Neurodivergent Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Former Librarian ~ Feature Interview Host ~ Author of ADHD and Me
Author: Chelsea’s World of Books
ABA Therapy Registered Behavior Technician for children with ASD ~ ADHD Girl ~ Former Children’s Librarian, current Kidlit writer, literary blogger, and Feature Interview Host ~ Author of ADHD and Me.
Hey writers! Looking for writing resources and editorial services? Find the tools and get the help you need by checking out the list of services below!
Are you in the query trenches and desperate for help? Check out Stephanie Cardel’s Make it Shine Editing Services! There you can find a variety of packages, including:
a critique of the first three chapters and full synopsis, AND your query letter
a full manuscript critique
a full developmental edit
a picture book critique
proofreading
Praise for Stephanie’s services:
Are you working on a picture book? Get it picture-perfect with Roseanne Frank’s editing and writing consulting services! Roseanne is also listed as an Editing & Writing Consultant on the Kidlit411 website. Roseanne’s mission is to happily help you along your writing journey and polish your manuscript to be submission/publication-ready!
Are you an author, looking to develop and refine your manuscript? Get your story ready for submission to traditional publishers and agents, or prep it for independent publishing, with Maya Myers.
What she offers: Maya offers a full range of editorial services for authors and publishers of fiction and nonfiction. Whether you are just getting started or are already in production, she can help you polish your book, from individual words to the finished page. Her editorial services include: developmental editing, content/line editing, copyediting, proofreading, and format review. To receive an estimate on your project, fill out the form here.
Praise for Maya’s services:
Maya also offers freelance, copyediting, and proofreading to a number of publishers across the country, from large national houses to regional indie presses. To learn more or request a quote for these services, visit here.
Are you a creative entrepreneur with a million ideas and a nagging dread that you’re missing opportunities? Check out Sherry McMillan’s Coaching and Consulting services. Sherry works with artists, authors, and other creative entrepreneurs and professionals to help them gain the confidence and clarity they need to rise to the top. Sherry uses a unique combination of creative business experience to provide you with practical ideas, customized to you, to help you move past obstacles and into success.
Not sure if this is for you? Try out the no risk intruduction. This is a no-obligation mini-coaching session where you’ll share your goals and expectations and come away with practical information you can apply immediately. If you think you’re a good fit, you can build off that foundation to create a coaching experience that works for you!
Are you an author and/or illustrator looking to publish picture books? Check out Faith Pray’s Consultations! Faith is happy to meet with you about your children’s book writing, illustrating, or just about your creative journey. After you connect about your needs, she will offer advice, critique, helpful tools, or ideas to help you work on your creative goals. Faith offers customized services to fit your goals and timeline! Her services include:
creativity coaching
picture book writing critique (1 picture book text, up to 600 words)
illustration/portfolio critique
picture book writing + illustrating critique (for 1 picture book with text + illustrations)
Faith is available to meet with you at any stage of a project, especially related to picture books – early-stage ideas, drafting, revisions, and preparing for submission. Before you start, she will ask for information on what you are hoping to receive, and depending on what you need, she’ll ask you to assemble text, or art, a list of goals, etc., and you’ll go from there.
Looking for writing and editing services? Visit Megan Clendenan’s Writing and Editing Services! Megan takes on writing and editing freelance contracts for non-profit, educational, and business clients. As a freelancer, her strengths are listening to client needs, working efficiently, meeting deadlines, and following client specifications and style sheets. Her clients include educational publishers, non-profits, technology start-ups, engineering firms, and generally amazing individuals.
Services Megan provides:
Content Creation and Editing
Course content for middle and high school, i.e. reading comprehension passages.
Educational and curricular materials, including hands-on activities.
Website copy
Newsletters, direct mail, and annual reports
Query letter and first pages/chapter critiques for middle-grade authors
In this craft presentation writing tutorial, I explain how to build an emotional connection with readers. We’ll dissect picture book mentor texts and analyze ways that language and illustration are used together to add emotional depth and layers to a story, and how you can use these tools to strengthen your own writing and manuscripts.
This video was originally developed and presented for my Writing Barn Write Submit Support class, and I had several people express how helpful and encouraging it was, so I wanted to upload it here as a free resource to the public for other writers and illustrators who may be looking for answers on how to add emotional layers to their stories! Additionally, if you have other writing questions, I host a monthly Feature Interview Series on my literary blog, Chelsea’s World of Books, where we discuss all things publishing and share tips and resources.
Stuck in a writing rut? You’re not alone. It can be an exhausting struggle to put pen- or key– to page when you’re feeling creatively stuck. But, as writers, even when we feel stuck, we’re still driven by a desire to write. George Orwell said it best when he said…
“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” — George Orwell
So, how can we improve the situation? The key is in revamping creativity and unlocking inspiration.
Here are five ways to do just that:
Way #1: Set aside time for free-writing. This is a designated window of time that you give yourself, unencumbered by outside distraction, to simply let your thoughts flow. [In the past, I’ve set a timer for increments of 5 or 15 minutes. You’d be amazed at what the mind can come up with in just a few minutes when let loose to explore!] Examples of ways to use this time: It could be coming up with new characters, jotting down fun book titles, playing with plot ideas, etc. Remember: During this time, there are no rules to adhere to. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, formatting, etc. All those things can be edited later. There’s much truth in what Jodi Picoult said…
“You may not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” — Jodi Picoult
Way #2: Give yourself mental breaks between writing. If writing feels like an agonizing chore with no end in sight, that will come through in the voice of your story. So, when you’re feeling unmotivated, unglue yourself from the chair and do something to put your mind at ease. It could be taking a walk in the fresh air, grabbing a hot shower (or bubble bath), doing some yoga, etc. Whatever it is, allow yourself that time to recharge.
Way #3: Remember why you write. What does writing mean to you on a personal level? This could be any list of reasons. Perhaps it’s therapeutic. Or maybe it’s a form of connection. Or maybe it’s for a greater purpose beyond yourself… to help share or teach a moral conviction you’re passionate about and want to help spread awareness of. Whatever it is, remind yourself of why. Once you remember the purpose of writing and what it means to you, it will help you regain a clear objective and joyful mindset.
Way # 4: Revisit projects that bring you joy. There’sno one better to help remind you of your creativity than yourself. Pull out old story ideas or manuscripts that have brought you true joy. Whether they are stories that are complete or ones that were never finished. If they are stories that you completed, maybe they can spark new inspiration for something yet to come. If they are stories you placed in a drawer for a rainy day, why not take them out for a creative run and see where you can get them?
Way #5: Celebrate creative wins. Whether it’s within the last few days or years, why not take a trip down successful avenue and celebrate some of your creative wins? What projects have you worked on that received some word of commendation, positive feedback in the form of a critique or review, or maybe even won a contest or award?
In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with Cindy Williams Schrauben about growth mindset and the value of reading aloud. We’ll also discuss ways to put yourself out there as an author and share personal experiences of the author journey.
Cindy, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Feature Interview guest series. Could you tell us where you’re joining us from today?
Hi Chelsea. Thanks for having me. West Michigan.
How did you hear about the Feature Interview series, and what made you want to apply?
I follow you online and admire your content.
Could you tell us what kind of books you write? (Age group and genre).
I have written books for children, including picture books and a middle-grade novel, which is in the works. I will also be venturing into the adult novelty book market soon.
When did you first begin your writing journey, and what did those beginning stages look like for you?
I jumped into the journey with both feet when my daughters left for college. It was time to challenge myself. It took nearly 8 years of studying, attending conferences and classes, and penning several manuscripts before I was able to realize my life-long dream of publishing a picture book.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your author journey, and how were you able to stay the course?
The challenges were many, but I think the hardest part was believing in myself enough to ‘stay the course’ as you say. The key for me was getting involved in the kidlit community – joining critique groups, reading about other authors’ journeys, entering contests and challenges, etc. These connections gave me courage and helped me to manage my expectations.
What have been some of your greatest joys and highlights in publishing?
There are so many – receiving a book deal, seeing the illustrations for the first time, getting a starred review from Kirkus, etc. I am also looking forward to an upcoming visit to a children’s hospital to read to some brave kids. I also love encouraging aspiring authors, but the best part continues to be sharing my love for books with kids.
When would you say it’s “too late” to pursue publishing?
Never! My first book was published just after my 63rd birthday, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Why would you say it’s beneficial as an author to put yourself out there? And what are some different ways/examples of doing this?
