Tag: books

JUNE 19TH, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR SUSAN LUBNER, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN, CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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 subscribe to 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).

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 supports this blog.

BOOKS

Drag and Rex: Forever Friends

Drag and Rex: Sweet and Silly

Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl

The Upside of Ordinary

BIO

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. 

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Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented VS. unagented.

MAY 1ST, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR AND EDUCATOR CHRISTINA DANKERT, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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, 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
  • Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters
  • How to improve your skills and set goals
  • Writing across genres
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented vs. unagented
  • 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

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. 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).

Did you enjoy this interview?

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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.

Connect with Christina Dankert

Website: https://christinadankert.com/

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APRIL 17TH, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER K-1 TEACHER AND LITERARY SPECIALIST, NOW CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR AND EDITOR, MAYA MYERS

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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, 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
  • Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters
  • How to improve your skills and set goals
  • Writing across genres
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
  • Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
  • Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented vs. unagented
  • 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

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. 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.

PURCHASE Not Perfect

PURCHASE Not Little

PURCHASE Rosie Woods in Jack and the Bean Shock

PURCHASE Rosie Woods in Little Red Writing Hood

PURCHASE Rosie Woods Rosielocks and the Three Bears (available for pre-order now)

PURCHASE Rosie Woods The Three Billy GOATs Graph (available for pre-order now)

PURCHASE National Geographic Kids Little Kids First Big Book of Baby Animals

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PURCHASE National Geographic Kids Puffins

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PURCHASE ADHD and Me

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.

ohmayaword.com (author site) mayamyersbooks.com (editorial site)

October 2023 Feature Interview with Children’s Book Author Heather Stigall, Conducted by Kidlit Writer, Blogger & Librarian Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Hello, and welcome back to yet another wonderful Feature Interview. If this is your first time visiting, let me tell you a little about what makes these segments so unique.

What’s the big deal with Feature Interviews?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for 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, and we discuss everything publishing.

Here are some of the things we talk about:

  • Writing Workshops & Resources
  • Diversity in literature and Why it matters
  • Where to find support & community
  • How to improve writing craft & set goals
  • How to deal with setbacks/disappointments & WAITING
  • Helpful tips & suggestions for aspiring authors & illustrators
  • Querying agents, contract negotiations, book deals & time frames
  • And of course- NEW BOOKS!

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview. This month, I’m talking to Children’s Book Author Heather Stigall.

Heather Pierce Stigall: Bio

Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is the Critique Group/Meet & Greet Coordinator for the Eastern PA SCBWI Chapter, a member of the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and a wife and parent to five children and one pup. When she’s not writing, you can find Heather hanging out with her kids (hopefully at the beach), reading, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures. Her debut picture book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis Publishing) was released in August 2023 and is/will be published in five additional languages. Her second picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST, (Beaming Books) is due out fall 2026. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall.

The Beginning: First Drafts & Querying Agents: Timeframe & Challenges

For a lot of us writers and illustrators who have been involved with the industry for a while, we know that publishing takes a loooong time. I mean, a REALLY long time. And waiting can be difficult.

Something common I've noticed with new aspiring writers and illustrators who are just beginning is that many  have the idea that publishing is easy, anyone can do it, and that as soon as you start putting in the work, things will automatically just take off. And of course, when that doesn’t happen, it can be discouraging. So, I wanted to start our conversation today with the early stages- the first drafts and querying.

Can you share a little bit about the beginning of your writing journey? What did your first drafts & querying stages look like?

Thank you for having me on your blog, Chelsea. You are so right! Publishing often takes a very long time, and my path to publication story is no exception. I have always loved children and picture books and even jotted down ideas for stories over many years, but it wasn’t until my youngest child was in preschool that I decided the time was right to get serious about a writing career. That was ten years ago! I started out slowly by learning about writing picture books and children’s publishing, joining SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), joining a critique group, and doing a lot of writing and revising. I gradually became more involved with the kidlit world. My first drafts were, of course, terrible. They often still are! But, over the years I’ve learned more about how to make them better, and I think the magic comes in the revision. I heard so much advice about not querying too soon, that I was nervous to query at all. But I finally felt ready when I had three picture book manuscripts that had been through multiple revisions, critiques, and gotten the stamp of approval from my critique partners.

