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.
Guest blog article written by chelsea Dicicco of chelsea’s World of Books literary blog for Maya Magalani of Writing with a Twist blog- first published in February 2024
MAGIC AND HURDLES
If you’re new to the literary world, welcome, welcome! This industry is truly an incredible place to be. It’s filled with magic. Wonder. Curiosity. Adventure. Eye-opening experiences. But it’s also riddled with hurdles.
Like… The waiting. Oh, the waiting. It’s a silent killer. Or at least, it can be. But it doesn’t have to be.
What does that mean? What am I talking about? Ways to look at your writing career. And the best way to look at your career as a writer is to view it as a journey, not a destination. If you focus solely on the destination, it will be a very difficult road to stay on. Is it possible to make it? Perhaps. That being said, having the wrong perspective can directly make or break your odds of reaching success. So, how can you gain a positive perspective and turn your glass half-empty into a glass half-full? Ah. Here’s the secret. It’s your WRITING COMMUNITY.
WRITING COMMUNITY
What exactly is your writing community? It’s the group of cheerleaders who are there for you when… You’ve been in the query trenches for eight months and haven’t had a single nibble on the manuscript that you poured your heart and soul into writing for the past year and a half. Or maybe… You’ve been querying for a year, and all you’ve gotten back are form rejections. It can be tough. But, if you have a strong writing community of friends who…
1. Know you. 2. Understand what you’re going through. 3. Appreciate your work.
You may find that the journey isn’t as bad. And guess what? You’re not alone! That’s a reminder we all need.
Sometimes, when you’re spending hours on end with characters in your book, it might feel like you’re by yourself in your own little corner of the world. But, really, we’re here with you. And we want to support each other.
Writing community is ESSENTIAL in keeping your wits and spirits about you.
So, okay- that’s great. But where is this “writing community?” How do I find mine?
WHERE TO FIND YOUR WRITING COMMUNITY
There are lots of ways and places you can go to find your people. Today, I’m going to be sharing a list of 7 places where I was able to find mine.
If you write kidlit, (ideally picture books, but it can be any genre of kidlit), you’re in luck. Julie Hedlund has created a fantastic writing community through her 12×12 challenge website. This is a HUGE resource for writers. There you’ll find writers who WANT to support and help you. You can find and create critique groups in the forum. You can discover new beta readers. You can join affinity groups. You can find people who are willing to swap manuscripts and offer critiques. You can learn about new writing contests happening near you or virtually. Any information you can think of, Julie’s group has it! And… if that’s not already awesome enough, you can post questions to the forum page or onto the 12×12 Facebook group page. (Note: you must be a member to access the 12×12 forum or 12×12 Facebook group).
Here’s another fantastic resource for writers and illustrators. SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) shares all the newest events, both virtually and in person, for writers to join and visit. These events are pivotal for making writing connections within the world of publishing. There you can meet and listen to editors, agents, and fellow writers or illustrators. Yes- these connections can last you a lifetime and help build your career and standing in the literary world.
Type: Various groups/retreats/events/memberships/classes
This is a new one that I’ve just recently discovered, thanks to a very kind literary agent who offered the recommendation. And I’m so grateful she did! Because joining the Writing Barn this year has been truly amazing. They offer retreats, workshops, classes, and an incredible Courage to Create writing group membership.
Ready Chapter 1 is a newer resource for writers. It’s not specific to any genre- anyone can join. It offers helpful critique forums, community, monthly webinars, and contests with editors and agents. Pretty cool, right?
Let’s see. The first time I joined Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez’s Fall Writing Frenzy Contest was back in 2022. And I can personally attest to the fact that this contest is a great way to meet and connect with fellow writers.
How does it work?
There are a series of pictures provided. You choose one and write a story inspired by it. You have a cap of 200 words (not including title). There’s a submission window. Once the window opens, you post the picture you chose to write about onto your blog and upload your story. Then, you go back to the official website and enter your information into the Google doc provided (with a link to your blog entry). Don’t have a blog? No worries! You can enter your info into the Google Doc and specify that you don’t have a blog.
If you DO have a blog… this is extra cool because everyone in the Google doc can see your title and blog address, and if your title sounds good, they might just visit your website.
You can also scroll through and find new writers this way. Leaving comments on other people’s blogs is a GREAT way to grow your reader audience, gain new followers, and make connections!
Fun fact: I found one of my critique partners through Fall Writing Frenzy. I visited her blog because she chose the same prompt as I did, and then I discovered her entry was a neurodiverse story, just like my entry! We struck up a wonderful conversation and quickly became writing friends. Fast-forward to a year later, she ended up joining my critique group. And it was all because of the connection we made during Fall Writing Frenzy! Putting yourself out there and participating in these community events is a GREAT way to find YOUR writing community.
P.S. Did I mention there are a ton of prize donors who offer FREE GIVEAWAY PRIZES to participants?
This contest happens every October. If you’re interested in learning more about it, what are you waiting for? Check it out today!
Here’s another incredible annual contest. 50 precious words! Very similar to Fall Writing Frenzy, this contest, hosted by Children’s book author Vivian Kirkfield, challenges writers to write a story in only 50 words, using a visual prompt.
If memory serves me correctly, you CREATE or choose your own image to write a story. So, this one has a little more wiggle room for creativity. My entry for 2023 was on cupcakes.
I can’t tell you how much fun it is to share these images and read other people’s as well. This exercise truly puts joy into writing. And you meet great people along the way.
P.S. In addition to hosting an “adult” contest, Vivian also hosts a “5o precious words for kids” event. How cool is that?!
And last on the list, but certainly not least, is PBParty, hosted by Mindy Alyse Weiss. This once-a-year contest has blown up into something incredible. Not only is it a huge opportunity to find an agent or even get yourself a book deal with an editor, but it’s also a great way to make lasting connections in the writing community. Between the Facebook Group, the Critique Trains, and the PBRanking Party, this is a HUGE community connector. Not to mention, if your story is chosen as one of the 50 in the showcase, you’ll be entered into a private Facebook Group, and you’ll have unlimited access for the rest of – ever! That’s right. No expiration date.
Two of my critique partners landed their agents thanks to the help of PBParty! And they’ve made lasting friendships with many of the group members they met through this incredible event. Hopefully, this article has given you some fresh ideas and inspiration on ways to make connections with your writing community.
Today, I’m talking with children’s book author, literary blogger, and educator Andrew Hacket.
But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.
THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?
Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.
Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.
What can these interviews offer YOU?
These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:
stay current with market trends
hook an agent or editor
find writing community & other resources
discover workshops, contests, and other events
figure out which path of publication is right for you
know if your agent is a good match
And more!
AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
BEGINNINGS, INSPIRATION, AND EDUCATION
How did you end up in the amazing world of kidlit publishing? My path to kidlit stemmed from a childhood creativity that lingered into adulthood. I had always liked the idea of writing, and dabbled here and there, but never had the time or energy to fully explore how to make this dream a reality.
Fast Forward to 2020 and the world was closing down. My 3 young children were going to be home learning from a computer screen, and someone had to be with them. As a result, I left my job as a teacher for the year and stayed home to support my children and their learning. What I quickly discovered was that while I was fulfilling an incredibly important role and need in my children’s lives, I was extremely, mentally, unstimulated. I was used to the fast-paced, mind constantly whirring life of a teacher, and this sudden stillness and calm in my brain was unsettling and not for me. So, with this new mental capacity, I dove headfirst into the publishing waters, listening to every webinar and podcast I could find, embracing the Twitter kidlit community, joining in with contests, and building my network of writing friends.
Outside of your work as a writer, I know you’re also a literary blogger and elementary school educator of 18+ years. Which is incredible! Can you share more about that, and how those things connect to your writing career?
Working with children is all I have ever done. I began in afterschool programs and summer camps, before doing daycare and moving into my career as a teacher. Having spent so much time with kids (and conveniently my target audience) over the years has helped me maintain a childlike outlook on the world and be in tune with how kids think and what they like. Teaching has also given me a depth of knowledge when it comes to picture books. Reading picture books is embedded in my job and has helped me learn about structure and pacing.My blog is a constant source of inspiration as well. Hearing others’ stories of publication and creativity feed my own creative spirit and motivate me to continue writing. And in addition to all of that wonderfulness, interviewing authors keeps me connected to my community and can often open my eyes to new publishers or editors I had not previously known about. Let’s talk a little bit about writing inspiration. I want to touch on a few lines from your bio because I loved them (and related to them) so much!
Andrew recognizes that being a kid is hard and he writes to create ways for children to see themselves in stories and characters, to accept and overcome their insecurities, or to escape for just a little while through the power of their imaginations.
-I just love this!
So, it’s obvious you care a lot about children and their world, emotionally and mentally. Which, being a teacher and children’s book writer, only makes sense. Can you share a little more about where this connection to kids really started? What motivated you to want to dedicate your life toward bettering the lives of young readers, and students?
I like to tell students that I am a kid at heart. I have a healthy dose of Peter Pan syndrome and always have. Some kids are excited to grow up and do all of the things they think make being an adult awesome. I never was and I think that is a large reason I work with kids. Their energy keeps me young and connected to my inner child. I have worked with children since I was 16. I began at an afterschool program which then led into summer camps and daycares. What I discovered early on was that not only did I enjoy being with kids, but I was really adept at connecting with their emotions and understanding their wants, needs, and motivations behind their actions. This set me on the path to being a teacher and I have not regretted that choice ever.
“I have a healthy dose of Peter Pan syndrome and always have. Some kids are excited to grow up and do all of the things they think make being an adult awesome. I never was and I think that is a large reason I work with kids.”
As an educator, I imagine you want to engage your readers on an emotional level and impart some educational messages as well. Can you tell us a little bit about what lessons you hope little readers (and bigger readers) can gain from your books?
My three books vary widely in topic, tone, and structure, but each one has a strong SEL connection that I think comes from my years as an educator and also my own struggles growing up. Every child wants to feel a sense of belonging, and I think at some point, every person struggles with this despite how an outside perspective might perceive it. I hope my books help young readers feel seen and can push them on the path of accepting themselves and others for who they are at that moment.
Speaking of books… I know you write across genres in kidlit: picture books, early readers, poems, and middle grade. I love talking with people who have a range of writing experience because each genre carries its own set of rules. I’m curious to know, for our readers and myself, how you balance these rules and keep your genres separated while writing? And have there been times when you’ve started, say, a picture book, that eventually “told you” it wasn’t meant to be a picture book and instead turned into something else- like an early reader or a middle-grade novel?
This is such a wonderful question. Overall, I don’t often focus too hard on “the rules”. That being said, I do think a fair amount of those rules become ingrained in our minds from when we were younger readers and perhaps the writing was a bit more formulaic.
For the majority of my writing, I approach it with the intent of creating picture books. I do try to be mindful of a smaller word count and most of all make sure I am leaving room for the art. Being on the other side of publication now, I can attest to the incredible ability illustrators have to bring our words to life while enhancing our stories in ways we could have never imagined. Leaving room for the illustrator is not only polite to the illustrator but a future gift to yourself when you get to open the pages of the book and see their creativity.
I have never made a choice to switch a genre of a WIP while working on it, but I have had the suggestion made to me by critique partners, my agent, and editors. I have a few manuscripts written with an older voice and the suggestion of MG has been tossed my way, but at this moment, I am just not ready to tackle that many words.
Another time a suggestion was made was for Curlilocks and the Three Hares. This was subbed as a picture book manuscript and the marvelous, Michele McAvoy at The Little Press had a vision for it as an early reader in their Modern Fairy-Tale Series. After chatting with Michele and hearing more about the series I decided to give it a go and luckily, it did the trick and Curlilocks and the Three Hares with illustrations by Svetla Radivoeva is now out in the world for kids and families to enjoy!
THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING PRE-PUBLISHED – AGENTS, QUERYING, SUBMISSIONS, RESOURCES
Tell us about your pre-publication journey! Starting back at query trenches/early submissions. When did you begin your professional journey?
I began approaching my writing seriously in 2020. COVID had just hit, and I found myself on leave from work, parenting three young kids who were doing remote schooling. While this was a crazy time and incredibly busy in its own right, I discovered that not being in the classroom gave me the mental capacity I had been lacking to research the writing industry and start to put the legwork into learning the craft and business of publishing.
I began with Twitter kidlit contests which is where I met so many wonderful critique partners and learned so much about myself as a writer and what I wanted to say. It was through these contests that I discovered my voice.
My time in the query trenches was short. I queried one story, which sadly has yet to make it to the published page, to about 15 agents with no bites. Then, my current agent, Dan Cramer, posted a query critique giveaway opportunity that I happened to win. I sent Dan my query and was delighted when along with his feedback, he also offered to read the manuscript. I sent that story off as quickly as I could and was amazed to hear back from Dan with an offer of representation.
While I know my experience was brief and not typical, I always encourage authors to take any and every opportunity for which they have the bandwidth. You can’t count on an experience like this happening, but if you don’t put yourself out there, you are ensuring it doesn’t happen.
-Yes. So true!
“I always encourage authors to take any and every opportunity for which they have the bandwidth… if you don’t put yourself out there, you are ensuring it doesn’t happen.”
Are you currently agented and were you currently agented for your first book deal?
Yes, I am currently agented. Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary is still my agent, and we have been partnered together for all three of my book sales.
What was your agent experience like for that first book deal? And which book was it?
The first book deal with Dan was wonderful. We sold Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea to Page Street Kids. At that time I was such a newbie, and Dan made me feel at ease asking ALL of the questions. He took time to answer them and walked me through the process in a way that helped me understand this new and foreign side of publishing that I knew absolutely nothing about.
Dan has been my one and only agent. As my agent he researches publishing houses and editors in search of the perfect match for my manuscripts. He handles all negotiations related to our book deals and deals with the communication with the editor at the beginning of the process.
Were there any resources (writing organizations, contests, communities, etc) that were especially helpful in getting you to where you are today, that you’d like to share with aspiring traditional, hybrid, or independent kidlit authors or illustrators reading today?
Fall Writing Frenzy, Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words, and Halloweensie are the contests that introduced me to the kidlit community and it is through them that I found a sense of belonging in this industry.
I did join SCBWI early on as well and while I was not the best at accessing all they had to offer, I was able to connect with 2 of my first critique groups as a result.
Also helpful to me along the way were fast drafting events such as First Draft Friday with Hollie Wolverton and Mindy Alyse Weiss’ PBParty Critique Train. Both of these events help motivate me to get new words on the page which can be hard to do with a fulltime job and family.
-Fantastic resources, Andrew. Thanks for sharing!
THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING-POST PUBLISHED- BOOK DEALS, AUTHOR EVENTS, PROMOTION, CONNECTIONS
From the time you started pursuing publication, about how long was your journey to your first published work- and how did that feel?
It was a four year process from my first draft of my first book until its publication. And while four years is no short time, I completely recognize the years and years that many creators invest before finding the success they are looking for and I feel incredibly fortunate for where I am today.
We're so glad you are where you are today too, Andrew!
For some of our ones just starting to enter this arena, and could use some tips on where to start... could you share some details about your author visits? What activities do you provide- if any other than a basic read-aloud? What kind of visits to you offer- virtual, in person, or both? About how long is your average visit? What venues do you visit- bookstores/schools/libraries? And who schedules the visits- do you contact places directly, do they contact you directly, or is this something handled by your publisher/agent?
With three books releasing this past spring I made a concerted effort starting back in the summer and fall of 2023 to begin lining up author visits.
-Smart planning and foresight!
For the most part these have all been organized by me through contacting bookstores, libraries, and schools. There are some publishing houses who will support and assist in booking events, I just happened to choose to take the responsibility on myself.
Bookstore and library visits often last 45 minutes to an hour and include an introduction to the book, reading, a craft/related activity, and then conclude with a signing. My best advice here is to have existing relationships with these places. Long before you have a book out be a patron of your local libraries and indie bookstores. Support events that they have and learn what they have to offer as a result of attending. It is always easier for someone to book you for an event when they have seen you be supportive of others.
My offerings for school visits are a bit different. I book anything from single workshops to half days to whole days, and these can all be virtual or in person.
On my website I have a menu of workshop offerings that a school can choose from. These range from a traditional journey to publication to hands-on workshops on a variety of topics including brainstorming, fairytale writing, poetry, and character design.
-I love the range in variety.What a great way to accommodate different needs and interests.
I prefer to work with groups of one to two classes where we can be interactive and create together rather than them just listening to me.
Being a debut author this year, I found more success in booking author visits when I approached schools with whom I already had a relationship. I also applied and received multiple Cultural Council grants which helped fund a number of local visits.
-What a great idea!
Okay, so what’s your favorite part of the visit and why?
My favorite part of school visits is seeing students become inspired! It is the most amazing feeling to know that your presence and your words have sparked creativity and enthusiasm in them. As authors we know that jolt of excitement we get with a shiny new idea and it's such a privilege to be able to create that for kids.
The other part I love about school visits is being able to reach such a large number of kids in such a short amount of time. I'm used to having an impact on my class of 24 second-graders. This spring alone I've met 100s of kids in K-5 from all sorts of diverse backgrounds.
-Love this!
“My favorite part of school visits is seeing students become inspired! …As authors we know that jolt of excitement we get with a shiny new idea and it’s such a privilege to be able to create that for kids.”
Let’s talk a little about promotion. For newly debuting authors who may not yet have an author and/or illustrator platform built for themselves… where do you recommend starting? Do you have any tips on making connections in the kidlit community as well as your local community?
My biggest advice here is if you go into this industry with altruistic intentions you will receive way more than you bargained for in return. Make connections with creators, support their work, and offer to help each other, but do it all for the sake of connecting on a genuine level with another creator with no expectations of anything in return.
I recommend starting locally. Make a habit of attending author events at your local bookstore and library. Introduce yourself to the workers and guests (I know it feels scary!). Be open that you are an author. You will begin building relationships with these people and before you know it they will be calling you by name. Then when it is your time for books to come out, they will be excited to celebrate with you and support you in any way they can.
-This is such great advice. Yes!
For authors or illustrators who may be early on in their publishing journey… what words of encouragement would you like to share?
If you haven’t heard already, this industry moves at a glacial pace and there is no way to do it (that I have found) without a healthy heaping of rejection. Enter this path knowing these two facts and make choices that make the journey enjoyable. This includes finding your people who uplift and support you as well as learning how you best tackle the highs and lows associated with this career.
“…if you go into this industry with altruistic intentions you will receive way more than you bargained for in return. Make connections with creators, support their work, and offer to help each other, but do it all for the sake of connecting on a genuine level with another creator with no expectations of anything in return.”
“Make a habit of attending author events at your local bookstore and library. Introduce yourself to the workers and guests… Be open that you are an author. You will begin building relationships with these people… Then when it is your time for books to come out, they will be excited to celebrate with you and support you in any way they can.”
BOOKS + RESOURCES + FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM
Okay, we’ve arrived at arguably my favorite part of the interview… and that’s the part where we talk books! I’d love to hear about your stories. What was the inspiration for them? What are your favorite spreads/illustrations and what do you love most about them? And maybe hear a brief description of what each book is about.
Gush over my book babies? I’d love to! I am so fortunate to have had three books release this year and I love each one and am grateful for the editors, illustrators and countless others behind the scenes that helped bring them to life.
My first book, OLLIE, THE ACORN, AND THE MIGHTY IDEA (Pagestreet Kids) with illustrations by Kaz Windness follows amateur gardener, Ollie Alexander Kandersteen, a boy with a name bigger than he is, as he goes on an absurd and fantastical journey to be as big as a tree in order to stand up to his bully, Everett Lucas Montgomery. Ollie was inspired by my own feelings of smallness as a child, coupled with a summertime discussion with my children about the consequences of swallowing a watermelon seed. I love Ollie because it is a read-aloud through and through. There are refrains for kids to join in with, onomatopoeia, and unexpected antics that cause readers’ mouths to hit the floor.
Ollie has had a quiet reception in the kidlit world, but I am hoping to spread the word to teachers, parents, and librarians to get this humorous book, with a healthy heaping of SEL and messages of acceptance, into as many hands as possible.
My second book, CURLILOCKS AND THE THREE HARES (The Little Press) with illustrations by Jan Dolby follows are title character as she ventures into the Three Hares hair salon in order to take her hair into her own hands and find her just right do’ before picture day. As you can imagine, messes and mistakes ensue before our 3 hares return to find their intruder and her unruly hair. Curlilocks was inspired by my daughter and her dislike for her curls when she was younger. This story is an early, illustrated, chapter book just right for beginning readers to grow their skills and independence.
Last up is HOPE AND THE SEA (WorthyKids) with illustrations by Svetla Radivoeva. This story follows a young girl, Hope, who is having big feelings of loneliness at the beach. It doesn’t take long for Sea to notice and extend a wave and a welcoming embrace to help Hope on her way to finding friendship and belonging. This story is sweet and lyrical with sentence structure and rhythm to match the changing tide. I grew up by the ocean, and my love for the sea poured into this manuscript.
Any new books and/or book deals on the horizon?
Yes! On July 9, the spooky middle-grade anthology, THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA will be released from Godwin Books. This is a collection of 52 haunted short stories with one from each state, D.C., and Puerto Rico. In collaboration with SCBWI, Godwin Books put out a call for stories. I am honored to have my story, The Tunnel, included in the anthology representing Massachusetts.
In addition, I do have some secret news about a future publication. However, it is much too soon to discuss any details, so readers will need to stay tuned.
-Did you hear that readers? If you don’t wanna miss out… you should probably *ahem* subscribe to Andrew’s newsletter HERE… (find email subscription box at the bottom of the page at the link listed).
Okay, so I’ll start by saying that I love, love, love your website. I could get lost all day in the fun educational things you have going on over there. For our readers who may not know (yet) about all the resources you have… could you enlighten us to what you offer on the Educator Resources tab?
*Snippet of Andrew's offerings below...*
Thank you for the kind words about my website. I created it a few years ago using Wix, and then I hired the incredible Molly Ippy, to spruce up the design to make it more professional and cohesive, which she nailed. I cannot recommend her services enough, so if you are in need of a website facelift or educational resources don’t hesitate in reaching out to Molly. Check out her offerings HERE.
Many of the resources on my website come from my years of teaching and designing curriculum. Much of it is science and engineering based and gives educators a starting place to get their students creating and engaging with science in a hands-on manner.
