Jeni Chen has always loved to draw. When she was a child, she would carry her sketchbook and pencil crayons everywhere with her. Encouraged to pursue a more practical career, Jeni graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree. She had worked in a variety of fields from scientific research to business to real estate. After the birth of her son, Jeni picked up her childhood passion of drawing and obtained a Fine Art certificate from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Since then, Jeni has been selected for several public art programs in her city. Today, we have the chance to chat with Jeni about her debut picture book EMET’S BOX to be released by Little Press Publishing in spring 2022.
- What inspires you to create picture books?
My son inspired me to create my debut picture book Emet’s Box. As a mom and volunteer at school art programs, I see how brilliant and creative kids are. This book is my message to my son and all the kids out there: I hope they’ll never forget their true selves which are awesome! But even if they forget like I did, it’s okay because it is never too late to re-discover who you really are.
- When did you start illustrating and how long did it take to publish your first book? What was your author journey like?
I got the initial idea of the story in 2016 when my son was 5 years-old. I have no experience making picture book so I took some classes at my local art school and joined the SCBWI. It took me about 6 months working non-stop when my son was at school to finish my dummy book. It took me a year to find a publisher (during which I kept refining my manuscript and illustrations) and another year after signing the publication contract to finish the final illustrations. Emet’s Box is coming out in spring 2022, so it is about 6 years from start to finish.
- Can you give us a short introduction of Emet’s Box?
It about a boy Emet who loves to paint. But grown-ups think he should spend his time doing more important things. When Emet stops doing what he loves, color disappears from his world. What does Emet discover within himself in order to bring color back into his life? It’s a book about following your heart and being true to who you really are.
- What do you hope readers will learn or discover from reading Emet’s Box?
I am a big fan of Joseph Campbell’s philosophy. He said: “My general formula for my students is follow your bliss. Find where it is, and don’t be afraid to follow it.” After reading Emet’s Box, I hope the readers will be inspired to listen to their own hearts and find their bliss. I think children already do those things but society is training them out of that instinct. Maybe this book is for the grown-ups too, to encourage the kids to try different things to find what they love and what they are good at. Ken Robinson (who has the most watched TED Talk of all time) said, you are in your element when you are doing something that you are good at and love.
- How was the editorial process? Did you do any revisions?
Yes, I made more than 10 revisions to my manuscript. I attended several SCBWI critic groups and every time I went to a meeting, I would modify my manuscripts. I also made different dummy books to reflect the changes in the storyline. But once the manuscript reached my publisher, the editorial process was much smoother. I love the edits they made to my story. I think they are professional at what they do and enhanced the way I wanted to express the idea.
- What is the most challenging thing you faced while writing or illustrating Emet’s Box?
The most challenging thing for me was trying to tell the story in a way that people would understand. The SCBWI critic groups were invaluable but sometimes there could be too many opinions and not everyone saw the story the same way as I did. At one time, I tried to change my story to please everyone and that led me to almost giving up because I learned that you cannot please everyone. Then a critique group friend reminded me to listen to my own heart! I went back to my very first manuscript and started from there again.
- What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?
IT IS A LOT OF WORK! It took me 6 years to give shape to the story. I naively thought I could finish my dummy book in a month but it took me 6 months of working on it non-stop. The final illustrations took me a year. A 32-page picture book is like making 32 paintings which is making almost 3 paintings a month.
- What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?
The story is important to me. It is a message that I want to share with my son and as many children as possible. I took my draft to my son’s school and shared the story and my process with his classmates. One of the kids in the class was inspired to make her own picture book. I think that is my favorite part, to be able to connect and touch someone on the level of heart.
- What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?
It is a lot of work and very taxing on the body to draw non-stop. I had to set a timer to get up from my desk every 30 minutes to stretch my muscles and move around, otherwise I get severe back pain.
- How do you describe your art style? How did you find your art style?
What I learned from my illustration class was to try different media and style for a specific story. I also read a lot of pictures books and tried to learn from illustrators that I admire. For Emet’s Box, I wanted to have lots of colors in a painterly style. The outlines were done in pencils to convey a more organic feeling.
- Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
I meditate almost every day. When I couldn’t figure out something, the best strategy for me is to clear my head. It is like starting from a blank state and allowing inspirations to come in. When inspiration comes, I write it down right away or I may forget.
- Have you illustrated other authors’ books? If so, how does it feel to write and illustrate your own book?
No. This is the first book that I wrote and illustrated.
- What’s up next for you?
Right now, I am working on several community-engaged art projects and public art commission. I have an idea for a new picture book and it’s in the marinating-in-my-brain stage right now.
- Do you have any suggestions you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
Read lots of picture books, take some picture book writing or illustrating classes and join your local SCBWI. You can also check out my blog at JeniChen.com/blog where I record everything I’ve learned on my picture book publication journey. Feel free to drop me a line if I can help answer any questions.
Thank you Jeni for stopping by and for sharing your inspiring journey!
Find more about Jeni: https://jenichen.com/
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