**Ahh. Those words are so true. For anyone reading this, please take note: THE MAGIC COMES IN THE REVISION. Remember that. It will help you down the road.**

How long did it take you to finally get your agent call?

My agent and publishing journey has been quite a roller coaster ride. To summarize how I got to where I am today: 

2018 - I started querying agents. 
2019 - In addition to agents, I began querying one story to a few smaller presses who accepted un-agented submissions.
2020/21 – In addition to agents, I queried a few more stories to a few more small presses. 
March 2021 - I was offered a book contract (while I was un-agented) for PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (expected publication date spring 2023; that got pushed to August 2023)
October 2021 - I received an agent offer (after querying a different story) and accepted; we went out on submission very shortly after.
April 2022 - While agented, I was offered a book contract for GILBERT AND THE GHOST (expected publication date fall 2024).
October 2022/January 2023 – My agent submitted another picture book to two rounds of editors.
March 2023 – My agent gave me the sad news that she decided to not represent authors any longer, but she will rep me on the story still on submission if it ever gets an offer.
May 2023 – My GILBERT editor shared cover sketches.
June 2023 – I began querying new agents; My GILBERT editor informed me her position at her publisher was eliminated; her replacement informed me the book will now not be published until fall 2026.
August to Present Day – PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY published. I’m actively querying agents, and I’m still waiting for word from a handful of editors who still have the book my former agent submitted.

I told you it was a roller coaster ride!

Whew! That's quite the list. What were some of the challenges you faced during those early stages, and how did you overcome them?

I encountered the usual challenges: struggling to find time to write, difficulty “justifying” the time and money on writing-related things on a “maybe” career; and rejection. As for how I deal with them, I have an amazingly supportive family and critique partners who have all cheered me on and helped give me the time and space I needed to devote to writing. For example, my mom took care of my youngest child at least one day a month so I could attend my critique group meetings. She gradually increased the frequency of her grandma duties so I could use that time to write. One fun thing I did, and continue to do, to help me deal with rejections is to use a “rejection jar” (I wish I knew who to credit with this idea!). Every time I get a rejection, I put a dollar in a jar. When I get a “yes,” I spend the money on something for myself. When I got my first book contract, I used the money in the jar for a massage. I got to empty the jar again when I received my agent offer and again with my second book contract. Now the jar is filling up waiting for the next “yes.”

Resources & Advice for Aspiring Writers & Illustrators

What are some of the best resources you’ve come across & how have they helped you on your writing journey?

Oh, so many! Probably the best thing I did was join SCBWI. That put me in touch with my local region of children’s writers and illustrators which opened my eyes and doors to so much more. Through that one resource, I found an amazing critique group, learned about writing and the kidlit industry by attending conferences and webinars, connected with industry professionals, and learned about many other resources out there. It also led to a fulfilling volunteer position with my region, the Eastern PA Chapter, and a great group of fellow volunteers who have become friends. As for other resources, I have actually compiled a list for children’s writers and illustrators that you can access through the Resources page of my website HERE.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in those early stages of the writing & querying process?

I really don’t think so. Any “mistakes” I might have made along the way I consider things I needed to do to learn from them.

I love that! What suggestions would you like to share with aspiring writers and illustrators?

Rely on the four “P”s: Prepare, Practice, Positive attitude, and Persist!

Book Deals: Time Frame & Contract Negotiations

So, we talked about the querying timeframe. Now, let’s dive into book deals. We’ve landed our dream agent- YAY! (In your case- Beth Marshea of Ladderbird Agency!) Now what?? How long did it take you to get your first book deal? And what was that process like?

As I mentioned above, my first book deal came about while I was un-agented, so I’ll share both stories about my debut picture book contract and my second book contract that came about while I was represented by Beth.

By 2021, I hadn’t had any luck signing with an agent, so I made it my goal to not only query agents but also small presses that allowed un-agented submissions. One of those presses was Clavis Books, a well-established, reputable company that publishes authors and illustrators from around the world. During the pandemic, Clavis posted several read-aloud videos, so I got a feel for their tastes and wondered if a story I had written several years prior might be a good fit for their list. I pulled PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY out of the virtual drawer, made a few small changes, and submitted it to them in February 2021. A month after submitting to Clavis, I received an email from the CEO. I scanned it quickly and read, “It is a nice and sweet story, very close to children and told from their perspective.” I expected the rest to read the typical, “but, unfortunately, it isn’t a fit for our list.” But it didn’t say that. Instead, it said, “So, we would like to consider publication.” After so many rejections, I could hardly believe what I was reading!