I do have resources for some of my published books and those will be found under the books tab on my website.
-Download Andrew's FREE educational guide and coloring page for Curlilocks and the Three Hares and/or activity page for Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea on Teacher Corner TODAY!-
Speaking of resources… you don’t just have resources for parents, kids, and educators… you also offer resources for writers, in way of your literary blog, where, just like I’m doing today- you host fellow authors on your blog and talk about the “behind the scenes.” When did you start doing this? And what do you hope readers will gain?
I began The Backstory in 2021. It felt like authors who were gaining traction in the industry had a writing-related side gig going on. I don’t think this is necessarily true, but at that time that was my perspective. When I sat down to brainstorm what I could offer the writing community I landed on my love of learning the inspiration behind things.
-I can definitely relate to that love!
At first my intention was to provide fledgling authors a place to learn about the process and the opportunity to win critiques and AMA calls from published authors. What I didn’t realize at the time was the service I was providing for those published authors of being part of their marketing and promotion.
-Right?! It's so exciting to be a part of that!
Running the blog has provided me a tremendous amount of inspiration and has helped me build my relationships and connections with other authors.
I hope readers can glean little tidbits of knowledge that either encourage, educate, and inspire them along their path to publication.
- I completely echo this. It's so inspiring to talk with other creatives. The interchange of encouragement by way of shared experiences is indescribably valuable.And the connections made are so rewarding.
Any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share with our readers today?
I know this is not new advice, but it is a tidbit I come back to often. When you sit down to write, write for yourself. Don’t stress over rules. Don’t stress over the market. Don’t stress trying to write the manuscript you think your dream agent is looking for. Doing any or all of these things will lead you astray from who YOU are as a writer. Don’t lose yourself for someone else’s vision. Write authentically who you are in your voice. When your book gets made you will be so grateful that you represented your true self!
Such beautiful advice to end on. Thank you so much for joining us today, Andrew.
“When you sit down to write, write for yourself. Don’t stress over rules. Don’t stress over the market… Don’t lose yourself for someone else’s vision. Write authentically who you are in your voice. When your book gets made you will be so grateful that you represented your true self!”
And now… It’s time for the GIVEAWAY!
For the month of July, Andrew Hacket is offering the following giveaway prizes to three winners- 1 prize awarded to each winner.
Fiction, picture book (non rhyming) manuscript critique
30-minute Zoom AMA
Signed copy of one of my books (winner’s choice)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: July 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
If the host is offering more than one giveaway prize, PLEASE LIST YOUR PREFERRED PRIZE IN YOUR COMMENT. This does not guarantee that will be the prize you win, but it will be taken into consideration.
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Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below also supports this blog.
Andrew Hacket is the author of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea (Page Street Kids, 4/9/24),Curlilocks and the Three Hares (The Little Press, 5/1/24), and Hope and the Sea (Worthy Kids, 5/28/24). Andrew recognizes that being a kid is hard, and he writes to create ways for children to see themselves in stories and characters, to accept and overcome their insecurities, or to escape for just a little while through the power of their imaginations. He and his family live in Massachusetts.
Today, I’m talking with children’s book author Susan Lubner. We’ll discuss writing across genres, the creative process, and how to find a critique group.
But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.
THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?
Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.
Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.
What can these interviews offer YOU?
These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:
stay current with market trends
hook an agent or editor
find writing community & other resources
discover workshops, contests, and other events
figure out which path of publication is right for you
know if your agent is a good match
And more!
AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
THE VERY BEGINNING: PAVING A PATH TO PUBLISHING JOURNEY
Welcome to the blog, Susan! It’s so nice to have you with us today. The first thing I like to ask my guests is: how they ended up in kidlit publishing.
Let’s take that question into three parts: when, why, and how. When did your journey to publishing begin?
Hi Chelsea! Thank you so much for inviting me here today 😊
I think the path to publication really started when I was a young girl…long before I was ever aware of it! I enjoyed reading so much and writing short poems, too. My love of words and story were the seeds planted early on that would eventually lead to my career in writing for children. But the turning point was when I was in college. I took my first creative writing class and I was encouraged by my professor to submit some of my work. I did, and two fiction stories were published in a collegiate magazine. I think that gave me a boost of confidence. But it also made me realize how much I enjoyed the process of writing. And that it was something I wanted to continue and hone.
Let’s touch on the why. What was the inspiration that led you here? Is writing something you’ve always wanted to pursue, or were there other variables that brought you down this path? Explain.
What led me finally to a career in writing children’s books, happened pretty organically. But in a nutshell, it really stemmed from a renewed love and awe of children’s picture books. After college I continued writing short fiction and taking an occasional class or workshop. Writing for children wasn’t something I had considered or even thought about pursuing until after I had my first child. My daughter and I were reading a lot of picture books. I was reminded how much I enjoyed those books! And at that point I had a new perspective, not just because I was now reading from the point of view as an adult, but also as someone who enjoyed writing. I became very aware and curious about the craft. The pairing of text with illustrations. The cadence of sentences, and the idea of writing a complete story using so few words. Then one day in 1995, my daughter was two and we were in a bookstore. I saw a poster advertising a writing for children workshop. I signed up, and I’ve been writing children’s stories ever since.
That question leads nicely into our third which involves the how. How did you end up here in the kidlit arena?
That children’s writing workshop was the portal! It was taught by author Jacqueline Dembar Greene who became my mentor. All of us in that workshop were unpublished and newbies to the world of children’s publishing. And boy did we have a lot to learn. Several of the other members of the workshop and I formed a critique group. Three of us, (plus one other author who joined later on) are still critique partners …since the mid 90’s! Also at that workshop, I met Beth Raisner Glass. Beth had a manuscript she had been working on. At the time, I was very focused on writing stories that rhymed. She asked if I wanted to help her with her story which she was working to set in rhyme. Together we revised a new version of Noises at Night which eventually was published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.
What type of publishing did you pursue? (Traditional/hybrid/independent?) And why?
In the beginning I knew so little about how to get published that I wasn’t even aware that one could self-publish! I was told to get a copy of the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market which I did. It was also suggested to me that I try getting my stories published in children’s magazine’s too, like Highlights and Cricket. So my focus was always on the traditional route.
For our readers who may be new to publishing and don’t know the differences between these routes, could you briefly touch on what makes them different, as well as the pros and cons of each?
I don’t have any experience with hybrid or independent publishing and have not stayed current so I don’t have a lot of specific advice to offer to anyone who is taking that route nor can I speak confidently on that process. But generally, I can say that regardless of which route to publication is taken, there are so many wonderful resources that every writer can tap into to help them on their journey to publication.
Joining a writer’s critique group is invaluable! It helps enormously to have the feedback needed to get your stories really polished and ready for submission.
SCBWI offers opportunities to network, access to workshops, and the conferences are a great way to find the resources and support needed to help on the path to publication.
One of the things I have valued most from being traditionally published is the support from the amazing marketing departments at each publishing house. Marketing and selling your book is hard so, even though I have always done as much marketing and publicity on my own with each book launch, to have that support from a marketing and sales department from a publishing house too, is a valuable boost.
One of the things about traditional publishing that could fall in the con column is that it’s very difficult to get published with one. I have many manuscripts that have been rejected over the course of my career. It happens a lot! And I suppose that example of one of the downsides to traditional publishing highlights one of the awesome pros of self-publishing…that a writer has control of what gets published!
“Regardless of which route to publication is taken, there are so many wonderful resources that every writer can tap into to help them on their journey to publication.”
“Joining a writer’s critique group is invaluable! It helps enormously to have the feedback needed to get your stories really polished and ready for submission.”
“SCBWI offers opportunities to network, access to workshops, and the conferences are a great way to find the resources and support needed to help on the path to publication.”
Can you tell us a little bit about your querying/submission journey?
Things have changed so much since I started submitting my work. Back in the “olden days”, (ha!), when I was first starting out, snail mail was how the submission process worked. Prior to sending anything out, I was very careful to read as much as I could about how to submit a story. I learned how to format my manuscript and how to format a submission letter, too. Using the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market I made lists of which publishers were accepting unsolicited manuscripts (I did not have an agent at that time) and also which publishers were accepting simultaneous submissions, and which were not.
I have a very thick folder full of the many rejections I have received over the years. The first story I ever submitted was called The Ladybug. It was rejected many times until one day in 1998 I received an acceptance letter. My very first! I only got halfway through the letter when I cried and jumped up and down and did all the things I thought I would do if I ever got a story accepted! Then I read the rest of the letter. And again I cried. Because the letter went on to explain that even though they had accepted my story for publication (they wanted me to know that!), they had also made the unfortunate decision to move away from publishing children’s books!
- Oh, what an emotional roller coaster that must have been!-
It would be five years later that I would finally sell my very first story to Spider Magazine. Ironically, that first magazine story I sold took a long time to be published. It ended up coming out after the first book I sold (Noises at Night co-authored with Beth Raisner Glass ABRAMS 2005).
I got the awesome news that I sold my first picture book on April Fool's Day in 2004 so I had to wait a whole day to tell everyone so they would believe me!
- How funny! And exciting.-
That submission process was really unique. Noises at Night had come very close to being acquired at a very big house. Unfortunately, in the end, there wasn’t a total consensus and it was rejected. However, one of the editors was moving to Abrams and asked our permission to take the manuscript there. She loved the story, and we were fortunate that it found a home. Timing can sometimes play a very important role in whether something gets acquired or not.
Two more picture books followed but the submission process was much easier for me as my editor at Abrams asked to see other manuscripts, and so just a few emails were exchanged before I had an offer on my second picture book. My third picture book was a work-for-hire. Again, my editor at Abrams asked if I would be interested in working on the project and I said yes.
By the time my third picture book was out, I was about ready to start submitting my first middle-grade novel, The Upside of Ordinary. After making a lot of rounds and many rejections later, my critique partner suggested I submit it to a former student of hers who worked at Holiday House as an assistant editor. Fortunately, she really loved it as did the publisher!
-How wonderful!-
I’ve had a pretty eclectic experience when it comes to submissions! One thing has always been consistent though, and that is the road to publication is filled with twists and turns and lots of bumps!
Are you currently agented, and if so, how did you find your agent match? (Was it through cold query/submission, was it during a contest, etc.?)
I do work with an agent who I adore. At one of my writer’s group meetings, I shared a funny picture book that they really enjoyed. One of the members of my group had recently seen a post on a particular agent’s blog who was asking to see humorous picture books. I submitted the manuscript to her. It never did sell but we are still working together almost 11 years and three books later.
If comfortable sharing what agent/agency did you sign with?
Linda Epstein who at the time was with an agency in New York but moved to the Emerald City Literary Agency and I went with her.
For writers and illustrators who are actively querying for their agent match, could you tell us about your agent call and what to expect?
My agency query in this particular instance, was very specific in the approach. The post Linda had made on her blog, requesting to see humorous picture books had instructions on how to send a manuscript. I followed those instructions and attached the manuscript right in that first email as directed. She responded pretty quickly and asked to see other manuscripts which I sent back to her right away.
What types of questions do you find more useful to ask during this call?
One of the first questions I asked Linda when we discussed working together is if she offered editorial feedback. For me, it was very important to have an agent that also could (and would be willing) to provide feedback and suggestions for edits. I think all writers benefit from a second (or third or fourth!) pair of eyes! Especially before something is to head out on submission.
-Such a great thing to look for in an agent. And wonderful that you knew beforehand what you were specifically looking for.-
Which leads to a second question I think is important: Does the agent submit only exclusively or will he or she submit to multiple publishers all at once. I have heard of agents that will only send out a manuscript to one single publisher at a time even if that publisher will accept simultaneous submissions. That is a process that would not appeal to me, as it often takes so long to hear back from editors.
-Another great thing to know before signing with an agent.-
Asking questions up front before you commit to an agent is important. It’s very exciting to receive an offer from an agent but you want to make sure that the writer and agent are compatible and share similar expectations so that hopefully the relationship is a good fit. Talk to agented writer friends, too. See what their experience has been like and figure out what is important to you regarding a relationship with an agent before you make that choice.
-Love this advice, Susan. So great!-
How did you know which agent/agency was the right match for you?
I could tell from our email exchanges that Linda is accessible and responsive (she ALWAYS answers her emails quickly), straightforward, and very honest, the latter meaning if she doesn’t know the answer to something she says so, and will try to find out. Linda is funny, kind and approachable. All great qualities. And all of these things came across in the early days of email exchanges.
I also had a history with two other agents prior to signing with Linda. Those agents were also very kind and both of those relationships ended amicably. But everyone has different expectations and ways of doing things, and it’s not about whether someone is good or bad but more about whether a particular agent is the right fit for you.
-Yes, exactly! I think you put that perfectly. It's about finding the "right fit." Just like any relationship, it's about knowing what you want, what your expectations are of each other, then communicating it clearly- which it sounds like you did by the questions you asked- and overall, those factors will show you whether you're compatible or not.-
For people considering traditional publication as their route to publishing, could you briefly describe an agent’s role/relationship with an author and/or illustrator and some of the benefits of having one?
Everything I write, Linda sees and provides feedback before the submission process, so my manuscript is very polished and is in the best shape possible (or at least until an editor asks for revisions!) Linda then puts together and shares with me a list of publishers she will be submitting to. The great thing about working with Linda is that she knows which editors are looking for what and so the submission process becomes very targeted. Having someone do all this legwork for you really frees up so much more time for me to focus on my writing which is a great benefit.
-Linda sounds like a dream agent! And you sound like a dream client, because you're a clear communicator. That's so helpful!-
Another benefit is that there are many traditional publishers that will only look at work from agented authors so having an agent helps to get your manuscript in front of more editors. That of course is a plus because the more people who get a chance to consider your manuscript, the better your chances are (hopefully!) of getting an offer.
A third great benefit is that I do not have to deal with the business side of publishing. Linda handles all of the negotiations and contract issues, and I am so grateful for that!
HIGHS, LOWS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM
We on the blog LOVE hearing all the wonderful, exciting bits of publishing. But sometimes, hearing the realities of the lows can be helpful too.
What have been some challenges you’ve faced on the road to publishing? And how were you able to overcome these challenges?
I’m dealing with a challenge I’ve never experienced before, right now. I have worked with the most wonderful editor on my new early reader chapter book series Drag and Rex, beautifully illustrated by Blythe Russo. The first book, Drag and Rex Forever Friends, launched in November of 2023 and went into a second printing a few months ago so it’s done quite well. The second book in the series Drag and Rex Sweet and Silly launches in November of 2024.
Here’s the challenge: the imprint that published Drag and Rex is changing its focus completely and going forward they will not be publishing anymore of their list. That means that I will not be working with my editor and my books will be under a different imprint. This creates a lot of unknowns!
Will the new editor love the series as much as the other editor? Is the threshold for sales higher at this imprint? Will they want more books in the series?
My agent has been communicating with the editor at the other imprint (who I have actually worked with before and is lovely!) but no matter what, right now there are still a lot of unknowns. It’s a wait-and-see.
I am hoping the second book does very well and the series will continue! That’s the best way for me to deal with this unexpected challenge…to hope for the best and to do everything I can to help the book sell very well so the new imprint wants to continue the series.
Any words of wisdom for illustrators or authors who may be facing similar challenges?
Writers don’t have a lot of control when it comes to publishing decisions and unexpected challenges. But we can control our work. I think a great way to handle these stressful unpredictable curveballs is to get back to what we do best…writing! And of course, always hope for the best.
“I think a great way to handle these stressful unpredictable curveballs is to get back to what we do best…writing! And of course, always hope for the best.“
BEHIND THE WRITER’S DESK: WRITING ACROSS GENRES & CREATIVE PROCESS
Let’s talk a bit about the magic that happens behind the writer’s desk. I know you write across genres. Tell us about that. What does writing across genres entail?
I really enjoy writing different types of stories. Each type of story involves a writing process that is different…not in just topic, or target but technique, too. Writing picture books I am always mindful that my story will be illustrated and so the marriage of art and words must be considered; as do page turn and word count. Writing middle-grade novels involves multiple storylines that are more complicated and layered. That is true of MG characters too. My characters in my middle-grade books of course have more mature and complicated problems than my picture book characters. The early reader writing experience for me I used a bit of both PB and MG techniques! I had to consider the illustrations when I wrote Drag and Rex, but I could be a bit more relaxed about word count. I think what draws me to writing a specific type of book is influenced by what I happen to be reading at the time. Early in my career, I read a lot of picture books. I was reading piles and piles of them first to my children but then also because I just loved reading them so much. As my kids got older and were reading chapter books…I did too. Now they are 31 and almost 28! But I still love reading children’s books.
What are some of the pros and cons of writing across genres?
What advice do you have for writers who are interested in pursuing writing in different areas of kidlit (magazines, middle grade, chapter books, early readers, picture books, etc.)?
I think it’s important and helpful to read the genre or type of book that you are writing. If you are writing a middle-grade novel, then read middle-grade novels. If you are writing YA, read YA books. If you are working on a mystery, read mysteries! There are so many great authors who inspire me, and I love to think about their style and technique and try to figure out what it is I like (or on occasion what I don’t like) about a particular voice or storyline and analyze what makes it work so well.
Do you have any tips on techniques for writing across genres as well as how to shift gears and mindset from one genre to the next? Explain.
Usually when I write, no matter the genre or type of book I am working on, I always start with a character. My storyline (or lines) develop from my characters. For example, in my latest book Drag and Rex Forever Friends illustrated by Blythe Russo, each character has a very distinct (and extinct!!!) personality. Drag is a dragon who is a bit scatterbrained, a little messy, and very impulsive. Those character traits helped me to develop storylines that involve gobbling up a cake before it can be delivered to a friend, and accidentally, ALMOST ruining a very snowy day.
Using that technique of developing my characters first, and therefore getting to know them helps me to develop the plotlines in my stories. It doesn’t matter what kind of book I’m writing because each story always needs a character (or two or three or more) and my stories always develop from the characters I create.
I will also reiterate what I mentioned above and that is to read whatever type of book you are writing. If you are writing a picture book, read picture books. Note the books you really loved and what it was about the style, or tone, or cadence that made it so appealing.
AUTHOR VISITS
Have you been able to have any author visits? If so, what kind of visit was it (school/library/bookstore, etc)?
This year because it was a launch year, I did a lot of events at bookstores, libraries, book fairs, conferences, and even a couple of events at a bakery. All of my school visits this year were virtual and took place over World Read Aloud Day (but all week long) I had a terrific book launch last November at Wellesley Books with one of my critique partners, author Anna Staniszewski moderating. I really enjoyed that format and it was a packed house!
What kind of response did you receive?
For the most part most of my events went very well and I had some good turnouts. But even if an event isn’t very busy, I’m always grateful to have an audience big or small to read to. I so appreciate all of the support from so many enthusiastic booksellers, librarians and teachers, and of course the readers and students are awesome!
What’s your favorite part of a visit?
I do love engaging with readers and I especially love the Q & A portion of a visit. Kids are so incredibly curious and smart. And oftentimes they will tell me what they have been reading or about stories they have written.
About how long is a visit and what kind of routine do you have?
Most of my visits are about an hour to an hour and a half. Typically the event starts off with a reading followed by an activity and then a book signing.
Do you offer any freebies or promo swag?
I always have plenty of bookmarks to hand out and lately some Drag and Rex stickers
For authors or illustrators who may be debuting and not quite sure how to set up these visits or what to do when there, could you share a little bit about the process of how you arrange your visits? Do you reach out to schools/libraries/bookstores- does your agent/editor- or do they reach out to you directly?
It’s a bit of all of that! I've been doing this for a while so I have several booksellers and librarians that I'm very comfortable reaching out to to set up an event. I think it’s always helpful to consider the timing of the event of course…
For example for picture books and early readers, scheduling a visit during a bookseller’s regular story time is an advantage as usually there's an audience or a regular group that comes to those events every week, and so you have a chance of already having a nice turnout.
Middle-grade readers can be trickier as readers that age tend to have very busy schedules. In the past I have teamed up with other authors to do book signing tours…having a group of authors at one event can add a bit more buzz and help create a lot of excitement.
There are also times when the publicity manager from my publisher will organize an event for me. Often it will be at a conference, or sometimes at a bookstore where the bookseller has reached out looking to host an event with an author.
Do you have any tips for an author and/or illustrator’s first visit?
With library or bookstore visits, I always try to create more of an event rather than just an author reading (not that reading isn’t exciting on its own of course, but making the appearance sound a bit like a party helps to add to the excitement!)
For example, at one library event over winter break we had a winter fun theme which tied in with one of the story themes in my new early reader chapter book, Drag and Rex Forever Friends. We served hot chocolate and incorporated an activity.
Other events were friendship-themed “parties” which included making friendship bracelets after a reading; at one bookstore we hosted a pajama party…I wore mine with my slippers and readers were invited to show up in theirs for a bedtime story. For both Drag and Rex and Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl I have done several very well-attended events at a local bakery. After my reading, the kids toured the bakery and then decorated either a cake or brownie that was tied in with a storyline.
One of my favorite events was after Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl first came out. That book has a subplot that involves the main character and her best friend knitting sweaters for cats to raise money for the animal shelter where they volunteer. (You can guess how that turns out…trying to put a sweater on a cat!) In the end, they knit blankets instead. I did an event at a library where everyone made little patchwork blankets and donated them to the local animal shelter. The shelter volunteers even showed up at the library, and the local paper did a story about it so I received an extra boost of publicity.
Be creative and have fun! Think about the themes in your book and how they might tie in with a particular event.
Now it’s time for BOOKS!
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!
We’d love to hear about some of your books; from the first concept and inspiration to the final product.
I had actually written the first version of Drag and Rex Forever Friends more than ten years ago. I have always loved the simple storylines in early readers, making soup or raking leaves. I am a huge fan of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, and James Marshall’s George and Martha and was inspired by these lovely books.
Drag and Rex started out as Bitsy and Mo and then a host of other names. I had no idea who these characters were supposed to be…a dog and a cat? A rabbit and mouse? They were constantly changing. But I had written two of the stories (though a few details changed once I figured out that they were to be a dragon and T-rex!) and then they sat untouched in a file drawer until the Covid quarantine. I took out the stories, did a bit of tweaking and sent them to my agent. She loved them even though we still didn’t know who the characters were. I decided to set aside trying to figure out who I wanted them to be and thought about instead, who would kids want them to be? And that was how they became Drag and Rex. Alison Weiss at Pixel + Ink fell in love with these two. The process for finding an illustrator took a very long time…there were actual auditions! Blythe Russo nailed it! Shetruly understood the essence of these two buddies. It was so exciting to see how she brought the pair to life!
