Dr. Jenna Marx Shares “The Most Boringest Thing”

Lebanon Valley College’s Dr. Jenna M. Marx, Associate Professor of Psychology, published The Most Boringest Thing, an illustrated children’s book that features unforgettable adventure, lovable main characters, and playful, rhyming language.

Marx shares her personal connection with the story and advice for new writers.

What inspired you to write a children’s book?

The book is based on a tale my father told me as a bedtime story when I was young. Recently, watching him read to my toddler daughter, I became sentimental and recalled those positive moments we had together as I drifted off to dreamland. I knew that writing it down and sharing the story of “the man who wanted to find the most boringest thing in the world to do” with others would be the perfect gift for my father’s 70th birthday.

What are the themes/lessons your book teaches?

The main lesson is to be mindful and stay present, especially to cherish the moments you have with your loved ones.

What are some tips/considerations you’d mention to others considering writing a children’s book?

I am so pleased to have worked with Adam Lauritsen. He is an amazingly talented illustrator who made the vision I had for the story come to life with his beautiful artwork. Early on, I chose to hire an illustrator because I knew he would capture the emotions I wanted to convey with the story. For others considering writing a children’s book, especially those looking to pitch to a traditional publisher, it’s important to keep in mind that traditional publishers will likely want to supply their own artist, and that you’ll have little to no control over the visual piece of the product. There are pros and cons to traditional and self-publishing, so I encourage aspiring authors to consider their goals in writing before choosing one path or the other.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about the book or the process?

The moment when the printed book first arrived and I opened the packaging was one I’ll always remember. To see and hold the final product of a project I had worked so hard on filled me with pride. It warms my heart imagining children and their grown-ups reading the story together!