All the while, I was actively querying agents with other manuscripts. One of those manuscripts was about a boy who wanted to befriend a ghost he believed lived in his neighborhood. That story is the one that landed me my agent in early October 2021 and was also the one we went on submission with at the end of that same month. Beth had a couple of very minor suggestions to tweak the manuscript and the pitch, and then it was ready to go. She subbed it to a round of 11 editors. Of those, eight passed and three never responded (so we assumed passed). In February 2022, we went out on a second round to 10 editors. In March, an editor at Beaming Books said she wanted to share it with her team. A week or two later, she came back with some questions, which I answered, and then in April she extended an offer!

A lot of people who are just starting out in publishing wonder, “Why do you have to have an agent?” So, leading into that question, I want to talk a little about agents and book deals. Can you tell us, from your experience, about publishing contracts & negotiations and explain why having an agent is so important?

You certainly don’t “have” to have an agent, but being represented by an agent does have several advantages. For example, agents can submit your story to publishing houses that are otherwise closed to un-agented authors and illustrators (unless by referral or conference connection). Often these houses are the ones that offer larger advances and print runs. Agents can also often negotiate better deals than authors/illustrators can on their own. Comparing my two contracts, one with a small house that accepts un-agented submissions and the other negotiated with an agent, I can tell you that I got a better deal with the agent-negotiated contract. Part of an agent’s job is to form relationships with editors so they can get a feel for what stories might be the best fit for which editors and publishers. Plus (and I love this) the agent is the one doing the research, submitting, monitoring, following up on submissions and payments, negotiating contracts, etc., so the author/illustrator can focus on the writing and illustrating. An agent-author relationship is a partnership and, of course, I was kept aware of what was going on and had input into all the decisions made, but it was such a relief to know Beth was dealing with all the stuff I didn’t want to stress about.

Throughout the publishing process, were there any challenges you experienced? If so, what were they, and how were you able to overcome them?

I think my roller coaster timeline above covers the challenges I’ve experienced in the last couple of years. I try to have a positive attitude, and the rejection jar helps, but I also think leaning on my critique partners when I’m feeling low helps tremendously. Find your people!

Fantastic advice. I couldn't have put it any better myself.

The Best & The Worst

If you could sum up the best and worst parts of publishing, what would they be?

Worst: Publishing picture books is very competitive. And I don’t mean in a cut-throat way at all. There are so many wonderfully talented writers out there who all want, and deserve, to have their book published. But there is only so much space on the shelf and money in the pockets of publishers, so even the best-written and illustrated story might not get into the hands of young readers.

Best: I love the kidlit community! Just about all the writers, illustrators, agents, editors, educators, and, of course, young readers that I’ve encountered have been so friendly, encouraging, and supportive. 

In your opinion, what makes the journey worth it?

I just had my book launch party and, I have to say, reading a book that I wrote to a group of children is pretty darn great!

Any words of encouragement for your readers?

Focus on the things you can control (learn your craft, write, revise, read in your genre, join a critique group, research, submit, etc.), find your community (writing partners, a support system, cheerleaders), and persevere! The only guarantee to not being published is giving up, so keep at it!

Books, Illustration & Inspiration

Okay, now it’s time to talk about my favorite thing. Books! Tell us about your books & your inspiration behind them.

The origins of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY began nine years ago when I picked up my youngest child from preschool on his birthday. He climbed into his car seat, wearing a glittery birthday crown and a slight frown. The conversation began something like this:

Birthday Boy: “When is my birthday?”
Me: “Today!
Birthday Boy: (shakes his head) “No. When is my real birthday?”
Me: “Today is your real birthday!”
Birthday Boy: “It doesn’t feel like it.”

