Good morning everyone! I hope you’re having a great first day of the 50 Precious Words Contest. Thank you Vivian for bringing us this fun community driven kidlit contest every year! Last year, my entry was about cupcakes. [Monday Morning Cupcakes!] This year, my entry is about turkeys. At first glance, it may not seem like these two topics have anything to do with one another, but here’s a hint: they’re both potentially delicious.
Here’s a little background to give you some more context on where I was when writing both stories. Last year, around this time, I was watching a lot of cooking and baking shows. Mmm, yum! This year, around this time, I’ve been binge watching Stranger Things and Whodunnit’s. Does that clue you in?
So without further ado, please enjoy my 2024 50 Precious Words entry: FOWL PLAY.
P.S. Let me know what you thought of the story in the comments below!
FOWL PLAY By Chelsea DiCicco 50 Words
November was just around the corner… And Turkey had goosebumps. He didn’t want to be gobbled up! Then, one day, in drama class, He hatched a plan. It was BIG. It was BOLD. It was… Fowl play. The perfect theatrical escape! His audience ate it up. And Turkey… Was free.
Hello again, and welcome back to the second Feature Interview of January 2024 on Chelsea’s World of Books Blog. Isn’t it nice to chat more than once a month? In line with our educational aquatic theme for the month, I’m talking with guest children’s book author and librarian Elaine M. Alexander. Elaine is the author of another splish-splashy ocean adventure entitled Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep.
But before we get into the interview… just in case it’s your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes segments special.
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!
So, now that you know what to expect… let’s dive into our interview!
Elaine M. Alexander Bio
As an author and a librarian, books play a big role in my life! Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep is my first nonfiction picture book. It has received both an SCBWI Barbara Karlin Grant and a Katherine Paterson Prize and was a Gold Medalist for the Bank Street College’s Cook Prize.
I’m pleased to share that I’ll have a second fishy tale coming out in 2025 featuring the giant cuttlefish, to be followed by one on fireflies in 2026! The shy giant Pacific octopus will make an appearance in a future book, too!
A fan of dark mysteries and the natural world, I am fascinated by all things extraordinary and unique. I write stories for all ages. I have one published teen novel, Death at Deacon Pond, and two historical novels that I am hoping to find a publisher home.
Currently the Assistant Director/Children’s Librarian at Deep River Public Library, I love sharing the joy of reading to the community I serve. I’ve been known to dress up in character for storytime and I have an impressive collection of costumes and props, from superhero to Mrs. Claus. If you are interested in a specialized storytime, contact me for more details.
THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL
Elaine, I’m so excited to have you on the blog today! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep. Being a big nerd for science and animals- and of course, a lover of the ocean, it’s no surprise that I was hooked the moment I saw this one. And, I might add, it was released at the perfect time for our Summer Reading Theme in the library for 2022: Oceans of Possibilities.
But BEFORE we delve too deeply into the underwater world of your stories… let’s go back a little to what began your journey. How did you arrive here in the lovely, exciting world of children’s publishing?
I had encouragement from others! First, I took an advanced class with the Institute for Children’s Literature and wrote a novel. Second, when I was completing my undergraduate degree, I took a writing class with Dr. Lisa Fraustino, who is also an accomplished children’s writer. It was in her class that the first draft of Anglerfish appeared.
Have you always been a reader?
Yes. In fact, I was the only kid in my first-grade class who asked the teacher if I could take on more homework to learn to read faster. How’s that for motivation? I knew that reading was the key to unlocking a secret world that I wanted to be a part of.
Have you always enjoyed writing stories?
I credit my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Dempsey, for sparking my interest. She had the entire class writing stories and different forms of poetry all year long and even “published” the best of the lot. I still have my mimeograph copy. (Yes, mimeograph. I’m that old)!
I’m sure being a librarian has played a part in your love of reading and writing- and vice versa, I’m sure your love of reading and writing played a role in you ending up working in a library. Can you tell us, from your perspective, what it’s like working in a library and being a children’s book author?
It’s certainly fun when patrons come in to get my book and realize that I’m the author! When Anglerfish was nominated for the Cook Prize, the Deep River Elementary School media specialist, Karen Macione, was so excited that she immediately made sure that the students participated in voting. It was wonderful to get that kind of support and enthusiasm! I’ve also found that I’m a resource for other writers who reach out to me for help.
What are some of the benefits of being both a children’s librarian and a children’s book author? In what ways do these two career paths intersect? Do they help one another?
