Once I became an adult and started to pursue writing as a professional career, I realized my main characters were always young people. My stories nat…

- Renee Watson

I have always known that I wanted to work with youth through the arts and I believe the arts can help young people cope with hardship.

- Renee Watson

One important thing I take away daily is that for all the talk about what youth are not doing - especially young people of color - I know there are m…

- Renee Watson

I have known I wanted to be a writer since I was seven-years-old. Seriously. In the second grade I wrote a 21-page story and handed it in to my teach…

- Renee Watson

I have a writing space in my apartment, but I prefer to write at coffee shops. When I'm stuck, I take a walk and spend time outside to clear my mind.…

- Renee Watson

Post-publication I have been surprised at the limited resources publishers have to promote books. I certainly knew that being a new author, I would h…

- Renee Watson

Students can't leave their lives at the door when they come to school. They bring with them whatever is going on at home and in their communities. Po…

- Renee Watson

I have learned patience, for sure. Pre-publication is a long waiting game, especially for authors of picture books. We write the manuscript, sign the…

- Renee Watson

In my writing I hope to have a balance between the good and bad, the hard and soft.

- Renee Watson