Do you have any favorite illustrative spreads? If so, which and why?
There are so many it’s hard to pick just one but I guess if I have to…this one is really extra special. It was one of the first illustrations I saw when the book was in production and I just love how Blythe Russo so perfectly depicted these three friends about to share this yummy carrot cake!
If you had to describe in one sentence what inspires you on a daily basis to pursue writing as a career… what motivates you to put your thoughts and heart on the line and share it with others… what would it be?
I think I can actually say it in one word: Stories. I love to read, write, and listen to them. I’m so grateful to be a part of this creative kidlit world!
What have been some of your most meaningful or fulfilling projects and what makes them so special to you?
Each project has had its joys and frustrations. But I think writing Lizzy and the Good Luck girl taught me one of the most important lessons as a writer…and that is… to dig really deep into your main character. To find out what it is your character really wants. For me getting to the heart of my character meant getting to the heart of my story.
What do you hope others will take away from your books?
I hope readers just enjoy the story. Maybe laugh or feel touched in some way. I never write with the intention to provide a lesson.
Anything special you’d like to share with us today that we may not know?
The second book in the Drag and Rex series, Sweet and Silly (illustrated by Blythe Russo) will be out in the fall of 2024!
What final words of wisdom would you like to share with your readers?
Love what you do, be passionate about your writing and be persistent! All else will fall into place! Remember that there’s always something to learn, too no matter what stage of your career you are at. And finally, the best bit of advice I ever got (I am so sorry I can’t remember where I read it!!!) And that is: allow yourself to write badly. That was a stumbling block for me…that I would type something out then erase it and rewrite and rewrite until I thought it was perfect. That’s ok to do that too once in a while! But some days allow yourself to just write…and keep going no matter how awful you think it is, magic can happen if you don’t stifle the process.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Susan. And now… It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
Susan Lubner is offering the following giveaway prizes: (one prize PER winner )
Prize 1: A signed copy of Drag and Rex Forever Friends
Prize 2: A 20-minute virtual visit with the book.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 30th 2024, 11:59 PM CST
Please note: if the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
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Susan Lubner grew up in Bangor, Maine but has lived in Massachusetts for most of her life. She is the author of the early reader chapter book series from Pixel + Ink, Drag and Rex Forever Friends (book 1 fall 2023) and Sweet and Silly (book 2 fall 2024) illustrated by Blythe Russo; two middle grade novels, Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl (Running Press Kids/Hachette Books 2018); and The Upside of Ordinary (Holiday House 2012) and three picture books (Abrams Books for Young Readers 2005, 2006, 2008). Her stories have appeared in Spider Magazine and Highlights for Children. Susan lives with her husband David and a giant poodle named Bailey. They have two grown daughters.
Please give a warm welcome to our guest, the very talented and passionate children’s book author, early literacy consultant, and founder of SmallTalk Learning, Dawn Prochovnic. A little history on my background with Dawn… I first met Dawn in the summer of July of 2022 during a virtual Peer Critique at SCBWI. Immediately, Dawn’s kind nature and deep concern for people, education, and children, was clear. So, when I saw her name in my applicant list for the 2024 feature interview lineup, I knew without a doubt I wanted to add her to our wonderful collection of voices and stories!
Before we jump into our interview, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.
411 ON FEATURE INTERVIEWS
What are feature interviews & WHO are they for?
Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.
Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.
What can these interviews offer YOU?
These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to
stay current with market trends
hook an agent or editor
find writing community & other resources
discover workshops, contests, and other events
figure out which path of publication is right for you
know if your agent is a good match
And more!
AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month!
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTRODUCTION: THE MAGIC OF PUBLISHING!
Welcome to the blog, Dawn! I’m so glad you’re joining us today.
I’m glad to be here. Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for such a kind introduction. My first question starts back at the beginning. I’d love to hear how you came to enter the truly MAGICAL world of kidlit publishing. How did it all begin? When did it all begin? Why did it all begin?
Back in the early 2000’s I had an idea for a series of stories that incorporated early childhood language concepts and American Sign Language/ASL. The stories were an extension of the materials I developed for the sign language and early literacy workshops I teach for hearing infants/toddlers, young children, and their grown-ups.
I discovered early on that the most effective way to help people learn and remember particular signs was to teach them catchy songs they could sing and sign while they interacted with their babies and young children.
-Yes! I love this! So very true.-
I wrote all kinds of ditties for this purpose, modeled after familiar children’s songs and rhymes like “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Soon, I discovered that preschoolers and elementary school children were also interested in learning sign language, and I developed an interest in expanding my reach beyond that which I could manage in my own classes. I wanted to share the joyful experience of signing with children and their grown-ups across the miles and decided the best way to do that would be to publish a handful of my workshop songs in the form of picture book stories.
And so, my journey to publication began. Can you tell us a little bit about the steps involved in your publishing journey? Querying, contests, events, etc. What route of publishing did you decide on and why? Explain. *indie/traditional*
My journey to publication was long and winding, but fairly traditional.
I initially approached my quest to become a published author in the same way I approached many other business endeavors. I began by putting out feelers to my network of friends and professional associates that I was in search of an illustrator and publisher to partner with/hire to help me get my books out into the world. This was LONG before self-publishing was “a thing,” and I soon discovered that was not how publishing was done.
The good news is that through this networking process I heard about the (since discontinued) Pacific Northwest Children’s Writing and Illustrating Conference.
-How wonderful! I love learning things like this.-
I attended in the summer of 2004, full of enthusiasm and eager anticipation to get on with the business of getting my books published. I was completely naïve about how the publishing industry works, and I boldly asked every ignorant question I could think of.
-Part of the learning process. I think this is a common phenomenon for most "passionate" people who start in kidlit- because they're excited and they care!-
Thank heavens I was completely unaware that the guest editor at the conference (Arthur A. Levine, the esteemed editor of the Harry Potter dynasty) was famous in publishing circles, or I might have died of embarrassment.
-Get out. So funny!- -I know, right?!-
And, thank heavens that Arthur Levine was so kind and encouraging, or I might have set aside my goal of getting my books published (because truth be told, my stories were not ready for publication back then).
-I'm so glad you had this positive experience. This can make all the difference. Finding kind people in publishing to give you that extra push. For me, it was an agent- Jennifer March Soloway. I queried her WAYYYYY before I should have been sending my work out *I just didn't know it yet* I hadn't had my work revised or looked at by CP yet- *I didn't even have CP yet or know they existed.* But she was kind and encouraging and helped point me in the right direction.- -I met Jennifer at a writing conference in Portland several years back. I found her to be kind and delightful as well.-
After that conference I formed a critique group and I joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators / SCBWI. With the support of these groups, I worked diligently on one of my stories, SEE THE COLORS, and when I felt it was ready, I submitted my first manuscript to Arthur A. Levine Books, which was an imprint of Scholastic back then. Arthur was once again, kind and encouraging, and I will always treasure the personal letter he sent to me, gently declining my story . Over the next several years I continued to do the work of a writer, inventing new stories (many of them unrelated to my original signing idea), revising, and asking for critique over and over again. I was helped and encouraged along the way by the other writers in my critique group and by the many talented authors and editors I met at other writing conferences.
-So beautiful. I love your commitment.- -Thank you, Chelsea. I love your positive energy and enthusiasm.-
As I developed an inventory of manuscripts that were ready for submission, I studied publishing houses and began the task of submitting my work. Over time, the editorial correspondence I received shifted from form letters to personalized notes with suggestions for revision and/or ideas for other publishers that might be a better fit for my work. The message was coming through: Several of my stories were publishable; I just needed to find the right publisher.
I initially approached my quest to become a published author in the same way I approached many other business endeavors. I began by putting out feelers to my network of friends and professional associates that I was in search of an illustrator and publisher to partner with/hire to help me get my books out into the world.
As I developed an inventory of manuscripts that were ready for submission, I studied publishing houses and began the task of submitting my work. Over time, the editorial correspondence I received shifted from form letters to personalized notes with suggestions for revision and/or ideas for other publishers that might be a better fit for my work. The message was coming through: Several of my stories were publishable; I just needed to find the right publisher.
What would you say was the pivotal point for your publishing career? Did you have any -AHA- moments where things just clicked?
The pivotal moment that comes to mind is when, at long last, a door to the just-right publishing house opened. I went to an author book sale/signing event called “Book Blast” in October 2007 at one of our local middle schools. It was a dark and stormy night. I almost didn’t go. My kids were squabbling. It would have been easier to stay at home. Thank goodness my daughter desperately wanted to meet one of the exhibiting authors, Bart King, the author of one of her favorite books at the time, “The Big Book of Girl Stuff.” So I piled the kids in the minivan, and we went to Book Blast. And then I met David. David Michael Slater. His picture books had an educational element to them. I could see my signing stories being a good fit for his publisher. I told him about that aspect of my writing, and he was kind enough to put me in touch with his editor at Abdo Publishing Group. And the rest, as they say, is history.
-This is truly a fascinating- and wonderful- story!-
When did you make your first book deal, and what publishing house did you sign with for that deal?
Abdo was a great fit for my signing stories, and I had several manuscripts that were ready for consideration. On January 22, 2008, at 12:02 PM, I received an email from an editor who would eventually offer me contracts for a total of 16 books with Abdo.
-Holy-guacamole- that's a lot of books!- -Indeed! It was a great run ; )-
I am still grateful to both Bart and David for their role in my journey to publication, and to Abdo for publishing so many of my stories.
When did you sign with your agent?
I signed with my very first agent on February 29th, 2024, just this past year, and nearly 20 years since I attended my first writing conference. Gaby Cabezut, with The Seymour Agency, is relatively new to agenting, but not new to the industry. I’m very grateful to now have such a kind, capable, and committed partner traveling alongside me on this journey. I’m looking forward to the many good things we will bring into the world, together.
-This is remarkable. What a journey. And you stuck it out! Congratulations, Dawn!! -Thank you, Chelsea. I feel very lucky to have connected with Gaby before she buttoned down on being open to submissions. It was serendipity!-
Can you share some of your favorite moments of the publishing journey?
There are so many favorite moments I’ve had in this journey, but one that comes immediately to mind is the first opportunity to hold my first published books in hand and share them with young readers.
My first book launch event was at the West Slope Community Library, a short walk from my home and next door to our local elementary school, where my children attended at the time. The community and my family and friends came out in full force. It was such a jubilant celebration.
-I'll bet it was!-
(As you might be able to guess from the pictures, one of the stories I read that evening has a “hat” theme!)
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
Now that we’ve touched on the highs of publishing, let’s talk a little about the lows. What challenges have you faced on your publishing journey? How were/are you able to overcome them?
I’m pretty sure I could write an entire book on this subject alone! There have been so many challenges along the way.
Although I’ve definitely developed thick skin, rejection can wear away at you. Some highlights:
Over the years I’ve had a handful of agents “lead me on,” with detailed notes, high praise and encouragement, but not offer representation. I’ve had others love one of my stories, ask for more work and then ghost me. Others have sent a form rejection 2-3 years after I submitted to them. I’ve had acquiring editors deliver really harsh critiques at writing conferences, and I’ve had several manuscripts make it all the way through acquisitions only to have someone higher up put a nix on the project. I actually think the “close calls” have been harder for me than all the other rejections combined. One in particular was when an editor took one of my manuscripts all the way to the publisher with a sticky note naming the (famous) illustrator envisioned for the story. The publisher must have ended up declining since I got the manuscript back with the sticky note “conversation” still attached. So. Close. Happily, that story (THE NEST WHERE I LIKE TO REST) did eventually get published and actually was a finalist for Oregon’s annual book awards. I’ve overcome each of these obstacles by putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. Day by day. Step by step.
-Fantastic words of wisdom. And way to go, Dawn. Never giving up! You are amazing.- -Thank you, Chelsea :)-
Was there anything in particular that really helped you that you’d like to encourage other writers to look into?
My best advice to other writers is to get yourself a writing buddy and exchange creative writing goals and goal reports with your buddy on a regular basis.
-Great advice!-
My longtime critique partner, Sara T. Behrman (whose debut picture book just came out this past April), and I have been exchanging creative writing goals with each other for nearly 20 years. I credit our shared discipline with that practice for helping keep me on track when I’m feeling unmotivated, frustrated, or otherwise experiencing a creative struggle. I rarely complete all of my weekly goals, but having them in front of me, knowing that I will be reporting my progress to someone week after week, helps me stay on track.
What words of wisdom would you share with an author or illustrator considering pursuing kidlit publishing?
I’d say my main words of wisdom would be to develop and articulate a mission statement and a strong creative vision for your books and for your career. Begin by giving some deep thought to why you’re doing the work that you do.
Many years ago, I wrote the following mission statement related to my writing work:
I write to teach, empower, process, and persuade.
When I wrote this mission statement, the word empower was meant to convey that I wanted to write books that empower my readers. There have been times, however, that adhering to my writing practices and routines has helped empower me, particularly during periods of time filled with uncertainty and powerlessness. I also encourage others (in any walk of life) to really think about, envision, and articulate what it is you want to create and accomplish. Some years ago, I wrote the following vision statement to help guide and shape my creative work:
My Vivid Description of the Future: -Kids and parents who sign will seek out my sign language stories. -My publisher will be passionate and informed about my projects. -Educators and librarians will read my stories to the kids they serve. -Because of my books, more and more libraries will contact me to request classes to teach them how to sign with their kids. -My books will open doors for me to travel to new places, meet new people and continue to provide opportunities for me to teach and encourage others. -My stories and workshops will bring the power of language and literacy to children.
-I love all of these, Dawn!-
Ideally, one’s vision and vivid description of the future becomes a living, breathing document that changes and develops over time, just as we each change, develop and grow over time. In fact, it’s about time for me to revisit my own envisioned future, as much of the above has since come to be!
The other thing I would share is a sentiment that was shared with me back when I was in grad school. One of my projects involved working with a local entrepreneur, and at the end of the project she gave me a tea mug with the following sentiment:
Do What You Love. Love What You Do. Strive to Be True to Yourself.
I think that’s a really important sentiment for writers and illustrators, too.
Before my first books were published, I was under the illusion that finding a publisher was the big, hairy, audacious goal. But I soon came to learn that after I signed with a publisher, the bulk of the work was still ahead of me: editing, more revision, more research, development and refinement of the back matter, input about design elements, marketing, etc. But finally, the wonderful opportunity to share my stories with readers, and the opportunity to inspire other writers. That is what makes it all worthwhile.
I’ve overcome each of these [publishing] obstacles by putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. Day by day. Step by step
My best advice to other writers is to get yourself a writing buddy and exchange creative writing goals and goal reports with your buddy on a regular basis… I credit our shared discipline with that practice for helping keep me on track when I’m feeling unmotivated, frustrated, or otherwise experiencing a creative struggle.
Develop and articulate a mission statement and a strong creative vision for your books and for your career. Begin by giving some deep thought to why you’re doing the work that you do.
Do What You Love. Love What You Do. Strive to Be True to Yourself.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES
Dawn, you are such an accomplished *and busy* person with so much drive, motivation, and care for everything you pursue. I’d love to know more about what drives you- and your writing!
Can you tell us the story behind the stories? If you’re up for it, I’d love to hear a brief summary, from your words, of what each of your books is about *or as many as you’d care to share.* What inspired it? What does it mean to you? And what do you hope it will give your reader?
Thank you for such kind words, Chelsea.
My most recent book, and a story that is very dear to my heart, Lucy’s Blooms, grew out of memories and emotions that surfaced when I gazed at a little glass bird that sits on my desk, a gift from my beloved Gram, coupled with an experience I had in my own garden.
One day, as I diligently tended to the flowers in my carefully prepared flowerbeds, I observed two additional plants that had independently sprouted in a patch of soil that bordered my front walkway. I didn’t know what these plants were, only that they were beautiful and thriving. Eventually, more experienced gardeners informed me that these plants were actually weeds, and I was advised to pull them.
This vigorous and lively pair of weeds brought me such joy as I passed by them day after day, I couldn’t fathom the idea of discarding them. Instead, I nurtured them. I watered them, I talked to them, and I admired them as they grew and grew…and grew.
As I reflected on this experience, I considered the impact of socially constructed labels, such as beauty and worth, and how these labels impact our everyday actions. I became fascinated by dandelions, in particular, because they are widely considered to be an invasive nuisance that should be controlled/eliminated, and yet, every part of a dandelion (root, leaves, petals, etc.) is edible, they are rich in nutrients, and they are known to have healthful, curative properties. Plus, they are easy to grow, resilient, wildly familiar to (and beloved by) children, and in my view, absolutely beautiful.
-I am in love with this line of thought. And I completely agree.- -Thank you, Chelsea! I think we are kindred spirits!-
And thus was planted, the seeds of Lucy’s Blooms.
My son’s imaginative play inspired Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? One day, back when he was bitsy (he’s now a senior in college), he raced around the house with a pirate patch on his eye and a diaper on his bum, repeatedly asking in a raspy little toddler voice, “Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?” I knew immediately this was the title for a book, and I started drafting a manuscript soon after. I worked on that story off and on for over a decade before getting it right.
The companion book, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?, came from a self-assigned creative writing exercise after receiving a decline from an editor who loved my Pirate story, but whose sales team felt it would only appeal to boys, cutting the potential readership in half.
Although I disagreed with the sales team’s assessment, I eventually brainstormed a list of different characters to try out for the story, one of which was a cowgirl. As soon as that idea came to mind, I found myself transported to a time when my then college-aged daughter was in grade school, and her wardrobe included a bright pink pair of cowgirl boots. I paged through old photos and found the one I was looking for: A photo of my daughter dressed-up for her western-themed grade school carnival.
I now had the kernel of a very clear new character in my mind’s eye. This character was unique and separate from the Pirate character that I couldn’t let go of, and she had her own story to tell.
WHERE DOES A COWGIRL GO POTTY? spilled onto the page with urgency.
My Cowgirl story eventually landed me a two-book contract with a publisher that had a knack for publishing western-themed books and decided to acquire both Cowgirl and Pirate. Yee-Haw and Yarrrr!
My next scheduled book, (Mama’s Home!, Familius, 2026), is a lyrical story about a child’s joy of welcoming Mama and a new sibling home. From eager anticipation and preparations for Mama’s return to sharing meals, playtime activities, and treasured routines, this sweet poem captures the special relationship between mother and child. I wrote the first draft of that story on a scrap of paper in my pocket as I once again watched my son engage in imaginative play, this time at our local children’s museum. It went through many twists and turns and subsequent revisions before finding a publishing home, and I anticipate there will be more changes to come during the forthcoming editorial and illustration processes.
Interior of LUCY’S BLOOMS, illustration by Alice Brereton
I adore every single page of Lucy’s Blooms, but the image above is one of my very favorites. For me it captures the essence of Lucy’s unconditional love for her blooms.
Interior of WHERE DOES A COWGIRL GO POTTY?, illustration by Jacob Souva
Jacob Souva’s art is amazing. It’s really difficult to narrow down my favorites, but this image on the copyright page of Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? makes me laugh every time I see it. It’s the perfect set-up for the silliness and humor to come.
Interior of WHERE DOES A PIRATE GO POTTY?, illustration by Jacob Souva
Similarly, I love this image on the title page of Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? It’s a perfect example of the magical collaboration between author and illustrator. I could have never imagined a more humorous crab character!
RESOURCES, EDUCATION & ASL
I know literacy is important to you. Can you share about some of the different organizations you’re a part of and the resources you provide- including your resources for ASL?
As I mentioned a bit earlier, my first published books grew out of my work as an early literacy consultant. I’ve provided consulting services and instructional workshops on a variety of literacy-related topics including infant/toddler sign language, literacy/early literacy enrichment, and creative writing for a wide variety of organizations over the past two decades including: The Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children; Early Head Start; Oregon Child Development Coalition; the Parent/Child Preschool Network, the Oregon and Washington Library Associations, Wordstock (now the Portland Book Festival), Willamette Writers, The Loft, and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/ SCBWI. You can find a more comprehensive list of past clients HERE.
I originally started my blog as a way to easily share class enrichment materials with my clients. Eventually, those enrichment materials expanded to resources to support each of my books. The easiest way to access these materials is via the resources tab on my blog. From there you can jump to materials such as “Start to Finish Story Time," which provides detailed lesson plans that incorporate early childhood language themes and American Sign Language/ASL handshapes for key vocabulary words and the alphabet and “Start to Finish Story Time, Expanded,” which provides curriculum-aligned educators’ guides; themed art projects and activity guides such as readers’ theater scripts and pirate and cowgirl name generators; YouTube playlists that include animated book trailers with original songs (the companion song to Lucy’s Blooms is a work of art in its own right) and fascinating facts such as info about animal poop science; and some things that are simply fun, like links to Pinterest boards related to potty humor, including a link to a toilet flushing sound loop!
I also have several features on my blog to support writers. Some of my most popular features are:
It’s my hope that my blog is a helpful resource to everyone who visits.
-Wow! You have so many great things to offer here! Thanks so much for sharing this with our readers today.-
VISITS & EVENTS
I saw on your website that you have an events and appearances section. What kinds of visits do you offer, who do you offer them to, and how can guests book them? *Virtual/in-person/both* libraries, schools, etc.*
I consider engaging directly with young readers and writers among the supreme joys of being an author. I offer a full gamut of author visits and special appearances for schools, libraries, bookstores, community organizations, etc., and I will virtually visit (and when possible, visit in-person) with students anywhere in the world to talk about writing books, finding ideas, character development, and more! -VERY cool.-
I participate annually in World Read Aloud Day and make every effort to find a way to go where I am invited to share my passion for reading and writing books. I even have free, self-guided author talks and young writers workshops that educators can request from me. The details of all of my offerings are available on the author visit tab of my website: https://www.dawnprochovnic.com/p/school-visits.html
If a guest wanted to hear/see a video recording of your story, where could they go?
Folks can find links to recorded book readings on my website, or they can head straight to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dprochovnic
Some highlights include: a recording of me reading Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? from my bathroom (!) and a reading of Lucy’s Blooms from my garden. You’ll also find an ASL-interpreted reading of Lucy’s Blooms provided by my friends and colleagues at Baby Fingers, LLC.
