I first "met" Sandra when we were part of the same writer’s group. At our first meeting I was struck by her depth of insight in seeing to the heart of what a manuscript truly needed, and I was all the more impressed when I had the privilege of reading part of her work-in-progress at the time. We’re still in a writing group together, but this one focuses on picture books. Naturally, Sandra’s manuscripts are always overflowing with joy, tenderness, and brilliance. Just as naturally, she has three amazing picture books coming out in the coming two years! Congratulations to Sandra, and congratulations to all of us who will have the pleasure of enjoying these and many more of her books.

In conversation with Sandra Nickel

First off, can you tell me a bit about your forthcoming books?

Absolutely! In 2020 and 2021, I have three nonfiction picture books coming out. Each is about an unsung hero. Nacho's Nachos tells the true story of Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who invented one of the world’s favorite snacks. You can find nachos everywhere from Egypt to Russia to their birthplace in Mexico. But, most people don’t know that a generous, hardworking man named Nacho invented them 80 years ago. Nacho’s Nachos tells Anaya’s story and what happened when a regular customer asked for something new and there were no chefs in the kitchen.

My 2021 books are about two women who changed the way we understand our world. The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe tells how Rubin made the momentous discovery that dark matter—the invisible stuff between the stars—exists. Breaking Through the Clouds: The Sometimes Turbulent Life of Meteorologist Joanne Simpson tells how Simpson discovered the immense power of those puffy white clouds that change shape throughout the day. Each of these women were powerhouses of science, known within their fields for not only their historic work, but also for going out of their way to help young astronomers and meteorologists, especially women. I’m in full awe of both of them. Some people say, “What!?! A picture book about dark matter? A picture book about the power of clouds?” But I’m a firm believer that NO topic is too complicated for kids. You just have to find the right way to tell it. 

I'm one of the many who had no idea nachos were invented by (and named after) someone! What a fabulous story, especially for a picture book. I'm sure many wonder how you discovered this morsel of information, and how did you go about researching for this project?

I’ve been a lifelong nacho fan. I ate them every weekend as a kid in these fantastic local Mexican restaurants in my hometown. Fast forward to six years ago, when I was making a batch of nachos at home. I thought, Hmm, I wonder who invented these? Now, I want to pause here and reflect on this for a moment. I have never in my life thought, Hmm, I wonder who invented tacos? Or, fajitas. Or, tostadas. I simply assumed those dishes were part of culinary evolution. I consider my mind’s question about a nacho inventor to be a gift of creativity. One of those inexplicable ideas that is offered for no other reason than the story needs to be told.

My first search of the internet revealed that Ignacio Anaya was the inventor, but beyond that there wasn’t much agreement on the details. At first, I thought I would go with the version that seemed most likely and expand on it through narrative nonfiction. The more I thought about it, though, the more I was convinced that kids deserved the true story, the straight story. I travelled to Piedras Negras, spoke to as many people as I could, gathered photographs, watched the original version being prepared, and then followed up with a long email exchange with Luis Anaya, Nacho’s grandson, and other descendants. I also had the good luck to discover two newspaper articles on microfilm, for which Nacho himself was interviewed. I put all of this together and it became Nacho’s Nachos: The True Story of the World’s Favorite Snack. And here I would like to emphasize world’s. It might surprise some to know that I have found—and of course eaten—nachos in England, Switzerland, France, Spain, Russia, Egypt, Dubai, Italy, and Thailand. I think it’s important for folks to know that it is because of Nacho and his quick thinking that so many people around the world have shared time with friends and family gathered around this simple and spectacular snack.

I also love the notion that no topic is too complicated for kids as long as it's told the right way. I especially love this at this point in history where we're struggling to explain things like social distancing and global pandemics. How can authors address something so potentially frightening for young readers?

Kids see everything and are very aware of what is around them. Although I’m not an expert or child psychologist, I would say the best approach for addressing anything frightening, is to discuss it. Children have huge antennae for picking up anything hidden. So, be honest. Share straightforward facts. Get them to ask the questions on their minds and directly answer those questions. Also, kids—like anyone—like to know what they personally can do. They are action oriented. So, teach them about washing their hands regularly and the importance of not touching their faces.

I also believe this a wonderful opportunity for reminding kids that we are all in this life together—a wonderful chance to brainstorm how to bring beauty to others. Yesterday, all the kids in village down the road put up colorful artwork they had created outside their homes. It was a way to give to others, to brighten the day, to say we are all in this together and we will be fine. Isn’t that magnificent!?!

I love your approach of practical actions and bringing beauty to others. Your books will help bring beauty to all of us! I wonder how your workflow has changed lately. Is writing easier, harder, or has it stayed the same? And what does or did your writing day look like?

My *usual* day is to write in the morning. When I first started putting stories to paper, I used to stay at my desk struggling over different problems. Now, if I run into a bump, I only allow myself to struggle a little. The best way to sort out problems, at least for me, is to go for a walk with our dog, Hailey. Invariably, resolutions to problems pop into my head, and depending on my mood, I either record a voice message to myself or send myself a quick text. I've learned from hard experience that no matter how vivid and "right" a solution is at the time it appears, if I don't make note of it immediately in word or voice, it will disappear by the time I get back to my office.

About my current writing, spring has been tough. All the deaths from the coronavirus have weighed heavy on me, as has George Floyd's death. I was horrified and deeply upset by the reminder of racial injustice that continues in our country. I know that writers often fall on two sides of responding to the horrors of life: revealing the darkness for what it is and trying to lift up readers so that we can continue with energy, joy and hope. Both are valuable. Both are much needed. I fall in the second category, and am especially serious about that mission since I write for young readers. 

So true! During these challenging times especially, how do you foster creativity in non-writing ways? Is there anything that particularly inspires or feeds you?

Absorbing creativity by others, whatever it is, lifts me up and makes me want to bring more to the world. Chagall's stained glass windows. A sunset over Lake Geneva. Hodler's paintings of the Swiss Alps. A Brahms concerto. Any and all poetry. The soaring arches of a cathedral. The rhythm of a beat box. These all make me grab a pencil or voice recorder and spill out my heart. I have so much that hasn't yet made it into a story. But whether it does or doesn't, this the fuel of life for me.

Thank you, Sandra, for sharing a bit about your books and your heart! You can order Sandra’s first book at the link above or visit her website for more about her and her work!