Chloe Ito Ward is the Japanese American author of Love Grows Here, published by Albert Whitman & Co., and illustrated by Violet Kim. She is a former curriculum director and kindergarten teacher. Chloe divides her time between the Pacific Northwest and Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, and when she isn’t perfecting herramen recipe, you can find her rock climbing or racing her husband, son, and their imaginary dog, Miso, across Kalapaki beach. Visit Chloe's website to learn more about her and her writing.
You can find her on Instagram, threads and X at @chloeitoward
1. Do you work on multiple projects at the same time?
I do. I find that my brain works best creatively bouncing around, sort of like a pinball machine. I’ll focus on a story for a few days and then put it aside for a bit, write something new, or revise a previous manuscript. It allows me to see each story more clearly. I’m usually juggling about six or more projects at a time. I write mostly picture books though, so it is easier to keep track of the various plots/voices. I imagine if I was trying to write multiple novels at the same time, that might be different.
2. To what extent is your writing inspired by your own experience?
Everything I write has a little piece of me in it. I tend to draw on my own memories, experiences, and identities. I didn’t see a lot of myself in picture books or media as a kid, and I want to help change that.
3. When you begin creating a book, do you always know where the story is going?
I don’t. When I start a book, it begins with some element, either a character that wants to be put on the page, a title that popped into my head, a great first sentence, or the ending spread. Writing a book feels like putting together a puzzle. I can see bits and pieces to start with, but it takes time to pull it all together. Every now and then I get really lucky, and the entire story pours out from start to finish.
4. What was the timeline for Love Grows Here, from idea to publishing?
I had the idea for Love Grows Here in 2020, dove into writing and editing the story in 2021, received an offer early in fall of 2022, and it published on April 4th 2024th. In the picture book world, this is a fast turnaround time. I sold two other picture books, Made for More and Chopsticks Are, around the same time, and they come out in 2025 and 2026!
5. What’s a particularly memorable reaction someone has had to this book?
Someone who read an Advanced Reader Copy of Love Grows Here messaged me to say how much the book touched them, how they faced racism a lot as a kid, felt alone with their feelings, and are grateful that my book it is out in the world. That made me emotional. If my book can make one person feel seen then I have done my job, that brings me such joy.
6. How was the editorial process? Did you do any revisions? Did you have a lot of collaboration with the illustrator?
Love Grows Here was the most difficult picture book for me to edit and revise to date. I think because the style of writing is more traditional, it follows a distinct plot and features more prose. My natural writing style has a more fluid structure, more concept than plot, and very poetic. I struggled with many, many drafts of this book. It was also one of the very first books I wrote so the learning curve was steep!
I did not collaborate with the illustrator, which is pretty typical with traditionally published picture books. I did share a few thoughts when asked. I remember telling my editor that I thought the hair sticks in one character’s hair looked a little long, like chopsticks. So, they changed that. But I try to be hands off as much as possible when it comes to illustrations since that isn’t my talent.
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