There are many writers who have influenced me and who I enjoy reading, but Lucille Clifton and Gwendolyn Brooks are at the top of the list. — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“The aroma from Mom’s chopped herbs and sprinkled spices swims through the house. The pots are shaking to a boil; the oven is warming.… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
“I wonder if any of these boys ever sit in a room for boys' talk night and discuss how to treat women. Who teaches… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
Picture books are more difficult for me because it is telling a huge story in the least amount of words. — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
One important thing I take away daily is that for all the talk about what youth are not doing - especially young people of… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“But when I leave? It happens again. The shattering. And this makes me wonder if a black girl's life is only about being stitched… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“I wonder how he felt at night. When the star-filled sky blanketed him, did he ever think about what his life was like before… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
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… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“Those girls are not the opposite of me. We are perpendicular. We may be on different paths, yes. But there’s a place where we… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
I have always known that I wanted to work with youth through the arts and I believe the arts can help young people cope… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
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 Copy Share Image
Once I became an adult and started to pursue writing as a professional career, I realized my main characters were always young people. My… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“Makes me feel like no matter how dressed up we are, no matter how respectful we are, some people will only see what they… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
In my writing I hope to have a balance between the good and bad, the hard and soft. — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“And this makes me wonder if a black girl’s life is only about being stitched together and coming undone, being stitched together and coming… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
I teach young people how the arts can be used to stand up against injustice. — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
