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More About A.J. Irving (She/Her)
Languages: English
A.J. Irving grew up in Boise, Idaho, writing stories and daydreaming about becoming an author. Now, she writes picture books and poetry beneath an old elm tree in Salt Lake City. A.J. is a Lambda Literary Award finalist, Utah Book Award finalist, and the critically acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, The Wishing Flower, and The Bi Book.
As a children’s author and former bookmobile librarian, A.J. is passionate about inspiring kids to love books. When she’s not reading, writing, or dancing, she enjoys exploring Utah with her husband, two children, and their English bulldogs. A.J. is represented by Jordan Hamessley of JABberwocky Literary Agency.
You can find A.J. online at:
A.J. ’s strengths are…
Voice
Pacing
Page turns
Trimming text
Writing from the heart
Crafting lyrical prose
Using figurative language to convey characters’ emotions
Channeling real-life experiences into stories that are universal
Inspiring empathy through stories
Making tough topics relatable and digestible for children
What A.J. is looking for…
A.J. is looking for a mentee who is dedicated to improving their craft and serious about building a career as a traditionally published kidlit creator.
She would love to work with someone who is passionate about pushing boundaries in the picture book space. Someone who craves to create books that stay with children long after they finish them. Someone who *has* to write.
A Note from A.J. :
“Dream big! Never give up!”
A.J. ’s Picture Books
The Bi Book, Written by A.J. Irving, Illustrated by Cynthia Alonso
The Wishing Flower, Written by A.J. Irving, Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh
Dance Like a Leaf, Written by A.J. Irving, Illustrated by Claudia Navarro
If A.J. created a Visual Wish List, it would be made up of…
*Unless otherwise stated, the below serves as a wish list only. Each mentor is excited about the opportunity to find a manuscript they can’t stop thinking about. Please apply if you think you’d be a good fit.
BATHE THE CAT by Alice B. McGinty and David Roberts
NOT LIKE EVERY DAY by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic and Gabrielle Grimard
ADRIAN SIMCOX DOES NOT HAVE A HORSE by Marcy Campbell and Corinna Luyken
OUR WISH FOR YOU by Dano Moreno and Ryan O'Rourke
WHEN YOU CAN SWIM by Jack Wong
THE LONGEST LETSGOBOY by Derick Wilder and Catia Chien
HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS THE RIGHT WAY by Rachel Michelle Wilson
DON’T TRUST FISH by Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat
BOB, NOT BOB by Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanlon, and Matthew Cordell
TRUMAN by Jean Reidy and Lucy Ruth Cummins
DANDY by Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso
A.J. is a good fit for…
Fiction
LGBTQIA+ inclusive stories
SEL
Lyrical language
Heart and humor
Character-driven stories
A.J. is not a good fit for…
Nonfiction
Rhyme
Religious stories
Wordless picture books
Stories with excessive dialogue
Who can apply to A.J. ?
Unagented text-only authors.
LGBTQIA+ applicants are especially encouraged to apply