What’s your favorite part of an author visit?
I love most everything about author visits, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be the questions that kids ask and the notes they often write after school visits.
-Ha! That’s two things! : )- -Haha. I won't tell if you won't. Besides, who says you can't have two favorites?-
I looked back over some past author visit notes, and one student asked “Do you have any problems?” My first thought was “Where do I begin?!”
I wrote back:
You asked if I have any problems. I’m guessing you are wondering if I have any problems when I sit down to write my stories. Sometimes I get distracted from a particular writing project I should be working on. When I’m having difficulty focusing, sometimes I take a break. Other times, I do a writing exercise to help my creativity start flowing. I make writing goals for myself each week and I share those goals with a writing buddy. That seems to be the best thing that helps me stay on track.
Any last pieces of wisdom, encouragement, or something else you’d like to share with readers today?
This past year, I was honored with a major award in my state, the Walt Morey Young Readers Literacy Legacy Award, presented by Oregon Literary Arts in recognition of significant contributions that have enriched Oregon’s young readers.
To say that I was in shock and disbelief to receive this award is a major understatement. It was hard for me to comprehend how my name could have even been flagged for such a meaningful acknowledgment.
As I worked on my remarks for the awards ceremony, it occurred to me that our body of work, our literary legacy, extends well beyond the books that we write and manage to get published. You can read my full remarks (and see a video of my acceptance speech here: https://www.dawnprochovnic.com/2023/04/the-literary-legacy-part-of-writing-life.html) but I will share some similar thoughts below:
I wholeheartedly believe that each of us has the power to influence the literary landscape in our own communities, in our schools and libraries, and within our families.
Someone reading this blog likely read a book by a local author to a child today. Someone else made a purchase at an indie bookstore. I’ll bet someone volunteered at their local library, someone gifted a book to a classroom teacher, and someone wrote a kind letter that will be read and re-read again and again.
My fifth grade teacher held a reading contest back in 1978 that motivated me to read, and played a role in my eventually becoming an award-winning author.
I challenge each person reading this blog to take one seemingly small action that might benefit a young reader, another children’s book creator, or another professional who gets books into the hands of young readers, such as a teacher, librarian, or bookseller. Imagine the legacy that together we’ll leave.
-This was such a powerful note to end on. Thanks so much for joining us, Dawn.- -Thank you so much for having me, Chelsea. It was a pleasure.- But we’re not done JUST yet- there’s still one more item on the agenda, and that’s… THE GIVEAWAY!
Dawn Babb Prochovnic is offering the following giveaway prizes to TWO winners:
A signed copy of her most recently published book, LUCY’S BLOOMS
OR
A 20-30 minute Virtual School Visit or Ask Me Anything for an individual or small group.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog/newsletter
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: June 30th, 202411:59 PM CST
And that’s it!
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
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Dawn Babb Prochovnic is the recipient of the 2023 Walt Morey Young Readers Literary Legacy Award in recognition of significant contributions that have enriched Oregon’s young readers, a contributor to the award-winning anthology Oregon Reads Aloud (Graphic Arts Books, 2016), and the author of 19 picture books. Dawn’s three most recent publications include two humorous titles, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? and Where Does a Pirate Go Potty? (West Margin Press, 2019), and Lucy’s Blooms, a heartfelt, multi-generational story about the enduring nature of love (West Margin Press, 2021). Next up is Mama’s Home!, under contract with Familius for publication in 2026. Dawn continues to incorporate her earlier books, The Nest Where I Like to Rest, an Oregon Book Awards finalist, and 15 other picture books in the Story Time with Signs & Rhymes series (Abdo, 2009-2012) into her early literacy consulting work and school/library author visits and workshops.
It’s no surprise that I’m excited to share my monthly guest with you. Every guest is exciting in new ways, but today’s guest is especially sentimental to me because I just love her writing so much. I won’t give it all away in the intro, but you’ll hear more on this later…
If this is your first time visiting Chelsea’s World of Books literary blog, or the first feature interview segment you’ve read, welcome! You have stumbled upon something truly special. So, what are Feature Interviews? And what makes them so special?
411 ON FEATURE INTERVIEWS
In a nutshell, Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.
We share tips and resources for querying agents and submitting direct to publishing houses, we share about upcoming conferences and workshops and where to find the best writing community, as well as specific things like free and paid writing memberships, crafts workshops, writing contests, and more.
My guests share their experiences, offer advice and support, and give readers an up-close-and-personal look at the world of publishing from a unique perspective.
AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least 1 giveaway prize- sometimes more.
Which means… every month, you have multiple opportunities to win prizes!
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Faith, thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to be here today. We’re thrilled to have you!
Thank you, Chelsea! I’m honored to be here. Let’s start with the why. WHY did you pursue publishing? What about it drew you? Was it always something you were interested in pursuing, or did that happen later in life?
I grew up steeped in books and art - my dad is a fine artist and a children’s book illustrator, and I think I just always loved stories and art and wanted to make my own.
As a young teen, I submitted stories I’d written to my dad’s editors and got some very kind rejection letters back. And then, I spent a number of years doing other things, traveling, working odd jobs, leading summer camps, getting married, and didn’t really return to writing until I was on a lengthy bed rest, pregnant with twins. I wrote a middle-grade fantasy manuscript, sent that manuscript out to editors, and received a ton of rejections and one request for changes from Maria Modugno, an editor at HarperCollins. But by the time I sent my revisions back, she had moved publishing houses and was not working with middle-grade fiction anymore. I spent several years after this writing, rewriting, and trying to get published, until in 2013, I had a stroke, followed by heart patch surgery. After that, I struggled to find a way back to writing again and took a visual storytelling class through UCSD - “Thinking in Pictures,” taught by esteemed book designer Joy Chu, to see if I could dislodge some of those words. Thanks to that class, I fell in love with the dance of art and words in picture books and set out to grow into a children’s book writer and illustrator.
I didn't know your dad was a children's book illustrator. How wonderful that it runs in the family! I can only imagine the influence that must have had on you toward children's literature growing up. And I just love that you submitted stories to his editors as a teenager.
Next, let’s explore the HOW. Tell us about your journey here. How did you end up where you’re at now? What route to publication did you choose and why? And can you explain the steps involved in that route?
After that visual storytelling course, I spent time sketching and writing every day, attending writer’s conferences, reading picture books, sending illustrated postcards to art directors, and sharing my work on social media. Which is how I ended up with an agent who saw my work on Twitter, and helped me prepare and revise one of my story ideas until it was ready to send on submission That book became my. author-illustrator debut The Starkeeper, published with Random House in June 2020. Since then, I’ve made six books and am in the process of making the seventh.
Wow! So, your agent found your work on Twitter? That's incredible. Such an inspiration for others too. How are the steps different for an author-illustrator versus text-only?
An author-illustrator needs to work at the craft of both writing and illustration. The excellent part about doing both is that you have an awareness of that balance of art and text when you’re thinking about Story. The harder part of working at both disciplines is that doing both sides of crafting a picture book takes a great amount of work and time.
I can only imagine.I think of it like being ambidextrous and trying to use both hands at the same time. Now, you work as an author-illustrator but also as an illustrator. Can you explain what this means for our readers? And which one was your first “step” into publishing?
The difference between being an illustrator vs being an author-illustrator is that an author-illustrator both writes and illustrates a book. An illustrator receives an author’s final text from a publisher and creates the visual side of the book. My ”first step” into publishing was an offer to illustrate Lynn Parrish Sutton’s Once Upon a Timely with Kane Miller books. That book came out in 2019, and was sold exclusively through Usborne Books.
About how long were you in the writing/illustrating field before your first book was acquired & then published?
About 13 years. From the time I decided to be a picture book writer and was actively pursuing this dream, though, about five years.
Are you currently represented by a literary agent? And were you for your first book deal (and forthcoming deals)?
Yes! I LOVE my agent Molly O’Neill at Root Literary.
She has represented me through these book deals: Once Upon a Timely by Lynn Parrish Sutton, illustrated by Faith Pray, Kane Miller 2019. The Starkeeper, Random House 2020. Perfectly Imperfect Mira, Little, Brown 2022. One Day, written by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Faith Pray, Harper Collins 2023. Finding Grateful, written by Dianne White, illustrated by Faith Pray Chronicle 2024. The Day We Got Lost, Little, Brown, August 2024. And The Bear Who Became a Book, by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Faith Pray, Holt 2026.
For some of our readers who may be contemplating going the traditional route and seeking representation from a literary agent, could you share what some of the benefits of that are? Why is it important and how can it help them and their career?
There are soooo many reasons I am grateful for my agent! Here are just a few: ● pep talks, encouragement ● representation, advocate, insight into publishing industry, marketing, contracts, connections that I can’t possible hope to have ● always someone in my corner! ● writing coach! Every phone call with Molly is like taking a writer’s master class
SETBACKS, COMMUNITY, RESOURCES, AND MOTIVATIONS
Were there any challenges or setbacks you faced throughout the road to publishing, or perhaps challenges you still face- and how were/are you able to overcome them?
My biggest challenges in this journey: trying to pursue a career as a writer while caring for four kids, and then overcoming numerous health obstacles, stroke recovery, and trying to find my writer’s brain again post-stroke. For a couple of years before I was published, I worked as a paraeducator at an elementary school, and it was extraordinarily challenging to come home exhausted from a day with kids, then care for my family, and eek out time for writing and illustrating in any extra snatches (usually early, early mornings and late, late nights!).
Any words of wisdom you’d like to impart to readers who may be facing similar challenges on their publication journey?
● nothing is wasted ● don’t give up ● become a learner ● enjoy the journey
Speaking of challenges… I know how invaluable my writing community is when I face bumps in the road. Can you tell us about your writing community and how they’ve helped you to grow and continue moving forward?
● My community continues expanding and connecting the more I continue in this career path. Children’s book people - librarians, booksellers, authors, illustrators, educators, editors, art directors, literary agents - are just the best people - and they all love books!
● I meet regularly with a group of author-illustrator friends for both critique and encouragement. These are peers who understand the unique challenges that come with this career. It is invaluable, perhaps even essential for writers and/or illustrators to meet regularly with peers who have a similar focus. It helps you from feeling like an island! Critique partners can really help you level up your work. But most of all, the more you expand your community, the more you find you’re cheering for each other all the time. You’re on the same team. I LOVE it when friends get book deals or book awards, because we are connected, and their happiness is my happiness.
● Here’s something I learned from debuting as an author-illustrator in June 2020. Remember June 2020? All the publishing houses were closed. All the bookstores were closed. All the libraries were closed. So since I would not be going to any book launch parties or book promotion opportunities for my book, I reached out to some respected author friends I’d met through SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and asked if they could help me host a book launch party for my debut The Starkeeper on Zoom. Remember when Zoom was new? I made Starkeeper-themed decorations that guests could print from home, fancied up my studio with stars and balloons, and had a pretty fantastic online party. A piece of advice - Create the community you wish you had. Don’t have a local writer’s group you can join? Make an online one. Need a book launch party? Make your own.
Are there any places or groups that you’d recommend other author-illustrators, in particular, check out to find that community, or maybe other helpful resources?
Here are some resources that have helped me: 1. SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators) 2. UCSD CFA program - “Thinking In Pictures,” taught by Joy Chu 3. Jolie Stekly’s Writing for Children class 4. Befriending my local children’s librarians 5. Befriending my local booksellers 6. Going to local author events, meeting local authors 7. Starting a critique group with writers/illustrators who write in a similar genre 8. Befriending kidlit peers online through hashtag searches, Twitter events, and through following other authors /illustrators and engaging with the things they post about.
● nothing is wasted ● don’t give up ● become a learner ● enjoy the journey
MARKETING STRATEGY & TIPS: PRE AND POST PUBLICATION
Let’s jump into a few marketing strategies. For an author-illustrator, or an illustrator only, do you have any suggestions on how to go about marketing your work for prospective editors or agents to see?
● SCBWI publishes a yearly resource for members that contains publisher info and addresses. I used this to send illustrated postcards to art directors, and through this, received an offer to illustrate my first book Once Upon a Timely, by Lynn Parrish Sutton, published by Kane Miller for Usborne books in 2019.
● Instagram and Twitter events like #colour_collective, #kidlitart, #kidlitartpostcard. I’ve received book jobs from showing work on my Instagram account.
● Writing conferences, retreats, and showcases is a solid way to have your work seen by agents and editors.
● You can also look up an agent’s submission page and submit your work via their submission requirements.
Wow. Your first tip here about using the info in the SCBWI to send art directors illustrated post cards is absolutely brilliant. What a creative idea! And so clever!
How important would you say having a prepped portfolio is?
I think a prepped portfolio is key. It’s really important to have a cohesive portfolio and to share only your best work- even if it’s just eight pieces. HERE is a great post about building strong portfolios from my friend Polina Gortman.
Thanks for sharing this article, Faith! I've included the quick link under 'HERE' in the sentence above.
What constitutes as “enough” ready material to begin querying/submitting?
I think that’s really up to the writer/illustrator. Sometimes it helps to just jump in and see what happens, while also simultaneously trying to learn and grow your craft.
How important would you say an online presence prior to publication is?
Writing can be a pretty lonely job. With or without publication, I think it is very helpful to have a connection with other authors and illustrators, and book lovers online. Cheering for friends and being cheered on by them when good news arrives makes every part of the journey happier. It’s also an excellent way to find out about what’s happening in publishing if there are new opportunities, conferences, hashtags, or online events that you might want to be part of, and then once you finally publish a book, your good news can be shared among the community you’ve built.
Do you recommend any specific platforms for illustrators to display their artwork?
1. It’s crucial for illustrators to have a website with a contact page to reach you quickly and easily. 2. Instagram is an image-centric platform that is a pretty standard way to connect within the children’s publishing industry. Many illustrators use Instagram as a portfolio extension.
Any tips, hashtags, or otherwise you’d like to recommend that illustrators use to help agents/editors find out about their work?
Social media events are a constantly changing mark. I think it’s a good idea to do some searching to find out about currently trending hashtags relevant to your genre. You can follow #kidlitart on both Instagram and Twitter (X) to see popular posts show up and do a little detecting to see if there are any events (art sharing, portfolio challenges, pitch contests, etc.) upcoming that you might want to be part of.
Okay, now let’s say you’ve found your editor or agent (or both), and you’re on your way to publication. Now what? How can authors and illustrators stay busy and help themselves prepare for a debut book launch?
The best thing you can do while waiting for a book to launch is to write the next book!
My local SCBWI author friend Sarah Jane Marsh shared with me her six month plan of how she set up posts and events as she neared book publication day. I now do the same for each of my books. I write a few essays on themes I want to focus on as I talk about my book, and I create graphics with art from my book to use for online posts.
Speaking of book launches... one thing I know to be very beneficial is getting yourself out in the community and finding your local libraries, schools, and book stores. Can you tell us about your experience with this?
Have you done any book events in your local area? And if so,do you have any recommendations on how to get your foot in the door with your local bookstores, libraries, and schools? And what would you say the benefits are in collaborating and connecting with local places in your community?
I haven’t done many in-person events. I love to host or do live interviews and sometimes team up with other authors and illustrators who have books arriving around the same time for online events like Instagram Live “launch parties.”
I love my local librarians and booksellers. The first thing to remember about making friends with book people is that it’s not about me and my books. It’s about relationships. About the humans behind the “job.” I like to ask them questions - what they’re reading, what they care about, how their day is going, what’s challenging them, and offer thanks and encouragement.
A great way to mutually support each other is for authors to buy books from local indie bookstores. Sometimes I bring them small art tokens to say thanks for being there. I am not a fan of just walking up to someone to demand something of them, and I think it’s important that we cultivate friendships with each other with no expectations of getting something in return.
I mean that both for booksellers and also for relationships with other authors and illustrators. I want to become the kind of person who supports and uplifts others, regardless of what happens in return. I like to do combined book launches with other authors because then we can cross-promote our event and, hopefully, each bring a few guests.
I just love that attitude. I couldn't have said it better myself. It's about relationships and cultivating friendships with each other with no expectations of getting something in return. YES!! No doubt your kind spirit is warmly appreciated not only by those in your local community, but all around the world! *After all, the writing community has no global barriers!*
But while we're discussing your home community- I was so excited to learn that you were located not far from my childhood home in the BEAUTIFUL Washington State.
Living just outside of Seattle the (at that time) small town of Bremerton, I have so many wonderful memories of weekend trips with my family to your lovely town, Port Townsend. Veering back to publishing- can you share some of your favorite moments or experiences while connecting with local places in your community?
How fabulous that you know Washington, Chelsea! It’s such a beautiful place to live!
I just finished a week leading the most fabulous creative workshops with Port Townsend elementary students. We played with storytelling and sticky notes, and I have all the hope for our future after seeing kids’ creativity absolutely ignite!
One of my favorite parts of being a children’s book creator in my community is that every year, our library asks a local illustrator to design their Summer Reading Program t-shirt, and I got to design the fairy-tale-themed reading shirt the year my first book came out. That was definitely a highlight!
How fun! I bet that was a blast. For you and the students. :)And being a librarian myself, I love that you're finding ways to connect with your local library. I can't imagine a more exciting time to participate than for summer reading program!
It’s crucial for illustrators to have a website with a contact page to reach you quickly and easily. Instagram is an image-centric platform that is a pretty standard way to connect within the children’s publishing industry. Many illustrators use Instagram as a portfolio extension.
I think it is very helpful to have a connection with other authors and illustrators, and book lovers online. Cheering for friends and being cheered on by them when good news arrives makes every part of the journey happier. It’s also an excellent way to find out about what’s happening in publishing if there are new opportunities, conferences, hashtags, or online events that you might want to be part of, and then once you finally publish a book, your good news can be shared among the community you’ve built.
THE HEART OF IT ALL … AND BOOKS!
At the beginning of our interview today I asked two questions: why and how. We touched on the why briefly. But I think the why tells so much about the heart of it all. Why are we here, doing the work we do? What is it about publishing that speaks to us?
Can you tell us in more depth about your motivations in writing and illustrating and what you hope YOUR stories and artwork will impart?
In some ways, I think the reason I create this is constantly shifting. I mean, as a writer and illustrator, my fingers are constantly itching to create. And each new book pulls out a facet of something I’m curious about, almost like walking on the beach and finding new rocks or shells to examine, different themes or questions come into focus at different times and I want to center those in my work.
Speaking of what you hope to impart… we’d love to hear about your books- both ones you’ve written and illustrated as author-illustrator and ones you’ve done the illustrations for.
My most recently published book, FINDING GRATEFUL, written by Dianne White, illustrated by me, came out in April with Chronicle Books. FINDING GRATEFUL is about looking for wonder and gratitude in every day moments, and I can’t imagine a text more suited how I want to live my life. Finding beauty in the every day dirt is pretty much what I’m all about, so when I read Dianne’s text, I instantly felt like a puzzle piece clicked into place.
And then later this year, my next author-illustrated book THE DAY WE GOT LOST comes out with Little, Brown August 20. THE DAY WE GOT LOST is about a wonderfully busy and chaotic family who are sort of disconnected from each other. They go for a hike in the woods, and get a little bit lost and sort of find each other along the way. I spent a ton of time hiking in the Pacific Northwest while writing and researching this one, and now I’m kind of obsessed with taking my puppy on hikes in the woods.
Earlier, I mentioned that today’s guest was exciting because I loved her writing. And I really do. One of my favorite books, that sits facing out on my wall in my writing room is PERFECTLY IMPERFECT, MIRA. I remember the first time I picked it up. I cracked open its pages, and there it was. This familiar weight. A weight I’ve known since childhood and carried with me to school. A weight I’ve kept in my pocket at ballet class. A weight that, even when I tried to leave it at home, somehow followed me wherever I went. The weight of worry. Mira really spoke to my heart. Her anxieties and insecurities of not being good enough were something I knew all too well, and I remember taking in a deep breath and thinking, “Oh my goodness, I wish I had this book as a little girl.” And I feel like that is such a powerful story because it’s ageless. It is an ageless human feeling that everyone, in some way or another, can relate to. The fear of not being good enough to try can be such a debilitating emotion, and if we’re not careful, it can not only suck the joy out of living… but, worse still, prevent us from even experiencing life altogether. Sitting on the sidelines because we’re too worried about the “what if I fail?” can be such a dangerous and heartbreaking thing. Being in the line of work that we are as creators, it’s a huge “heart on your sleeve” industry filled with rejection, waiting, more rejection, more waiting, and sometimes, that fear can creep in and dampen our spirits and even tempt us to give up. And I just love how Mira’s discovery of falling down isn’t the end of the world. She can keep trying, and that’s okay. But I love that she goes through those motions… the fear in the beginning and seeing how she progresses to eventually “try” and how that really is the key. The secret in life is to keep trying. And Mira’s story so beautifully illustrates that.
Okay, so I’ve talked your ear off about the story. But I’d love to ask you personally, what was the backstory of this story? How did you come up with Mira? And why did you feel it was important for her story to be shared? Explain.
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT MIRA, published by Little,Brown in 2022 is about a girl who wants to be good at something, but everyone else is already better. Think - growth mindset meets gymnasts. The story was inspired by my daughter, who, at the age of eleven, decided she was sick of being in a soccer family and wanted to try gymnastics. Gymnastics? At the age of eleven? I figured all the other gymnasts would have been tumbling for years. What if they laughed at her? What if it made her feel bad about herself? But my quiet, independent daughter braved it anyway. She stepped through the gym doors and was instantly welcomed into her gymnastics family. She grew confidence. Stood taller. Gained inner and outer strength, and she stuck with it. Not in hopes of achieving medals or recognition, but just because she loved it. I shared a little blurb about my daughter’s gymnastics story on social media and my agent wrote and said, “I think this might be your next book.” Which is how I ended up writing PERFECTLY IMPERFECT MIRA.
Any last words of wisdom or advice that you’d like to share with authors and/or illustrators?
Read heaps of books in the genre you want to write - preferably, books published in the last 5-10 years. Keep going! Try to work on your craft every day. Cheer for your kidlit community! Enjoy the journey!
Thank you, Faith. Now it's time for the last item on the agenda... THE GIVEAWAY!
Faith Pray is offering the following giveaway prize: A signed copy of her most recently published book FINDING GRATEFUL
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: May 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
And that’s it!