One of the best benefits of my dual careers is that I get very familiar with trends in the marketplace. As a librarian, I curate the collection for all stages of youth. I can see what books are popular with our user community and identify what books are needed based on the way our collection is used. It is also invaluable to be able to get research materials for new projects through the library!
Have you always known that you wanted to work in a library? Have you always known that you wanted to be a children’s book author?
No, but I should have! I was an AV aide for the library in elementary school. I used to ride my bike to the public library and the bookstore and spend hours there. I thought I was destined to be a teacher. The universe chose differently.
I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to write. I started to lean toward children’s writing in my twenties. I think we all have an appreciation for the immediacy of a child’s experiences and the way that books help explain and share that worldview. It’s truly a special thing that gets harder to hold onto as an adult, but ironically something we all long to keep reaching for.
Which came first, and how?
Writing came first. Librarianship was something I kind of stumbled into. I was working as a local reporter, and I would visit the libraries in our readership area to cover local events. I met Susan Rooney, a children’s librarian, and we started talking, comparing our career notes. She happily purchased my teen novel for the library. When a job opening came up at that library, I jumped on it, even though it was an entry level job. But fate is a funny thing. Although I have worked at different libraries during my tenure in Library Land (as I like to call it), I am currently working for that same librarian, Susan Rooney, at the Deep River Library. It’s no coincidence that she’s also included in my dedication for Anglerfish. She encouraged me and my writing long ago, and I never forgot that.
I love learning little tidbits like this! How very cool to be working with your early-on fan and cheerleader. What was the final spark that led you into publishing, and how did it begin?
The Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature conference was a big catalyst to my latest publication. If you’ve never been to RUCCL, it’s a unique conference. You need to apply with a writing sample in order to attend. You are matched with a mentor based on your writing sample, and you are allowed to submit to other editors and agents. Initially, I was disappointed because my mentor never responded after the conference. But, I ended up sending Anglerfish to an editor on the list who did me a great kindness – she passed my book onto another editor at Candlewick who loved it. When all the pieces come into place, and an editor loves your book – that’s an amazing thing.
BEHIND THE SCENES: FIRST DRAFTS & QUERIES: FACING REJECTIONS & CHALLENGES
Can you tell us a little about your querying process? When did you first decide you were going to take the plunge?
I always believe in doing my homework first, so after I had a manuscript completed, I researched publishers before drafting a query. I also rewrite my queries depending on who I’m querying. I like to personalize it if I can.
So, you’ve made the decision. Now what? Where did you go to find agents?
I started out in publishing without an agent and sold a teen book to a small publisher. Later, when I was interested in being agented to expand the market I could submit to, I used resources like SCBWI or Agent Query to curate a list.
What kind of response did you receive when you first started querying?
Lots of rejections, but some of them were very encouraging, and a few wanted to see more work.
Do you remember how it felt to send your first query letter? Do you remember how it felt receiving your first query rejection?
Initially, it all feels scary to put yourself out there, and rejection seems so crushing and unfair. Your skin gets thicker, and I think all writers know that chocolate is your friend when you get a rejection.
Were any of the manuscripts you queried early on ones that you’ve since been able to get published? If so, which one(s)?
Anglerfish was one that I had queried early on and rewrote many times until it finally found a wonderful home.
Were there any query mistakes that you made early on that you realize now and wish you had known before?
Obsessing over sent queries. Don’t do it. Or try not to.
How many queries do you think you sent out before you found your agent match?
I currently do not have an agent. When I did have an agent, I think I sent about 40 queries before I had an offer.
How did you end up with your current agent/agency?
I am currently without an agent. What I learned from having one in the past is that it is very important to find someone who is a good match for you. I’ve just now reached a point where I’m starting to consider if I’d like an agent again, and I’ve been very selective in who I query.
Thank you for sharing this, Elaine. I think this is a fantastic piece of information for writers and illustrators to take note of. Making sure that you’re paired with the right agent is so incredibly important- and worth the wait.
“What I learned from having one (an agent) in the past is that it is very important to find someone who is a good match for you.”
When you first started out, were you writing alone?
Yes. I don’t think it has changed that much!
Did you have anyone to use as a sounding board or to get feedback/critique on your work?
Yes. I used to have a great online critique group. I think any of those writers would still be there to read if I asked. Currently, for my STEM picture books, I ask a scientist/expert to read my manuscript for accuracy.
