Trick or Treat with Deb Adamson!

Hi parents, librarians, book fanatics, writers, and readers of all sorts! Gob-Lynne Marie and I, Heather-ween Macht, are here to say: Happy October to you all! We're so thrilled to have you here, Trick-or-Treating with us and all of our charming guests this season.

Today, we're kicking off our festivities with an author who has been on FIRE lately. Deb Adamson is here with us to talk about her new book, Goodnight, Broom: A Spine-Tingling Spoof. She’s also giving us a sneak peek at other books of hers that will be flying onto shelves soon.

Want to know more about Deb and her new release that’s perfect for October PLUS want to know whether she’s handing out a Trick or a Treat? Read on… if you dare. ☠️

Q: Hi, Deb! Thanks for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit for our Annual Trick-or-Treat Event! We’re thrilled to have you back on the blog and hear all about your book that’s perfect for spooky season!

So, let’s start by saying HOLY COW!!! What an amazing year you’ve had. Before we dive into Goodnight, Broom, can you share what books you’ve had published this year and what books we can look out for soon? 

A: First let me say, thank you for having me on your blog, Heather! HOLY COW is definitely how I walk around feeling most days. This publishing year has been a long time coming—well over 20 years of dreams come true. So, far this year

I’ve had four books released, including GOODNIGHT BROOM. A THANK YOU LETTER TO MY HOMESCHOOL published by Sourcebooks Kids and gorgeously illustrated in watercolor and colored pencil, by Airin O’Callaghan was the first to launch this spring and has exceeded all my expectations for how well it has been received. Homeschool families are loving this picture book and really “getting it” in the way I had hoped. I wrote it as a love letter to the lifestyle, knowing that those who choose the path are passionate about it and would hopefully see their kids and themselves on the page. My husband and I homeschooled our son, so this one really came from the heart. The next two books released were Little Golden Books published by Random House Kids. FOURTH OF JULY FUN, Illustrated by Taia Morley features all the great activities that happen on the Fourth, focusing on what makes it the best summer holiday! My family has always celebrated Independence Day in a big way and I know many others do too, so I had a great time rhyming my way through it! I’m A PRESCHOOL KID, illustrated by Tasneem Amiruddin is written for rising preschoolers who may be excited but a little apprehensive about their first year of school. I wrote that one because I could not find the exact preschool book I needed for a family member who was feeling that way.

GOODNIGHT BROOM released in July and I’m currently having a blast officially launching it for spooky season! I love that this book speaks to not only children but also adults. I’ve already taken it to a few bookstore story times and signings, and it is a thrill to have adults tell me they are buying it for themselves because GOODNIGHT MOON was their favorite childhood bedtime story. It was mine and my sons too! So, writing this parody was some of the most fun writing I have ever done! Mashing up a classic with a spooky theme was just a blast! I have to share that a recent review on Amazon mentions a child who loves GOODNIGHT BROOM so much she sleeps with it. Now that one made me get a lump in my throat.

The next book to release is the Little Golden Book CHRISTMAS DAY CHEER. It features a little family of mice counting down the days to Christmas with all the activities that make the advent season so joyful and anticipated. Coming in 2026 are three picture books that are all so different and exciting! ECO THE LITTLE ELECTRIC TAXI, a vehicle book, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan releases with Penguin Workshop, A THANK YOU LETTER TO MY TEACHER illustrated by Natalie Briscoe releases with Sourcebooks Kids and one more with Penguin that has yet to be announced! Then in 2027 SUNDAY SPAGHETTI illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti with Sourcebooks Kids and two more yet to be announced!

Oh my! That is all seriously spook-tacular news!

Q: You’ve been at this a long time, and you’ve always been on fire but recently, you’re burning up (no Salem witch pun intended, lol). What was a turning point for you to get here? Did you attend a conference or make good connections or pair with the perfect agent or was it pure luck? Inquiring minds (me especially) would love to know!

A: Haha. I’m actually headed to Salem, MA soon for a GOODNIGHT BROOM book signing and broom making event, so I love the pun! To be honest the turning point has been a long, slow, sometimes fun but occasionally painful, buildup. I can’t say that I have tried nonstop for over 20 years to step back into publishing. I had two books published before I had my son 24 years ago. One was with Millbrook Press. Then I took a long break to really focus on homeschooling. I read children’s books to him, of course and wrote but did not query at that time. Once he launched, I decided it was time to step back in. But it didn’t just happen. One of my favorite quotes is from rocker Steven Tyler in his song, Dream on. “You’ve got to lose to know how to win.”  I believe as authors if we stick with it and do the work, we start to understand what it is we are supposed to be writing, what we are doing wrong, how to do it well and also learn about the business of this publishing business. It took me a long to time get these things figured out. And just when I was thinking about quitting, these five deals all came at once. It was unfathomable at the time and even as I’m living it, I have pinch-me days.

Q: What’s the most challenging part about being a #kidlit creator? How about the most rewarding part?

A: The most challenging part of being a kidlit creator is querying and having hope but still receiving those rejections. Yes, I have had much success these past few years, but I still get many passes. I don’t think I will ever not feel that pit in my stomach when I open an email that is a no. But of course, I know it is all part of it, so I think I am getting better at accepting it! Mostly.

Q: What advice do you have for other authors struggling to get published? 

A. Do not give up. It’s as simple as that. I know for some, like me, it takes longer than for others. But if the hard work is done—reading the genre, going to workshops, finding critique partners and writing more and more, always polishing, the work will find a home. I hope I can serve as inspiration for someone who may be ready to throw in the towel. Just keep at it. 

Q: How do you best get in the writing spirit?

A: I have always been a runner, so running or sometimes walking are the best ways for me to get into the writing mode. There is something almost magical that happens when I am finishing up a run. Ideas flow more easily.

BONUS: What’s both your favorite and least favorite candy? What would you be thrilled to receive in your candy bag, and what would you desperately try to trade?

My favorite candy is a Snicker’s bar. Least favorite is candy corn. I’d be trading that for sure!

Would you like to leave a Trick or Treat for our readers?

I'm giving away a Treat! A giveaway copy of GOODNIGHT, BROOM!

WOW - What a Fang-tastic treat. Thanks again for stopping by, Deb. It was such a pleasure hearing about your inspiring year and getting a closer look at your book.

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter Deb's giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank her for stopping by and 2) share her post on social media. Broom or googly-eyed GIFs are welcomed, too!

Please Note: Books/giveaways will be shipped in the U.S. only.

*Special Reminder: Those who like, leave a comment on, and share all posts will be entered into a drawing and be eligible to win:

• One (1) of five (5) Rate Your Story Speed Passes perfect for quick MS feedback, provided by Editor Lynne Marie & Author Heather Macht and/or

• A Query Critique from Agent  Lynnette Novak with The Seymour Agency 

Winners will be drawn and announced on or about 10/22. 

About Deb Adamson:

Deb Adamson grew up exploring the Massachusetts shoreline and now lives along the Connecticut coastline. She writes books with heart, humor, and to encourage curiosity. She was a former broadcast news journalist, freelance essayist, and syndicated columnist for Gatehouse News Service. She was also a public relations director and spokesperson for a major US aquarium. She is currently a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

For more about Deb, check out the below links:

Website: https://debadamson.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/debadamsonbooks/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debadamsonbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deb.adamson.39/

X: https://x.com/DebAdamsonBooks

Amazon (for book reviews and purchases): Amazon.com: Deb Adamson: books, biography, latest update

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