My mind began to spin. Why didn’t he feel like it was his birthday? Did something happen or not happen at school? What would it take for him to feel like it was his “real” birthday? A few questions later, I realized that he believed that on his birthday, he would instantly “feel” older; he would magically be able to do things he wasn’t able to do the day before. But I kept the conversation going during the ride home, through lunch, and for some time after that. I asked lots of questions and listened as he shared evidence for why it was most definitely not his birthday. I was enamored with his reasoning and determination, while underneath it all, I felt his disappointment that this day, one that was supposed to be special, didn’t meet his expectations. Not long after, I wrote a draft of a story about a bunny who hops out of bed the morning of her birthday, expecting to be all things “big bunny.”

As we know, in Kidlit, half of our story is in the illustration- so let’s talk about pictures! Can you share a little bit about your illustrators and how they helped bring each story and character to life?

Clavis always produces beautifully illustrated picture books, so I knew I would be in good hands, but I really hit the jackpot when they chose Natallia Bushuyeva as the illustrator! I think her sweet art style is the perfect fit for PAISLEY. Unlike most U.S. publishers, Clavis makes it a practice to connect author and illustrator so they may collaborate if they wish. But I have no business telling an illustrator what to do, so I put my full trust in Natallia, and I think that worked out beautifully. I only included two art notes in the manuscript, which were to suggest actions that might not be understood in the text. The publisher shared illustrations with me at several points along the way: interior sketches, first color illustrations, proposed Dutch cover, final cover, full interior, and later, the English cover and full interior. Natallia had some suggestions for tweaking the art before approving it to go to print, and I asked them to move some text to another page. Clavis agreed to all our requests. It was a very collaborative process.

Do you have a favorite spread or image in your books? Which ones and why?

I love all of Natallia’s illustrations, of course, but I guess I’m partial to the spread of spot illustrations where Paisley is getting ready for her party. I love the little details like Paisley’s face peeking through as she blows up the balloon and Pip observing nearby (with a worried expression) when Paisley spills the punch. I especially love the expression on Paisley’s face in the last vignette. Natallia perfectly captures the frustration Paisley is feeling at that moment. 

Thank you so much, Heather, for all of your insightful feedback. We’re so grateful to have had you with us today. Before we end our interview, we have one last item on the agenda. And it’s a big one…

October 2023 Giveaway Prize

This month, Heather will be giving away a choice of EITHER a signed copy of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY OR a written critique of a fiction picture book (up to 750 words) as a giveaway prize.

How can you enter?

During the month of October 2023:

  1. Subscribe to the blog (via email or WordPress)
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below with your prize choice

And that’s it!

Please note: in order to qualify, you must follow 1-3 during the month of October 2023. Window: October 1st-31st. Deadline: October 31st. That means you have to get those subscriptions, likes, and comments in BEFORE November 1st in order to qualify for the October 2023 Giveaway Prize. ** If you were already subscribed PRIOR to October, you do not need to subscribe again. Simply LIKE the October Feature Interview and post your comment below.**

Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing her book below! Did you know… using the direct purchase link HERE also supports this blog?!

Connect with Heather

Email: HeatherStigallCM@aol.com

Website: www.HeatherPierceStigall.com

Facebook: Heather Pierce Stigall

X @heather_stigall

Instagram: @heather_stigall7

July 2023 Feature Interview With Children’s Author, Aya Khalil, conducted by Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series 
Hello again! Welcome to the July FEATURE INTERVIEW. This month I'm excited to introduce you to a special guest, Children's Author, Aya Khalil. Aya is such an inspiration and I cant' wait for you to get to know her a little better. For those of you who might already know her- I'm sure you already know. For those who don't yet- you're in for a treat! So, enjoy the interview. And don't forget to scroll to the bottom to see this month's giveaway prize and how you can be entered to win!

Aya's Bio: Aya Khalil is the award-winning author of The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story, which is an NCTE’s Charlotte Huck Award Recommended Book and the winner of the Arab American Book Award, among other honors. She's also the author of Our World: Egypt and forthcoming picture books: The Night Before Eid and The Great Banned Books Bake Sale. Aya holds a master’s degree in education and works as a freelance journalist, whose articles have been featured in The Huffington Post and Brit & Co., among other publications. She immigrated from Egypt to the United States when she was young and currently lives with her partner and three children in Northwest Ohio. Aya invites you to visit her online at: ayakhalil.com

The beginning to publishing:

When did you first know you wanted to pursue writing? Was it something you always loved and envisioned for yourself, or did it begin later? 