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
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Faith Pray (yes, that’s really her name, by marriage) grew up in a family of children’s book creators, so it’s no surprise that picture books have won her heart as well. Faith is the award-winning illustrator of ONE DAY, written by Joanna Ho, and the author-illustrator of PERFECTLY IMPERFECT MIRA and THE STARKEEPER. Faith lives with her husband, four kids, a rambunctious dog, and one overly helpful cat in a Victorian seaport town in the Pacific Northwest. Upcoming in 2024, Faith’s next books are FINDING GRATEFUL, written by Dianne White, illustrated by Faith Pray (Chronicle, April 2024), and her next author-illustrated picture book THE DAY WE GOT LOST (Little Brown, August 2024). Faith is represented by Molly O’Neill at Root Literary.
It’s the first day of May- and the first Wednesday of the month, which means I’m welcoming another guest onto the blog. Put your hands together for children’s book author and educator Christina Dankert.
Before I jump into our interview, though- if this is your first time visiting my blog or the feature interview segments, welcome! I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll visit again. To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a brief overview of what feature interviews are all about and why they’re so valuable.
WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?
In a nutshell, here’s what a “feature interview” is. Every month, I sit down with literary professionals –authors,illustrators,editors, andagents– at all stages of their careers- from newly debuting to well-established, seasoned best sellers- and we discuss all things kidlit publishing. (Many of my guests are also former or current educators andlibrarians!)
These interviews are a great resource for kidlit writers and illustrators no matter where they are in their journey. Not only do they offer current information on market trends, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publishing from a diverse collection of creators and perspectives.
Here’s a list of just a few of the helpful things we discuss:
Where to find both FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources
How to query agents andeditors and what they’re looking for
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators
What to do after you sign with your first agent – and/or make your first book deal
How to promote your books as a debuting author or illustrator
Behind the scenes of hosting author events- library/school visits
How to get your books into bookstores & schools
And, of course- during each feature interview segment- we share new publishing deals & host giveaway prizes for our readers!!! ** Giveaway PRIZES and instructions on HOW to enter are listed at the bottom of each interview**
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTRODUCTION: HOW IT ALL STARTED… AND CLASSROOMS
Christina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you here. The first thing I love asking my guests is where they began. Can you tell us when and how your journey to kidlit started? What were the motivating factors that led you to publishing? And where did your entry into the world first take root?
Thank you for having me! I find your author interviews very helpful and motivating, and I am honored to share part of my story. My kidlit author journey started as a Covid silver lining. I stepped away from my teaching position for a year, focused on my family, and had the opportunity to make writing a priority. Instead of writing lesson plans, prepping, and grading, I used that time to write and attend virtual conferences and writing sessions.
Have you always been a literature lover and fan of writing?
I loved reading as a child. I grew up with parents who valued reading. My mom took my sister and me to the public library frequently. I had teachers in high school who caused me to greatly dislike reading. I hated being told what I had to read and often found mandatory text boring or confusing. I went to college and had a roommate who was an English major. She traveled with a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in each of her apartments. She would highlight books she thought I’d be interested in and I began to read for pleasure. When I had my own children, I read to them but didn’t have the time or energy for my own reading. I missed it. I made a goal to read four pages a night. FOUR PAGES! A habit was formed, and now I enjoy reading and listening to books through audiobooks as much as possible.
I know you’re a second-grade teacher. Has your teaching experience influenced your desire to publish books?
Absolutely! As a teacher, I take my read-alouds very seriously. As a mom of two and a teacher, I read a lot of picture books. There are so many beautiful and meaningful books. Since I only have 180 school days, I try to pick the best of the best.
Books that will: * help teach academic content *that will allow for discussions and celebrations of cultures and diversity *books that help explore feelings/emotions and provide strategies *and books that simply make us laugh and are meant to entertain us while building a love for reading
As a mom and teacher, I know that kindness is very important. I want my children and students to be kind humans to each other and to themselves. Kindness ended up being the focus of my first picture book.
What do your students think about the fact that their teacher is also an author? Do they think, “Wow, my teacher is SO cool! She writes books!” (I know I would have thought it was the coolest thing ever.)
They do think it is exciting! But the best part is, they are inspired to write their own stories! I have students create their own stories, outside of pieces we are working on, that they illustrated or that they work together with a friend at recess or at home. Each week, students share their stories with the class, and our basket of published books keeps growing.
I love it when students complain about how hard writing is. It allows me to pause and tell them how many times I had to reread The Kindness Machine and how many times it was edited. This allows them to see that it is okay if it’s hard, but perseverance is key.
That must be an AMAZING feeling, to see your students inspired to create and try- try again.Speaking of inspired to create... Do you ever do any creative writing assignments with your second graders?
This year, we are creating a writing portfolio. Each quarter, students add a few pieces of writing or typed stories. They range from narrative, opinion, and informational writing. I write a positive note to each student in their portfolio, and then they take it home to share with their families. It is returned with a positive note from home, and then we repeat the following quarter. I have seen more enthusiasm from reluctant writers because they know they get to share it at home. Boosting confidence is a huge piece of writing in 2nd grade.
“As a mom and teacher, I know that kindness is very important. I want my children and students to be kind humans to each other and to themselves.“
“I love when students complain about how hard writing is. It allows me to pause and tell them how many times I had to reread The Kindness Machine and how many times it was edited. This allows them to see that it is okay if it’s hard, but perseverance is key.“
PUBLISHING ROUTES & SUBMISSIONS
You published your debut picture book, The Kindness Machine, in 2022. Congratulations! Can you tell us about what publishing route you took? Did you go traditional or independent? Did you query agents for representation, or did you send submissions directly to the publisher? And why?
Thank you! I went with a hybrid publisher, Purple Butterfly Press, which had other published books featuring character strengths. Working collaboratively with a team was very beneficial since this was my first time publishing. The team was very patient and answered all of my questions. An added bonus was that this publisher allowed for not only manuscript submissions but illustrator samples as well. We will circle back to why that was so exciting in a minute. In the future, I would love to be traditionally published, and I am working on agent research and my query letter.
Was it an immediate YES on the first try? Explain.
I submitted to a few publishers and heard nothing. When I submitted it to Purple Butterfly Press, I received an email about a month later stating that they were interested in my manuscript.
Can you share some of the pros/cons of each route and what it has to offer?
There are pros and cons to each publishing route, and ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. I’d love to be published traditionally and independently to see which route I prefer. A pro for traditionally published is often a wider distribution to help get your book in the hands of readers. A pro for being independently published is that it is often a faster timeline.
Okay, so you have your manuscript(s), and you’re ready to launch out in the world. What kind of timeframe did it take to get your first book deal- from concept to publication?
Be sure to pack an extra suitcase of patience for this journey. We live in a fast-paced world where we are so used to instant gratification.
My timeline was: Fall 2020 - wrote manuscript, peer edits/feedback. March 2021 - submitted manuscript to Purple Butterfly Press. May 2021 - signed contract March 2022 - published
Are you currently represented by an agent/agency? If so, who? Not at this point. Through the 12x12 writing community, I have learned a lot about agents and representation. I hope to one day have an agent that will help bring more books into the world.
“There are pros and cons to each publishing route, and ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. A pro for traditionally published is often a wider distribution to help get your book in the hands of readers. A pro for being independently published is that it is often a faster timeline.“
Do you have anything out on submission right now or any future projects currently in the works?
My goal for 2024 is to write multiple manuscripts and revise them. All of my manuscripts feature a positive character trait: empathy, perseverance, quality time, etc. I am proud of the writing that has happened so far this year and hope to send work out on submission in 2025.
I recently received an honorable mention for my 50 Precious Word International Writing Contest submission. That was a huge boost for my confidence and is motivating me to turn those 50 words into a full manuscript.
That is such an exciting accomplishment, Christina- congratulations!! That confidence boost is well deserved and should be celebrated.
Speaking of celebrating… I also participated in this year’s 50 Precious Words Contest and made it to the honorable mentions- so I’m celebrating with you! If any of our readers would like to see me or Christina’s 2024 50 Precious Word entries, you can view them below!
AUTHOR VISITS
I know you love doing author events. Would you tell us about some of the events you’ve done? How did you get in the doors? Did you reach out to them (schools/libraries/bookstores/etc) or did they reach out to you? Are your visits paid, do you offer them voluntarily, or is it a mixture of both?
I absolutely LOVE doing author visits! To read something that you have poured your heart and soul into, to your target audience is an incredible feeling. To see children get excited when you hope they do, ask amazing questions, and often tell you that they are going to be an author is very rewarding. When the book launched, I had the opportunity to read the book to each grade level at my very supportive school. I presented the book six times as I worked my way from kindergarten to fifth. I was able to try out a few different things and cater the presentations to the different age groups.
From there, I have reached out to a few schools and been approached by local schools. At this point, the presentation is not paid but schools have an opportunity to purchase books, which my husband and I both sign. (Keep reading to find out why my husband is signing the books too!) If this was my full-time career, I would charge for the presentation, would be more willing to travel further from home and would spend a lot of time approaching school districts. Maybe someday, but right now, I look at author visits as something that brings me immense joy and is a special treat for my author heart.
“I absolutely LOVE doing author visits! To read something that you have poured your heart and soul into, to your target audience is an incredible feeling. To see children get excited when you hope they do, ask amazing questions, and often tell you that they are going to be an author is very rewarding.“
About how long do you typically stay for a visit? Can you give us a brief idea of what your format looks like? Read aloud? Q&A? Class craft or project? Etc.
A typical author visit kicks off with the importance of reading and sharing stories. I then have children look at the cover of The Kindness Machine to make a guess what it looks like under the sheet. I read the story and pause throughout to ask questions. There are little “magic questions” in the bottom right hand corner in the heart of the book that are perfect to engage listeners. I end with a Q&A and have had older students complete a kindness brainstorming activity. I also email teachers a few printables that go with the story for them to use at their convenience. Typically, the presentations are 25-40 minutes long.
What’s your favorite part of the author visit?
My favorite part of the author visit is when I read the last page of the book. I never show the last page on the large screen until after I read the last page has only one sentence. It reads, “Now let me ask you again, who has a superpower?” Student’s hands ALWAYS shoot up when they realize that kindness is the superpower they already have.
Do you ever offer (or bring) anything special to your classroom/library/bookstore, like a signed copy of your book or something else?
I like to donate a hard copy of the book to the school’s library.
What advice would you share with a debuting author or illustrator looking to get their foot in the door of a bookstore, library, or school for an author event? Any tips on how to go about this?
Reach out to school librarians, reading specialists, or parent clubs to see if an author visit is something their school would be interested in. Let them know what your book is about and what the presentation looks like so they can see if it would be a good fit.
“My favorite part of the author visit is when I read the last page of the book. Student’s hands ALWAYS shoot up when they realize that kindness is the superpower they already have.“
“Reach out to school librarians, reading specialists, or parent clubs to see if an author visit is something their school would be interested in. Let them know what your book is about and what the presentation looks like so they can see if it would be a good fit.”
OVERCOMING HURDLES & FINDING COMMUNITY
What were some of the hurdles you faced early on and maybe even later during the publishing process? And how were you able to overcome them? Explain.
Waiting is very challenging, but it is part of the process. I received excellent writing advice from a writer friend. She suggested that once you submit something and you are waiting, start working on something else. It might be another manuscript, but it might also be a blog post, application for author event, magazine article, etc. Keep working on your craft so that you continue to get better and keep your mind busy during the waiting portion on this journey.
Speaking of hurdles… one thing I’ve found to be true is the value of building connections among the writing community. They make the hardships so much more bearable and at times, they can make the difference in sticking it out until the end. Can you tell us about your experience in forging friendships among the writing community?
The kidlit community is truly incredible. Finding other authors is key. Oftentimes your family and friends will be incredible cheerleaders for you. However, you need other writers to understand your frustrations, help with accountability and celebrate even the littlest of wins. It was through a virtual writing conference in 2021 that I connected with incredible writers. We get together a few times a month via Zoom to ask questions, share work and receive feedback and then spend time writing.
Where did you go to find your writing community and what suggestions do you have for other writers or illustrators looking to branch out in this area?
As I mentioned, I was fortunate enough to click with writers during a virtual conference. However, reach out to your library, check to see if there are local writing groups or feel free to start your own with like minded people.
Are there any writing organizations, groups, podcasts, or websites that you recommend checking out?
I find the 12x12 Writing Challenge to be a very supportive community, it is where you and I first crossed paths. I appreciate the thoughtful monthly webinars and active Facebook group to ask questions and support one another.
“The kidlit community is truly incredible. Finding other authors is key. Oftentimes your family and friends will be incredible cheerleaders for you. However, you need other writers to understand your frustrations, help with accountability and celebrate even the littlest of wins.“
“I find the 12×12 Writing Challenge to be a very supportive community, it is where you and I first crossed paths. I appreciate the thoughtful monthly webinars and active Facebook group to ask questions and support one another.“
BOOKISH THINGS
Moving on to bookish things! Can you tell us about the illustrations in your story, The Kindness Machine? Did you have any say or contribution in the artwork, or was it a complete surprise? Were they what you imagined they’d be? Explain.
Ah ha! I am so excited to share that my husband, Chad, was the illustrator for The Kindness Machine! Before we were married, I told him we should merge our two professions of teacher and artist into a picture book. 14 years later and here we are! It was honestly a joy to collaborate with Chad. He knows me so well and was able to bring the story to life. Working with a hybrid publisher, we had the opportunity to pitch both the manuscript and illustration samples and they both were accepted. We spent many nights on the couch or at the dinner table after the kids went to bed, talking about illustrations as he sketched on his i-Pad. He was able to add in extra details such as the teacher looking like my best friend, adding a Free Little Library to the sketches and items from my classroom, such as a fish tank. Chad exceeded my expectations and it is something we are both very proud to have collaborated on.
Let’s talk about “the moment.” “The moment” being… the first time you saw and held your book in your hands. What were your feelings and thoughts?
It really is a big deal! I remember holding the sample copy and just smiling. Our own children saw it and my son said, “Wait! It’s out!?” It was very special reading the actual book to them that night at bedtime.
The Kindness Machine has such a wonderful message. Can you tell us about the story?
The Kindness Machine takes place in a second grade classroom with a teacher, Mr. Wilson, who is known for creating fun gadgets and gizmos. One day he brings a kindness machine to school and students have the opportunity to push different buttons to learn ways to be kind not only to others but also to themselves. In the end, students realize that they each have their own kindness machine inside them to help spread kindness wherever they go.
In your own words, can you share your inspiration for writing this book and how you hope it will leave your readers feeling?
As a mom and a teacher, we truly want all of our children and students to be kind. My hope is that the readers and listeners are reminded that kindness is not complicated. We can spread kindness through simple actions. The idea of self-love and kindness to ourselves is something that even adults struggle with. My goal is that if we start sharing this idea of loving ourselves early, we can help lay a solid foundation for self-love. I also secretly hope that the adults reading the books get a gentle reminder to not be so hard on themselves.
What has the reaction/response been from readers? Have you had any special moments that you’d like to share?
The response has been great! I love when former students tell me they read the book AGAIN before bedtime or that a teacher checked it out from the library for their class. A high school senior, who I did not know, used The Kindness Machine for a huge project. He had to create a display, read the book to a class, and create an activity to go with the book. One school counselor read the book to 17 classes and created an entire school wall with pieces from the story that they worked on together. It was so amazing to really feel the kindness ripple that has happened from publishing.
Any advice for authors and/or illustrators who are looking into breaking into the kidlit market?
Read! Read everything you can in your kidlit theme that is already out and figure out what is missing that you can add. I read over 50 books about kindness, but only one included kindness to ourselves, which is why I included that in my book. Connect with other writers and carve out time to write.
Okay, we’ve done the nitty-gritty portion. Now, let’s move on to a few fun favorites.
Favorite color? Red
Favorite animal? Panda
Favorite vacation destination? The beach!
Favorite dessert/snack? Dark chocolate, donuts
Favorite book(s)? Too many to list!
“As a mom and a teacher, we truly want all of our children and students to be kind. My hope is that the readers and listeners are reminded that kindness is not complicated. We can spread kindness through simple actions.“
“The idea of self-love and kindness to ourselves is something that even adults struggle with. My goal is that if we start sharing this idea of loving ourselves early, we can help lay a solid foundation for self-love. I also hope that the adults reading the books get a gentle reminder to not be so hard on themselves.“
Any last pieces of advice or words of wisdom that you’d like to share with our readers today?
Be patient. Trust yourself. Remember that you have a story to tell and that your words matter. Write on.
Thank you, Christina, for spending time with us today. We appreciate you and everything you’ve done to share your kindness with the world.
But don’t hurry off just yet… We still have ONE final item on our agenda. And that’s… THE GIVEAWAY!
Christina Dankert is offering the following giveaway prize: A signed copy of The Kindness Machine.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: May 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
And that’s it!
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
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Christina Dankert is a children’s book author, second-grade teacher, and literacy enthusiast living in Ohio. As an educator, she believes books are a beautiful way to continue to learn and grow. She believes all children should be able to find themselves in picture books. It is through children’s literature and reading to the children in our lives that we will change the world.
It’s time for our second Feature Interview of April, and today’s guest is a literary superstar. Not only does Maya have a background in literacy and education, but she’s also a current project manager in the world of publishing, an editor, a children’s book writer publishing across genres in kidlit, and married to a picture book author and illustrator, Matt Myers! But, before we get started, in case this is your first time visiting the blog (welcome), here’s a brief introduction to what feature interviews are all about and how they can benefit you!
WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?
In a nutshell, here’s what a “feature interview” is. Every month, I sit down with literary professionals –authors,illustrators,editors, andagents– at all stages of their careers- from newly debuting to well-established, seasoned best sellers- and we discuss all things kidlit publishing. (Many of my guests are also former or current educators andlibrarians!)
These interviews are a great resource for kidlit writers and illustrators no matter where they are in their journey. Not only do they offer current information on market trends, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publishing from a diverse collection of creators and perspectives.
Here’s a list of just a few of the helpful things we discuss:
Where to find both FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources
How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators
What to do after you sign with your first agent – and/or make your first book deal
How to promote your books as a debuting author or illustrator
Behind the scenes of hosting author events- library/school visits
How to get your books into bookstores & schools
And of course- during each feature interview segment- we share new publishing deals & host giveaway prizes for our readers!!! ** Giveaway PRIZES and instructions on HOW to enter are listed at the bottom of each interview**
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
BEGINNINGS
Maya, I’m so excited to have you with us today! I loved your book NOT LITTLE and was happy to see all the various ways you work in the world of kidlit. But before I get too deep into the details… I like starting my interviews at the very beginning.
I know you were “once upon a time” a kindergarten teacher. And now you’re a children’s book author – writing across genres! – (among other things).
So, for the author side of things, when and how did you get your start in publishing? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or was it something you discovered later in life? And did your previous work as an educator have anything to do with your desire to write kids’ books?
In my first career as an elementary school teacher, I designed my teaching units around books. Books were always a big part of my own life and my kids’ lives, too. When I started freelance editing, I reached out to children’s publishers because I had a lot of experience reading children’s books. But I didn’t really think I’d ever write one—until I did! I started writing picture books around the time my youngest daughter (now 16) started school. She said the funniest things and one day, I was sitting in the next room listening to her talk to my husband, and I decided to take a shot at preserving some of her childhood by writing about it.
What were the beginning stages of your publishing journey like? Can you tell us about the early stages- querying- rejections and how you wound up with your agent?
I was lucky enough to know Neal Porter (my first editor) through my husband, who has worked with him for years. Neal read my very first story and encouraged me to keep writing, and graciously read a number of manuscripts for me over several years. The first time I showed him Not Little (my first published picture book), he liked it but said it wasn’t quite right for him. I felt good about it anyway, so I submitted it to a couple of agents, but with no luck. About six months later, I shared a completely different type of book with Neal, and while he liked it, he said he just wanted a good, solid story from me. I asked if he remembered the story about the little girl who stands up against bullying, which I had recently revisited and tweaked the ending of. I still really loved it and told Neal I didn’t think I could do much better than that. He asked to see it again, and this time, he said it was perfect and he wanted to publish it! I was shocked and thrilled. My husband’s agent’s assistant was just moving into representing clients of her own, and she accepted me as one of them.
WORK-FOR-HIRE + WRITING ACROSS GENRES
Not only are you traditionally published and agented by the lovely Hannah Mann at Writers House, but you also do work-for-hire books and work as an editor and project manager. This is the dream! Or at least- I think it’s the dream. As someone who would love to dip her toe into work-for-hire work herself, can you tell us more about what’s involved in this process? Is it similar to the querying process? And does your agent have anything to do with your work-for-hire projects, or is this done separately?
I initially shared my resume with National Geographic Kids as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, and I didn’t hear from them for a year. When they did reach out, it was to ask if I was interested in writing a leveled reader. I had never done anything like that before (and this was before I’d sold my first picture book), but I was excited to try! That project led to a few others like it, as well as some bigger books, and also to some project management work for NGK and then with other companies. My agent connected me with another publisher that does some projects this way, but these projects are generally not agented. I’m contacted by the publisher or organization; they offer a job with a flat fee and a schedule, and I can accept it or not.
I’ve heard that the work-for-hire projects can be more selective, and oftentimes, they’re written in-house. Can you speak to this? Would you say it’s more difficult than getting your work published traditionally with an agent and publisher?
I guess this depends on the type of project. For the work-for-hire projects I’ve done so far, I’ve just been offered the jobs, so it’s been WAY easier than trying to sell a manuscript. To me, these WFH projects feel closer to editorial work than to creative work; I’m making a product to fit a prescribed mold rather than coming up with a concept and an original way to present it. It’s a collaborative process with a whole team. I’m proud of the end result, of course, but I feel a different sense of ownership for the books I’ve generated from my imagination.
Circling back to publishing across genres in kidlit… I wonder, do you have a favorite to write or read? PB? MG? Chapter books? Personally, I write mainly picture book manuscripts- and I love reading picture books- but I also really love reading middle-grade. What about you?
I started out writing picture books with no intention of expanding to other audiences. My first chapter book started as a picture book; it was my agent’s idea to make it longer and for older kids, and I wasn’t sure it would work, but it turned out I really enjoyed writing with more room for dialogue and description.
I love that my work as an editor lets me read as a full-time job! This gives me a chance to read a lot more MG and YA than I would otherwise have time for, and I really enjoy both. I always love picture books, too, and I miss having little people to read to on a regular basis!
