Author Interview: Ann Diament Koffsky

Welcome to my ongoing author interview series! Today, I'm excited to feature Ann Koffsky, a talented children's author and illustrator whose work has captured the imaginations of young readers. Ann creates books that not only entertain but also inspire and educate.

In this interview, we'll explore Ann's creative process, learn about the message she hopes to convey to readers and what she has to say about her Jewishness as an author in a post October 7 world. Whether you're an aspiring author, a dedicated reader, or simply curious about the world of children's literature, you'll find this conversation both informative and inspiring.

GG: How as an illustrator do you feel having someone ELSE illustrate your book?

AK: Ooh, it was hard! When I am BOTH the author and illustrator, I have a fuller control of the vision for the book. Of course, I collaborate with editors and designers, but I have my hand in the full process. This time, I had to let go, and after the words were done give over it's caring and feeding to the illustrator, Abigail Rajunov. Fortunately, it wasn't TOO hard to let go, because she did a wonderful job. She brought so much energy and warmth to each spread. I'm very happy with how she cared for our baby!

GG: Tell me about the process. I often receive queries from would-be children's book writers.

AK: Writing the manuscript and getting it be as strong as I could make it took time, of course. First I did a chunk of research, reading every article in the media that I could find about Estee's story. Then I reached out to Estee, herself, and she kindly let me interview her several times. I then wrote the story and shared it with my two stellar writing groups, getting their feedback. That went back and forth, back and forth---kind of like Ping Pong! Until I finally was able to share it with PJ Library for consideration. Once PJ accepted it, I shared it with my agent, and she put it on submission. That process itself—waiting for publishers to read and reply—itself took another chunk of time—probably a little more than 6 months I think.

GG: How do you feel about marketing Jewish books post October 7?

AK: Since the world turned upside down on October 7, my response has been to actually get a little louder about my Jewishness. I feel like getting Jewish joy out there, and being proudly Jewish is so important now, and so promoting my books almost feels like a mission, not just promo/ advertising. Of course, it's definitely promotion, too! I don't mean to say that I'm, like, feeding the hungry or something when I send out a press release. But there is something meaningful now about choosing to be visibly and publicly Jewish these days. To me.

GG: What message do you hope to convey to readers?

AK: Estee's courage in knowing her values and willingness to sacrifice for them I think speaks volumes. I'd love for readers to see how important Jewish values were to Estee, and maybe even translate that to thinking about what values they might be willing to stand up for, too.

GG: What do you think your work says about contemporary American Jewish society?

AK: There is something in this story about how much Jewish people are a PART of the greater American story- after all, Estee plays in the US Nationals! Can't get more American than that. And yet Estee, because of her unique heritage, also cares about something that no other ping pong athlete at her event does: Shabbat. So there is something in this story about the tension of identities, between being both a proud American athlete, and proudly Jewish too.

GG: Who is the best reader for this book?

AK: Oh, so many. Anyone who wants to celebrate Girl power—go Estee! To have a window and deeper understanding of Shabbat, and it's beauty. Anyone who values standing up for what's important—I think that's everyone, no?