I've always loved writing. I loved writing poetry and writing in journals. In high school, I really wanted to pursue writing more professionally when I graduated. I graduated from college with a BA in communication and English Literature and also went to get my master's degree in education later.


When and how did your professional journey toward publishing begin? 

It wasn't until I had my own kids, and my oldest was about four years old when I knew I wanted to become a children's book author after finding it so hard to find books with Arab and Muslim characters. So, this was about six years ago. I was also working at a diverse school and wished there were more diverse books that represented the diverse student population. So, I got to work. 

What were some of the first steps you had to take? 

I joined a local SCBWI critique group and spent hours at my local library reading new picture books. I listened to publishing podcasts, YouTube videos and did a lot of googling. Later I joined 12x12 and took classes at Highlights and InkedVoices, and Writing Barn. 

For authors/illustrators who may be just starting out, do you have any suggestions on first steps or recommendations on sites/groups they could visit/join? 
I wish I had taken more craft classes during those earlier years with Highlights or Writing Barn or joined 12x12. But I didn't know about them! Those places are truly gems, and there are affordable options as well! There are also great resources online, like Josh Funk's Free resources and Storystorm.

Road Bumps, Tips, Encouragement:

Throughout the publishing process, are there any challenges you’ve personally had to face and if so, how were you able to overcome them? 

I faced a ton of challenges. Contrary to some belief, as an Arab American Muslim, it was very hard breaking into the industry. It's also still challenging being on submission, and I still get a lot of rejections. It's still part of the industry and part of the job. It's not personal. You write, you submit, and you get rejected. No matter how many awards your book has gotten or if your previous book was bought at auction. 

Also, my debut picture book, The Arabic Quilt, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan was on a banned list in 2021. There's more information about it here. 

But right after that, my publisher told me that two districts bought a total of 22,000 copies of the book! So, I knew the problem wasn't the book. They also asked me if I would be interested in writing another, and I was thrilled. I wrote The Great Banned Books Bake Sale, which comes out on August 1st. 


Do you have any people in your life who have been especially helpful in offering support? 

Yes, so many. I'm not sure where to start and don't want to miss anyone, but I have great support from author friends, and I don't know where I would be without them. We get on calls together at random times, send voice notes to each, and even send WhatsApp messages to each other at odd hours throughout the day. I am extremely grateful for them all, and you know who you are!  I am also grateful for my Kidlit in Color team and Highlight Foundation Muslim fellows.

We all know that publishing is a very special industry in which a lot of beauty and excitement await us. But there are also many slow moments… and sometimes disappointment. For people who may not have friends/family who are familiar with the inner workings of the publishing industry and who don’t yet have a writing community to lean on for advice/encouragement, do you have any motivational words of wisdom or recommendations on how to handle the discouraging moments of publishing? 

It's very discouraging and just part of the process, so always remind yourself of that. Sometimes it's okay to take a step back and say okay, I'm getting a ton of rejections with similar feedback; let’s fix this. Then go back to your critique partners, take more craft classes, and work on it. And also, sometimes, it's okay to set books to the side and revisit them later. Maybe a few years from now, you'll find an agent or editor who is looking for a similar concept. So it's okay to be upset about it, but just keep writing.

Books, inspiration, and illustration:

I always love talking with authors about this subject. It’s always such a happy thing to share! So, I know this year had three books scheduled to come out. One is already here and two are on their way. Can you tell us a little bit about them?

Yes! The Night Before Eid, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh came out in March of 2023, and it's about three generations bonding of Eid treats. It's such a special picture book for many different reasons, but especially because it's the childhood Eid book of my dreams.  

The Great Banned Books Bake Sales comes out in August and is a companion to The Arabic Quilt and illustrated by Anait Kanzi and her classmates find out that the new diverse books are not in the library, and so she and her classmates come up with a plan: a protest and bake sale to get the books back on the shelf! 

My First Book of Arabic Words comes out in October and is illustrated by Chaymaa Sobhy and is an ABC book on Arabic Language and Culture which I am so excited about as well. 


What was your inspiration behind these stories? 

The Night Before Eid's inspiration was all of the joy and love that's connected to Eid and the night before Eid in our family. The Great Banned Books Bake Sale's inspiration is loosely based on true stories of when The Arabic Quilt was banned, and I talked about it in the backmatter.  For My First Book of Arabic Words, the publisher approached me, and I was thrilled because I would've loved to see something similar to this growing up in a bilingual Arabic-English household, plus my kids are also bilingual English-Arabic speakers, and I think they'll love it, especially Chaymaa's vibrant illustrations. 

