Maggie Boudreaux is from Lafayette, Louisiana, and graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in early childhood education. She was inspired to write Miss Betsy the Student Teacher because she loves creating fun stories and wanted to write something that she and others could truly relate to. Maggie believes that having something to relate to can make you feel less alone, and she hopes future teachers—or anyone trying something new and a little scary—can see a bit of themselves in Miss Betsy. In her free time, Maggie enjoys drawing, photography, fashion, sewing, crocheting, designing, and playing with her dog, Kermit. She wrote and illustrated this book while completing her student teaching, and several scenes are inspired by her childhood and the experiences that shaped her path to becoming a teacher.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: In college, I took a children’s literature course and really fell in love with creating stories. I wrote many children’s pieces and even borrowed my sister’s iPad to try illustrating one I loved, but I didn’t like anything I drew or the character I created.
Later, in an education class, we read children’s books about different classroom topics. Around that time, I had just started student teaching and wanted a book I could truly relate to. I looked for children’s books about student teaching but couldn’t find much that showed the reality of becoming a teacher. So, I went home and created the story I have today—something I hope others can relate to.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: You don’t have to be a professional or know everything about writing to be a writer. Every story starts as a simple thought, so the most important thing you can do is get your ideas down on paper. From there, you can refine, shape, and develop those ideas into a story.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: This is a hard question for me because I mostly read dark romance novels. However, in the world of children’s books, my favorite is Miss Nelson Is Missing!
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Miss Betsy, the main character, is based on my life, personality, and appearance. Her name was inspired by my mom.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Honestly, the thinking and imagining. Putting those ideas into words is the hard part.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I believe it can be both. For some people, like me, it’s a skill that develops over time. While I may not be a “great” writer, I’m good at coming up with ideas, and editors help refine how I express them. For others, writing comes more naturally, and they’re able to put their thoughts on paper with ease.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “I want to be a tiny violet, hidden in the grass, unknown in a magnificent enclosed garden in which beautiful lilies and roses grow.” —–St. Faustina
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I’ve begun working on a few ideas for future stories, though none are fully developed yet. While I’m not certain what the future holds for Miss Betsy, I’m hopeful there will be more to come. I’d also love to write an adult novel, but we’ll see what the future holds.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I actually have a few authors I look up to. Penelope Douglas is my favorite adult author—I love her stories. Rina Kent has shown me the importance of writing without fear and fully committing to the story you want to tell. I also love Kyle Beaudette’s dark and humorous art style; I keep up with his work on Instagram. He is actually a teacher and recently came out with a children’s book. I love the Pete the Cat series by James Dean. It’s perfectly imperfect, with fun illustrations and laid-back stories. It showed me that illustrations don’t have to be perfect for kids to love a book. Richard Scarry has also made a huge impact on children’s literature, and I’ve loved his work since I was a child. Dr. Seuss also creates fun, memorable stories that I’ve always enjoyed.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: This might not be the best question for me since I mostly read romance. I’d probably just take the entire Fall Away series by Penelope Douglas. It has five books, so I’d be set!
Learn more about Maggie's debut children's book, Miss Betsy the Student Teacher, here. Coming soon June 2, 2026!