What tips can you give other writers or illustrators who are trying to break into the industry?
I think no matter what age you’re writing for; a unique voice and perspective will always serve you well. And if your main character can surprise the reader in some way—give them something that’s a little different from what they were expecting because of the way the character has grown or changed in the course of the story—that helps create a more satisfying ending.
“I think no matter what age you’re writing for; a unique voice and perspective will always serve you well. And if your main character can surprise the reader in some way—give them something that’s a little different from what they were expecting because of the way the character has grown or changed in the course of the story—that helps create a more satisfying ending. “
OTHER ROLES IN PUBLISHING: SHARED PASSIONS & INSPIRATION
In addition to writing across kidlit genres, you’re also an editor and work as a project manager. Can you tell us more about those positions? What’s involved in each? And do they have a positive crossover- if any- to your writing career- or vice-versa?
I do freelance developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading for various publishers and authors. I enjoy working with text at all these different levels—big picture to tiniest detail. Project management tends to be more organizational—making sure all the moving pieces come together at the right time and in the right ways—and I’m often also the text editor for these projects (for example, a set of leveled readers) as well, so the job brings together lots of skills I’ve developed over the years as a freelancer.
As a writer, I definitely get inspired by editing other people’s books, and I hope I’m an easy author to work with because I have some experience with the process of the book actually getting made.
I think it’s beyond words cool that your husband also works in the kidlit arena with you. How fun to have that shared passion! And as I was writing these questions, I kept wondering how it all happened. So, here’s my question. Which came first- the chicken or the egg? The chicken being your husband Matt, the egg being your beginning to publication. Were your two paths linked? Did you begin writing together? Did one of you start first? Were you already married when you started writing, or did the writing dream begin afterward?
Who says I’m not the chicken?? Just kidding—Matt has been at this much longer than I have, since years before we got married. He found my feedback on his own writing helpful and encouraged me to get into editing. Then, when I started writing, he encouraged me to share my work with Neal, who encouraged me further. My first story was inspired by watching Matt and my youngest bond over imaginary play.
What is it like being married to an author/illustrator? Do you ever brainstorm ideas together or get to work on projects together?
We are always each other’s first editor—an in-house (literally) critique group. We talk about story ideas, some of which come to fruition for one of us and some that fade away. If authors got to choose their own illustrators, I would choose him again and again; however, I’ve been so incredibly lucky with the illustrators for my books that I’m glad I didn’t have that option! We have not yet worked on a project together, but we hope to someday.
A double book launch for me and Matt at Park Road Books in Charlotte, North Carolina
I was also excited to see that you live in Charlotte, North Carolina (I have family there). I actually grew up in a small town outside of Asheville- and only moved to Tennessee a few years ago after getting married. (I lived there from ages 12-28). I’ve been penning tales since I was 4, so when my family moved me to NC at age 12, it definitely stirred my creative inspiration for writing. From regular weekly drives through the Blue Ridge Parkway, trips to the orchards, swimming in creeks on the side of the road, and finding hidden waterfalls along the trails, there was so much to spark the imagination!
Do you find your inspiration in similar ways, being out in nature? If not, what kinds of things inspire you to write? And what do you enjoy writing about most?
I grew up in rural Maine, and I’ve always been inspired by nature; my next picture book (Good Morning, Morning, coming in 2026 from Neal Porter Books, illustrated by Jennifer Mann) is about a child greeting the day by connecting with all the different things in their natural world. I have also always loved young kids and the funny things they say and think and do. I like watching them put the pieces of the world together, figuring out how things fit and where they fit in all of it. It feels really satisfying to represent a kid’s world view in a story.
Speaking of writing and inspiration… one thing I’ve found to be invaluable on this journey is being a part of the writing community. It helps keep you motivated to continue going even when things get tough. Do you have any recommendations or favorite places to go to find a writing community?
A lot of libraries host writing groups, and your local SCBWI chapter can also be a great resource. Attending book launches at your local bookstore is an excellent way to support both authors and bookstores, and to meet other authors and help build your own local writing community.
“A lot of libraries host writing groups, and your local SCBWI chapter can also be a great resource. Attending book launches at your local bookstore is an excellent way to support both authors and bookstores, and to meet other authors and help build your own local writing community.“
THE JOURNEY: CHALLENGES & WORDS OF WISDOM
We love cheerleading and hearing all the good things that happen for our fellow writers. But sometimes, hearing only the positives (aka half the story…) can be misleading and, at times- disheartening- because people might feel like they’re the only ones struggling. So, what are some challenges you’ve personally had to face on your publishing journey, and how have you been able to combat them?
I think the hardest things for me have been waiting and rejection. Both have certainly gotten easier over time as I’ve come to know what to expect. It was three years between when I sold my first picture book manuscript and when the book came out into the world. It’s usually many months between the time a manuscript goes out on submission and the time an editor makes an offer or (more often) a pass. It’s important to me to stay busy with other things, or I’d spend all my time obsessing over whatever book is out on submission—it’s better if I don’t think about it at all! Especially since more often than not, chances are that book will never sell. Even though I have an awesome agent and my published books have been very well received, it is still very hard to sell a new book. I know my books are not for everybody, and I do not take rejections personally. I keep a spreadsheet with notes about what worked and didn’t work for various editors, and I review those notes as I’m developing new ideas. And I know that if I never sell another book again, I’ll still be incredibly proud of the ones that have been published.
In your professional opinion, what makes publishing so hard? And what words of wisdom do you have for those just starting out?
Like any art, writing is inherently a subjective business, so some people will like your work, and some will not. Rejection is never easy, and there are very few rejection-free paths to publishing. It can be hard to believe in something you created when other people don’t seem to get it—but that doesn’t mean no one will ever get it.
One of the best things we can do to keep our work relevant to the current market is to keep reading new books that are being published. See what’s out there, what you like and don’t like. Then you can see both where you can fit in with the crowd and what holes you can fill with your unique voice.
While we’re talking about “words of wisdom,” do you have any “do’s and/or don’ts” to share with our readers? Do make a storyboard for your picture book. You don’t have to be able to draw. Just thinking about where the words will go on the page will help you figure out page turns and will help you lower your word count.
Do leave room for the illustrator to do their job. In a well-balanced picture book, neither the text nor the illustrations will be as effective separately as they are together. The words don’t need to describe what things look like, and the more you can stay open to different ways your book might ultimately look in the end, the happier you are likely to be with the illustrations.
Do put every project away for long enough that you can forget how it goes. Then, try to come back to it and read it with fresh eyes. Pretend someone else wrote it. What parts work well? What could be done better?
Do share your work with others and listen to what they have to say. That’s not the same thing as doing everything they say, not at all. But hear it, decide whether it resonates with you, and either act on it or release it.
“Like any art, writing is inherently a subjective business, so some people will like your work, and some will not. Rejection is never easy, and there are very few rejection-free paths to publishing. It can be hard to believe in something you created when other people don’t seem to get it—but that doesn’t mean no one will ever get it.“
“One of the best things we can do to keep our work relevant to the current market is to keep reading new books that are being published. See what’s out there, what you like and don’t like. Then you can see both where you can fit in with the crowd and what holes you can fill with your unique voice.“
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!
Okay, we’ve made it through all the nitty-gritty publishing questions, and now it’s time to celebrate- with books! We’ve danced around the topic of your writing across genres. Now, let’s hear about your stories! Tell us about your books!
Each story tells about a part of us. What do each of your books mean to you personally? Why’d you write them? And what do you hope they will do for your readers? What was each journey like for your story? Which one was published first- your debut book deal? What were the emotions of the process? And about how long did each book take- from the beginning (writing) to book deal and publication?
For some of our readers who are new to publishing, it might come as a surprise that not all authors in the kidlit arena are illustrators- in fact, most aren’t. Can you share a little bit about the illustration process for your books and how much or little you were involved in that?
My debut picture book was Not Little, illustrated by Hyewon Yum (Neal Porter Books / Holiday House, 2021). My inspiration for this book came from a number of tiny but fierce kids I’ve known over the years, who seemed to make up for their “little” stature with outsized spunk and determination. One of them is my youngest, who was very small as a young child and a precocious reader. She was perpetually indignant that the school librarian wouldn’t let her check out big chapter books and was often looked at skeptically when she would order (and polish off) a whole pizza in a restaurant.
I wrote this story in 2017 when there was a new level of vitriol and unkindness flying around in the world, and I wanted to remind my own kids and others that anyone can fight back against cruelty without being cruel. I sold the manuscript in 2018, and the book was published in 2021.
I made these Dot dolls as a pandemic project—one for Neal, one for Hyewon, one for me.
I was originally hoping that Neal, my editor, would select Matt as the illustrator for my first book; after all, they’d been working together for years, so why wouldn’t he pair us up? So when Neal told me that he’d decided to go with someone else, I was a little bit disappointed. But I loved Hyewon’s work, and when I first saw the dummy (sketches) for Not Little, I was so excited to “meet” the main character and her family that I burst into happy tears.
An illustrator’s note in the manuscript had said she came from a big family, but the multigenerational blended family Hyewon imagined was greater than I could have hoped for!
I knew I wanted to get to know that family better, so that’s where I started the follow-up book Not Perfect, which I wrote and sold in 2021 and which is out now, in 2024 (again, a three-year turnaround). Not Perfect is for all of us who strive for perfection. It’s a reminder that it’s the striving itself—the trying, the making mistakes, and the bouncing back and trying again—that makes us strong.
Meeting Hyewon Yum at the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, 2019
As I mentioned earlier, my first chapter book started out as a picture book called Little Red Writing Hood. My agent loved it and got it ready to go out on submission. Then, at the last minute, she said she thought the story was better suited to older readers and suggested that I rewrite it as a chapter book. It took me about a year to get on board with this idea, but once I started, I really loved writing for older kids. And when we sold that manuscript to Krissy Mohn at Capstone (summer of 2022), she said she wanted a series of four books—and all the manuscripts were due within six months! So I had to make room in my schedule for a lot more writing than I usually do, but it was a lot of fun, and I’m so thrilled to have all four books coming out this year (the first two are out now; the other two coming in August).
Eleanor Howell did an incredible job with the illustrations! Each of the books has a curriculum-based focus (writing, scientific method, research, and graphing), nestled into some of the real social and emotional struggles that elementary-aged kids face. I liked getting back to teacher mode for these curriculum-based stories, and I really hope the books will be helpful to teachers—and fun for kids to read!
For all my books so far, and for almost all of the dozens of books I’ve seen my husband illustrate, the writing process and the illustration process are pretty separate. The author has the freedom to create the story as they envision it, and then the editor has the fun job of playing matchmaker: choosing an illustrator they think will bring this story to life in an effective, engaging way, then giving them the freedom to do just that. In return for your trust, you get the gift of having an artist enhance your story by turning your ideas into a visual experience.
What has/have been your favorite part/parts of being a published author? If you have more than one favorite – feel free to share! I know it’s hard for me to pick a single favorite, so I totally understand if you can’t choose just one.
I love connecting with kids and making them feel empowered to do things—whether it’s recovering from frustration or, standing up to a bully or writing a story of their own. It’s also super fun to work in the same field as my husband, and getting to make friends within the kid lit community together.
These pictures are awesome. Thanks so much for sharing them with us and for joining us today, Maya.
Thanks so much for having me!
But we’re not quite finished yet. Now it’s time for our GIVEAWAY.
GIVEAWAY PRIZE: Maya is offering a signed copy of Not Little or Not Perfect.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done 1 & 2. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: April 30th, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
And that’s it!
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below also supports this blog.
Already own a copy of one of these? Consider leaving a brief review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.
Maya Myers writes books for kids. Her debut picture book, NOT LITTLE, was named a 2022 ALSC Notable Children’s Book. She’s also a freelance book editor and publishing project manager, working with both authors and publishers on all sorts of books, from phonics readers to memoir and everything in between. She’s a former kindergarten teacher, K-5 literacy teacher, and piccolo player. These days, when she’s not wrangling words, she’s probably cooking, digging in the garden, playing a board game with lots of pieces, or (surprise!) reading.
Maya grew up playing in the woods on the coast of Maine in a little town that is still almost thirty miles from a stoplight. She attended Duke University and has called North Carolina home ever since. She lives in Charlotte with her husband, author/illustrator Matt Myers, three kids, six chickens, and a twenty-three-pound cat.
It’s officially April! Summer is just around the corner. Which means the library is buzzing with activity… and so is the kidlit world. Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to our first Feature Interview guest of the month, Jennifer Raudenbush. Jennifer’s debut picture book, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, was launched in March of 2023. If you don’t already have a copy, be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the interview!
Before I jump into our interview, though- if this is your first time visiting my blog or the feature interview segments, welcome! I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll visit again. To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a brief overview of what feature interviews are all about and why they’re so valuable.
WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?
In a nutshell, here’s what a “feature interview” is. Every month, I sit down with literary professionals –authors, illustrators, editors, and agents– at all stages of their careers- from newly debuting to well-established, seasoned best sellers- and we discuss all things kidlit publishing. (Many of my guests are also former or current educators and librarians!)
These interviews are a great resource for kidlit writers and illustrators no matter where they are in their journey. Not only do they offer current information on market trends, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publishing from a diverse collection of creators and perspectives.
Here’s a list of just a few of the helpful things we discuss:
Where to find both FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources
How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators
What to do after you sign with your first agent – and/or make your first book deal
How to promote your books as a debuting author or illustrator
Behind the scenes of hosting author events- library/school visits
How to get your books into bookstores & schools
And of course- during each feature interview segment- we share new publishing deals & host giveaway prizes for our readers!!! ** Giveaway PRIZES and instructions on HOW to enter are listed at the bottom of each interview**
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
WHERE YOU’RE AT AND WHERE YOU’VE BEEN…
Jennifer, it’s such a treat to have on Chelsea’s World of Books today. Thank you for joining us. One of the coolest parts of looking over my applicants last year in preparation for the 2024 lineup was seeing geographically where all of my entries were coming from. So, let’s start with that. Where are you currently living- and if it’s different from where you’re originally from, where was that?
Hi, Chelsea. Thanks so much for having me today! I was born, raised, and still live in beautiful eastern Pennsylvania. I love nature, and this area offers amazing views and hikes.
How long have you been writing? Have you been writing since you were a kid, or did your love for writing spark later in life?
I was always a big reader and learned to read before kindergarten. When I was a kid, I created a lot of cards and some stories, but mainly I became interested in writing in middle school and high school. I was a co-editor of both my high school newspaper and yearbook. I later majored in English Literature at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. While in college, I made my first picture book dummy, even though I truly had no idea how to write a picture book. It was the seed of my writing dream.
When did you first know you wanted to pursue publishing as a career? How old were you?
A well-meaning family member talked me out of becoming a writer (due to the income), so I became a speech-language pathologist specializing in pediatrics at a local hospital. But, like I said, I was always interested in reading and writing.
Was there anyone/anything influential that impacted your choice to pursue publication… or maybe spurred your love of literacy/writing?
I had two wonderful English teachers in high school, Mrs. Karpulk and Miss Beatty, who cemented that love of literacy deep in my bones. Both encouraged my writing, and I owe a debt of gratitude to them for pointing out that writing was a great strength of mine.
Are you the only writer in your family/friend group- or are there more writers in your midst?
I had been the only writer in my family. However, two years ago, my talented artist sister, Amy Kristen Moore, began working toward becoming an author-illustrator. Due to critique groups, I now have many writer friends! And honestly, I spend so much time with them, they begin to feel like family.
When – and how- did your path to publication truly begin?
In a 2014 seminary class, we did an exercise in which we had to write our own obituaries. It wasn’t as morbid as it sounds! I had to fill in the blank, “The thing I most regret never having accomplished is ___.” Right away, I knew the answer was not having published a children’s book.
I researched writing children’s books and found SCBWI. I joined an online eastern PA SCBWI critique group in the fall of 2015 and began writing (not great) picture book manuscripts. The group fizzled out, but one of the members, Becky Scharnhorst (who has now published several books!) and I continued on. We decided to meet in person at the Highlights Foundation workshop Picture Books & All That Jazz, led by Leslie Helakoskie and Darcy Pattison, in June 2016. While there, we formed a new critique group with three other writers: Rose Cappelli, Jen Fier Jasinski, and Karen LaSalvia. We call ourselves The Highlighters, and we’re still going strong!
I noticed in your bio that you’ve also done publishing in children’s magazines as well as some poetry anthologies. That’s so cool! Can you tell our readers a little more about that writing journey and how you were able to get your footing there?
I read poetry almost every morning, and I consider myself a poet. I’ve always enjoyed reading poetry, and I started writing it just for myself in graduate school. Eventually, I took Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab class. After that, I researched children’s magazines and submitted some poems. It’s similar to the process of querying. You see what topic and/or type of poetry a magazine, journal, or anthology wants and submit something you think might fit.
I’m not 100% about this, but I’ve heard it rumored that agents generally shy away from things like magazines and anthologies because they’re typically smaller deals, which equals less money on their end. So, for your published magazine stories and anthologies, was that something you did on your own before getting literary representation, or is that something your agent was able to help you with?
Yes, I think you are correct. At least, it was correct for my previous agent. She added a line in my contract that I was in charge of any poetry submissions/publications.
Do you have any suggestions for writers or illustrators who may be interested in publishing for magazines, writing poetry for kids, or participating in anthologies? Any good places to go or other tips on learning the writing craft that you recommend?
First, I would encourage people interested in poetry to read a lot of it. Then, practice writing it. In addition to the Lyrical Language Lab, the Highlights Foundation, and other places that offer classes or workshops on poetry. I haven’t taken it yet, but Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong offer some workshops on poetry and anthologies. Occasionally, I’ll do an online search on “poetry calls for submission” to see if I have anything in which one of these publications might be interested.
“I had two wonderful English teachers in high school, Mrs. Karpulk and Miss Beatty, who cemented that love of literacy deep in my bones. Both encouraged my writing, and I owe a debt of gratitude to them for pointing out that writing was a great strength of mine.“
“I would encourage people interested in poetry to read a lot of it. Then, practice writing it. In addition to the Lyrical Language Lab, the Highlights Foundation and other places offer classes or workshops on poetry.“
EARLY STAGES: HIGHS AND LOWS AND CONQUERING MOUNTAINS
Everyone says it- and there’s a reason for it: PUBLISHING IS A JOURNEY. And it’s not for the faint of heart. It requires grit. Tenacity. Perseverance. Passion. And true determination.
Don’t get me wrong… kidlit is a FANTASTIC place. In fact, it’s my favorite place! It’s filled with so much beauty. But, with the highs come the lows, and taking the waves with grace and patience is an acquired skill. A skill that has to be learned and continually put into practice. So, let’s talk about that.
Why would you say patience is a required skill in publishing? And was this something easy for you to put into practice?
Patience. Right. When my teenage son was a toddler, I prayed for patience. I soon learned to stop doing that because it seemed God was giving me lots of opportunities in which to practice it! Unfortunately, publishing abounds with opportunities for which patience is required. I found I needed an abundance of patience at every stage: writing, revising, receiving critiques, querying, submitting to editors, publishing. I wouldn’t say it was or is ever easy for me, but I have no control over making anything move faster, so I have learned to accept it, even though I don’t like it.
Speaking of patience… can you share a little bit about the early stages of your publishing journey – beginning with the query trenches? (Trust me- they’re called “trenches” for a reason). And for some readers who may be unfamiliar with what the query “trenches” are, can you explain briefly what that expression means- and any words or wisdom you have on how to successfully navigate this tough terrain?
I’m certainly quite familiar with the query trenches—that painful place of spending the amount of time you’d put into a part-time job to research and send your book babies to agents, then wait (often months, even over a year, in some cases) to be told mostly no or to hear nothing back at all. It’s difficult. It’s arduous. It hurts. I’m back in the query trenches right now. More on that later.
Do you recall the first rejection you received? And what was your thought process?
I don’t remember the first rejection specifically, but I do remember feeling a bit like a real writer because I knew writers received a lot of rejections.
What made you continue going and want to try again?
Well, if you want something bad enough, you’re going to get back up on that horse and try again, right? As much as it hurts, if you’re a writer and you want to get published, you have to try, try again. If it’s too tough on your mental health, you may take a break for a while. But eventually, if that’s your dream, you’re going to have to try again.
Rome wasn’t built in a day… and books aren’t published in one either. It’s a long process. People who don’t work in publishing often have little clue as to just how much goes into ONE book deal and how much TIME goes into it as well- especially in the kidlit arena, where you’re also dealing with illustrations and art directors and all that fun stuff. The time can be challenging- even for authors who have been published and at this for years. Can you share any tips on what helps you pass the time?
My biggest tips are to continue reading, creating, and writing new/other works. Like many people, I fall into the constant email-checking trap. But that’s not going to help. It’s a much better strategy to do your best to forget about the thing you’re waiting on and get lost in another project.
Speaking of time… it takes time to climb a mountain. And publishing is, without question, a big mountain to climb. As much as we love hearing the successes- and we really do- and celebrating those positives with our fellow writing community, sometimes only hearing the good stuff can be disheartening to those who might wonder- “is it only me who’s struggling?” Is it easy for everyone else?” So, often in my interviews, I like to share both sides of the story. Because hearing the happy stuff can be just as important as hearing the hard stuff. What challenges have you faced in your writing career, and how were you able to overcome them?
I’ll talk more about a major challenge below. Suffice it to say, I felt I was moving backwards rather than forwards in my author journey. The way I’m overcoming it is to continue to write and create stories: poems, picture books, and middle-grade novels.
Now that we’ve conquered the mountain… I’d love to hear about the view from the top. It’s time for celebration!
“Publishing abounds with opportunities for which patience is required. I found I needed an abundance of patience at every stage: writing, revising, receiving critiques, querying, submitting to editors, publishing. I wouldn’t say it was or is ever easy for me, but I have no control over making anything move faster, so I have learned to accept it, even though I don’t like it.“
“As much as it hurts, if you’re a writer and you want to get published, you have to try, try again. If it’s too tough on your mental health, you may take a break for a while. But eventually, if that’s your dream, you’re going to have to try again.“
“My biggest tips are to continue reading, creating, and writing new/other works. Like many people, I fall into the constant email-checking trap. But that’s not going to help. It’s a much better strategy to do your best to forget about the thing you’re waiting on and get lost in another project.“
CELEBRATING THE VIEW: POSITIVES IN PUBLISHING
When did you sign with your first agent, and who did you sign with? (Agent/agency?)
