Photo: Tricia Gardella, author and lifelong learner, proudly holds her University of Leicester degree, celebrating both academic and creative milestones in her journey.
A Heartfelt Journey Through Writing and Illustrations
Tricia Gardella reflects on earning her degree, crafting heartfelt picture books, and collaborating with illustrators worldwide, showcasing her enduring passion for storytelling, creativity, and inspiring readers with meaningful lessons.
For author Tricia Gardella, storytelling is more than just a craft—it’s a way of life. An award-winning author with decades of experience, Tricia has drawn inspiration from family, traditions, and her many adventures, seamlessly weaving these elements into her beloved picture books. After a remarkable early career in publishing, a twenty-year hiatus, and an exciting return to writing through indie publishing, Tricia’s journey is a story worth telling.
From the outset, Tricia’s life has been as multifaceted as the stories she writes. Heavily influenced by the charm of ranch life, animals, and the bonds of family, she channels these experiences into her books, creating relatable themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Her initial foray into publishing during the 1990s was a tremendous success, with four picture books released by major publishers. During this time, she also wrote weekly picture book reviews for a local paper. However, as life progressed, Tricia stepped away from the literary world and took on a new creative challenge: an ice cream parlor business in California’s Gold Country.
As she reminisced in the Reader’s House interview, this departure from writing was completely unplanned. “All my creative energy went into this new project,” she shared. But years later, after stepping away from the business, enduring personal loss, and navigating the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tricia found herself ready for a new beginning. The rise of independent publishing emerged as the perfect fit, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Many of Tricia’s stories reflect her personal experiences, particularly her focus on family and traditions. “Family and the traditions that come with it are most important to my life,” Tricia revealed. Her natural curiosity and lifelong pursuit of understanding humanity have significantly shaped her writing. Her signature style often combines meaningful life lessons, like accepting differences and persevering, with a touch of humor and silliness.
One particular series that has captured the hearts of readers is Tricia’s captivating Mouse series. In these books, a teleporting mouse embarks on adventures through national parks and monuments. Tricia explained the inspiration behind the idea: “The minute I saw the cover of my book Absurd, Said Bird, illustrated by Ginger Nielson, I knew I wanted to do more books with Mouse.” What began as a passion project has now become a delightful series spanning seven books, with plans to incorporate visits to national monuments every fifth installment. Through this series, Tricia not only entertains her audience but also encourages an appreciation for the nation’s natural wonders.
Tricia’s collaborative approach is another key to her success. She works closely with illustrators from around the world who help bring her stories to life visually. “I rarely tell them what I see,” she said. “I want to see what they see in my words. And so far, I’ve been blessed.” From partnering with illustrators like Ginger Nielson to Greg David, Tricia finds joy and inspiration in their interpretations of her work.
Despite her dedication to writing, Tricia’s life is a tapestry of other creative pursuits, including gardening, knitting, cooking, and rug-making. Though now mostly devoted to writing, she admits these hobbies have been invaluable in fueling her creativity and providing fresh ideas for her books. For instance, her book Where’s Gramma is an autobiographical nod to the diversity of her experiences, blending real-life elements with charming embellishments.
When asked for advice for aspiring writers, especially those looking to break into children’s books or return to writing after a hiatus, Tricia offered invaluable wisdom. “Writing and publishing are the easy parts,” she admitted. “The challenge is finding a way to get the world to see what you have written.” A staunch advocate for persistence, she emphasized the importance of building recognition early in an author’s career and, above all, writing good books. Her straightforward advice encourages writers to focus on their craft while navigating the often daunting process of marketing and self-promotion in the indie publishing sphere.
With over 30 published books to her name, Tricia Gardella continues to inspire readers with her genuine stories, timeless lessons, and relentless creativity. Her passion for storytelling and her ability to adapt to new opportunities serve as an inspiration to aspiring authors everywhere. Whether through the adventures of Mouse or the reflections in her autobiographical stories, Tricia reminds us all that creativity knows no bounds and that it’s never too late to start anew.
For more on this extraordinary author and her journey, readers can find the original interview in Reader’s House magazine.
