Frequently Asked Questions

How do you come up with your ideas?

I used to get “stuck” thinking of writing ideas and worried my ideas weren’t good enough. Then, I slowly realized that story ideas are EVERYWHERE. Sometimes I’ll just stop what I’m doing and look around!

What’s the best part of being a writer?

There’s a little bit of magic involved in putting your thoughts down on paper to share with others. I love seeing how others engage with and relate to something out of my imagination.

who are some of your favorite authors?

The first writer I ever heard share his writing was my dad. He wrote and read stories to my sister and me as we were growing up and I’ve wanted to be like him ever since. He will always be my biggest writing mentor.

Some other creators I admire are Cori Doerrfeld, Jane Yolen, Melissa Sweet, Jessie Sima, Carter Higgins, Corinna Luyken, Salina Yoon, Jacqueline Woodson, Kate DiCamillo, Dan Santat, and David Litchfield.

Do you write every day?

Absolutely! And chances are, you do too! From emails to checklists to text messages — we are constantly writing. Everything I write is a chance to practice: Who is my audience? What is the purpose? Can I say what I want to in a clear, concise way? I find that the more purposeful I am doing everyday writing, the better my time is spent when I sit down to work on my picturebooks.

Are you Working on anything else right now?

Yes! I am always working on something! While I can’t go into details, I will say I’m dabbling in nonfiction and even a little bit of poetry!

Wait, I thought your last name was galle-from. Did you make up your author name?

No, I didn’t make it up. My full name is Emily Skeie Kilgore Galle-From! (It’s long, I know!) Some people — especially my students! — may know me as Mrs. Galle-From, but I decided to write under my maiden name: Emily Kilgore. You can call me any of those names and I’ll know you’re talking to me!

I want you to speak at my event! Can You Do that?

I love meeting with readers and will do my best to come to your event, whether virtually or in-person! As a teacher, I enjoy being around large groups of children and as a former bookseller, I always feel at-home in an indie bookstore! Fill out a request in the contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

I love your work! Where can I leave a review?

Thank you! Reviews make a big difference. The best ways to share reviews are by posting your thoughts on Goodreads, Amazon, and by good old-fashioned word of mouth. Know someone who would love my work? Tell them!