Let’s talk a little about illustration. I’ve had a lot of people ask me about illustration. Many people who aren’t in publishing are surprised to learn that picture book writers don’t always illustrate their own stories and they also don't get to pick them *usually*. Since you are a writer, not an illustrator, I’d love to hear a little about what that is like. 

Yes! Publishers usually do choose the illustrators. For The Arabic Quilt, Anait did an incredible job, and she's an immigrant herself! With The Night Before Eid also, Rashin's work is stunning. For My First Book of Arabic Words, I actually recommended Chaymaa Sobhy to the editor as I was a huge fan of her work, and I was so excited when she was available! Plus, she's Egyptian, so it's very exciting to work with her. 

Here's a question for my readers who are still in the query trenches: 
What is the querying process like when sending queries to an agent as just a text writer? 

It's challenging, and we see many agents saying they only want author-illustrators. It's been a few years since I queried, but I hear it's even tougher now. I would say just keep working on your craft and connect with other writers who are also querying so you can talk/vent about it! 

For my readers who are newly agented with a publishing deal but haven’t yet had their manuscripts matched with an illustrator, what is that process like? 

Sometimes that takes a really long time! I'm talking months and months. So just wait and know that editors and trying their best to match your beautiful words with the best illustrator for it. They're investing a lot of money into everything and pay attention to all of the detail. 

You need a lot of patience in this industry. Querying, being on submission, waiting for your contract, waiting on being matched with the illustrator, waiting for the illustrations, waiting for it to be printed, and the list goes on. It's a long process, but it's worth the wait. 

While we’re talking about illustration, I wanted to take a moment to mention your illustrators: 

What was your experience working with them individually? How involved were you, if at all with the illustration side of things? Did you have an opportunity to offer any input? Examples? 

I was sent sketches and asked for feedback. I sent some minor suggestions and tweaks here and there for both. I think for the Eid book, I did have in the text that Zain had curly hair, but the sketches weren't too clear if his hair was clear or straight, so I wanted to make sure it was curly. 

This question goes along with the last question, but I wanted to list it separately because I think this is an area that deserves specific attention. What are your thoughts on art notes? Do you use them? If so, how much and how often do you implement them? 

I do as needed! I tend to write longer picture books, so I try to use them to make my word count shorter (haha)! I don't think I used them that much for The Night Before Eid, though, or The Great Banned Books Bake Sale. 


Were there any things that surprised you about the illustration process? Explain. 

That it's really hard to change things once the colors go in! So really take many looks during the sketches and early illustrations. And this isn't surprising, but illustrators do so much research themselves too and a lot of work goes into it all.


Do you have a favorite spread in each book that you’d like to share? If so, what’s your favorite part about them and why? 

The last spread of The Night Before Eid is so cozy and like a big hug, but I love it all. The Great Banned Books Bake Sale there are many, but I love all the ones where the classmates are together because it shows unity and solidarity, especially at the end! 


Any final words of encouragement to share with our readers today? 

Keep reading current books in the genre you write, take craft classes, it's okay to put work to the side for a bit (or for years or forever), and believe in yourself and your work. 

Such a great interview, Aya. Thank you for sharing your inspiration, wisdom, and encouragement. And congratulations again on your new books! I will make sure we have all your books ordered for my library.

Connect with Aya Khalil

Website: www.ayakhalil.com
Twitter: @ayawrites 
Instagram: @ayakhalilauthor

Did you enjoy this interview? Support this author by purchasing one of their books below! Using these direct purchase links also supports this blog.

Purchase The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale
Purchase The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story
Purchase My First Book of Arabic Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Arabic Language and Culture
Purchase The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

Now it’s time to talk prizes…

For the month of July, anyone who:

1.Leaves a comment on the July Feature Interview- before or by July 31st…
2.And likes & subscribes to the blog…
Will automatically be entered into the GIVEAWAY PRIZE DRAWING!

It’s that simple.

This month, Aya is offering an exciting prize!
A FREE copy of her new book, The Great Banned Books Bake Sale, scheduled to come out in August of 2023.