It can be exhausting, but publishing a book isn’t enough if no one sees it. Interviews such as this, blog tours, giveaways, social media posts, in-person events, etc all help with visibility. It is hard, though, because there needs to be a balance between self-promotion and providing valuable content. I try to follow the 80/20 Rule – 80% content for authors or parents/teachers (such as the social media post below) and 20% book promotion. For content, I have chosen to concentrate on the topics of Growth Mindset and Social-Emotional Learning.
What kind of author events have you been a part of locally or otherwise, and how did you go about setting up these events? Did your publisher/marketing team reach out? Did you reach out? Was contact made via phone/email,/in-person?
I attend and/or organize events on a regular basis, ranging from book festivals, bookstore signings, school visits, launch parties, local media appearances, podcasts, etc. I was responsible for setting up most of these on my own (usually via email). I have three tips. First – go where the kids are instead of hoping they will come to you. I held the launch event for my first book, THIS COULD BE YOU, at a children’s museum on a busy Saturday. Over a hundred kids were already visiting the museum that day, so my audience was ready-made. That leads to tip number two – just ask! The museum was a dream location, and I never expected it to come to fruition, but the staff was excited to bring a unique opportunity to their visitors. The third tip is this– don’t be discouraged when you plan an event, and no one shows. It has happened to all of us. Evaluate the situation and improve your processes for next time. I also encourage other authors to think beyond your book in order to offer great programs for your community. I recently partnered with a local elementary school to break a Kid’s World Record entitled “The Most Children Sharing Handmade Hearts.” Though this event matched the theme of my second book, HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, the day was about celebrating kindness rather than the book specifically. It was great fun and happened just because I asked (Tip #2, again.)
We’d love to hear about some of your author events and experiences and see some photos if you would like to share a few!
When reading over your bio, I loved how you described your books as being books to “inspire kids to live their best lives.” Could you elaborate on what this means to you?
Sure! Encouraging kids to love books and reading is, of course, a big part of my journey, but it goes further. Both of my books have a social-emotional learning foundation. I am a firm believer that books can provide learning opportunities without being preachy. HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART applauds kindness and sharing, while THIS COULD BE YOU empowers children with a growth mindset by persuading them to believe in themselves.
Let’s talk a little bit about growth mindset for home and in the classroom. In your application, you expressed your passion for empowering parents and children with a growth mindset and inspiring them to learn from each other as they go. Can you talk a little bit more about how you do this?
Growth Mindset is a term coined by Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University. Her research shows us that we can develop our abilities through dedication and hard work and that failure helps us to learn and improve. I love to talk with kids about famous people who have achieved great things after facing years of defeat. By understanding the power of a growth mindset, adults can make a huge difference in the lives of children. It is often as simple as changing our vocabulary. For example, “I can’t do it” vs. “It didn’t work, yet, but I’m still trying.”
I know you also have a collection of growth mindset activities and educator guides. I’d love to add a link to those for readers to have access to on Teacher Corner as well!
While we’re on the classroom side of things, could you talk a little bit about reading aloud and its value?
There is a great deal of research out there to support the value of reading to kids. The advantages range from improving a child’s own reading abilities and listening skills, expanding their vocabularies and language skills, to fostering bonds. A statistic that always amazes me is this one from the Child Mind Institute: “… young children whose parents read to them daily have been exposed to at least 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than kids who aren’t read to regularly. And depending on how much daily reading time kids get, that number can go up to over a million words.”
Now, for our writers out there, could you tell us a little bit about mentor texts? What are they? How do you use them? How can they be helpful?
Mentor texts are valuable for writers in a number of ways, ranging from learning about the industry and what is being published to honing our own craft and revising. There is nothing more helpful, in my mind, than reading the work of other children’s book authors and asking, what works? What doesn’t? Why? And how can I apply that to my own work?
Is there any particular book/author that inspires/inspired you to write?
I have always been enamored by rhymers like Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. I love to write in rhyme – it’s like a puzzle.
What advice would you like to offer writers who are just beginning their publishing journey?
Don’t give up. The journey can be long and hard, but it is worth every moment. I have a YouTube Podcast to encourage authors. You can take a look here: https://www.youtube.com/@Cindy-Williams-Schrauben
Thank you so much for joining us today, Cindy!And now it’s time for our FIRST giveaway pool of the year.
GIVEAWAY This month, Cindy is offering an AMA Zoom. (two winners)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY LIKE AND SHARE this article to X and/or Instagram and mention my handle X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter the giveaway by LIKING and COMMENTING at the bottom of the interview. ENTRY WINDOW: Once the Feature Interview is posted, you will have one month (roughly 30 days) to enter. The entry window for this feature interview giveaway will close once next month’s feature interview is posted. At that time, the next month’s feature interview giveaway window will open. Meaning, there will always be a giveaway opportunity.
Example: January Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window opens/begins. February Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window closes/ends, and February giveaway window opens/begins.
NOTE: Feature Interviews come out on the third Wednesday of every month.
Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.
Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in West Michigan, where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the beach, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her books, THIS COULD BE YOU (starred review from Kirkus) and HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, inspire kids to live their best lives. You can connect with Cindy at http://www.cindyschrauben.com.
It’s nearing the end of my writing year 2025, and there have been so many things to happen and celebrate during these months. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten into the habit of putting together an inspirational end-of-year publishing highlight board to keep me motivated and remind me of all the “wins,” big and small. Last year (2024), I started one, but never got around to finishing it. So this year, I wanted to try to resurrect this personal tradition.
Here’s a peek at some of the highlights and “wins” that I’m most grateful and excited for…
In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with former Biology Professor, now Homeschool Mom and Children’s Book Author, Danna Zeiger. We’ll be discussing accessibility and disability awareness in kidlit, as well as how to manage major career shifts and the many hurdles they come with, and why the benefits outweigh the struggles.
Danna, it’s wonderful to have you with us! Can you tell us where you’re joining us from today?
Thank you so much for having me, Chelsea! I’m so excited to be here. I’m joining you from the Boston area.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog, and what made you want to apply for a guest Feature Interview?
I’ve read several of your fantastic, thorough interviews, so when I saw the application window open last year, I knew I had to try!
I was intrigued by your application, and I’m excited to learn more about your “unconventional route to publishing.” My hope in sharing your interview is to inspire others to chase their dreams- nothing is impossible if you don’t give up! So, let’s jump right in. Could you tell us about your day job before children’s publishing was in the mix?
Thanks! I was a biology professor and the program director for the biology bachelor’s degree at a local college. I had been in the unique position to create the program before running it for seven years. I come from an immigrant family myself, so it was especially fulfilling to serve disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. I taught lectures and labs from first-year biology (or non-major!) students all the way through the senior thesis course for my seniors. I helped them secure solid internships and got them ready for the world. I partnered with neighboring institutions and universities to create interesting lecture series or research opportunities. I advised dozens of students through their college experience, ensuring they made some good choices and shepherding those who were graduate school bound. My students often had one–or three!–full-time jobs on the side to get themselves through college, so there was also lots of time spent counseling students, helping them manage all of their responsibilities, and working creatively to make it happen, as well as drawing out challenging biology pathways on my whiteboard in my office during office hours. I served on college committees, worked on new course and degree development, and overall had a full and busy life as a professor.
Now enter the *spark* that started it all. What was that beginning spark for you that made you take the leap in shifting careers from Biology Professor to Homeschool Mom and Children’s Book Author?
When COVID hit, I resigned from my position, much to the shock of many people in my professional, friend, and family circles. But with a newborn baby who needed a lot of caretaking (and no nannies to be found at the time), a preschooler for whom Zoom school did not work, and a sobbing elementary school child frustrated with online learning, plus immunocompromised people at home and not enough remote work support, it simply was not possible for me to stay in my position.
I started homeschooling all three kiddos and was devouring hundreds of books, reading each month with them.
One day, while running a writing exercise for the kiddos after reading Chris Van Dusen’s If I Built a House, I had an idea for a picture book.
I should mention that, in addition to being a perpetual bookworm, I have always been a creative writer, naturally gravitating towards poetry and literature since I was a young kid, writing poems in multiple languages, and finding creative outlets my whole life. So it was well within my bucket list to one day become an author, especially a children’s book author. I just always thought that day was long in the future.
When I told my husband my picture book idea that “someone” should write, he responded with, “yes, you should.” I was shocked at first, but dove into what it took to become a traditionally published children’s book author, thanks to my dear friend who happened to be personally connected to Chana Stiefel (what an author giant to get to know!!!), and Chana kindly, generously offered both feedback and guidance on what it takes. While our mutual friend, who was initially mildly interested in what Chana might say, pretty much ran away screaming, Chana’s long list of hard work felt exciting and fascinating to me. And that is how I knew it was worth pursuing!
