Q&A with Rebecca Gardyn Levington

 

 

Rebecca Gardyn Levington is the author of the new children's picture book Write Here, Write Now. Her other books include Afikoman, Where'd You Go?. She lives in New Jersey.

 

Q: How was Write Here, Write Now’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: I love wordplay and often use puns and idioms to spark initial ideas for my stories. Write Here, Wright Now’s original title was actually Write On!, which came from a t-shirt I own and love.

 

I looked back at my drafts and it seems at some point I decided to change the title to Write Now! I can’t remember why, but my guess is that I probably was concerned that younger kids wouldn’t know the ‘60s-esque saying “right on!” and wouldn’t get the pun. Also, I liked the energy of “Write Now!” as an immediate directive to the reader.

 

Then I think while I was drafting, the hit early-‘90s song “Right Here, Right Now,” by Jesus Jones, popped into my head. I thought that would be a fun title and I guess my publisher liked it too because it stuck!  

 

For me, the title is a great reminder that (as I say in the book): “anytime is right to write!” So, why not start right HERE, right NOW?!

 

Q: Did you like to write as a child?

 

A: Oh, yes! I was constantly writing (and reading!) and I always loved poetry.

 

In fact, I still have a notebook I started when I was a tween, where I’d copy in longhand, poems and quotes from poets like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, e.e. cummings, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, Dorothy Parker, etc., and then I’d try my hand at creating new poems in a similar structure or theme.

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am so lucky to have a bunch of projects in various stages of development right now, so I’m currently working a bunch of things – making edits and writing back matter, giving feedback on art, negotiating new contracts. All super exciting!

 

I do have four more books coming out in 2025, and I’d love to share a little about the next two…

 

I Will Always Be…, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell, will release from HarperCollins on April 15, 2025. It is an inspirational rhyming concept picture book that encourages kids to celebrate their passions — whether or not they ever make it to Broadway or the big leagues.

 

Finding Forgiveness, illustrated by Diana Mayo, will release from Farrar, Straus & Giroux on Aug. 5, 2025. It is a story about two sisters making amends after an awful fight, set against the backdrop of Tashlich, a special atonement ceremony that takes place during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I’d love to connect with all your readers! I have a monthly newsletter where I share updates, book recommendations, and tips that have helped (and continue to help) me navigate my writing journey. I also answer questions from readers.

 

To learn more about me and my books or to sign up for the newsletter, please visit my website: https://rebeccagardynlevington.com. I also have an archive of past newsletters on my “Resources For Writers” page, so folks can get a feel for the content before subscribing.

 

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Deborah!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Rebecca Gardyn Levington.