Kirstie Myvett is the author of several books for children. Her stories are of Black resilience, which exposes children to the diverse American history that helped shape our landscape. She is the co-founder of KidLit in Color, a blog that amplifies BIPOC creatives in the publishing industry. Kirstie believes representation matters in all places and spaces, especially in the pages of books.
Kirstie Myvett is the author of What You Never Knew About Rihanna, What You Never Knew About SZA, and forthcoming titles, The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace (2026), and The Moss Picker (2027).
Kirstie’s life motto is faith, family, friends, and fiction.
The Journey: My Path to Publishing
I’ve been writing since I was 12. I remember my first stories often had a ghostly element to them. I was obsessed with Dracula, Elvira, and scary stories back then. When I started writing with a focus on getting published, it required a lot of work, study, and research.
My first picture book, Praline Lady, was rejected by agents and publishers. I soon realized it was a better fit for a regional publisher. Shortly after its publication in 2020, a writer friend connected me with my agent, and the rest is history. My path to publishing was slow and full of rejections. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything happened as it was meant to be.
The Back Story: How I Got “The Deal”
My first middle-grade book, The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace, comes out this year. I went on submission in 2022. Almost immediately an editor liked it and requested an R&R. I really wanted to work with this editor and publishing house. However, when I was done with revising, the editor had left the agency and publishing altogether. I was back to square one. My agent loved the story and had so much faith it would find a home. I wasn’t so sure. I’ve learned that patience is key. My projects will find the right people to connect with, which is what happened in November of 2024!
The cherry on top was my book inspired the new own voices series, “American Stories for Gutsy Girls.” I couldn’t have even imagined that happening.
The Inspiration: Who/What Inspired Me
My family, friends, church, community, and fellow writers all inspire me. I write mostly historical fiction and am deeply inspired by the ancestors. I think of my grandmothers often when writing. The beauty in nature inspires me. Nothing feeds my soul more than the splendor of sunsets, the red leaves of autumn, or looking upon the ocean or majestic mountains. I truly find inspiration everywhere.
Under the Radar:
There are so many talented authors and illustrators whose work I admire. It’s hard to narrow it down but here are just a few of my favorites. Our Joyful Noise by Gabriele Davis, Ripening Time by Patrice Gopo, A Season for Fishin’: A Fish Fry Tradition by Pamela Courtney, and Zara in the Middle by author/illustrator Erika Lynne Jones. Kim Holt and LaTonya R. Jackson are gifted illustrators who stir up nostalgia, boldness and pride through their artwork.
Connect With Kirstie:
Website – https://www.kirstiemyvett.com/
Instagram – @Kirstiemyauthor
I am so excited about your MG release this year, Kirstie! I loved reading your path to publication with The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace. By the way, I had a pension for ghost stories when I was young. THANK YOU for the shout on A Season For Fishin’, my friend.