Where did you go to find your writing community?
SCBWI Blueboards – a wonderful source for new writers. Locally, I’ve met some people through bookstore events, and I try to stay in touch via social media.
Did you receive any helpful suggestions along the way? If so, who gave them, and what were they?
The writing class with Dr. Lisa Fraustino pointed out many wonderful resources, from SCBWI to The Purple Crayon. The advice I received was that finding out about the world of children’s literature will require doing a lot of research. These sites are filled with helpful tips. Study what others are willing to share, and keep improving your writing.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on in the kidlit journey, and how were you able to overcome them?
Rejection. You get rejected a lot. The only way I know to face that is to grumble and complain to yourself and to your writer friends, but ultimately…. MOVE ON.
This is easier said than done. But seriously: Move on.
Did you ever experience any moments of self-doubt where you questioned if you should continue down the publishing road? If so, what helped you to get back on the horse, so to speak, and keep going?
Absolutely.
What helped me:
My online critique group: Robin, Amy, Jodi, and Shelley–fabulous writers and human beings.
My virtual writer friend and amazing author, Jo Treggiari.
My family and friends.
My innate stubbornness. Stubbornness is also known as persistence. You need to be persistent to get up and keep going.
If you had to share the top three most invaluable resources that have helped you as a writer, what would they be?
I mentioned SCBWI and The Purple Crayon. I also think the Facebook group KIDLITT411 is a good resource.
Was the choice to keep pursuing your dream of publishing worth it? Explain.
Yes. I had a long-time gap between selling a teen novel and selling Anglerfish. I came so close, so many times, to selling Anglerfish before I finally sold it. I was crushed each time that happened, but I kept a lot of my angst to myself. But I learned through the process. I used to focus so much on a submission, but I don’t do that anymore. I’ve reached a life stage where I am grateful for what I have. Nothing is guaranteed. Keep working toward the goal and try not to waste too much angst on things you can’t change – like those rejections.
Perfectly said!
“Keep working toward the goal and try not to waste too much angst on the things you can’t change—”
If you could share a single piece of advice with newly aspiring authors or illustrators, what would it be?
Write the first draft for you. Revise the manuscript with others in mind. And don’t forget to find joy and personal accomplishment in the process.
AUTHOR VISITS: LIBRARY VISITS, SCHOOL VISITS, BOOKSTORE VISITS
Okay, Elaine, we want to hear all about the author visits. Can you share a little bit about your author visits? School/library/bookstore- you name it! What do each of these visits look like for you? How long do they last? How do people book them? What have your experiences been like?
Since I have experience as a children’s librarian, I visited some local libraries and did a 30-minute story time with my book that included a reading, some music, a flannel board of the ocean layers, and a craft. Those visits were fun and certainly in my wheelhouse.
I’ve also done a few bookstore visits. I’ve had some that reached out to me others that I needed to follow the store protocol to set up. Once you’ve established contact, I find that the independent bookstores are so very welcoming. I’ve been asked to do a few events and festivals. Sometimes, it’s more of a meet-and-greet. Other times, you might be asked to do a reading. I always say yes when I can. Indie bookstores are filled with people who are so excited to promote books. They are people you want to collaborate with!
“Indie bookstores are filled with people who are so excited to promote books. They are people you want to collaborate with!”
Coming from the seat of a former children’s librarian myself and now working as my library’s social media manager and outreach and events coordinator, I’m familiar with how library author visits are set up. But, coming from the side of the desk of a new author who doesn’t have this experience and who’s looking to start booking events, can you share some of the ways you’ve done so in the past and suggestions you might have on how to go about this?
I’m a bit of a newbie on author visits, too! My best success at arranging local library visits has been to forge a personal connection. After that, I’d say it’s good to have a set program in mind. Librarians always want to know what you’re going to do besides read the book. So, having a program planned is important so that the library knows how to market you!
“…forge a personal connection…have a set program in mind…”
Let’s talk about the green side of things… and I don’t mean the seaweed. I mean the dollars! I think it’s fairly common not to think as much about the “business” side of being an author, because we’re so swept up in the romance of the dream of having our books published. Which is WONDERFUL. And MAGICAL. And GREAT.
But… the reality is… it is a business.
So, instead of shying away from the topic altogether- let’s talk about it! How do you go about author fees for your visits? What kind of packages do you offer, and how would you advise authors or illustrators go about setting up these boundaries for their visits?