I signed with my first agent in November of 2020. Unfortunately, I left her last May, so I’d rather not share those details.
Can you tell us how it all happened? Was it through regular querying? A contest? A special conference or query opportunity link? Etc.
I had done an Inked Voices picture book workshop with this agent. She really liked my story and messaged me to query her with it. I wasn’t sold on the changes she wanted, so I took a year before making them and querying her.
What was your agent call like, and when did you know that they were the right agent for you? Explain. She said many flattering things about my writing. We discussed how she communicates and the ins and outs of the contract.
Finding an agent can be difficult. And having any offer can be tempting. But – is it the right offer? Can you tell us, in your own words, why having the “right” agent is so important? And in your opinion, what makes the “right agent” “right for you?”
Oh, my, Chelsea, you are so right! In my opinion, it’s quite difficult to tell if you are the right match for an agent based on your research of that person or from the call. You often truly won’t know until you begin working together. And sometimes, unfortunately, the relationship doesn’t work out. In my case, it didn’t work out.
Knowing how difficult it is to get an agent, I was afraid to leave. It was an extremely difficult decision, but it was the one I needed to make.
Okay- now you have your agent. It’s time to enter the submission period. What was that process like?
I signed with my agent in early November 2020. We went out on submission with IN THE PALM OF MY HAND mid-January of 2020, and heard that one of the six editors she sent it to was taking it to her team. Mid-April, Running Press Kids made an offer, and I was through-the-moon excited!
About how many manuscripts did your agent send out on sub once you signed, and to roughly how many publishing houses/editors? And what was the timeframe like?
I had an options clause, so we waited a year to send a second book to my publisher. My editor loved it, but she said they had to wait until they saw the sales numbers on pre-orders for IN THE PALM OF MY HAND. At that point, we sent a different, rhyming manuscript on submission. We received some great feedback but no takers. I was also learning to write middle-grade novels. My agent had her new assistant read my (third) middle-grade manuscript. I revised per her notes, and we sent that on submission to approximately nine editors. One of those was interested but had something too similar. So, in the 2 ½ years I was with my agent, she sent my options clause picture book to my editor and one picture and one middle grade out on submission. It’s a tough business.
By the way, I’m currently revising my fifth middle-grade novel. It’s contemporary with a twist of magic.
Who was the first publishing house/editor who you made your first book deal with? As I mentioned, it was Running Press Kids (local to me in Philadelphia). My editor was Allison Cohen. She was truly magnificent to work with and extremely kind.
Okay… now, you have a bite! It’s your FIRST book deal. Walk us through the details… Tell us all the feels!
The team at Running Press Kids were all wonderful, including my publicist Becca Matheson. They treated me with respect and care. If I ever had a question, they were quick to respond.
Your debut, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, came out in March 2023. We’d love to hear all about it! Can you give us a brief description of the story for readers who haven’t yet read it?
I’d love to! The blurb is: "On an ambling walk, a child discovers they hold the promise of larger worlds—forests and meadows—in the palm of their hand. An acorn becomes a tree within a woodland wonderland. A grain of sand becomes a sandcastle in a kingdom of imagination. By exploring nature’s tiniest details, they learn even small things, including them, contain infinite potential."
It received wonderful reviews from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal! Isabella Conti from Milan, Italy, is the illustrator. Her paintings are simply magical .
What was the inspiration behind writing this, and what do you hope to impart to your readers?
Besides being a nature lover, I also love poetry. The book was inspired by the opening lines of William Blake’s poem “Auguries of Innocence”: To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour.
I imagined how I might interpret this concept for a child. The story starts simply with an acorn in the palm of a child’s hand and builds into a forest and wider concepts of connectivity. Over time, a vast forest may spring from a single acorn. By extension, the child realizes the universe of possibilities growing inside him. This self-esteem boost provides a natural entryway into discussions about children’s passions and dreams. It gives them a chance to reflect on how they can reach for the stars and accomplish their hearts’ desires. I also hope readers notice the connectivity of the natural world.
Speaking of which… how has your story been received since your launch last year?
Everyone who reads it seems to really like it. I’m grateful that Running Press Kids published such a beautiful book. Have there been any particularly exciting/memorable moments?
I had my launch party at my local library. It was a blast and a much-needed celebration after so many long years of struggle. People have privately sent me pictures of their kids holding the book, and these photos have meant a lot to me. I’ve done book festivals, a librarian conference, a teacher and reading specialist conference, library events, school visits (virtual and in-person), book store events and signings, and recently my first Family Literacy Night. My favorite part of these is seeing children enjoy the book I’ve had a hand in creating.
What has your favorite part of the publishing process been? Explain.
My favorite part of the publishing process has been finally getting to hold my published book. It was a surreal moment. But I don’t take it for granted. Every time I talk about IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, I feel a little thrill.
LAST WORDS
If you had to sum up publishing wisdom in just a few last words… what would you tell others who are pursuing publication?
Don’t give up!
Can you tell us three random things about you that not everyone knows? If you want, they can be two truths and a lie… but you’ll have to give us the answer to which one is the lie.
I attended Space Camp before my senior year of high school. I was a United Methodist pastor. I’m completely in love with my Westie pup, Mazy. These are all true .
Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Chelsea. I truly appreciate it!
It was my pleasure! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your schedule to be here with us today and share so much of your heart with us. Sharing this stuff can be vulnerable and we certainly appreciate your honest and kind words. And we are so happy for you and your story, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND. Speaking of which… it's now time for the GIVEAWAY!
Jennifer is offering the following giveaway prize: a signed copy of her debut picture book, IN THE PALM OF MY HAND.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: April 30th, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
And that’s it!
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
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Jennifer Raudenbush feels most alive when she’s creating stories, especially picture books, poetry, and middle-grade novels. Jen lives with her husband and teenage son in eastern Pennsylvania, where its natural beauty provides endless inspiration. She leads weekly write-ins as a volunteer with Inked Voices and biweekly write-ins with the eastern PA SCBWI. She has been published in Cricket and Little Thoughts Press children’s magazines, the 10.10 Poetry Anthology and Two Truths and a Fib Poetry Anthology. IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, illustrated by Isabella Conti, Running Press Kids (Hachette), is Jen’s first picture book. It was released on March 14, 2023.
Hello writing friends. I’m beyond words excited about introducing you to today’s guest. Not only is Terri Clemmons an emerging debut picture book author, but she also happens to be one of my good friends and critique partners.
Before we take off into the interview for any of our first-time visitors, here are a few of the things you should know about the feature interview segment.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?
Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.
Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.
Here are a few examples of topics:
Writing workshops and resources
Diversity in literature and why it matters
Where to find support and community
How to improve writing craft and set goals
How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
And, of course- NEW BOOKS!
Now that we have that out of the way- let’s get started!
THE BEGINNING
Terri, I’m so excited to have you as my guest on the blog today. And I’m thrilled about the launch of your stunning debut, MARA HEAR IN STYLE, which just had its first-ever book launch/birthday last month, February 27, 2024. But before we get too deep into book conversation, I’d love to go back in time and look at your beginning in publishing: pre-publication, pre-agent, pre-everything.
I know you mentioned that – surprise, surprise—your road to publishing wasn’t an “overnight success” but rather a long journey of a number of years.
Can you tell us when, where, how, and why: When did it all begin? Where did it all begin? How did it all begin? Why did it all begin?
My love for books began in the library as a kid, like so many others. I vividly remember our old library with lampposts and grand entry, taking stacks of books home and settling into my bean bag chair to be engrossed in a story. I loved writing stories, too, and in fifth grade, my language art teacher, Mrs. Morgan, read one of my stories to the class. That gave me confidence that I had a talent for writing. Many writers say that a teacher encouraged them similarly and influenced them to become writers. Teachers also say a particular teacher inspired them to go into education. I was inspired to do both.
“My love for books began in the library as a kid, like so many others.“
Can you share a little about that with us and if teaching had any connection to your current-day passion for writing children’s literature?
My first degree was in language arts, and children’s literature was a big part of that. I fell in love with picture books then. When I had my three children, we brought stacks of books from the library every week, and I began to have ideas for my own stories. I told stories to my kids and eventually began writing.
Back then, there was no Internet, so researching agents and publishers required time researching in the library, snail mail, typed copies of manuscripts, and self-addressed stamped envelopes. I got rejections on little mimeographed slips, not even a full sheet of paper, but I also got personal feedback. I didn’t know when you got that kind of response, you are close.
When I returned to teaching full-time, I put my writing dreams on hold. I loved being a mom and a teacher, so I wouldn’t have traded those things for publication, but I may not have waited so long to lift the pause on writing if I knew I was close. Picture books have changed dramatically since my children were small, so there was a lot to learn when I decided to write again with an eye toward publication.
Were there any notable things or moments at the beginning of your writing career that stood out to you that you’d like to share with readers? Good/bad or both.
When I was 53, I was an empty-nester and a veteran teacher who didn’t need as many hours to prepare for classes. I decided it was now or never. I didn’t want to look back and wonder what could have been. I joined SCBWI and attended my first conference, the Prairie Writers and Illustrators Day 2014. It was inspirational and affirming. One of the benefits of conferences is the opportunity to submit your work to agents and editors that are otherwise out of reach. I received an encouraging response from one of the agents, and it energized me to start submitting.
“When I was 53, I was an empty-nester and a veteran teacher who didn’t need as many hours to prepare for classes. I decided it was now or never. I didn’t want to look back and wonder what could have been.“
Thinking back to the early times of pursuing publication, are there any struggles you experienced and how you were able to get past them and continue moving forward?
Submitting to agents and editors is so time-consuming. You have to research each one and comply with various formats when querying. If I got a response, it was usually a form rejection. It can be disheartening. But what made the difference for me was making the conscious decision to pursue this dream to the end and enjoy the journey no matter what happened.
I paused querying and focused on improving my craft for a couple of years. I went to workshops and took advantage of the critiques offered. I built a stash of manuscripts and learned to love revision. One of the best techniques I used to improve and find my PB voice was to put the words of picture books I loved into a document. The document would look similar to the author’s submission to the editor. Seeing it in that way gave me insights about page turns and how to cut word count, and it provided a way to analyze a story that is more insightful than just reading the book. I use the dictate feature and read books in manuscript form. If you want to try that, in Google Docs, go to “Voice typing” under Tools, and in Word, go to the microphone icon in the upper right. It’s quick.
One of the comments that kept coming up on critiques was that my writing was good but was more of a middle-grade voice. So I wrote a middle-grade book. The word count was daunting, but I found I loved that format, too. But I still loved picture books, so I also studied stacks of picture books from the library to find my own picture book voice.
You may have noticed this recurring theme of the library playing an essential part in my whole writing journey. Libraries and librarians are essential to creatives! This is a photo of ‘the house that built me’!
“…a form rejection. It can be disheartening. But what made the difference for me was making the conscious decision to pursue this dream to the end and enjoy the journey no matter what happened.”
What helped you most toward the beginning of that journey? Were there any groups/websites/people who encouraged, inspired, or helped you in some other way to keep going?
Learning from other authors, agents, and editors at conferences helped me hone my craft and learn about the publishing industry. I know I’m fortunate to be able to take advantage of these opportunities. My holiday or birthday wishlists are always about writing opportunities— no jewelry for me, thank you very much. And scholarships are usually offered, so it’s worth a try. You never know what could happen. Webinars are so prevalent now; some are free, but most have price points from $10 on up.
The Marvelous Midwest Conference in 2016 was among the best I’ve ever attended. I learned so much and became aware of the We Need Diverse Books movement that has created such a wonderful shift for more diversity in books. WNDB offers mentorships, and I’ve applied twice— once with a version of MARA HEARS IN STYLE and once with an MG, both with a main character who wears hearing aids. I was a finalist both times and received great feedback and opportunities despite not winning. Taking these opportunities can make a big difference for writers.
12x12 was another pivotal organization for me, and it's where I found my wonderful critique group. I’ve learned so much from them and have been supported during the rough patches. Critiquing other manuscripts also helps writers learn, so finding writer friends is essential, and technology allows connections worldwide.
I’ve also attended the Whispering Woods PB Writer’s Retreat and learned from Jill Esbaum, Pat Zietlow Miller, and Linda Skeers. It is a terrific place to learn about all things picture books. I revised MARA after my first workshop there, which made all the difference.
“Learning from other authors, agents, and editors at conferences helped me hone my craft and learn about the publishing industry.”
Critiquing other manuscripts also helps writers learn, so finding writer friends is essential, and technology allows connections worldwide.
QUERIES & AGENTS
Let’s look back at query trenches. This can be a tough place to be, especially if you’ve been querying agents for a long time. Were there ever moments when you thought, “eh, maybe I don’t need to be doing this…”?
I’ve definitely had tough moments, but it was more about pausing the process than giving up. I needed to work more on my craft and enjoy the writing. I know now that I queried too soon. All that rejection can make you question yourself. Impostor syndrome is real, but I’ve never met an author who hasn’t experienced rejection— even very successful ones.
What made you keep going?
It really was the internal motivation to enjoy the writing itself. I knew I might never get published, but I just wouldn’t give up. I might take breaks. I might slam my laptop shut and cry when I was so close but got the no. But I didn’t give myself the option of quitting.
What advice would you like to share with someone who may be in a tough spot right now and feeling discouraged about query trenches?
Resolve to play the long game. Keep honing your craft. Get your stash of manuscripts ready. So many success stories are about perseverance. It only takes one yes— or two if you get an agent first. Rejection is always a part of publishing. Getting one book published does not guarantee you’ll get two. I’ve seen many posts recently about how tough it is in the trenches right now. If you’ve done the math, you saw it took ten years since my first SCBWI conference to my debut picture book at age 62. It’s never too late.
Fantastic advice, Terri. Now, let’s shift to agent town. When and how did you first find your current agent match?
I participated in a Twitter event called #PBPitch. I’d done a couple of Twitter pitch events before and did not get any responses. But this time, I used more hashtags. Agents and editors often look for specific things, so hashtags can help your pitch get your eyes on it. Stephanie Hansen from Metamorphosis Literary Agency reached out, and after some revising, she offered representation. I had already been watching to see when she would open to queries because I knew someone she represented. I also knew she was unilaterally deaf, and two of my stories with HOH characters would likely resonate with her. I knew she would be a staunch advocate for my characters, and I was right.
“Resolve to play the long game. Keep honing your craft. Get your stash of manuscripts ready. So many success stories are about perseverance. It only takes one yes— or two if you get an agent first. Rejection is always a part of publishing. Getting one book published does not guarantee you’ll get two. I’ve seen many posts recently about how tough it is in the trenches right now. If you’ve done the math, you saw it took ten years since my first SCBWI conference to my debut picture book at age 62. It’s never too late. “
PUBLISHERS AND BOOK DEALS
Okay- now you’ve accepted an offer and signed with an agent. Hooray! Then what? Can you share a little bit about your experience of what comes after representation?
I made some revisions based on feedback from Stephanie and the Metamorphosis team. Stephanie sent it out to five publishers, and Andrea Hall from Beaming Books made an offer within a month. That is definitely not the norm. What was the book deal process like? And how have (if any) they been similar or different since that initial deal? There was some back and forth in the negotiation. It took a few months to get the signed contract. But you can’t announce anything— which is really hard! Beaming decided on Lucy Rogers for the illustrator, which was a marvelous choice.
I love how Lucy brought the characters to life and illustrated ASL. Then, there was collaboration on the title. Nine months after I signed, the announcement appeared in Publishers Weekly and finally felt real. Andrea’s editorial notes came later in the year, and we collaborated on revisions. She kept me in the loop and answered all my debut questions.
Something that amazes me is how many people don't realize that picture book authors are not always – or even usually- “author/illustrator,” but they are, in fact, two completely separate jobs. And unless you ARE the illustrator (in addition to the author), you have very little to do with the illustration process, if anything at all.
Illustrators are chosen by an art director, and their side of the desk has a great deal of creative freedom. So, sometimes, the illustrative process can be surprising to authors because it’s the first time their visual ideas meet with actual artwork. Can you tell us a little bit about the experience working with your art director and illustrator, Lucy Rogers? How was the experience, and how often were you updated on the process?
I agree— people are shocked that I didn’t dictate the drawings on each page! Andrea did keep me updated on the illustration process, though. First, it was the cover. Then, the sketches of each spread. It was a cool experience to see Lucy envision what I wrote. The rough color images followed. I could see the notes Beaming sent Lucy and added any input I had. It was a very collaborative process, and fulfilling to see it all transform into the final version. Lucy translated such emotion into the characters’ expressions, and the colors are gorgeous.
All this talk about illustrations has me excited about the next part of the interview. If you guessed “books,” you’re correct!
MARA HEARS IN STYLE: DEBUT BOOK LAUNCH
The dream has finally come true. You’re able to hold your story in your hands and share it with the world. How excited are you to be debuting this year?!
It’s very exciting to see all the collaboration come to fruition! I’m looking forward to sharing it with more children and can’t wait to do more school events. The sign language makes the book interactive and has really resonated with kids.
We’d love to hear all about your debut picture book, MARA HEARS IN STYLE. Speaking of “hearing,” can you tell us about your story and what the inspiration behind it was?
My three children were diagnosed with hearing loss when they were preschool age. The prevailing hypothesis is that I had undiagnosed mild hearing loss as a child. But as one ages, hearing deteriorates, so at age 40, I got my first pair of hearing aids. My kids wore hearing aids and used FM systems in school like Mara. The only books I could find representing kids with hearing loss when they were young were produced by hearing aid manufacturers. When I had a student in my class who wore hearing aids, I looked for books with representation. I was shocked to see the same books published by hearing aid companies on lists from 25 years ago! There was a need for more books with a character wearing hearing aids, especially in a school setting. If you look closely at this photo of my children’s first day of school many moons ago, you can see some colorful hearing aids like Mara’s.
When did you first start working on this project, and what does it mean to you personally?
I started working on it about the same time I went to the SCBWI PWID conference in 2014. I want all kids to see themselves in books and be seen, especially kids with hearing aids, so this has been a dream come true. It is the book I wish I could have handed to all my children’s teachers. When WNDB spoke about the need for diverse books, I knew this book could fill a need.
What do you hope to impart to parents and children reading MARA HEARS IN STYLE?
I hope they see a spunky girl who struggles with a new situation and worries about making new friends like we all do— and overcomes it by being herself. I hope it helps normalize hearing aids as a tool for hearing, like glasses helping people see, and helps someone who is not hard of hearing to understand what it is like to struggle in certain environments, encourages respect for differences, sparks interest in ASL, and encourages a community of belonging for everyone.
I just loved Lucy’s illustrations. Her bright color palette and the expressions and life she brought to the characters were fantastic. Do you have any favorite spreads from the story? If so, which ones and why?
I agree! Lucy brought the characters to life in a vivid, expressive way! I love the cafeteria spread because it conveys so much— Mara’s struggle and feelings, Raven’s concern, and the sound wave illustrations are a great way to show the overwhelming roaring waterfall of sounds.
I chose one of the sign language spreads because of the beautiful way Lucy shows the sign alongside the butterfly, tree, and flower illustrations. I also love that the girls are lying down on the playground castle, which is so authentic to how kids play.
I know you have some special resources at the end of the book. Would you like to tell us a little bit about those and who they’re intended for?
The American Sign Language alphabet spread in the backmatter has been so well-received by kids. They love learning to sign their name and want to learn more signs. I did sign language lessons with my students when I was teaching. Some students went beyond what I could take the time to teach and learned more on their own. Over the years, many kids expressed interest in becoming interpreters someday. I am not an expert by any means, but I did learn from a CODA— a child of deaf adults. I recommend learning from someone fluent in sign language. There is a list of resources on my website to get started.
Do you have any local (or virtual) launch plans with bookstores/schools/libraries?
My launch party was at Woodbury Elementary School with Ms. Cryer’s second-grade class. It was so much fun sharing the book with this wonderful group of kids. They quickly picked up on some basic ASL, and Ms. Cryer said they spent time on ASLNook.com later to look up more signs they wanted to learn. The students designed colorful hearing aids that Mara just might want for her next pair because they were definitely flashy and sassy! The design worksheet is available as part of the CCSS Educator’s Guide on my website, terriclemmons.com, or beamingbooks.com.
I look forward to doing more events like this and have been reaching out to bookstores, schools, and libraries. I have some events set up, but I want to do more. MARA is very interactive and lends itself well to storytime.
What have been some of your favorite parts of the book launch prep so far, and what tips would you like to share with authors or illustrators who may be approaching their own debut book launches?
I have enjoyed tapping into my artsy side using Canva to create promotional materials like postcards, bookmarks, and an educator’s guide. But there is a lot that goes into a book launch. My biggest tip is to stay organized. Make lists. Prioritize what you can do and what you want to do. You can’t do it all. Ask for help from friends and your writing community to get the word out. Pre-published writers can start now by creating a website, building a social following on one or two platforms, and finding your writing community friends. There are a lot of marketing resources available, from webinars to books. Courtney Maum’s book Before and After the Book Deal was a helpful resource for me because she covers all aspects and provides a big-picture view. Podcasts are helpful— Writers with Wrinkles podcast recently featured the Marketing Mondays advice series.
Have there been any complications during this time, and if so, how have you been able to manage them?
Life happens, and sometimes it crashes into something big— like the release of your debut picture book. I am taking one day at a time and doing what I can. Much of the preparation happens during the two years you wait for the book to come out, which helps. Thankfully, I have wonderful critique partners who have supported me and a launch team that has helped spread the word about MARA HEARS IN STYLE.
Thank you so much for visiting us today on Chelsea’s World of Books Blog, Terri. We’re so happy for you and your story and can’t wait to see where it goes!
And now… it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
This month, Terri is offering a nonrhyming PB critique of up to 800 words, and a signed copy of MARA HEARS IN STYLE to two winners.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
During the month of March 2024:
Subscribe to Chelsea’s World of Books blog/newsletter
Like this Feature Interview
Comment below letting me know you’ve done 1 & 2.
And that’s it!
FAQ: What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.
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I write picture books and middle-grade novels. I want every child to see themselves in stories, especially children who wear hearing aids, as my children and I do.