I give my husband a lot of credit, both for initially encouraging me to try it and then continuing to remind me that I must invest in myself and take myself seriously as an author if I want to become one. I took classes, joined critique groups, and carved out time from our busy homeschooling schedule.
-Amazing! We love hearing about supportive husbands. I am thankful enough to have one of those myself! They can really help boost your courage and belief in yourself.
Tell us about that beginning time. What were your thoughts? I’m guessing it was a mixture of scary and exciting- all the best things in life are. 🙂
It was a really exciting time! For me, the scariest part had already happened–leaving my job. I did worry about striking a balance between homeschool and writing, but my kids were my cheerleaders from day one, and I was able to take it for myself without them feeling it.
This was an exciting new prospect, but I definitely had imposter syndrome. Did I have what it took? I was a biology professor–what made me think I could write creatively, professionally? I hadn’t been an English major (although I loved my English classes and had taken AP Creative Writing!), so I had real concerns!
It was a steep learning curve: learning how the industry worked, learning to critique and receive feedback, finding groups and critique partners, the writing and publishing organizations. What was an imprint vs. a publisher vs. an editor? I truly have a whole bookshelf with publishing books I’ve read (in addition to the library ones I borrowed) in order to figure all of this out.
I quickly realized I should not submit to publishers alone and that I needed an agent. I did the thing you’re not supposed to do and queried with my very first manuscript! It did land me an agent, thankfully, but it did not land me a book deal… yet. Hooks, saleability, and the business side of publishing matters… I still had a lot to learn!
What were/are some of the hurdles that you’ve had to overcome, and how have you been able to do so?
I think publishing is mostly full of hurdles, a lot of luck, with a few spotlights of wins, LOL! I probably carry some intensity from my academic career with me, and I’m not afraid of hard work. So I try to throw everything I’ve got into this basket and push past the challenges!
Personally, it was challenging to carve out enough time for myself, so I had to get creative. Nap time? Quick, read through a new manuscript. Sitting with the kids at their activity, like gymnastics or dance? I had a critique partner’s manuscript queued up to read and comment on. Bedtime for kiddos? Yes, I loved writing so much that instead of watching TV, I would plow away at my manuscripts.
In terms of publishing, I wished for an agent so badly. I was fortunate to find one pretty quickly, and she is a great agent who makes awesome deals. However, I quickly learned that as an author, I needed more communication from my agent, so I voluntarily thrust myself back into the trenches. Luckily, I got another agent quickly again–and this time, this was a career match! Jonathan got me my first book deal and was a great support. Sadly, he decided to leave agenting (another hurdle), but my agency stepped in and had my back. A new agent absorbed some of his old clients, and my current and hopefully forever agent, Gaby Cabezut, read my work and decided to take me on! Exceptional luck, I know.
There are so many hurdles still to overcome. I have loads of ideas and work on many projects. Trying to assess which are the most marketable with the most hooks is tough. Bringing a manuscript to the true polished state–giving it time (another hurdle!) and reading it with new eyes is also tough. I’m also always trying to diversify my portfolio and write in new genres and categories.
Have there been any organizations/contests/resources/people who have helped you stay positive and motivated to continue pursuing this path?
Oh, yes! Apologies in advance for this long answer, and even bigger apologies for anyone I might inadvertently leave out–but the kidlit community is so supportive, and I have had so much help along the way.
I mentioned Chana Stiefel–she will forever be my very first critique and serious foray into children’s book publishing.
I joined Storyteller Academy, and the very first editor I listened to was this animated, articulate, smart STEM editor! I learned a lot from her one session. Ironically, she–Carol Hinz–became my first editor years later! I wisely did not submit any manuscript at the time, despite the submission opportunity, because I intuited that my work was just not good enough yet for such a sharp reader. And I can say now that I was right!
I joined SCBWI and attended virtual conferences. I joined Facebook groups, and critique groups kindly welcomed me. Thanks to Covid, everything was online, so local groups were open to someone who geographically lived even an hour away. Thanks forever to so many critique partners who welcomed me into already established groups comprising phenomenal members.
I’ve tried various things. I’m grateful to Inked Voices for many opportunities and workshops, from which I’ve also learned so much!
But way back when I started, and had only just become agented, I still felt pretty unsure of myself. I entered my very first writing contest in my entire life: Vivian Kirkfield’s famous 50 Precious Words Contest. I’m not sure if she and the judges will ever fully understand what they did for me, but placing 5th out of 750 strong writers, judged by real authors, with incredible, real prizes to boot, was my very first sign that I might not be insane for trying this writing endeavor! I won an invaluable critique by editor Thalia Leaf, who offered me essential insight I continue to carry. I continued on with other contests, including Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal’s Spring Fling Contest, where I placed first and won a critique with the amazing Alyssa Henkin. Alyssa’s feedback helped me bring my debut book’s manuscript closer to the finish line, and I’m forever grateful. I’m also grateful to Lynne Marie and her Rate Your Story Contest, where I won first place, and she continues to support my work. Other contests and wins have been great, too–like Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday Contest. There are so many amazing opportunities! And so, so many kidlit people stepped up as my debut launched to host me for interviews, celebrate my cover reveals or launch, or promote me in any way possible!
And I would be extremely remiss not to mention PJ Library. If Vivian Kirkfield’s contest was the first to make me feel like I might be able to hack writing, PJ Library was the first organization to award me a monetary prize and sponsor me, in-person, into a tight community I continue to love today. PJ Library sent me to the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center for the most transformative experience with twenty other Jewish authors I’m still in touch with. This incredible group has been critical through the last two years and soaring antisemitism, as well as personally, as my dad passed away, or when my kids have had emergency surgery, etc.
PJ Library also awarded me a Highlights scholarship, where I learned so much from Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson, as well as what used to be called the Partial Author’s Incentive award for my pre-published middle grade. Finally, PJ Library also awarded me a Sephardic Stories Initiative fellowship, where I have been immersed with a new community and have been able to dive deep into stories I had tried to write a while ago, and have given more energy and oxygen to lately. As far as organizations go, I am indebted to PJ Library and will need to write them into every single acknowledgement of hopefully many books to come. They have been incredibly supportive of my writing career, and I have learned so much, networked, met many people, found communities, and grown as a writer, all thanks to them.
-So many fantastic community resources and groups you mentioned here, Danna! Thank you for all the shoutouts. I am familiar with all of the above-mentioned groups/contests and could not speak more highly of their positive impact!
Looking back, would you say that the benefits outweigh the struggles? Why or why not?
Absolutely! Publishing is a long hill to climb, but the views sure are breathtaking. I truly feel like I am living my dream.
For readers who may be early on in their publishing career stages (pre-pubbed/pre-agented), could you share a bit about your process… querying, rejections, timeframe, etc?
The best advice I can give people early on is to do more of three things than they think they need:
Read! However much you read, read more. Whatever you want to write, read more! Study the books, analyze them, find the patterns, study what is successful and what is not, form opinions about what works best, think about the openings/closings, etc.
Give it time! Whenever you think a manuscript is ready, put it down and pick it up again in a few weeks or more. I’m the most eager to birth every story, and I need to slow myself down.
Make connections! Find support networks, critique groups, attend webinars, and find every opportunity to connect with other authors, agents, editors, and publishers.
None of publishing is in any of our control. I think you have to really want it, and if you do, pour yourself into it. I’m a big fan of hard work, and it still often takes a while to pay off. But the most important piece is really the manuscript. Writing your best work, thinking about hooks and saleability, etc. The query letter itself doesn’t matter as much as the manuscript itself. And an agent doesn’t guarantee you a book sale. If you keep giving your best effort, eventually, at some point, you will reach your milestone–be it agent, book deal, or whatever.
“None of publishing is in any of our control. I think you have to really want it…” – Danna Zeiger
So, you finally land your publishing partner- AKA your literary agent! Could you tell us about how that happened? Cold query? Event? Special opportunity? Etc.
Yes! Gaby Cabezut! I mentioned above that my agent #2, Jonathan Rosen, decided to leave agenting. Gaby was newer and she looked through Jonathan’s clients’ work–and decided to offer me representation! I’m so grateful. Jonathan told me Gaby was sweet and smart, and he was so right! Every time I chat with Gaby, I come off of our Zoom with a huge smile and feeling incredibly supported. She is smart and savvy, a fantastic advocate, and gives excellent guidance. It has been an awesome ride together and I’m pretty sure now that Gaby is not only officially my longest standing agent, I hope that she will be my forever agent!
