Kidlit Author Illustrator Interview with Isabella Kung

Isabella Kung is the author and illustrator of NO FUZZBALL! (Scholastic, 2020) & NO SNOWBALL! (Scholastic, 2022), about a fuzzy feline that was described as an “expressive, endearing little chunk of well-meaning evil” by Kirkus Reviews. Continuing her feline obsession, she also illustrated over 120 cats for the board books 123 CATS and ABC CATS by Lesléa Newman (Candlewick, 2021). Her illustrations have received accolades from institutions such as the Society of Illustrators, Spectrum Fantasy Art, 3×3, Creative Quarterly, and SCBWI. Outside the world of publishing, Isabella teaches illustration and watercolor classes at Storyteller Academy and Etchr Lab. Isabella resides in San Francisco with her husband and two adorable – you guessed it – cats! She is represented by Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary. Today I have the honor to talk with Isabella about her new book, NO SNOWBALL! and her author-illustrator publishing journey.

What inspires you to create picture books?

There are too many reasons to name! For me, picture books are the most fulfilling format of storytelling, and I love a good story. I can create a whole world, share ideas, stir imaginations and evoke emotions with my words and my art, how amazing is that! It’s the kind of puzzle I can’t stop thinking about and I feel exhilarated when I finally solved it. I love creating picture books and I love the audience I’m creating for. Children are amazing and it is an absolute honor to delight and entertain them, to teach and show them our world, to empathize and tell them they are not alone… By keeping them in my mind as I work or reading to them during author visits, I feel ever the more connected to my inner child too. I have found no other format that checks all these boxes, so creating picture books will always be my favorite.

When did you start illustrating and how long did it take to publish your first book? What was your author-illustrator journey like?

I guess I started illustrating ever since I decided to go to art school and pursued a BFA in Traditional Illustration at the Academy of Art University. I still remember my first freelance job halfway through school, it paid peanuts and I barely knew what I was doing, but I learned so much through that experience! When I graduated, I quickly signed with an art representative agency, Wendy Lynn & Co, which got me work illustrating for small press and educational books or programs. The writing bug didn’t bite me until a few years later, after listening to author-illustrators present about their publishing journey at SCBWI conferences. I realized writing is just another skill like illustrating. I also thought: “if they can do it, why can’t I?” I figured as long as I have a good concept and a willingness to work on the craft of writing, I will eventually be able to put together a picture book that I’m proud of! It was right along that time I designed a set of emojis in partnership with REE Stickers and created a sassy black cat named Fuzzball. She has so much personality, I just had to write her a story. NO FUZZBALL! is the second story I have ever attempted to write and illustrate (the first one is neatly shelved for now). 15 drafts later, my current wonder-agent Jenn Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary got me 2 offers and I signed a 2 book deal with Orchard Books, Scholastic. On 8/4/2020, I finally debuted my authored-illustrated book NO FUZZBALL! So from the moment I have developed this character to the publication of my debut author-illustrator book took a total of 5 years. Now, I’m excited for the sequel NO SNOWBALL!, that only took 2 years and half of the time is waiting for it to be produced!

Can you give us a short introduction of NO SNOWBALL?

NO SNOWBALL! is a continuation of NO FUZZBALL’s story – Just when Queen NoFuzzball settles in on her royal life on her new royal ride, a white kitten arrives to her queedom! At first, Fuzzball wants nothing to do with this new stranger and thinks she is an annoying threat to her throne, but she quickly realizes it could be an opportunity to train an heir! Could Snowball shape up to be the Princess Queen NoFuzzball is looking for? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

What do you hope readers will learn or discover from reading NO SNOWBALL?

That cats are the best and we should always worship them! Haha, all jokes aside, I hope readers can relate to the rivalry and love between Fuzzball and Snowball, just like in any sibling relationship. And no matter how annoying siblings can be sometimes, they are family, and it’s always better when they are on your side. I hope it encourages reluctant older siblings to take their younger siblings under their paw. And to the younger siblings, I hope they are never discouraged to be themselves.

What is the most challenging thing you faced while creating NO SNOWBALL?

