An interview with Evgenia Mantikas ’25MFA
What are the most impactful things you have done during your graduate program at Simmons?
Two things come to mind: First, this semester, I completed the first draft of my middle-grade portal fantasy. I didn’t think I could finish an entire novel in just four months, but here we are, and it’s done! Second, I met my best friend and classmate, Elifgül Büyükoral, in “Writing Workshop 1” [CHL 430]. Elifgül is Turkish, and I’m Greek. Our countries have a long and complicated history. Regardless, we connected immediately. Inspired by our friendship, we co-wrote a picturebook called Ege and Ávra, which will be published by Charlesbridge in Fall 2026.
Tell us about your research and area of specialization.
As a graduate student in the Children’s Literature MFA program [Children’s Literature: Writing for Children], I’ve spent the last two years studying kid lit (i.e., children’s literature). I’m particularly interested in picturebooks and middle grade novels that focus on the intersection between culture and community.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
This is a tough question. There are so many incredible courses through the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature (CSCL) at Simmons. I’ve taken classes on humor, fairy tales, the history of publishing, picturebooks — plus all the workshops! But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be [the aforementioned] “Writing Workshop 1.” It was my very first class at Simmons. I came in nervous, stressed about leaving my home and job in New York and walked out completely inspired. In just two hours, I had found a community of writers who were all excited to grow and create. It felt magical.
Who was your most inspirational Simmons professor/mentor and why?
I’ve been lucky to have so many amazing mentors at Simmons. Faculty member Michelle Cusolito stands out because she introduced me to the world of picturebooks. Before her class, I had only ever written middle grade. Cusolito, who is a brilliant author herself, challenged us to try writing a picturebook. That assignment unlocked something in me. Suddenly, stories and memories from my childhood came pouring out. I found a whole new way to use my voice. Without Cusolito, I wouldn’t be publishing my first book! She changed my life. She continues to change my life, and I’ll always be grateful to her.
PS: Everyone should pre-order Michelle Cusolito’s upcoming picturebook, In the World of Whales [with illustrations by Jessica Lanan] (Neal Porter Books-Penguin Random House, 2025). It’s magical!
How has Simmons prepared you for your intended profession?
Simmons’ CSCL has given me everything I need to grow as a writer. I’ve built a strong foundation in theory, developed my craft, and gained a deeper understanding of the discipline as a whole. But maybe the most valuable lesson has been this: writers don’t have to go it alone. Writing can be isolating. We spend so much time at our desks, in our own heads. It’s easy to feel disconnected. Through the CSCL, though, I’ve seen again and again that we’re part of a vibrant, supportive kid lit community. That sense of connection and belonging is something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
What is your favorite Simmons memory?
This past April, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair with the CSCL Department. It was amazing to experience kid lit from around the world alongside my professors and classmates. One of the absolute highlights was meeting publishing legends like Neal Porter, Sydney Smith, and Karen Boss ’95 ’13MA. Sharing that moment with my Simmons-based children’s literature community made it even more unforgettable.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
Make the most of your time here and get to know the people around you. Talk to your classmates and professors, not just for advice or help, but because everyone’s got a story, and you never know what you’ll learn or connect over. Some of the best parts of the program are the unexpected conversations and friendships that happen along the way.