What was your agent call like, and how did you know that your agent was the right fit for you? (This is such an important piece of information for readers to know, because not EVERY agent is the RIGHT agent. So much of a positive agent/author relationship depends on the right “fit.”) What things do you find to be “green flags” in a good author/agent relationship? And what words of advice would you give to a person who’s looking for representation for their writing?
I have been lucky to have had four agent calls. The first time in the trenches, I got two offers! My second time in the trenches, I had a call with Jonathan. And luckily, Gaby didn’t make me go back into the trenches–so as part of the transfer when Jonathan left, I Zoomed with both Gaby and the president of our agency.
So from these four calls, I think the essential pieces are getting a feel for each other, feeling comfortable together, and feeling like this is a nice person, and someone who not only loves your work but will champion it. A lot of publishing, as it turns out, is relationship-building. Making sure you are kind and that the other person is kind. I think sometimes either might need grace, and allowing space and that grace as life necessitates, is key. And also, that communication styles match. I learned with my first agent that communication is really important to me.
“I think the essential pieces are getting a feel for each other, feeling comfortable together, and feeling like this is a nice person, and someone who not only loves your work but will champion it.” – Danna Zeiger
For others who may be setting out on the same (or a similar) journey as yours, what are some words of encouragement that you’d like to share about identity shifts and major career shifts?
Major career shifts are hard, especially when you like your previous career. I think allowing a grieving period is natural and okay–I certainly took one. For me, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. Zoom wasn’t going to change my infant’s diaper or feed him, or develop my preschooler, and my oldest child needed guidance. I think, just like in children’s books, having agency makes a big difference. Since I didn’t feel like I had a choice, it took me some time to accept the situation. Luckily, I was able to dive into homeschooling, and I really loved it.
What has saved me, though, is that at the end of the day, my overarching net emotion is that I feel grateful for these immense privileges. It is a privilege to be able to homeschool–I certainly recognize that. And, it is equally a privilege to have the opportunity to pursue this dream of becoming a children’s book author. Giving space for the grief and all of the messy feelings has also allowed me to process and find both perspective and gratitude.
So, for those setting out on major career shifts: be patient with yourself! Feel the feelings! And, follow your passions. No matter where the road ends, the journey will be fulfilling.
-Love this advice! So true!
“So, for those setting out on major career shifts: be patient with yourself! Feel the feelings! And, follow your passions. No matter where the road ends, the journey will be fulfilling.” – Danna Zeiger
You mentioned in your application how important disability awareness is for kids and gatekeepers. Could you speak more to this?
I hope kids take away from my book how to approach people with disabilities in their future—as people. Our world is rife with ableism, stereotyping, andhurtful assumptions. They can cause physical pain, even as Dr. Kathleen Friel experiences when well-meaning strangers try to grab her when they think she needs help. She has needed to go to the ER from these well-meaning strangers!
Speaking of disability awareness, I know that you have a lot of great information on this in your book. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes! The book itself shows how Dr. Friel has had to educate so many classmates, labmates, and even doctors about cerebral palsy–and how exhausting that advocacy work is. The book also makes clear how Dr. Friel is able to find her own way to do certain tasks, but also that it is often much harder for her. The back matter offers more information about all of these subjects, as well as how Dr. Friel herself is an amazing and award-winning advocate. I actually have a teacher’s guide that anyone can download.
What is your big “why” or motivation for writing for kids? What does it bring you, and what do you hope it will bring your readers?
Kids are the keys to our future world. Kids are the future. I believe that the best way to fix our world is by reaching kids and building our stronger future, today.
My lifelong mission has always been to make STEM accessible and to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront. I’ve simply shifted from doing this as a college professor to a children’s book author, and hopefully I can reach a wider audience.
We’ve touched on your writing and its inspiration, but I’d love to hear more about your homeschooling journey and the resources that you offer. Could you shed some light on this for our readers?
When COVID hit, parents everywhere were bewildered, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Truly, my youngest baby was not held, changed, or comforted by any hands other than mine and my husband’s for a year and a half!! It was rough. I quickly started trying to channel some of my college teaching into my kids and trying to think of exciting activities, experiments,and STEM projects. I posted about them on my personal social media (while I don’t always love social media today, the connection it offered during Covid was so helpful!) and started getting questions from fellow bewildered parents.
After plenty of answers, I decided to catalog our journey and share the resources with other parents, too, which ultimately became @DrZatHome.
I wanted the @DrZatHome platform specifically to be free, and even as it grew, I continued to decline any paid sponsorships. I’m glad I did! Every recommendation I made, I truly made with a whole heart. I also felt a lot of freedom to post when I wanted, and about content that I felt passionate about. And, when my writing started to pick up, I felt no qualms about pausing for a bit.
What have been some of the responses you’ve received to your books and/or homeschool resources from parents/educators/kids?
In terms of homeschool resources I’ve shared, the pandemic was a critical point where many parents felt alone and ill-equipped to suddenly entertain, educate, and occupy all of their kids’ time. I felt overwhelmed, too! Coming online and sharing my resources felt like giving and receiving virtual hugs from all parents everywhere, and the messages of appreciation (and camaraderie, and mutual overwhelm) made me emotional. Whenever anyone shared that my content helped entertain a kiddo, or better yet, that their kids learned and got excited, it really made my day.
And my book experience!! Well, this has been a heart-warming experience, to say the least, and I have witnessed how books can be both windows–as kids tell me they want to be brain researchers too, and their horror at what Kathleen has had to endure–as well as mirrors. Various kids with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, or simply identified as disability advocates, have chatted with me and bought my book at book festivals or author events.
Have you been able to attend/participate in any local in-person/virtual author events? (Schools, libraries, book stores, etc?) If so, we’d love to hear about them and see some pictures if you have them!
Yes! I’ve done quite a few! In-person, I have had: -A bookstore launch -Several library and school events -A book festival -Signings in various bookstores -An author talk hosted by No Place for Hate, the Waquoit Congregational Church, the Jewish Congregation of Falmouth, and Eight Cousins Bookstore, and -A panel presentation and author signing at NCTE
Book Launch – held at Hummingbird Books IG @hummingbirdbookstore
Bookstore signing
Library Event- held at Newton Library IG @newtonfreelibrary
NCTE Danna and Editor Carol Hinz at Lerner Booth
No Place for Hate Event
No Place For Hate Author Talk
My book was also featured in the Closing General Session at the 2025 American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine meeting!
I also had a blog tour, thanks to the incredible kidlit community–yourself included! You can find all of my interviews on my website. What a massively supportive group of people and friends who come out in droves to cheer side-by-side! Thank you for all that you and others do!
My book has been shared by some incredible influencers, whom I admire so much: in the homeschooling, disability, science, and mom communities. I’m so grateful for their support!
Finally, not my own promotion work, but I’m so grateful that my book has won Best of 2025 by the Chicago Public Library, Best of 2025 by School Library Journal, and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2025 by the National Science Teachers’ Association. So proud of and grateful for the whole team involved in creating this book!
It has been exceptionally busy!
What is something you wish you had known about publishing earlier on?
That there are no guarantees! Even having an agent does not guarantee a book deal. So the only way forward is hard work, an open mind to feedback, and excitement over the work!
“[In publishing] there are no guarantees! …The only way forward is hard work, an open mind to feedback, and excitement over the work!” – Danna Zeiger
What’s one piece of advice that you’d like to share with other writers?
Be resourceful–read lots of books, take classes, speak to people, seek feedback. It takes all the things and a lot of work!
Any final words of wisdom or something you’d like others to know?
Make sure your story is unique and adds something new. Not all well-written stories will be made into books (this goes for myself, too!) because there are soooo many manuscripts being queried, and still a lot of competition on the shelves. In order for a book to do well at each step, it simply must stand out!
Thank you so much for spending some time with us today. We truly appreciate you and all the hard work you do to make a safe and inclusive place for kids with disabilities, and the awareness you spread with your stories. And now, it’s time for a giveaway!
GIVEAWAY
For the month of December 2025, Danna is offering one prize to one winner: a picture book critique. Non-rhyme. Fiction: up to 600 words. Non-fiction: up to 800 words.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Like this post and share it on X/Instagram or retweet/repost mine (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter by liking this post and dropping a comment at the bottom of the Feature Interview article.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Before pursuing her aspirations as a children’s literature author, Danna Zeiger was a Biology Professor and Program Director for Fisher College’s Biology Program, teaching and mentoring disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. While homeschooling her three spirited kids, Danna established a STEM accessibility and educational resource entitled DrZatHome. Danna’s debut STEM nonfiction picture book, REWRITING THE RULES: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability, was released this past September and has recently won Best of 2025 by the Chicago Public Library, Best of 2025 by School Library Journal, and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2025 by the National Science Teachers’ Association. Her unpublished novel-in-verse was recently awarded the PJ Our Way Partial Author’s Incentive Award. Danna is represented by Gaby Cabezut at The Seymour Agency. CONNECT: @home_zat (x/Twitter) @DrZatHome (IG and Bluesky) website: http://www.dannazeiger.com.