The most challenging thing was the balancing act between introducing a new character and new elements (dialogue) to the story while still staying true to the previously established voice, jokes, rules and structure set up in the first book. I wanted it to still be a No Fuzzball book but now with a new co-star! I was worried about finding a way to add to this world without taking the spotlight away from Fuzzball. Luckily, I found by introducing her completely opposite – an itty-bitty, clueless, overly enthusiastic, and affectionate white kitten, it complimented my Queen No Fuzzball even more!

How was the editorial process? Did you do any revisions?

Oh yes! Revisions are such a crucial part of the creation process, I don’t know anyone who got a book done without it. Though I am pleased to say NO SNOWBALL! took fewer rounds of revisions than NO FUZZBALL! (It means I’m improving, right?) I did a total of 7 drafts and my wonderful editors provided 4 rounds of editorial feedback.

Since we had an established working relationship, I was able to consult my former royal editor, Kait Feldman, during the early stages of the process. As soon as I got the manuscript to a place I liked and sketched out a rough storyboard, I sent it off to Kait to get her feedback. She and I worked on 2 more rounds of revisions to tighten the dummy. By the fourth round, Kait had moved publishing houses and left me in the amazing hands of Jess Harold. She and I polished up the details a few details, then I was off to finish all the final art. When it was completed, I had a new royal editor, Andy Lopez Soberano. While she and I didn’t have an official editorial revision, she helped me pick a title and we did a last-minute edit on the first couple of sentences of the book. NO SNOWBALL! wouldn’t be where it is without all of my royal editors! I am beyond grateful for them!

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

The most surprising part was how much a picture book can mean to a child! I never thought a humor book about a sassy black cat can help a child grieve the loss of his beloved cat. His parents wrote me a letter and shared that their son even cuddles my book as he goes to bed each night! To know how much my book meant to him made my eyes teary and my heart full!

And in terms of craft, I am surprised by how every single story’s process is different. You would think that I would have a system figured out by now, but I found that I don’t always start the same way and I struggle with different parts of the creative process within each story. It’s always challenging me a new ways! Sometimes find that daunting but also incredibly enticing.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Being able to express myself and tell my story with two remarkable tools; along with the absolute freedom to write in any voice, draw anything I want and paint in whatever style that suits the story.

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

The responsibility and amount of choices that comes with that absolute freedom. It’s a double-edged sword!

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I used to bring a sketchbook with me wherever I go, though the pandemic has really distrubed my sketching habits. But here’s something I realized about myself:

When I am writing, I can’t listen to anything that has words and prefer silence, instrumental or classical music. But when I drawing or paint, I often listen to audiobooks or podcasts, and I tend to gravitate towards the night, allowing my night owl habits to fully emerge.

Have you illustrated other authors’ books? Which do you prefer more – illustrating others’ books or writing and illustrating your own?

Yes, I have! Honestly, I enjoy both! It’s like apples and oranges, they are both delicious and I would hate to live in a world without either of them. Admittedly, I am not as versatile of an author as I am an illustrator, I am simply incapable of creating all the different and wonderful kinds of books out there. Illustrating others’ words allows me to create and stretch my imagination differently. Also, it is easier to be objective on those projects, since I won’t be as attached to the story as the author. Plus, the collaboration is usually really fun. Writing and illustrating my own on the other hand can be limitless! Though the struggle and hardship to get it just right is also daunting and can be increadibly vulenrable.

What’s up next for you?

I have one story on submission that I hope can find the right publishing home soon! I am also working on my very first near-wordless picture book. This story is very different from what I’ve created before. It is a very emotional and personal story for me too. I was very trepidatious at first, doubting why I even want to work on something so out of my comfort zone. But this idea and vision have been revisiting me again and again for the last 4 years, so how can I not feel compelled to create it? I hope to share it witkh the world one day.

Do you have any suggestions you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

Each person’s publishing journey is different. Most of them, including my own, are filled with twists and turns, rejections, and disappointments. There’s no such thing as an overnight success. Behind every success story is years of hard work and persistence. So try not to compare yourself to others (I know, it’s easier said than done!), listen carefully and take time to process critiques, work hard on improving your craft…and when you think you are ready, join SCBWI, network, connect and submit!