Libraries are on tight budgets, so I factored that in when booking storytimes at libraries and kept the fee reasonable for my time.
I have only visited one school, which had a specialized alternative program. They were doing a unit on sea creatures and implementing an art lesson, so they wanted me to read the book and have time for questions.
I would advise authors to factor in what they might be providing to a school in terms of time and lesson planning and come up with a reasonable wage.
From the viewpoint of a librarian (which libraries are all about providing to the community at no expense), what are your thoughts on paid author visits? Why are they important, and what purpose do they serve?
As a small library, I can rarely offer more than a modest fee for an author. Exceptions tend to be if they have a fully fleshed-out program. For example, we had an author and former educator (Nancy Tandon) who did a fantastic writing program for our library last summer. The program was more than just a reading from her latest middle-grade novel, so it greatly benefited the attendees who were inspired to write. I think author visits can help patrons be introduced to books that they might be unfamiliar with and possibly inspire people who are interested in becoming creators.
I completely agree with you!
BOOKS
And now we’ve arrived at my favorite part- the books! Can you share a little about each of your books and the inspiration behind them?
Anglerfish started as a homework assignment. We were challenged to write a nonfiction piece that might be suitable for a magazine or picture book, and my son was crazy about Finding Nemo, so I chose the anglerfish. Since then, I have been inspired to write about creatures that I want to know more about. If I’m curious, surely someone else will be, too!
What do you hope to share with your readers in each of your books?
Honestly, I hope that they are inspired to look at the creatures I write about and see the beauty of the natural world. Every living being on our planet is amazing in its own way.
Do you have any favorite illustrations in your stories? If so, which ones are they and why?
Anglerfish is the only book currently out in the world, so it has the honor of being my favorite! Fiona Fogg is a talented artist, and it’s difficult to pick just one spread. I love the cover and the bright depictions of the young anglerfish. But I would say the last page, with anglerfish alone, really depicts her life. I had a Goodreads reviewer say that she felt a little teary after reading the book, and she couldn’t say why. I’d say it was that page! It’s brilliant.
“This page depicts Anglerfish’s lonely life.”
“I love Fiona’s bright artwork of the fry!”
Any last words of wisdom for those reading your interview today?
Stay curious about the world around you.
AND NOW… IT’S TIME FOR SOME MORE FUN PICTURES
“Release day!”
“Student artwork from the Steward School.”
“A school posted this picture, so I don’t know this child’s name, but I hope every kid is this excited to read Anglerfish!”
“The Cook Prize!”
“A library patron that was excited by my book!”
MORE little fans! “A popular writer whose daughter loves my book because she identified with angler’s ability to light up the dark.”
Readasaurus Book Reviews.
It was fun to get recognition from Senator Murphy.
I appear to be simulating Anglerfish’s ability to open their jaws to swallow large prey! River Bend Books Author Stage.
Liam, who wants to be a librarian, at the Salem Public Library author visit.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Elaine.
But we’re not quite finished. There’s still one last item on the agenda. And that is… the GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY PRIZE
Elaine Alexander is offering the following giveaway prize(s).
Yes- you read that correctly. There are TWO prizes! Well… technically, three. For ONE lucky winner!
Drum roll please…
And the prize is…
A school visit (in person- within a 20-mile radius of her home in CT or via Zoom) and a signed copy of Anglerfish and the accompanying audio CD. So, make sure to enter the giveaway during the month of January for your chance to win! (Tag your teacher friends below!)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
During the month of January 2024:
Subscribe to Chelsea’s World of Books blog
Like this Feature Interview
Leave a 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.
Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing one of their books below! Using these sponsored links also helps support this blog.
YA Mystery: Death at Deacon Pond (It’s out of print, but I still have copies if anyone is interested!)
Keep your eyes peeled for Elaine’s coming books: Giant Cuttlefish will be out in 2025, Femme Fatale of Fireflies in 2026, followed by Giant Pacific Octopus with a publication date still to be determined.
Hello, writing friends, and welcome back to Chelsea’s World of Books blog. Can you believe we’re in the new year ALREADY? And to get things started, we’re diving into 2024 with a very special guest; Children’s Book Author of one of our favorites, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, Debra Shumaker!
But before we get started… just in case this is your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes segments special.
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!
So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview.
