love to write absurd and otherworldly books like that!
Q: WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF THE JOURNEY TOWARD PUBLICATION SO FAR?
That would be the involuntary rollercoaster of publishing! The highs of winning challenges/rewards and the lows of receiving passes on full requests were nauseating at first, but over time, I began to brace the hills and valleys. Despite the pit in my stomach or the whiplash in my neck from the occasional defeat, celebrating the wins of others is still possible. Their wins give me hope.
Q: WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST PART OF THE JOURNEY SO FAR?
Building kidlit friendships has been the best part of the journey (and my most valuable resource)! Yes, Storyteller Academy, the SCBWI, Highlights Foundation, 12×12, Black Creators Headquarters (BCHQ), and OC Arts Studio have been both pivotal resources and vehicles for developing my kidlit relationships. Participating in those platforms has led me to connect with writers and artists along the way. Kidlit friendships have become an invaluable resource when I need to chat, have a question answered, or an illustration critiqued before a contest.
Q: YOU ALSO DECIDED TO CREATE RESOURCES THROUGH YOUR KIDLIT DECONSTRUCTION ZONE PODCAST. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?
I really admired the contributions of kidlit creators to the community, and I kept pondering what my contribution could be. After forming kidlit friendships through Highlights Foundation and the Black Creators Headquarters, I developed a weekly co-writing group. From that group, I was approached by my now co-host, author-illustrator Melissa Mwai, about creating a podcast. I leaped at the opportunity to geek out over kidlit and, soon enough, we were able to convince Rona Shirdan, author and writing coach, to join us as well.
Q: WALK US THROUGH YOUR DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON A PODCAST RATHER THAN A BLOG, NEWSLETTER, ETC.?
As I mentioned, Mel already had the idea for a podcast. I don’t recall discussing other options, probably because we each have individual blogs and newsletters. However, I suggested we do video as we naturally met on video for our weekly co-writing sessions.
We liked discussing books, but we also wanted to offer tips and resources to the kidlit community by highlighting tools for writers to craft their best possible manuscript. Once we formulated our concept and came up with a name, to our delight the acronym was KDZ (kids!) so it was kismet that we had something special to share!
Q: WHAT SKILLS, IF ANY, DID YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO START A PODCAST?
Besides a quality mic and good lighting, starting a podcast has been quite an undertaking on the editing side. We have tried different recording platforms to find the best fit. However, we recently pivoted to an audio-only format that has been a lighter load for Mel to edit and shorter episodes for our audience to quickly access the writing tools. We also studied other podcasts to better understand what aspects we should implement in our own podcast. We are still learning how to make a genuinely good podcast that writers can appreciate and apply to their work. But having co-hosts to bounce ideas off of has been helpful to overcome challenges in launching and growing the podcast.
Q: HOW DO YOU PROMOTE THE PODCAST?
We promote the KDZ Podcast on various social media platforms, but we also rely on word of mouth within our kidlit peer groups. Getting the word out can be challenging, but we hope that those who find us organically stick with us, use the tools to improve their writing, and let us know about it! We’re invested.
Q: CELEBRATE YOURSELF! WHICH WRITING ACCOMPLISHMENT MAKES YOU FEEL THE PROUDEST?
When I received a scholarship to go to the Highlights Foundation campus, my mouth was literally open for a solid minute or so. After experiencing the pandemic and loss, the scholarship granted me an in-person experience I wouldn’t have taken on my own. The guilt of spending money or leaving my children for a few days rattled me for a moment, but once I was on the highway, my fears faded and I knew my kids would be all right and so would I. I am proud of myself for getting the scholarship and following through with my first in-person, kidlit trip.
Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE REJECTION?
After I cry into my pillow (just kidding!), I typically read the email quickly and move it into a query folder. This folder serves as a reference should I choose to query that agent again. Ultimately, I don’t let a pass on my manuscript become a rejection of who I am and my self-worth. Downward spiral averted!
However, social media can create another hurdle. It’s hard to face rejection as others post publishing announcements. With that, I take breaks. When I do return, I am not shy about giving virtual flowers to my kidlit community as I have learned not to compare my progress to someone else’s success.
Q: WHAT KEEPS YOU WRITING/ILLUSTRATING?
My kidlit connections keep me writing, my children keep me reading, and drawing keeps my sanity.
Q: WHAT HAS WAITING FOR YOUR “YES” TAUGHT YOU?
I am way more patient than I give myself credit for. Also, the wait has allowed me to get to know myself better — what I like or don’t like to write — and to appreciate my growth.
Thank you for that dose of encouragement, Morgan!
There’s certainly A LOT that goes into starting something, and it can be nerve-wracking. However, I’ve realized the benefits outweigh the risks. In the beginning, I was worried no one would read this blog, but *I* knew I wanted to read it. I followed that feeling. Secondly, I’ve learned so much — about web design, hosting platforms, logo design, etc. I watched many tutorials, and if I didn’t understand something, I’d watch another. Thus far, I’ve always found a solution to my problem. I also made discoveries about myself, a big one being that I really like sending out a newsletter. I had no idea that would be something I’d enjoy! And I’ve connected with fellow writers I might not have met otherwise. At the end of the day, this has all made the blog worth it. I’m still early in my endeavor, and so is Morgan, but we are committed to showing up and finding our people. We hope one of them is you!
If you’d like to keep in touch with Morgan, you can follow her on Instagram at @greengirlblueplanet, or Bluesky at @morganlau.bsky.social. You can also find the Kidlit Deconstruction Zone Podcast on YouTube or Apple Podcasts. This week, Morgan is giving away a NON-RHYMING PICTURE BOOK CRITIQUE (800 words or less). In order to enter, subscribe to the newsletter! Everyone who’s subscribed by 11:59PM PT on December 15th, 2025 is eligible to win. (No purchase necessary. You must be 18+ to enter.)
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