Write Now with Scrivener Episode 51: Lisa Yee, Author of Books for Children and Young Adults
Jun 4, 2025
Lisa Yee, a celebrated author of children's and young adult literature, shares her journey from juggling various jobs to becoming a prolific writer. She delves into her night owl writing routine, the importance of emotional depth in children's books, and her experience of breaking into children's publishing. Lisa discusses the significance of school visits, how illustrations enhance her storytelling, and her innovative use of Scrivener for organizing her work. She also highlights the impact of teachers and librarians in guiding kids to discover books.
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Night Owl Writing Habit
- Lisa Yee became a night owl because writing time came after her day job and family obligations.
- She still writes late (around 2–3 AM) because that quiet time fuels her creativity.
Becoming An Author Later
- Lisa always wanted to be an author but hid it and pursued many writing-adjacent jobs instead.
- She began writing books seriously after becoming a mom and deciding she had to try what she always wanted.
First Novel's Unexpected Path
- Her first published novel grew from an adult manuscript and a separate children's idea sent to Arthur Levine.
- Levine asked for more and that unfinished children's idea became Millicent Min, Girl Genius.