Debra Kempf Shumaker started reading at the age of four and hasn’t stopped since. She grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin but now writes fiction and nonfiction picture books from the suburbs of Northern Virginia. She is the author of the nonfiction rhyming FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, and PECULIAR PRIMATES (Running Press Kids, 2021 & 2022), a social-emotional learning book, TELL SOMEONE (Albert Whitman, 2021), and the upcoming WIND IS (Kids Can Press, 2024). Debra is also the co-host of #PBPitch, a Twitter pitch party for picture books held every February, June, and October. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and watching Jeopardy. Visit her online at www.debrashumaker.com, on Twitter at @ShumakerDebra, and on Instagram at @debrakshumaker.
THE SPARK THAT STARTED IT ALL
Debra, I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find your name among the many stuffed in my submissions box for the 2024 Feature Interview lineup. Being a librarian and kidlit writer myself, I’ve had and witnessed many delightful read-alouds of your stories. Something that I love about your writing style is how you blend education with fun- and, to top it all off, you incorporate rhyme! Which is something that I think only the real wizardly kidlit writers of the world can successfully tame. But before I go off on a tangent on your books (I promise we’ll circle back to it), I’d love to start our conversation today by asking how you landed in the world of children’s publishing. What was “the spark that started it all?”
First, thank you so much for your kind words! I love hearing that read-alouds with my books are delightful! As far as “the spark,” as many writers can relate, I’ve always loved reading and had the “some day” dream of writing a novel. When I married and had kids, I took a step back from my corporate job and became a stay-at-home Mom. I took the kids to the library several times a week, checking out dozens of picture books. And I was floored. I didn’t remember picture books like those when I was a kid. And I fell in love with picture books. I decided that I was going to figure out how to be a part of the picture book creation. My kids are in their upper teens and twenties now, so it took a while, but I figured it out!
Can you tell us a little bit about what kinds of stories you write and why you write them?
I write both fiction and nonfiction picture books. So far, I’ve had more success with my nonfiction books. But I write whatever strikes my fancy. Many ideas come from some random fact that I read about or some emotions I’m feeling—wonder, joy, fear, sadness, or a complicated mixture—and want to write a story to give a place for kids to either find that wonder or explore their complicated feelings, too. And sometimes, I write a story because an editor asked for a specific story.
I understand that you grew up on a small farm with eight siblings, and you’ve always loved reading. Can you tell us a little more about your childhood experiences with books and maybe share some of your favorites?
Growing up, as I did, we didn’t have a lot of money. But my Dad loved reading, so somehow, we always had books in our house, mostly from rummage sales or from people who knew we had a big family and wanted to pass down books from their family. I also loved Library Day and Scholastic Book Fairs. I don’t remember reading too many picture books, but I remember reading lots of easy readers. My favorite were Disney Encyclopedias. I spent hours and hours reading those!
I mentioned before that I’m a librarian… and I noticed on your website that your favorite day of each week as a young girl was “library day” at school. Which makes me so happy- mine was too! Can you tell us a little bit about the magic you experienced as a young girl in the library and what memories stand out most to you to this day? As I mentioned, money was tight. Also, there were no bookstores nearby. I depended on Library Day during the school year and the Book Mobile (that we would bike to in the summer) to have new books to read. I remember the awe of walking up and down the bookshelves and picking as many as I could fit in my arms. I loved horses and probably read every horse book the library and Book Mobile had.
Now we’ve talked about the past… let’s fast-forward a little. Before becoming a children’s book author, what was life like? What kind of work did you do? And what were the events that led to the switch to writing as a career?
My first career out of college was as a Registered Dietitian for a nursing home. I eventually moved on to training healthcare software to staff in nursing homes, then staff development training for a healthcare software company. Not publishing-related at all. But sometimes, I took writing classes at community colleges because I dreamed of writing a novel someday. After having kids, becoming a stay-at-home Mom, and taking my boys to the library, the spark was ignited, as I noted in the first question. It took me a few years to call myself a writer, and a lot more years to finally get that byline in a magazine, and many more years before getting my name on a book!
THE PROCESS: QUERYING AGENTS/SUBMITTING TO PUBLISHING HOUSES
What was the publishing process like for you? Can you share a little about your experience with querying agents? When did you begin your publishing journey? When/how did you find your agent agent/agency match?