So, what are you waiting for? Get those comments/likes/subscribes in!

Please note: IF YOU'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO THE BLOG, YOU WILL STILL BE ENTERED INTO THE GIVEAWAY DRAWING FOR LEAVING A COMMENT AND LIKE.

Thanks for reading!

Speaking of readers…

Is there anything you’re dying to ask an author?  

Leave your suggested question in the comments section below for a chance to see it answered in a future Feature Interview!

STEAM IN THE LIBRARY AND IN HOMESCHOOLING

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Parents and Educators, View all blog posts

It’s been a little while since I’ve made a post. Here’s what I’ve been up to…

For the past few months I’ve been gathering information, doing research, attending webinars, and working vigorously toward starting a non-profit Homeschool Group for families in need in my community. And I’m happy to announce, it has been a great success!

I’m so excited to share this news with you, so let’s dive right in!

What is Homeschool Group?

Homeschool Group is a place where families can come together and socialize, and kids can engage in self-paced, hands-on learning in a relaxed and creative environment. Right now, my group is open to ages 7-10, but I may look at expanding those age brackets as time goes on and I get a better feel for the specific needs of my community.

Where and when is Homeschool Group hosted? How can I attend?

Great question! Homeschool Group is being hosted in the Hendersonville Public Library in Tennessee. This group is held on the first Monday of each month at 2 PM. Sign-up sheets can be found in the Children’s area. For other cool events we have going on, check out our Facebook page or Instagram feed for updates and calendar info!

My personal goal with Homeschool Group is to inspire creativity and encourage social emotional learning while exposing children to the five elements of STEAM education; science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Around the room I have activity tables set up for kids to visit, imagine, and explore the wonders of reading, science, building, writing, creating, socializing, inventing, and playing!


Each of our tables is inspired by STEAM concepts, and is designed to encourage creative thinking and problem solving, enhance motor skills and social-emotional learning, and inspire children to find connections and explore the realm of imagination in a safe and fun environment.

DISCOVERING THE SCIENCE BEHIND A RAINCLOUD

Throughout the building process of this project, I was able to get some fabulous inspiration and ideas from several webinars, a few that I will mention here.

The two that stood out among the rest were STEAM in the Public Library: Programs & Services for Children and Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries, both available on Webjunction. Now, for those of you who may not know this, in addition to being a children’s book writer, I am also a Children’s Librarian. And, being homeschooled for the majority of my childhood, I have extensive knowledge of what it’s like to be in that position. How hard it can be to make connections within the community. Finding the right resources. Finding places to go. And forget about costs! You can’t find a “cheap” homeschooling program or event to participate in, and free? Free is unheard of. Everything costs something, and most often, it’s a higher price than the average family is looking to spend. Especially when you have more than one child. And that’s not a slight at pricing. It’s very possible that the price is justified and appropriate for whatever services are being offered, but nonetheless, many families simply can’t afford it.

Prepping our activities!

So naturally, coming from a place of understanding, I wanted to offer a service to these families that wouldn’t dip into their pockets. And after some well thought out planning and a trial run, we were finally up and running!

Back to the wonderful Webinars I was able to enjoy. Here are a few of the notes I took from Creative Spaces and Family Engagement in Libraries, that really made me think about why art is such an important role in a child’s life.

The arts are not just expressive and effective. They are deeply cognitive. The arts develop essential thinking tools:

Pattern recognition and development.

Mental representations of the observed/imagined.

Symbolic and metaphorical representations.

Abstraction from complexity.

Cross wiring of brain areas.

Engagement with an art trains the brain to FOCUS, improving learning

* Interest in an art form leads to sustained attention when practicing that art form.

* Engaging in art involves resolving conflicts among competing possible responses.

* The ability to resolve conflict among competing responses is also a crucial aspect of attention training.

Arts integration improves learning

Studies consistently show:

* Greater emotional investment in classes.

* Work more diligently and learn from each other.

* Parents become more involved.

* Teachers collaborate more.

* Increased cross-curricular learning.

* Curriculum becomes more authentic, hands-on and project-based.

https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=448

Whew! That was a lot to type up. But, well worth it. In fact, I loved it so much, I printed it all out and laminated copies for personal inspiration and reminders as I plan each group.