My first picture book, MARA HEARS IN STYLE, is slated for publication in spring 2024 by Beaming Books with illustrations by Lucy Rogers. Mara’s first day at a new school means she keeps having to explain her hearing aids, but one explanation leads to new friends.
My favorite activities include spending time with my family and friends, baking, rooting for Chicago sports teams, rockhounding on the shores of the Great Lakes, hiking in national parks, walking trails with my dog, and reading stacks of books from the library.
Being an author is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream. To reach that dream, I’ve read thousands of books that shaped my understanding of a good story. I wrote and revised—and revised again and again. I joined SCBWI and took advantage of many conferences, workshops, and webinars that honed my writing skills and understanding of the publishing business. I joined critique groups to get feedback from fellow writers. I received many rejection letters from agents and editors, some with encouraging words about my writing. Each one spurred me on to become better. And the most important thing, I did not give up. I knew it only takes one yes.
Hello writing friends. It’s the first Wednesday of March. (Yes- March- can you even believe it?) And guess what—I just love March because March marks the beginning of my favorite season of the year: spring. Of course, we still have a few more weeks until we reach the official “first day of spring.” And over here in Nashville, Tennessee, our seasons love playing mischievous little pranks on us and giving us some of the coldest days of the year RIGHT before spring starts. But, enough about spring. You’re here because you want to meet our March guest- and I can’t wait to introduce you!
But before we get started, for any of our first-time visitors, here are a few of the things you should know about this feature interview segment.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?
Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.
Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.
Here are a few examples of topics:
Writing workshops and resources
Diversity in literature and why it matters
Where to find support and community
How to improve writing craft and set goals
How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals, and time frames
And of course- NEW BOOKS!
Now that we have that out of the way- let’s get started!
Sherry McMillan
Sherry McMillan is an author of children’s poetry and picture books. Her inaugural book, What The Seal Saw, was awarded the iconic Indigo Chapters Heather’s Kids Pick. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys the great outdoors as much as possible. In fact, she does most of her writing in her kayak! Her mission is to nurture a love of nature and language in little ones with big imaginations. When she is not writing or kayaking, she feeds her curiosity by working in technology.
THE BEGINNING
Sherry, it’s lovely to have you with us today. And in such good company with your fellow feature interview guest in March- my very own critique partner- with the debut of her first picture book! But I won’t spoil the surprise. Our readers will have to wait a few more weeks. But, like her, you both share a few special things in common. It was no mere coincidence that I placed you in the same month. I hope our readers will enjoy learning about your writing journey. Speaking of which, let’s jump in. I love to start my interviews at the beginning. How did you end up in the world of kidlit publishing?
I’m fortunate that I live in a lovely seaside town in the Pacific Northwest. During the pandemic, I took up kayaking. I was in my kayak, thinking about a novel I wanted to write, when a seal popped up in front of me. I spontaneously spoke to it in rhyming verse, “Hey there, seal! What do you see? I see you. Do you see me?” Instantly, I thought that would be a great idea for a children’s book. For about 2 weeks, I couldn’t shake that thought. I kept thinking about how much I loved poetry as a child and decided to try to write a children’s poetry book that reflected my experiences kayaking in the bay.
Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer, or was this an interest that developed later in life?
In my heart, I knew I wanted to be either an author or a singer. Ideally, both. I have journals and poems that go back to my very youngest years. I was a music major in college. I’ve always loved reading and writing. I was doing both before Kindergarten. However, I fell into technology at a very early age, and I’ve been grateful for a 35-year career that helped me meet many of my goals. But, as I approached my 50th birthday, it became increasingly important to me to fulfill more of my creative goals.
When did you first enter the kidlit scene? And can you share a little bit about what that experience was like?
My first book, What The Seal Saw, was published October 2021. We were in the depths of the pandemic. Our book launch was a zoom call. It took less than a year from ideation to publication, and my Illustrator and I thought that we weren’t going fast enough! Six months later, the book was a Heather’s Pick. Two years later, we published our second book, My S’s Are Messes. It’s been such a whirlwind!
Were there any groups or friends who you wrote with, or did your road begin solitary?
My writing was and is a solitary journey, and I quite like that. But, I did reach out to other published authors to bounce ideas off of them. A very pivotal moment was a Zoom call I had with two long-term friends who are published authors (Virginia Renaud and Brett O’Reilly). At the time, I was focused on writing a novel. I was trying to figure out how to write that meaty, complex novel while working my demanding day job. Brett asked me if I’d considered writing something smaller. It’s such a logical question, but honestly, I hadn’t. I had Brett’s suggestion in my back pocket on that fateful day when a seal popped up in front of me while I was kayaking. I honestly don’t think I’d be a published author if it hadn’t been for his suggestion. But, I also don’t think I’d be where I am now had I not actively sought out counsel. From other authors to a career coach to creatives I’ve met through local art councils, I’ve continued to network with others throughout the journey. It’s been invaluable. Also, tap into any independent bookstores you may have in your area. They are fantastic members of their communities, and they will likely want to support you as an author.
As I’m sure you’ve gathered from reading previous feature interviews here on the blog, I’m a big fan of sharing resources and encouragement with my fellow writers. And I always love hearing the various routes people take to end up here- as well as what helped them get here. Could you share a little bit with us about some of the resources that helped you most on your journey to publishing? Any organizations/communities that played a special role in your journey?
My friend, Illustrator, and business partner introduced me to the local Art Councils. They’ve been invaluable! And even in my relatively short career as a published author, I’ve seen an increased interest in these councils in supporting the Literary Arts. They can help connect an author with successful markets and other community events. They can interview authors for local news and magazine articles. And they will often help create wonderfully effective book launches. They are HUGE supporters of independent authors. I highly recommend joining your local Arts Council and participating as much as you can in their events. If you are a Writer, you are an Artist.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn how successful children’s books can be at local Farmer’s Markets and Craft Markets. People love to support local authors. And they often attend these events explicitly to shop for gifts. And, of course, a signed local book makes a great gift. Markets are hard work. But it puts you in front of your audience, and they can be very successful. I’ve found that these events love to advertise that they’ve got a local author on site. So, you may be pleasantly surprised with how much support you get at these events.
On that note, another of my favorite resources is VistaPrint. From retractable banners for events to business cards/bookmarks, they provide fantastic tools for authors. You can even hire a designer to help you with your signage for a very reasonable price. Look out for sales as well. (I have not received anything from VistaPrint for this referral.)
Finally, don’t underestimate the usefulness of YouTube. I’ve found it to be a wealth of information - especially in learning tips and tricks for social media.
“Tap into any independent bookstores you may have in your area. They are fantastic members of their communities, and they will likely want to support you as an author. “
RESOURCES & EDUCATION
Speaking of resources… I know personally, as a kidlit writer and librarian, I have a soft spot for education, and wherever possible, I link resources that can be utilized for parents, caregivers and teachers. And I understand you share this passion! What are some of the resources you offer (and who are they designed for), and where can our readers find them?
I’m SO pleased to be able to provide free resources for What the Seal Saw. I have Lesson Plans, Coloring Pages, Activity Pages, Color-Your-Own Bookmarks, Craft Cut-Outs for creative play, and fun, detailed instructions on How To Draw A Seal. I’ve had teachers, librarians, daycare providers, and parents tell me that they’ve built a full day of fun and learning out of the materials that I have for FREE download on my website: sherrymcmillan.ca. They can be used for a wide age range of children from preschoolers to the primary grades.
I’m on a path to create a suite of similar materials for My S’s Are Messes. For that book, I’m hoping to also have materials specific for Speech Language Pathologists. Along with these free resources, I’m so excited to also have a product offering that goes with my books - from Felt Stories to stickers and keychains, it’s wonderful to encourage creative play based on my books.
I just loved reading through your application, Sherry. It’s clear to me that you’re incredibly passionate about the books you’re sharing with people. Some of the themes you mentioned were: Leading with Curiosity, Nurturing a Love of Nature and Language, I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access), and Environmental Empathy. All of these topics are terrific- so instead of choosing just O.N.E., I thought we could discuss each of them. Let’s start with Leading with Curiosity.
LEADING WITH CURIOSITY
Tell us about what “leading with curiosity” means to you and how you try to incorporate this theme into your stories.
Leading with curiosity means two very important things (1) Start with a curious mindset. It’s impossible to be anxious and curious at the same time. So start from a place of curiosity, and you’ll keep anxiety at bay. (And it’s never too late to start with curiosity). (2) Be a leader. And when you lead, keep that curious mindset. It will also steer you in the right direction.
This is a key theme in What The Seal Saw. I didn’t set out to create an anti-anxiety book, but in hindsight, that’s exactly what I did. It makes sense because I wrote it in my happy place - my kayak. Every single verse was written from my real life observations of seals in nature. They are curious creatures and, as it turns out, so am I.
Let’s talk next about Nurturing a Love of Nature and Language.
“Start with a curious mindset. It’s impossible to be anxious and curious at the same time. So start from a place of curiosity, and you’ll keep anxiety at bay.“
NURTURING A LOVE OF NATURE AND LANGUAGE
Can you share a little bit about how you incorporate a love of nature and language into your books?
Nurturing a love of Language - I wanted to respect my young readers by using exactly the right word – even if it was above their expected reading level. It’s been rewarding to see a 10-year-old sound out the word ‘scuttle’ until they got it and to also see an 8-year-old sail through the word kaleidoscope with no trouble. I know 2-year-olds who ask for “Sea Saw”. And I know adults who appreciate the alliteration, lyricism, and other poetic devices. (Bubbles and Barnacles!) By emphasizing a message of leading with curiosity, the book creates a calm and thoughtful mindset. As the poem ends where it begins, there is a satisfying synergy to the story.
Nurturing a love of Nature - My friend and illustrator, Carla Maskall, and I are so grateful to live in the Pacific Northwest near the ocean. We made a conscious decision to lovingly and faithfully depict this beautiful ecology. Many of the illustrations in the book started as pictures I took from my kayak. Our hope is that by exploring our own backyard with curiosity, we would foster a love of nature wherever our readers are.
With My S’s Are Messes, there’s another layer to that mission statement. For those of us with speech sound disorders, it would be easy to find oneself in an adversarial relationship with language. After all, we’re working harder than others just to create sounds at all - never mind creating and appreciating them in the playful and nuanced world of poetry. A main theme in the book is that the children are working very hard and the sounds are making a big mess. The children and the letters learn how to work together. Again, creating a love of language.
Now let’s visit I.D.E.A. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access.
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCESS
I’m very excited to see more about how you weave this into your stories. Could you fill us in? And last but not least, let’s explore Environmental Empathy.
It was important that the voice of our books be represented by characters that any child could identify with.
In What The Seal Saw, the illustrated child has no discernible gender, age, race, or ethnicity. This allows all of our readers to see themselves in the story. One of the great delights of introducing the book to children has been to see the variety of little ones who’ve pointed at the pages and said, “that could be me!”
In My S’s Are Messes, the illustrated children are in silhouette. We made a point to have a wide representation of children including one who uses a wheelchair and another who communicates using American Sign Language.
For both books, we used a large, dyslexic-friendly font and were careful about how the words were placed on the pages. We consulted with educators and, most importantly, with persons with reading challenges to provide feedback on the text and page layout.
This is just fantastic. I love this!Alright, now let's talk about environmental empathy.
environmental empathy
Environmental empathy is a beautiful topic and one close to my heart. I don’t know about you, but growing up, my all-time favorite Disney princess was Pocahontas (seconded by the very brave and loyal Mulan, of course) because of her deep love for nature and living creatures around her. I’m very drawn to unselfish, giving spirits. And when I think of environmental empathy, that’s the exact characteristic I think of: unselfish. Could you share with us why environmental empathy is something that’s important to you and elaborate a little bit on ways that you use this as a teaching tool in your stories?
I know what you mean about Pocahontas and Mulan, but I related more with Hobbits as a child! I think I still do! I wanted to be careful to impart a positive message. The idea behind Environmental Empathy is to consider the beauty of the world from another perspective.
I wanted to encapsulate that wonderful universal moment where you see an animal in nature and wonder if it sees you, too. That is such a special experience. But, it is also representative of the wider experience of being just one of many beings that share this great earth and to live in harmony with and respect for all of nature.
Oh my goodness- YES. The hobbit comment had me grinning ear-to-ear. Sadly, I was not introduced to the wonderful world of hobbits until I was an adult- but now that I've come to know them, I too love them!But on a more serious note, your description about when you see an animal in nature and wonder if it sees you too is so thought-provoking. I just love those kinds of stories that invoke a child's natural curiosity to the big world around them and help develop those introductory moments of self-awareness.Beautifully said.
The seal in What The Seal Saw is not anthropomorphized. It has no name or gender; it does not wear human clothing or conduct human activities. Instead, the book presents a gentle message of care-taking of our environment, living in the moment, and approaching the world with empathy. Every scene in this book is taken from real-life observations of the behaviors of seals in Semiahmoo Bay, British Columbia.
This is the first book in a 3-book series. What The Seal Saw showcases the ocean and coastline. The next book will feature a woodland animal and will feature the forests and mountains. The third book will feature a bird and will be set in the marshlands. So, the series will cover Sea, Land, and Sky.
“The idea behind Environmental Empathy is to consider the beauty of the world from another perspective… I wanted to encapsulate that wonderful universal moment where you see an animal in nature and wonder if it sees you, too.”
Now, we touched on “language” and “diversity” briefly in the topics above, but I wanted to speak a little about something that affects you personally, which is speech and sound disorders. Could you tell us a little bit about that journey and what it’s been like for you?
It’s been such a journey! Early in the writing process, I knew that the right title for my first book was What The Seal Saw. I had to laugh as I’ve been avoiding S’s my entire life. Probably my most pronounced speech difference is my lisp. I couldn’t say the S sound at all until I was 27, and I still struggle with it. Now, I was embarking on a journey that would have me saying the S sound constantly and doing so while ‘on display.’
I thought, “What am I doing? My S’s Are Messes!” And just like that, I had the beginnings of another book. But I had no idea that it would be the second book I’d publish. It was only when I kept hearing from Speech-Language Pathologists that they were using my book in their practices that I seriously considered writing My S’s Are Messes.
When I spoke with people at schools, book signing events, and markets, many of them also had speech sound disorders or knew someone who did. They encouraged me to write this book. When I looked into it and couldn’t find any books for children with speech sound differences by an author who also has the same, I realized I had to write this book. It’s the book I wish I’d had as a child.
In the book, the children are doing everything right, and the sounds are misbehaving. It’s light-hearted and fun. It takes the sting out of having speech differences. It’s also got a few tongue-twisters that I hope will create some empathy for readers who don’t have a speech challenge. They may have an improved understanding that every sentence is a tongue twister for some of us!
Every single illustration is a word picture of what it’s like to have a speech difference. There’s a very powerful point in the book where we talk about how having a speech sound disorder makes you a ‘World Champion Listener.’ I had a vision for this page, but to be honest, I was concerned that I was imagining something too complex for the illustration. Well, of course, Carla nailed it! I still tear up when I see an image of a child in a wrestling outfit receiving their championship belt as various letters cheer them on.
Everyone loved the title, but I was concerned that it would lead people to think that the book is only about S’s. It took me months to come up with the sub-title, but I’m glad I took the time. “When your voice won’t obey what you’re trying to say, it’s OK.”
The book is recommended for any kind of speech difference including articulation, stuttering, lisps, apraxia, selective mutism, and more. It’s recommended for any sort of speech challenge including those that stem from deafness, autism, or stroke.
There was a lot of healing for me in creating this book. I worked with Speech-Language Pathologists to provide input on the book, but of course, they also gave me some improved understanding of my own speech sound disorders. Because of the book, my Mother and I have had several conversations about my speech therapy years. And, now I have a new family member who is deaf. All of these experiences have solidified for me that I needed to write and publish this particular book at this particular time.
This is just fascinating. And I feel like so many people- so many writers especially- echo what you said. "It's the book I wish I'd had as a child." And it goes back to the expression, "write what you know." Writing what you "know" doesn't mean you can ONLY write what you know... but there's something special about writing about something that you personally understand on that deeper level, that raw authenticity that allows you to put your heart into that story and your readers can feel it and connect with it, because they know that YOU understand what that feels like. It's a really beautiful way of connecting with each other.
And I understand that your newest book deals with this topic. Which brings me to our next discussion point…
“It’s the book I wish I’d had as a child.”
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!
If you’ve read my blog before, you know we LOVE books here. In fact- other than the personal connection that I get to make with each visitor who comes on for a Feature Interview, the next best part about these interviews is getting to share my guest’s books with all my readers!
Sherry, I know you touched on the themes of your books and what they involve above, but what else would you like to tell us about your published “babies?” What was the creative process like for each story, and what do you want to impart to readers? You mentioned that you and your illustrator and friends and business partners, which is SO COOL- and definitely not always the case, as typically, illustrators are picked by the publisher, and the author has little contact- if any. Can you tell us more about this interesting setup? Do you have any favorite illustrative spreads? If so, which ones and why?
It’s interesting that you referred to the books as my babies. I only had one child, so I don’t know exactly what it’s like to have more than one, but I’ve been joking that managing the sales and marketing of the first book while writing and publishing the second felt like what it must be like to have an active toddler and a baby on the way!
Well, they are my babies, and I’m very proud of them. Here are some things that readers may like to know:
● By the time this goes to print, I will have sold over 5000 books in just over two years.
● What The Seal Saw is carried in Seal Sanctuaries and non-profits around the world. It’s being used in an educational program in a seal sanctuary in Ireland, it’s sold in a Seal Rescue and Research Center in Cornwall and another in California. It’s currently carried by 9 animal or art-centered non-profits as well as by major retailers around the world.
● My books have been selected as approved Teaching Resources in several school districts. And in fact, one school district gave my book to each and every child entering Kindergarten in 2023!
You mentioned my wonderful partnership with my friend and Illustrator Carla Maskall. It’s been such a great part of this journey. Our relationship goes back to middle school! We’ve been amazed to find out just how good we are as creative partners. Storyboarding together is one of my favorite parts of the process.
I already mentioned that the World Champion Listener spread from My S’s Are Messes is one of my favorites. My favorite from What The Seal Saw, is the scene with the migrating geese and our beloved Mount Baker. That scene came from a kayaking trip in the Fall. A flock of Canada Geese flew over my kayak ‘all honking and flapping’. They were so beautiful and mysterious as they organized themselves.
I also LOVE that we included a 2-page spread with no text. This page gives children the opportunity to make their own verse or tell their own story. They can also use it to name the animals, count them, or find some critters that are hiding - just a little. It’s always interesting to see what the children get out of this page.
Right now, we are in the illustration process for our third book. I can’t share any pictures yet. But what I can tell you is how exciting it is to get a text from Carla these days!
THE BEST, THE WORST, THE MEH
What have been some of your favorite, most exciting parts of the publishing process?
Oh, the highs and the lows! Truly, one of the best things in the world is when a child reads my book back to me. It’s the best feeling in the world. I also love it when people purchase a book directly from me, have me sign it for someone, and then fist pump that they’ve just gotten a perfect gift. I love being a part of that!
The worst is when a child loves the book, and a parent tells them they’re too young or old for it. I don’t understand that. If the kid loves a book, they love a book. For the love of reading, let them enjoy it.
Meh - the proofing stage, the paperwork, the big win that fizzles out (like you get that big order, they sell out, and then don’t order again).
Wow! 33 events? That's INCREDIBLE. And yes, I work in a library and I'll admit that's one of my biggest pet peeves; when an adult tells a child that they are "too old" to like a particular book. Grumbling. Grumbling. Grumbling. I'm sory... What? What?! It is precisely that kind of thinking that endangers fairies of Neverland!But instead of worrying about that... let's look at some adorable fan mail.
We love celebrating all the wins for our fellow creatives! But at times, all of us face difficulties. And I find sharing the difficulties can be just as uplifting as sharing the positives- because it reminds us that we’re all in the same boat, so to speak. So, with that in mind, what have been some challenges you’ve faced during your kidlit journey, and how were you able to overcome them?
But things aren’t always the “best” or “worst.” Sometimes, they’re just plain “M.E.H.” So, when those “mehs” hit, aka the “lulls in writing,” what are some suggestions that have benefited you personally that you’d like to share on ways to rekindle that spark and find your inner joy?
I’m not very good at taking this advice, but honestly, sometimes you just need to rest. Some of my best work has come after I’ve given myself permission to take a break.
Another best practice is to continue to read great books yourself, watch well-written movies and plays, and have hearty discussions about them with others. I think it’s common to read less once you’re writing. It’s a pretty tall order to do both, to be honest - especially when you’re in the phase where you’re proofing and revising your own work. At that time, you’re spending so much time reading your own work it’s hard to make the time to read others’. But, try to work in breaks where you get to enjoy being a reader again. It will make you a better writer in so many ways.
If you could share one final piece of writerly advice with readers today, what would it be?
For Readers: Please consider taking a moment to support your favourite author/s with a review. I can’t underestimate how much it means to them. It’s the best encouragement you can give them. (And we D.O. get discouraged.) But it also makes a massive difference to their sales and their chances of getting that deal. Literary Agents, Publishers, Retailers, Events Coordinators, and potential buyers will look for reviews. You can review on amazon anonymously. Goodreads and major retailers are also a good place to drop a review. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy. You can even leave a review at sites that you didn’t purchase the book from. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a public review, you can also just pop a note to the author’s social media site or contact address from their website. It takes 5 minutes, and it truly means the world.
For Readers who are or who like to be Writers: When we think of being a Writer, we rightly think of well writing. And it’s perfectly valid to just write for the joy of it. In fact, that, and burning with a story to tell, are the only reasons to write. But if you want your book to sell - even if you’re traditionally published, you still have to put in the leg work.
The way I think of it is that there are three distinct phases to any book. There is Writing. There is Publishing. And then there is Sales and Marketing. Each has a different mindset and a different skill set. Most of us need a pretty open calendar and some headspace to write. It’s hard to do that when you’re up to your elbows in publishing paperwork or going from event to event.
I think it’s wise to think of your journey in seasons. And, in fact, I’m starting to settle into a pretty literal interpretation of this idea. In the Winter months, I do most of my writing. In the Spring and Summer, I do most of my Sales and Marketing. And in the Fall I do most of the Publishing and associated Paperwork.
Thank you so much for visiting us today on Chelsea’s World of Books Blog. Now… it’s time for our readers to get rewarded for sticking around. Yep- that’s right. It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY PRIZE
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