The publishing process was very long. I started writing for kids in 2007, but with three boys in 3 ½ years, very sporadically. Once they started school, I started being more intentional in finding time to write. At first I wrote both picture books and magazine articles and did find success with a few articles in Boys’ Quest, Fun for Kidz, and Spider. By 2011, I had joined SCBWI and started seriously submitting picture books to editors then agents. Participating in challenges like PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) and 12 x 12 greatly improved my writing and my understanding of publishing. Around 2015, I finally started getting champagne rejections and requests for R&Rs (revise and resubmits), but didn’t connect with an agent until 2017. That was Natascha Morris with BookEnds Literary. I submitted one of my fiction stories to her through the normal query process. She loved it and asked for a few more, then offered representation. (After she sold my first two books, she did leave BookEnds. I am now repped by James McGowan with BookEnds.)
Once you signed with your agent/agency, what was the submission process like?
The benefit to having an agent is to have the doors to bigger publishers open up. But having an agent also meant that every story I wrote did not necessarily go on sub. She had to feel confident in it, too. But I loved being able to put all my focus on my writing instead of researching agents or houses that took unsolicited subs.
How long did it take to receive your first book deal?
I first signed with Natascha in July of 2017. After a few revisions, she subbed that first story widely. I had several R&Rs, and it went to acquisitions to around 4 or 5 houses, but we never sold that book. It was 18 months and four other manuscript submissions later before we finally found an editor who gave me a YES. And that was for FREAKY, FUNKY FISH in January of 2019.
RESOURCES & WORDS OF ADVICE
The beginning stages of the writing journey is a very tender time. It’s a time for learning and growth. Like everything in life, real growth comes through patience and trial and error. And it can be difficult. Rejections sting. Waiting is hard. But, the further along you go, the stronger you get and the more you learn. What has been your biggest challenge in the kidlit publishing arena, and how have you been able to overcome it?
Rejection is hard. The one thing writers can’t control is agents or editors deciding to take on your book. One thing I could control was to continue to work on my craft and to continue to write and submit. I continually reminded myself that agents and editors were rejecting my stories, not me personally.
If you could share a piece of advice with newly aspiring authors or illustrators, what would it be?
I tell every aspiring picture book author to type up the text of picture books they love. (And that have been published in the last few years.) It’s the best way to get a feel for voice, pacing, page turns, and so much more. By doing this, it will become more innate when they write. Plus, if the book they are typing up has both an author and an illustrator, aspiring authors can get a better idea of how the manuscript looked when it was bought as a text-only document. Odds are, there was a lot of room left for the illustrator. I’ve typed up more than 300 books since 2015, and I continue to do so on a regular basis. My first drafts have improved so much because of this exercise.
Speaking of words of advice… let’s talk a little bit about writing community and resources. What are some of the best resources you were able to find when you started down the road to kidlit publishing?
In my first few years of writing, I didn’t know where to get ideas. I only had two manuscripts that I worked on over and over again. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) which has now morphed into StoryStorm that happens every January. It trained my brain to always be on alert for ideas, and now I have more than I can handle. Shortly after my first PiBoIdMo, I found Julie Hedlund’s 12x12. This was back when there weren’t agent submission opportunities and “levels”, just a community of writers attempting to write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months. Being a part of that community was priceless. The KidLit411 website is an amazing resource for KidLit writers.
Since we’re discussing helpful resources, I’d like to add the importance of having a strong writing community. Making connections is one of the best things a new writer or illustrator can do. Not only do you learn from each other… but you’re able to support and lift one another up. You can share and celebrate good news- and share and comfort hard news. It’s crucial for your mental health as a creator to have your clan of supporters around you- who both understand what it’s like and appreciate your continued efforts. Where are some places you’d recommend going to find that “kidlit community”?
Besides StoryStorm and 12x12, I love the KidLit411 Community on Facebook. Facebook has many great writing groups for community. But I also highly recommend finding a critique group, or two, or three, either in-person or online. I belong to four! The KidLit 411 website offers a place to find critique partners. And join SCBWI. When you join the national organization, you will get placed in a regional chapter. Conferences are an amazing way to meet fellow creators. Attending my regional conference is how I found my in-person critique group.
Another thing I think can really help to keep a creator’s creative juices flowing and inspired is participating in kidlit events. There are so many great contests out there! One of them is one that you co-host. Can you tell us a little bit about how you started #PBPitch events on Twitter/X, what they are, and what their intended purpose is?