A few other points I took from this seminar that I really appreciated; I want to share with you below.

Art is a form of self-expression.

Art experiences should not invite sameness. Art should not require an instruction sheet. Art should not have a deadline. Art should encourage creativity, not conformity.

Think of setting up an art experience in the same way you would think of setting up a science experiment.

Encourage tinkering. Invite inventiveness.

Art is not a team sport.

Most often, artistic creation is solitary. Group art WILL leave some kids feeling rushed and compared.

https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=448

Yes, yes, YES, to all of the above! If you don’t believe this to be true, I suggest taking a look at my book, ADHD and Me. Yep, shameless self-promo. But I wouldn’t try to sell you if I didn’t think it’s true. And I happen to know it is because it was inspired by a real young lady, who went through the same everyday challenges as Malory. Who was that young lady? Me.

About the book: ADHD and Me is an SEL (social-emotional learning) book about a young girl named Malory who has ADHD. Throughout her neurodiverse journey, she is encouraged to express herself using art, by her art teacher Ms. Julie, who was diagnosed as a young girl with Autism. With the help of her fabulous support system, including friends and family, Malory is able to find the joys in life and embrace her differences.

Now for my notes on STEAM in the Public Library: Programs & Services for Children with guest speaker Amy Koester and blogger, “THE SHOW ME LIBRARIAN.”

A little bit about Amy. Amy is a Learning Experiences Manager of a Public Library. She serves as a vice president of ASLC, and she’s a big supporter of her library and community. To see more about her click here.

Amy is a kindred spirit and fellow supporter of all things STEAM. And, her blog is simply AMAZING. Here is a link to visit her blog, THE SHOW ME LIBRARIAN.

So, a few things that I took away from this webinar are listed below.

  • American children are lagging behind other countries when it comes to creative thinking.
  • School and life success isn’t just about reading.
  • Creativity is a top work skill. Today, big companies are looking for outside-of-the box thinkers and problem solvers. It is a highly valued and sought after trait in today’s workforce. And understandably so. Children who are adept learners and creative problem solvers statistically fair better in all avenues of life.

Now, a few of the suggestions that Amy gives are:

  • Set up activity stations (check!)
  • Observation station (check-check!)
  • Sensory lights (FUN!)
  • Sand (PERFECT!)
  • Rocks (LOVE!)
  • Glow in the dark (Who doesn’t love glow in the dark stuff?)
  • Grow plants (Check!)
  • Root gardens (Fantastic idea)
  • Incorporate living things (100%)
  • Butterflies/ant farms- and tie in books that fit your experiment! (yes!) While we are on that topic, see if you can sprinkle in non-fiction books too!
  • Snails/worms (yes)
  • Use recyclables (ALWAYS!)

A few other helpful tips to make your programming fun and engaging for your young participants:

Ask Questions!

Encourage them to make something.

Get your hands dirty!

Include things that will involve motor skills.

Make STEAM displays fun: one suggestion Amy gave was a globe! A globe is great because kids can both look at it AND play with it. It spins!

And last but not least, give children the tools to succeed!

Special Author Event at the Gallatin Public Library in Sumner County, TN- September 18th, 2021

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

Calling all local Sumner County TN residents! Are you a parent or educator? Visit us on September 18th at the Gallatin Public Library.

We’ll be discussing special needs in education, neurodiverse learning differences and how to build healthy support systems within the family unit and tackling how to identify and assess problems and acknowledge and validate your child’s emotions.

Guest speakers: Local Children’s Author & Blogger, Chelsea DiCicco, Autism Tennessee Community Ambassador, Indie Author & Co-Host of Amazon Live Special Needs TV show, Mary Elizabeth Jackson, and Jason Scruggs, Children’s Crisis Counselor. (Read more about similar local Sumner County, Tennessee events in the article published here.)

Who is this event for?

  • Parents
  • Children
  • Educators
  • Family & friends

If you’re elementary school teacher, PLEASE stop by and pick up your FREE LESSON PLANS, GRADES K-3RD GRADE (or simply download them HERE.)

Don’t live local? No problem! Download your free interactive lesson plans, worksheets, color pages, spot the difference sheets and other fun freebies and resources under the TEACHER CORNER tab of my website.

We hope to see you, September 18th, 2021! 10:00am-2:00PM Gallatin Public Library