Today, I’m chatting with indie kidlit author, marketing expert, and mental health advocate, Jennifer Nestor. We’ll be diving into the ins and outs of self-publishing, marketing, and how to plan author visits and events. We’ll also be exploring anxiety, bullying, mindfulness, and self-confidence in kidlit and why it matters.
Jennifer, it’s so lovely to have you here on Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog! Could you share where you’re joining us from today?
Saint Augustine, Florida.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog, and what made you want to apply for a spot as a Feature Interview guest?
I had been following Chelsea on Instagram and loved everything she stood for, especially her connection with ADHD and helping kids.
Tell us about your intro to publishing! What were you doing before this, and how did you get here?
I was a Director of Demand at a healthcare tech company called Bamboo Health while going to Graduate school at SNHU, and writing has always been the cornerstone of joy for everything I’ve done in my marketing career. While in school, I decided to pursue writing a children’s book and wanted to see if I could self-publish and create a high-quality product that could leave a lasting impact. Once I graduated in 2023, I started doing research on all avenues of publishing, created a marketing plan, and launched my first children’s picture book, Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality, in July of 24’.
Have you always been a writer? And when did you realize that you wanted to pursue publishing as a career?
I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. When I was younger, I wrote song lyrics, poems, and journaled a lot, but then that translated into my marketing and communications career, and even through Graduate school when I had to write blogs, website content, articles, and ten-page papers. I knew in my heart I always wanted to be a writer, but I was always afraid to take the leap until the end of my degree program, when I looked at my ten-plus-year career as a Director of Marketing and still felt empty on a soul level because I wasn’t pursuing the thing that I wanted the most. That’s when I decided to write my first picture book.
What were some hurdles that you had to overcome, and how were you able to stay the course?
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was lack of time to go all-in at the beginning of my author journey. I was working 40+ hours a week in a high-level role where I had a lot of responsibility, and it was hard not to compare myself to those around me who had a lot more free time to make things happen. Once I found more balance, I was able to prioritize by developing a marketing plan and timeline, and I started to take things day by day, instead of worrying too much about the long game. That helped me center more and stay the course. Once I had more time, I was able to do more networking and things that benefited what I was trying to achieve.
Tell us about your indie publishing journey. What was your process like? (Finding an illustrator/formatting the book/marketing/platform/etc).
My process initially was to write the manuscript. Once I had an idea of what the story was about and the goals of the story, I wanted to look for an illustrator who would be the perfect fit to show emotion and had experience with jungle characters. I found Victoria Mikki through SCBWI’s featured portfolio of the month and reached out to her online. I worked with her over the next six months to create magic, and once the illustrations were complete, I worked with BookBaby for the text layout/formatting and print-on-demand distribution online. I’ve done all my own marketing and have tried different online channels like FB/IG ads, TikTok ads, Google & Amazon ads, podcasts, blogs, and then also traditional channels like print media, news interviews, sponsored content in magazines, and radio as well.
What are some things/places helped you along the way?
Building community has been extremely helpful. I recently went to a writing retreat with Story Sirens in PA, and that was amazing, meeting other authors who are just as passionate about writing and want to make this a career-long-term.
What are your favorite writing resources/groups/contests/etc, and why?
Manuscript Academy, SCBWI, and 12×12 Picture Book group. Each of them have given me opportunities to learn, grow, and develop my writing skills. I’ve watched several helpful webinars as well, with agents and knowledgeable authors who have seen success.
What’s something you wish you had known about indie publishing or publishing in general before you started?
I wish I had spoken to more people about options on reducing upfront costs initially, as it’s been an expensive journey.
What’s a piece of advice you have for someone currently pursuing independent publishing?
Make sure to do your research before you get started. Develop a 360 omni-channel campaign where you’re hitting on many facets of marketing and are executing a well-rounded book launch. Surround yourself with other indie authors who have the same goals/passions as you and create community.
Are you currently looking for literary representation for future projects that you’d like to publish traditionally down the road, or are you hoping to continue independent publishing? And why?
Yes. I am actually looking for an agent and querying at this time with my MG Contemporary novel, and am also working on a New Adult Romance. My goal is to be a multi-genre career writer. I think you have a better chance of exposure when represented by professionals. It’s also less of a cost investment up front, and it can provide visibility nationally vs. just locally, when marketed correctly.
What would you say some of the benefits of independent publishing are?
Creative control for things like illustrations, covers, and final say on the content itself.
What would you say some of the cons of independent publishing are?
High costs, a lot of groundwork needs to be done to get yourself out there and visible in markets outside your local area. It can be tiring to do a lot of in-person events, trying to recoup costs.
How have you been able to use your background in marketing and master’s in communication to your advantage when it comes to publishing?
I’ve had the opportunity to develop a full marketing plan for publishing, which helped me see more success with indie retailers, brand visibility, and more based on having a clear understanding of my demographics, channels, and online/traditional strategies.
As a marketing professional, could you share your top piece of advice for writers on how to properly market to their audience?
I have a few pieces of advice here. Don’t just throw spaghetti on the wall and hope it sticks. It’s great to try new things, but you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. You can create your own path. Be sure to understand who your ideal readers are and develop content related to them. Make sure it always has a purpose and a clear CTA.
Have you been able to attend/participate/host any local/otherwise events? If so, we’d love to hear about them! Don’t forget to shout out the names of your local bookstores/libraries, and if applicable, add their social media website/handles so that we can promote/share them with readers as well!
For some of our newer authors who may be debuting soon *so exciting* could you share more details on how to plan author visits and events?
Typically, it’s good to plan out how many events you have the capacity for from a timing perspective and what you’re willing to invest in from a collateral and financial standpoint. Larger events/markets require a table setup, signage, tents, table cloths, inventory, and more. They also come with an upfront cost, occasionally, or a “vendor fee,” so try to set a realistic limit on what you’re willing to spend to be a vendor. Be strategic. Will there be a lot of authors at this event, or can you find ones where you’re the cornerstone author so that you can make additional connections and revenue? If there are multiple authors, you might not be able to have as many conversations with potential clients due to the speed people breeze through markets when they have their kids.
Author visits require less up-front costs, but you should have a media kit created that has information about your book, any awards, a photo of you with your book, and what your author visits include, your website, social media handles, etc. This will help you appear more professional and organized. Many debut authors struggle knowing where to start, so having your presentation developed and ready on PPT, Canva, etc., and thinking about what type of interactive elements you’ll include will help you on your journey to school visits.
Tell us about your stories! What are they about? What was their inspiration? And what do you hope each story will bring the reader?
Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality is about a young girl who gets bullied on the school bus and goes into this dreamstate where she finds herself in The Jungle of Individuality. There, she meets three animals who help guide her into being more self-confident, resilient, and learning how to take a pause. Jane learns to embrace the things that make her unique due to her jungle friends, who all have unique quirks themselves. I hope that this story helps kids embrace the things that make them special, instead of being embarrassed by them. I also hope it fosters empathy, kindness, and shows them that bullying is not okay. My second book, Jane’s Carnival Adventure, follows Jane and Molly at the school carnival. Jane is excelling at all the carnival games, while Molly is struggling and feels inadequate in her own skills, lacking the confidence to continue to play. Jane passes down the lessons she learned in the jungle and teaches her it’s okay to fail and try again. Perseverance, empathy, kindness, and resiliency are all topics readers can take away from the sequel in The Adventures of Jane’s Imagination series.
Could you tell us more about the themes you explore in your books, such as anxiety, bullying, mindfulness, and self-confidence, and why these topics in kidlit are so important?
It was important for me to tackle topics like bullying, anxiety, self-confidence, and mindfulness so that kids understand they’re not alone with their big feelings. Young children are consistently met with a lot of challenges, so having a book that can address multiple topics in one was my goal.
I saw that you offer activity sheets for 1st-4th graders that accompany your stories. We’d love to learn more about what these activity sheets include!
Yes! For Jane Escapes, I have a 36-page educator resource, and for Jane’s Carnival Adventure, I have a 15-page resource. These resources include activities like vocabulary, crossword puzzles, dissecting scenarios in the story like bullying, friendship, and perseverance, and celebrating the things that make you unique.