Ah, #PBPitch. I’m so proud of it. It started back in 2015. I had just joined Twitter because in various KidLit groups on Facebook, I kept hearing about #PitMad, which was a pitch party for books for all ages. (For pitch parties, creators post a pitch for a completed manuscript with the corresponding hashtag, and if an agent or editor “hearts” it, it’s an invitation to submit the manuscript.) In March 2015, I participated in my first #PitMad, and there seemed to be very little love for picture books that day. Mandy Yates posted in one of the FB groups that someone should start one for just picture books. I responded that I had no idea what I was doing but would help. As did PJ McIlvaine. And before we knew it, the three of us created #PBPitch and hosted our first one a few months later. We had no idea if anyone would tweet or if any agent or editor would stop by, but they did! We’ve held it three times a year ever since. Each one has resulted in at least one successful agent match or book deal. We have numerous success stories on our website (pbpitch.weebly.com), and I’m sure many more have happened that we just aren’t aware of.
PREPPING FOR DEBUT AUTHOR BOOK LAUNCH: ORGANIZING VISITS/EVENTS: SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, BOOK SIGNINGS
Okay, so now we have an agent, a book deal, and a launch date. Yay! Now what? Now it’s time to SELL the book. Can you tell us about your experience in preparing for your debut book launch and creating your author brand? What worked best? What didn’t? And why?
My debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH, came out in May 2021 when the world was still largely shut down due to the pandemic. I was able to have a launch outside of my local indie, Scrawl Books, but the weather was quite windy and chilly and sparsely attended. However, in getting ready for my debut, I joined a co-marketing group called PB Debut Troupe 21. Fourteen of us creators had debuts coming out that year, and we shared our joy, commiserated in the frustrations, helped boost each other’s books on social media, and wrote reviews. I’m still good friends with those creators. I highly recommend debuts join or create a co-marketing group!
A great way to boost your brand and share your story with others is by hosting author visits. Can you tell us about some of the visits you’ve hosted? How do you conduct your author visits? How long are they? Do you charge an author fee? Are you the one organizing them, or is it your agent/publisher? If you’re the one organizing, how do you go about reaching out about scheduling your visit?
Occasionally, a bookstore has reached out to my publisher for an author event, but that’s only been once or twice. So, 99% of the time, I am doing the outreach to bookstores, schools, and libraries. For readings at bookstores, I do not charge a fee, but for programs at libraries and schools, I do. For Author Visits at schools, I do 3 - 4 presentations in one day–I don’t only read my book and talk about being an author, I have presentations connected to curriculum. To promote my Author Visits, I’ve attended my state’s librarian conferences to connect with librarians. I’ve also sent out postcards to local schools. I did about six visits last year and loved them, and hope to do more!
What has been the response to the author visits? What has been your favorite part? What has been their favorite part?
My favorite part is being with the kids and exciting them about writing, reading, and science. Hearing them laugh about the facts in my book is priceless. And seeing their eyes light up because they are meeting a real, live author just warms my heart. Their favorite part is probably getting out of regular class, LOL. But I do think many of them love meeting someone who wrote the words in a book they read or heard.
Fox Mill Elementary School in Herndon, VA.
Marumsco Elementary in Woodbridge, VA.
THE BOOKS! RHYME, EDUCATION & HEART
Okay, I promised we’d circle back- and here we are. We’ve finally arrived at my favorite part of the interview- THE BOOKS!
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a big fan of your stories. I love learning, and your books FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, and PECULIAR PRIMATES are such inventive ways to spread knowledge. And your story TELL SOMEONE is just beautiful. But, enough about how much I love your work. I’d love to hear from YOU about each of your books. We touched on the types of books you write and why briefly earlier, but now I want to dig a little deeper. How did each of your stories come to be? What was the inspiration behind them? And what do you hope each story will give your reader?
For my debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I have to thank my first agent. I had been writing picture book biographies that just weren’t selling. She encouraged me to try something different. Since I love all nonfiction, I decided to try my hand at a science-y picture book and read some rhyming ones about bugs, water, squirrels, etc. I challenged myself to write one about a different animal. I recalled some research I had done about fish for a different fiction manuscript I wrote and remembered how strange some fish were. And wa-la, an idea was born.
For TELL SOMEONE, an editor asked my first agent if she had a writer who would like to try writing a story encouraging kids to talk about their feelings since Albert Whitman wanted to have one on their list. Natascha asked me. My gut reaction was “No,” as I had never written anything “on assignment,” but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and said I would try. A few months later, I had a contract. After we were in the final stages of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I decided to write a companion book about birds, which I titled BIZARRE BIRDS. Running Press Kids felt there were too many picture books about birds and asked if I’d be interested in writing one about primates, so I did!
