Holly DiBella-McCarthy
Website:
Visit the site
What do you want your legacy as an author to be?
I want to be remembered as a teacher who continued to inspire and educate in fun, interactive ways long after my career in education. Through my books, I hope to continue to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children, leaving a lasting impact on them and the adults who read with them.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned is how much I enjoy the creative process of writing children's books. After years of writing non-fiction, developing characters like Dilly Duck, Billy Beaver, and Boss B has been a joy. I love how playful and rewarding it is to bring these characters to life for young readers.
If you weren’t an author, what career would you have pursued?
Being an author is my second career. I spent over 30 years teaching, from pre-K through college, and for the last 15 years, I was the director of special education in a public school district. I've always had a passion for teaching, and now, through my books, I can continue sharing that love of learning with others.
What’s your favorite piece of writing advice?
Time Management is critical for success. I often discuss the juggling act of being a children’s book author and how we need to keep five balls up in the air: writing every day, learning new skills, engaging with the author community and industry leaders, marketing, and "me time."
Which book of yours was the most difficult to write, and why?
The most challenging book for me to write was To New Beginnings, a gift for new teachers designed to replace a traditional graduation card. Condensing over 30 years of experiences, best practices, and practical advice into a format that felt personal and inspiring—rather than like another textbook—was a growth experience. I wanted to create a meaningful resource that helps first-year teachers succeed and encourages them to use humor to de-stress and maintain positivity.
If you could live in one of your book’s worlds, which one would it be?
If I could live in one of my book worlds, I’d spend the spring and summer in Wonder Way Park, surrounded by vibrant adventures and delightful characters. In the fall and winter, I’d retreat to Letterland, and cozy up in a charming cottage with like-minded friends, enjoying the peaceful beauty and the magic of letters and words!
What’s the best fan interaction you’ve ever had?
The best fan interaction I’ve had was with a young child who ran up to me with a Dilly Plushy in her arms and gave me a big hug. Her mom explained that this little one wouldn’t go to bed without my book Dilly Duck Plays All Day and her Dilly Duck Plushie. It was such a heartwarming moment to know my work was making a difference.
What’s next on your writing journey?
What's next on my writing journey? For the first time, I'm thrilled to collaborate with my son, an artist, on a fantasy realism picture book for children. Together, we're telling a story based on an actual event to help children understand and cope with death, and I can't wait to see how our combined creativity will bring this important message to life!
How do you come up with your book titles?
Developing book titles is one of my favorite parts of the process. I enjoy brainstorming with myself over several weeks, continuously adding new ideas to the list. Once I have a collection, I narrow it down based on research to ensure the title is unique and will resonate with my audience. It’s a thoughtful, creative process that always excites me!