What is your biggest reason for WHY you write? What does writing bring YOU?
My biggest reason why I write is to help people understand they’re not alone and to bring joy to others’ lives through literature. Writing brings me a lot of creativity, joy, and satisfaction, seeing a story come to life from start to finish.
What have been your greatest publishing highlights? This could be anything that brings you joy from publishing- notes from readers, personal experiences, etc.
Golden Wizard award, Literary Titan award, Reader’s Favorite Five-Star, and a positive Kirkus review that said Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality was “A beautiful celebration of human differences.” My eBooks also jumped to the top of the charts in their categories during the launch week. What I love the most is when a teacher or parent gives me positive feedback where their student or child feels represented or seen in my story.
Any last words of advice that you’d like to share with readers today?
Keep dreaming big. Anything is possible. In all transparency, being a debut author isn’t easy, especially when you’re writing a novel or trying to get published, but if you keep being persistent, everything will work out in time. This is a long game. There isn’t much instant gratification involved since things take time, so you have to be prepared for it.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Jennifer. And now, it’s time for our GIVEAWAY!
For this month’s Feature Interview prize, Jennifer is offering a free signed copy of her book with a Jane doll, coloring sheet, maze, and sticker!
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Share a link to the Feature Interview on X/IG or retweet/repost mine (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me X @chellysbooks / @chelseasworldofbooks. If you do not have an X or Instagram account, you may enter by dropping a comment at the bottom of the Feature Interview article.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
In today’s Feature Interview, I’m talking with traditionally published, award-winning author/illustrator Katie Mazeika. We’ll be discussing the importance of highlighting disabled voices in books and why representation matters.
FEATURE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Katie, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. It’s great to have you with us! Where are you joining us from today?
I’m in Ohio, just east of Cleveland, in a little city on the lake called Mentor.
How were you first introduced to the blog and the Feature Interview series?
You’ve interviewed several authors I know from promo groups or events. I’m sure it was through one of those shared interviews that I first became aware of your blog.
One of the things we love to discuss here on the blog is how. Could you tell us more about the events that led up to you joining the world of kidlit publishing?
Absolutely! I studied illustration at the Columbus College of Art and Design with the intention of pursuing editorial illustration after graduation. But at some point in my Junior or Senior year, I was introduced to picture book illustration and fell in love. After school, my focus was on illustrating for the children’s market.
Since you are both an author and illustrator, could you tell us which came first? Did your career start out with you querying projects as both author and illustrator, or one or the other? Explain.
In high school, I was torn between going to college for writing or for art. My compromise was a degree in illustration with a minor in creative writing. So initially, I pursued both. But my first agent, and my first jobs, were as an illustrator only.
While we’re in the territory of querying… could you tell us more about your querying journey and how you came to find your agent?
I started with an illustration agent at a large agency that wasn’t a great fit. After about fifteen months with them, I was dropped. Fortunately, I was picked up by a much smaller illustration agency fairly quickly. I really liked the people at the second agency, but the owner became ill, and less than six months later, it closed. I knew I couldn’t query the same illustration agents again, so I was at a loss. That was when an author/illustrator friend suggested writing my own texts and querying as an author/illustrator. So, I wrote my first manuscript, which eventually became Annette Feels Free, and sent out my first queries. At the same time, I participated in #DIVPIT (Diversity Pitch) on Twitter and got a few responses. One of those was my agent, Sorche Fairbank. (FYI-#DIVPIT still exists, it’s just moved to Discord.)
What are some key things an author or illustrator should look for when deciding on an agent relationship? What are some green flags? And what are some red flags?
With my first agent, looking back, there were a lot of red flags. I was never allowed to communicate directly with Art Directors; everything talked about went through the agent. Getting paid was a battle. When I was in NYC, I asked to come by their office for a meeting, but it was very unclear where the office actually was. They asked me to meet in a coffee shop instead. I think the biggest red flag was emails that were never acknowledged. Artwork I sent in again and again that was never added to the website. There was often a general tone that I was bothering them and they had better things to do. But this was my first agent. I assumed this was normal and tiptoed around them. After comparing notes with other agented illustrators, I realized that relationship wasn’t typical. When they dropped me, I was surprised-I’d been booked pretty steadily and done four or five jobs through them, but in the end it worked out for the better.
Looking for an agent a second time, I was much pickier. I went through their social media, going back three to five years. I took note of who was announced as recently signed. Then I looked to see how many of those illustrators were still with that agency. If more than a handful of artists were gone after three years, then I didn’t query that agency. That crossed a number of agencies off my list, but it helped me find my second agent. I imagine I would still be there today if the agency hadn’t closed.
When I signed with Fairbank Literary, I had another offer from an illustration agency, but after a phone call with Sorche, I was eager to work with a literary agent and to write as well as illustrate. I know some creators who almost seem to be afraid of their agents. I was one of them with my first agent. But I’ve learned that fear isn’t conducive to creativity. It should be a partnership, with respect and boundaries that go both ways.
For someone who may be on the fence about whether or not to pursue representation, what are some reasons why you chose to find an agent?
Unfortunately, a lot of publishers only accept agented submissions. And I really value having someone go line by line through my contracts explaining what each clause means for me and my book, before I sign.
What would you say makes a great author/illustrator and agent relationship, from both sides?
Like I said before, it should be a partnership, with respect and boundaries that go both directions. I often bounce ideas off Sorche very early on, and I trust her to be very straight with me about whether I should keep going. I know she has an uncanny business sense and a great feel for the market. She’s always straight with me about whether an idea is worth pursuing. I also know that I can be direct with her; there’s no tiptoeing or playing games.
What’s something that you didn’t know when you started out that you do know now (and maybe wish you had known sooner)?
I think everyone assumes the work is done when you have the first book published. And what I realized is that it’s just the beginning. From there come the promotions and events. At the same time, you are working on your next project. It’s a lot of plates in the air. The risk of burnout is very real, even more so for author/illustrators. So, I have to remind myself to slow down and breathe.
I was so excited to see that all of your books (the ones you’ve written) include curriculum guides. As a former children’s librarian and current word nerd, I’m a big fan of educational resources with books, and love promoting these added free resources on my Teacher Corner for educators, parents, and librarians. I’d love to hear more about some of the resources/extras that you have to offer.
With Annette Feels Free and Beulah Has a Hunch, the curriculum guides offer the opportunity to go deeper into the subject matter and learn even more about these fantastically interesting women.
For my recent book, Maybe Just Ask Me, the curriculum guides focus more on building empathy and understanding about disability and differences.
As a disabled person and a writer, I understand that highlighting disabled voices in books is something near to your heart. Could you share more on this and why representation in books matters?
The reason is twofold: every child should see themselves represented in a book. Being a part of the story is incredibly validating and confirms that they are not alone. At the same time, non-disabled readers need to see disabled characters in the books they read. We need to normalize differences and be comfortable with talking about them. Disability is not a bad word, but when we teach kids to pretend it doesn’t exist, we are teaching them there is something bad or scary about disability and disabled people.
–I love this answer and couldn’t agree more!
Speaking of books, let’s talk about them! Could you tell us briefly about some of your stories and what they highlight?
Annette Feels Free is a biography of Annette Kellerman, who started as a dancer when she was a child but developed polio and was unable to continue dancing. She discovered swimming and became a world champion swimmer, a performer and movie star, and designed what later became the modern swimsuit. She even went to court to fight for women’s right to wear that suit.
Beulah Has a Hunch! is about Beulah Louise Henry, the most prolific female mechanical inventor in the US. What’s so unique about her is that she had no traditional education, only finishing school. She was so intelligent and passionate that she figured out the mechanics of how things worked|. She used the success of her first invention to pave her own path and created a name for herself in a time when few women had careers, let alone owned multiple businesses. I also focused on her neurodivergence, specifically Synthesia and hyperphantasia.
Maybe Just Ask Me! is based on my own childhood, specifically returning to school after losing my eye to cancer. It was difficult to feel gawked at and to have students talk about me, but not to me. Unlike the main character in the book, I was not brave enough to speak up for myself and to advocate for my story to be heard. Mazie is who I wished I could have been back then, someone who is open about her disability. I hope that she can be an inspiration for children with disabilities and encourage children without disabilities to pursue curiosity with kindness.
“Unlike the main character in the book, I was not brave enough to speak up for myself and to advocate for my story to be heard. Mazie is who I wished I could have been back then, someone who is open about her disability. I hope that she can be an inspiration for children with disabilities and encourage children without disabilities to pursue curiosity with kindness“ – Katie Mazeika
I understand you’ve been able to participate in several community events as well as industry speaking/social engagements with your books. I’d love to hear more about these!