For my science books, I hope kids are fascinated by the diversity of our world and are inspired to do what they can to preserve it. For TELL SOMEONE, I hope kids are encouraged to talk about their feelings in both good times and hard times. Mental health is important.
There’s a fun musicality that you use in your writing that truly puts the “fun” into “fun facts,” and at the same time, it’s funny. Heart, humor, and education are my favorite combination. And, somehow, you managed to add RHYME into the mix?! Possibly proving that you’re a magician? (Are you a magician?) Can you tell us what inspired you to write your stories in rhyme and what that process looked/felt like?
I love rhyme. My first publication ever was a rhyming poem about a snail who ate a nail in my 3rd-grade newsletter. I frequently wrote “odes” for various occasions growing up, for fun, so I think my debut was destined to rhyme, LOL. When I started writing picture books, I wrote several fiction/concept stories that rhymed but never sold. Some books seem to work better in rhyme, and for both the fish and primates books, I felt rhyme gave them another hook vs. just a list of strange animal adaptations. It’s a lot of work but so much fun, like setting a puzzle.
Did you have anyone try to discourage you from writing in rhyme- and if so, how did you respond?
No, no one discouraged me. I understand meter and know that rhyme is more than just counting syllables and using rhyming words at the end of two lines, so as I revise, I know the rhyme will read smoothly. I won’t quit until it does.
Okay, we’ve talked about rhyme. Now, let’s talk about illustration. Can you tell us about how you ended up with your illustrators and what your first thoughts were?
For Freaky Funky Fish & Peculiar Primates- Claire Powell Tell Someone- Tristan Yuvienco
For both publishers, as is typical in traditional publishing, Running Press Kids and Albert Whitman found the illustrators. For Albert Whitman, the editor and art director, paired my text with Tristan’s art for the pitch at the acquisitions meeting, which was different from Running Press Kids. With them, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH was acquired first, then it took over ten months for them to find an illustrator.
I was absolutely thrilled with both Claire and Tristan once they were selected. Their portfolios were amazing.
Did you envision your characters and stories in a similar way to how they were illustrated?
For FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I really didn’t have any vision in my head as I had seen so many photos of the fish as I was researching and writing it that I didn’t really give a thought to how they would look illustrated. But seeing Claire’s sketches for the first time was amazing—I loved the personalities she gave all the various fish!
For TELL SOMEONE, I hoped the art would depict various and diverse kids in the different scenarios, so Tristan’s art was in line with what I envisioned. But I was still amazed. His art is so sweet, I want to hug each child in that book.
Do you have a favorite spread from each book?
While I love so much about the illustrations in all three books, my favorite spread in FREAKY, FUNKY FISH is the one with the hammerhead shark and parrotfish. I love Claire’s colors and humor.
For PECULIAR PRIMATES, I love the nighttime scenes–the various primates are so adorable and huggable in that spread!
For TELL SOMEONE, my favorite page is the girl on the first day of school. Tristan’s perspective on this page really emphasizes the girl’s nervousness.
And… you have a new book coming out this Fall. Can you tell us a little bit about that one?
Yes, I do, and I’m so excited about it! WIND IS A DANCE, illustrated by the fabulous Josée Bisaillon, comes out with Kids Can Press on October 1, 2024. This book is a lyrical ode to the wind. I use metaphors to describe various winds we experience—from a ruffling, fluffing breeze to a rumbling, tumbling derecho. I’ve recently seen the colored sketches, and Josée’s art is SO stunning. I cannot wait for the world to see it!
If you could send your past self any piece of writerly advice, what would it be?
Be prepared for the long haul. Getting published is so, so hard, but absolutely worth it.
What’s one last message/piece of advice you’d like to impart to your readers?
If you are a writer and you want to be published, don’t give up. It may take more than 10 years, like it did for me. Work hard on craft and write new stories. Every manuscript you write will likely not get published. I wrote dozens of first drafts and about fifteen polished picture books before my first one was acquired. But I learned something from each manuscript I wrote, not one was a wasted effort.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Debra.
But we’re not quite finished. There’s still one last item on the agenda. And that is… the GIVEAWAY!
GIVEAWAY
Debra Shumaker is offering the following giveaway prize.
“A signed copy of one of my three books!”
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
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