I have been very fortunate; I’ve participated in national panels on disability representation in books at NCTE, ALA, and SCBWI, as well as in local panels at several book festivals. I’ve also presented individually on disability representation in children’s books at several state library conferences. This is a topic very close to my heart, and I’m always thrilled to see how many attendees are also passionate about disability representation in children’s books.
I also do school and library visits, and love interacting with the kids, answering their questions, and creating with them. I have a character writing and illustrating workshop that I do. The kids always come up with the most fantastic characters. They’re so imaginative. It’s one of my favorite programs to hold.
Have you had any notable/special experiences or moments with readers/fans/fellow writers/illustrators during these events? We love to hear the positives, so if you have more than one, feel free to share multiple!
The very first school visit I did for Maybe Just Ask Me, there was a boy in the audience wearing an eyepatch like Mazie. He was hugging a copy of the book throughout the whole presentation. Seeing him holding the book and grinning because he felt seen made me tear up. Afterward, I signed his book and spoke to him. His teacher was at a book festival I was part of a few days later. She told me that was all he talked about all week. More tears. That was the whole reason for writing the book: to make children feel represented and seen.
The feedback from librarians and teachers that Maybe Just Ask Me! connects with their students, and that the book opens doors for conversations, reminds me why I create books. This book, in particular, opened old wounds for me and was really hard to write; those responses make it feel worth it.
What is your big WHY for writing? What does it bring you?
I never felt seen in stories. There were really no disabled characters or scenes in hospitals. The one book where I saw myself was Madeline. I cherished that story and wished there were more like it. I see writing as an opportunity to create characters and share stories so readers with disabilities do not feel alone or forgotten. Like I said, it’s hard to do this sometimes. There are parts of growing up with a disability that I did not fully work through until writing these books. But when I see children able to own their disability and get excited about seeing themselves on the page, it reminds me that I am doing it for them and to honor my younger self.
“I never felt seen in stories. There were really no disabled characters or scenes in hospitals… I see writing as an opportunity to create characters and share stories so readers with disabilities do not feel alone or forgotten.” – Katie Mazeika
What’s one piece of wisdom that you’d like to offer to fellow kidlit writers/illustrators?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep moving forward, even when it’s hard; you only fail when you give up. And learn to celebrate all the wins (big AND small!).
Thank you so much, Katie, for joining us on the blog today. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know you a little better. Thank you for all that you do to provide disability representation in children’s books, as well as the resources you offer to families, educators, and librarians.
Now it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY PRIZES:
For the month of October, Katie is offering two prizes to two winners (1 prize per winner). Prize 1: a signed copy of one of her books. Prize 2: A 20-minute ask me anything call.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Share a link to the Feature Interview on X (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me @chellysbooks. Want extra entries? Repost my Feature Interview post on X. Don’t have X? Drop a comment at the bottom of the interview.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Katie Mazeika is an award-winning author and illustrator who can’t imagine a better job than making books. She loves creating stories based on real people and events. Katie is passionate about highlighting disabled voices in her work. Katie strongly believes all children should see themselves in books.
In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with reading specialist, literacy coach, and kidlit author, Christina Shawn! We’ll be discussing ways to create confident readers and how to write stories that resonate with kids while capturing the magical moments in everyday life.
Christina, it’s so wonderful to have you with us today. Can you share with our readers where you’re joining us from?
Hi Chelsea. I am thrilled to be here. I am joining in from my home in Richmond, Virginia.
I was thrilled to see your application come in last year for the 2025 Feature Interview lineup, and have been warmly anticipating our conversation. Could you share how you found out about the Feature Interview segment and what made you want to apply?
I first became familiar with you through your social media presence on (I think) Twitter / X. I could relate to so much of what you shared, and I found you to be so supportive of the writing community. Plus, you had me at “World of Books!” From there, I began reading your thoughtful and thorough interviews.
I loved reading about your connection to the world of literacy, not only as a writer, but also as a reading specialist and literacy coach. Can you tell us more about this? What ages do you primarily work with? Is it independent, or do you work with a school and/or another organization?
I love to teach reading. I began teaching middle school reading and then became a literacy coach in public preschool classrooms through a grant system that supported teachers and students with materials, classes, and coaching. I learned so much and felt like we were all making a big difference. Then, when I was staying home, raising my children, I began writing children’s books. I love that now, the books allow me to go back into the classroom and work with teachers, students, and parents to once again build literacy skills. Oftentimes, parents don’t realize how much they are already doing to help grow readers, and I love sharing easy-to-apply tips and tricks with them. I love working with children in the classroom in small groups and with full auditoriums. I feel like the timing is just right to bring all of these elements together to once again try to make a difference through early literacy.
How did you wind up in the world of kidlit publishing?
When my children were little, I was implementing much of what I knew about literacy into our everyday lives, and part of that was reading a ton of books and making up songs and stories for them. Eventually, I think my brain just began thinking that way, and one idea turned into my first (self-published) book, LUCAS PLAYS. After working on that project, I realized how much I love unpuzzling words and creating meaningful and entertaining stories. I wanted more. So I began taking classes, and I joined writing communities like SCBWI and 12×12.
What kind of work were you doing prior to writing, and/or are you still doing now?
Writing has always been at least a small part of my work. I was a middle school English Teacher / Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, and, before that, I was the Community Relations Manager for Barnes & Noble.
We’d love to hear more about your publishing journey! When did your writing begin?
I wrote my first picture book, LUCAS PLAYS, in 2016 and self-published it for my family. During that process, I did a lot of research about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. Ultimately, I didn’t want to wait to see this book, and I only had the one manuscript, so I self-published. But once it was out in the world, and I was able to go back into classrooms to share it, I was hooked. I wanted to do more, so I signed up for a local writing class, joined 12×12, and dove headfirst into the kidlit world.
What genres and age groups do you write for? And how do they differ from each other?
Picture books are my sweet spot. All of my published and pre-published books are for a target age of 3-6. I also have an early reader series for 5-8 year olds that is on sub (and this really appeals to my reading specialist heart), so I hope it gets published one day.
I am also working on two mid-grade novels that are far more time-consuming and adventurous for me. But I love them both dearly.
Like me, your publishing journey started on the indie side of things, prior to traditional publishing, with the publication of your first book, PB, Lucas Plays. Since you have experience on both sides of this publishing terrain, could you share a little with our readers about what the differences between the two have been? Traditional VS. Indie, representation vs. no representation, and the pros and cons of both?
Absolutely! I love that I have experience with both Traditional and Indie publishing. Indie publishing is definitely faster, and the author has more creative control. Traditional publishing takes TIME and patience, and often agents, publishers, artists, editorial teams, and marketing teams that are also working on lots of other projects. The reach of traditional publishing has been wider for me, though. When AND THEN CAME YOU was published (traditionally), it stirred a renewed interest in LUCAS PLAYS as well, so that was a really nice bonus.
After publishing independently, what made you decide to pursue traditional publishing? Explain.
Once I decided to write more books, I wrote a LOT of manuscripts. So I wanted an agent who could represent a full body of work and become a career partner. I wanted the experience of publishing with multiple publishing houses and building relationships with editors and artists. I really like being part of a team.
Now, you’re represented by Liz Nealon at Great Dog Literary. And you have a new book that just hit the shelves this year, and another on its way in the fall of 2026. What an exciting time! But before we get into that, could you share how you found your agent match?
Yes! It is a really exciting time! Connecting with Liz Nealon was one of those perfect timing moments. I had been in the query trenches for a while but had never queried her before (I think she had been closed to queries) but my friend, who she represented, thought we’d be a good fit and connected us, so when I received the publication offer for NO LOVE POTION through a Twitter / X pitch I took a chance and reached out to Liz. We hit it off immediately, and the rest is history. Liz is an amazing agent. She is thorough, professional, kind, experienced, and so smart.
For readers who are not yet at this step in their journey but are actively pursuing representation, could you walk us through your agent call?
Liz set up a call after reading my submitted manuscript. Then she requested more, and we set up a second call. On our calls, we talked about my specific manuscripts as well as my big picture goals for my writing career. We discussed my background in children’s literacy and also her background at Sesame Street. (How cool is that?) I was surprised and delighted by the parts of my writing that Liz felt drawn to, and I knew that not only were we on the same page, but this partnership could be a really special one.
What made Liz stand out to you as someone who was the right fit for you/your project?
Honestly, she loved my least commercial manuscript the most. The one that had the most personal risk in it. I knew she saw me. And if she loved that story along with my “safer” manuscripts, then she understood me and my writing goals. I trusted her immediately and continue to feel safe and confident with her representing my work.
For our readers who may be anxious about the call, what advice do you have?
Be your whole, honest self. It is often our quirks that help us know if we are a good fit or not. Respect yourself and your work enough to choose only the best person for you, and trust your gut.
Are there any specific questions you suggest asking an agent on the call? These could be questions you asked, or questions you wish you had asked!
How do you prefer to communicate? Some agents call, email, or text. Some don’t communicate much at all. Some keep shared Google Sheets of all your subs, some email updates, and some only update once a month or with “good” news. I think it’s important to see if your communication styles are compatible and ask for what you need in order to feel good about your partnership.
Now let’s talk about debuts! As you know, debuting authors have a LOT going on. Could you share a little bit about your exciting year and the time leading up to it? What kind of things did you do to prepare for your big book debuts? Have you been able to participate in any in-person/virtual author events for local vendors, libraries, schools, bookstores, and other organizations?
During the 4.5 years between the publication offer and the publication, I thought about this release a LOT. I added interviews (like this one), podcasts, and announcements to my calendar. I was even on the local news! (You can find links for them on my website and Linktree.) I booked school events, in-person bookstore events, and even a presentation with the Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children. On the day my book released, I hosted a launch party for my friends and family and relished in the celebration with my loved ones. The launch of AND THEN CAME YOU feels huge to me. It is the first traditionally published book of mine, and there are more to come. It feels like the start of something really special.
What have been some of the biggest publishing surprises?
Probably the best surprise was when Chronicle Books asked me to do a signing at ALA 2025 with Rebecca Stead!!!
What’s something you know now that you didn’t know before, and wish you had known sooner?
The way your book is coded in the system dictates whether bookstores will stock it. There is little we can do to control these codes.
What are some writing tips/resources that have helped you? This could be organizations/events/contests/etc.
My critique partners and writing friends are so important to me. I grow as a writer when we critique each other’s work and when we brainstorm together. They are also the absolute best support on this publishing rollercoaster.
I also LOVE contests. They are a fun and low-pressure way to push my creativity with almost immediate opportunities to share my work and read my friends’ and colleagues’ entries.
Fun fact: My next picture book, NO LOVE POTION (The Little Press, Fall 2026), began as a contest entry.
Let’s talk about the writing! You mentioned in your application that you enjoy writing stories that capture the magical moments of everyday life. Can you tell us more about this?
I write to process what I feel and to create new worlds and characters because it is so much fun. I don’t usually have a plan. Once I step into that creative space, the story guides me. I find that what is most magical to me is leaning into the everyday. How each blade of grass is a different green, or how the scent of the air is different before it rains. How a person can feel two (or more) feelings at once (and how that’s okay). And how love looks and feels different from every angle.
I really love the way you described writing stories that make kids feel seen, heard, and understood. Can you share some of the ways that you’re able to do this?
I was a really BIG feeling kid, and I could not make sense out of all that I seemed to know without being told it was true. In fact, I was often told that what I observed or felt was not true, and this confused me as a child. It confuses me a bit as an adult too, but much less. I liked books with complicated emotions and messy characters. I like to write those books now. I want to honor the kids who are trying to figure out the world around them and let them know they are not alone.
Speaking as a writer and literacy coach, what are some tips for creating confident readers? How can we offer kids aid and build up that confidence?
I could talk all day about this! I’m actually presenting a workshop for parents this fall on exactly this. I like to help parents and teachers notice the ways they are already supporting literacy (often without even realizing it) and help them to be intentional about it. There are so many ways to incorporate early reading skills into everyday life. Just a few examples are sorting socks (yes, socks) or utensils. Sorting letters. Helping children know the letters in their names and then finding them in book titles. Pointing to letters. Pointing to words. Explicitly noticing rhyme as words that “sound the same at the end.”
Let’s talk writing craft, specifically, rhyme! I’d love to hear more about predictive rhyme in picture books and how that fosters early reading skills.
The human ear naturally LIKES rhyme. It processes and retains rhyming words more easily and even believes them to be more TRUE! Isn’t that wild? When we read rhyme aloud, our listeners’ brains become attentive. They absorb skills and information like a sponge. Telling children what rhymes are words that “sound the same at the end” and helping them to identify and create them is a fantastic early reading skill. When predictive rhymes are altered (like with the surprise page turns in AND THEN CAME YOU), it becomes a fun, engaging learning game.
For some of our very new writers, who may be passionate about writing books for kids but are still uncertain of how to do it, could you shed a little light on page turns? For this question, I’m primarily thinking in terms of picture books!
I love a good page turn! Page turns can create surprise, humor, anticipation, and suspense that drive the story forward and encourage the reader to turn the page. I love a big reveal or something unexpected in a page turn. AND THEN CAME YOU was so much fun to write because children expect a predictive rhyme, but are surprised to find an unexpected word instead.
I love the themes of your writing, Christina. For our readers who may not be familiar with your books, would you share a brief description of what your stories are about and what the takeaway or “theme” of them is?
My husband jokes that I love to write about LOVE. He’s not wrong. Some common themes in my books are LOVE, CHANGE, ACCEPTANCE, CHOICE, and GROWTH.
AND THEN CAME YOU (Chronicle Books, Spring 2025): When families grow, love grows too…even when change is scary.
NO LOVE POTION (The Little Press, Fall 2026): Making room in your heart for love (even if it seems icky) feels pretty magical.
NO HATS ALLOWED (Sleeping Bear Press, Fall 2027): Fair doesn’t always mean equal; that’s why it’s important to have a choice. Plus, cats look really cute in hats.
(NEW BOOK COMING in Spring 2027) All about patience, growth, and love.
What is your reason for writing? And what do you hope to leave each reader with?
I like readers to laugh and cry. I want them to feel and connect. And to think that at least one part of the book is kind of weird. I want my readers to feel seen, heard, and understood. I want them to want to read these books again and again.
Any last words of advice for fellow writers out there, looking to share their stories with the world?
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that this fun, magical, creative job is also important and necessary, but I promise you, it is. What we create feeds our souls and spreads light out into the world through humor, connection, inspiration, and creativity. We must keep making our art and know it matters.
Thank you so much for joining us, Christina. It’s been wonderful to connect with you!
Pssst! Note to readers: Christina has just recently developed a presentation for VAAEYC on how rhyming picture books can be used to build early literacy skills during read-alouds. Some of these materials, as well as coinciding lesson plans for her book, And Then Came You, will be available for free download on Teacher Corner. Christina also offers critique services through her website https://www.christinashawn.com.
And now it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY
Christina is offering a choice of ONE of two prizes to one winner. Prize options: a fiction picture book manuscript critique or a 30-minute AMA.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
LIKE and SHARE this post. That’s it! (And don’t forget to tag me so I don’t miss it! X @chellysbooks IG @chelseasworldofbooks). **If there are multiple prize options, please specify which one you’d like in the comments.**
DEADLINE TO ENTER: September 30th, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
CHRISTINA SHAWN BIO& CONNECT
Christina Shawn is a reading specialist, literacy coach, and author who writes about magical moments in our everyday lives. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, three kiddos, and two fluffy bunnies, who provide a constant supply of support, humor, and inspiration. Christina loves yoga, beach bike rides, mountain hikes, and adventuring to new places. Mostly, she loves the spark of learning something new and passing it along.
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
If you’ve been keeping up with my IG/X posts, you may have recently noticed a juicy, exciting post or two about some *VAGUE* writing news. If you haven’t heard the news, I recently signed my first-ever traditional book deal with *VAGUE* publisher! I can’t share all the details- yet, but here’s what I can tell you…
You can expect to see not one, not two, not three, but four books- yes, you read that correctly-FOUR BOOKS coming your way from yours truly in the not-so-distant future.
If you’re thinking, “Wow! Unbelievable!” You’re not alone. I’m also thinking that. And even though I signed my contract last month (August 2025) and have gone back multiple times to look at it to make sure I’m not dreaming, I’m still pinching myself to make sure this is, in fact, REAL and not some kind of writer’s mental break hallucination. You’ll be pleased to know that after verifying with multiple friends and family members, it is, in fact, REAL, and not something I’ve just imagined. Which, really, wouldn’t be such a strange thing to happen, since we writers have such notoriously vivid and overactive imaginations.
I’ll be in touch with more details as they come, and as I’m permitted to share them. Thanks for reading, and as always, for your continued support and encouragement.
