Stuck in a writing rut? You’re not alone. It can be an exhausting struggle to put pen- or key– to page when you’re feeling creatively stuck. But, as writers, even when we feel stuck, we’re still driven by a desire to write. George Orwell said it best when he said…
“Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” — George Orwell
So, how can we improve the situation? The key is in revamping creativity and unlocking inspiration.
Here are five ways to do just that:
Way #1: Set aside time for free-writing. This is a designated window of time that you give yourself, unencumbered by outside distraction, to simply let your thoughts flow. [In the past, I’ve set a timer for increments of 5 or 15 minutes. You’d be amazed at what the mind can come up with in just a few minutes when let loose to explore!] Examples of ways to use this time: It could be coming up with new characters, jotting down fun book titles, playing with plot ideas, etc. Remember: During this time, there are no rules to adhere to. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, formatting, etc. All those things can be edited later. There’s much truth in what Jodi Picoult said…
“You may not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” — Jodi Picoult
Way #2: Give yourself mental breaks between writing. If writing feels like an agonizing chore with no end in sight, that will come through in the voice of your story. So, when you’re feeling unmotivated, unglue yourself from the chair and do something to put your mind at ease. It could be taking a walk in the fresh air, grabbing a hot shower (or bubble bath), doing some yoga, etc. Whatever it is, allow yourself that time to recharge.
Way #3: Remember why you write. What does writing mean to you on a personal level? This could be any list of reasons. Perhaps it’s therapeutic. Or maybe it’s a form of connection. Or maybe it’s for a greater purpose beyond yourself… to help share or teach a moral conviction you’re passionate about and want to help spread awareness of. Whatever it is, remind yourself of why. Once you remember the purpose of writing and what it means to you, it will help you regain a clear objective and joyful mindset.
Way # 4: Revisit projects that bring you joy. There’sno one better to help remind you of your creativity than yourself. Pull out old story ideas or manuscripts that have brought you true joy. Whether they are stories that are complete or ones that were never finished. If they are stories that you completed, maybe they can spark new inspiration for something yet to come. If they are stories you placed in a drawer for a rainy day, why not take them out for a creative run and see where you can get them?
Way #5: Celebrate creative wins. Whether it’s within the last few days or years, why not take a trip down successful avenue and celebrate some of your creative wins? What projects have you worked on that received some word of commendation, positive feedback in the form of a critique or review, or maybe even won a contest or award?
In today’s Feature Interview with Elementary School Educator and Author, Leah Moser, we’ll explore the links between education and writing, a writer’s first steps in publishing, publishing timelines, and how to prepare for an author debut.
Leah, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. We’re so happy to have you join us for the Feature Interview segment today! It’s always so nice getting to have conversations with new people and learn more about them.
Where are you joining us from?
Thank you for having me on your blog! I’m joining you from the DC area.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog and the Feature Interview segment?
I first heard about this opportunity on social media; I’ve been following you on Instagram for some time! I read through the previous interviews, and I was intrigued by all the wonderful authors, illustrators, educators, librarians, and poets you’ve had on your blog. It was exciting to learn more about each person’s unique journey in this writing world.
I was excited to see on your application your background in elementary education, as well as psychology. Could you tell us more about this?
I majored in Psychology in college. I was fascinated by the human mind (thoughts, feelings, and emotions) and why people behave the way they do in certain situations. After college, I became a preschool special education assistant for a few years. I realized teaching was my passion, and I received my Master’s in Elementary Education. I worked for years as a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher before taking a hiatus to be home with my three children. Currently, I’m substitute teaching, writing, editing, and visiting schools as an author!
Were there any connections between your educational background and writing? Explain.
As an educator, I often used picture books to introduce or guide conversations with my students. I appreciated the way books could broach challenging topics in kid-friendly language and spark meaningful discussions. I also recognized what types of books children liked to read and which were good to read aloud. Similarly, I noticed where there were literary holes, like topics that were not covered or characters that seemed underrepresented. I began seeing the KidLit world in a different way, and I knew that I could fill in some of those gaps.
What made you decide to pursue publishing?
When I was in graduate school, I took a children’s literature class where the culminating assignment was to write a picture book. While others struggled through this process, I enjoyed every step of the way. I felt the book was ready to pursue publication. I remember thinking: How hard could it be? After some research, I became overwhelmed and decided to put this publishing dream on the back burner.
Years later, after I had my first child, I met a mother who was also a writer. She invited me to my first critique group with some established, incredible authors. I’ve been writing ever since. It took me some time to feel comfortable in sharing my work with others, but I noticed my writing and stories getting stronger and stronger. I knew I was ready again.
What were some of your first steps when pursuing publication?
After I had several polished, strong manuscripts, I was ready to find an agent and hopefully get some of my work published. I joined social media (at the time, it was Twitter) and Instagram and followed many editors, publishing houses, and agents. I created a spreadsheet with names, information, and what each person/house was looking for to determine if my stories could be a good fit. I spent a lot of time emailing personalized queries and kept my fingers crossed.
Were there any resources/groups that were especially helpful in the beginning of your writing journey?
Yes! I was connected with other established authors through my critique group. I also joined several groups online, such as SCBWI, the 12×12 picture book challenge, and KidLit411 on Facebook. I attended as many local conferences as I could and connected with many KidLit creators in person and online. I also read A LOT of picture books, so I felt like I knew current trends and what was being published at the time.
Were there any difficulties/challenges that you had to face? And, if so, how were you able to overcome them? Explain.
There were and still are many challenges! It took me a long time to find my agent, Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency. Once I signed with an agent, it took months for us to sell a book. There is so much waiting and so much doubting, but I’ve found the best thing to do is to keep writing and to continue working on other projects.
Was there anything you wish you’d known sooner that you think would be helpful for our readers?
It’s a big transition from “my story” to “our book.” There are so many people involved in making a picture book. I was fortunate to have a fabulous team for I AM A THUNDERCLOUD, and we all shared a similar vision for this book, but I know that isn’t always the case.
You mentioned in your application that you write picture books and early readers, so your target audience is 4-8 years old. What type of genres/characters/themes do you gravitate toward writing? (Friendship/adventure/silly/mystery/SEL/human/animal/etc?)
With my psychology background, I enjoy writing SEL picture books about emotions. I also like to write funny stories that I know kids would get a kick out of. I’ve started writing nonfiction picture books, which have been exciting to research and summarize. I like to write in rhyme as it adds another level of challenge. But mainly, I want to write books that can be entertaining or meaningful for children and their grown-ups.
Are these also your favorite types of stories to read?
I love to read all sorts of picture books. I’m constantly checking books out of the library to share with my children. We enjoy funny books that make us laugh, powerful stories, nonfiction topics that we don’t know much about, and beautiful illustrations.
Speaking of your writing, your debut picture book, I Am a Thundercloud, came out last April, 2024. Congratulations! We’d love to hear about how this story came to be!
Thank you!
What was your inspiration for writing I Am a Thundercloud?
I wrote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD during the pandemic in 2020. As with many people, I felt a lot of emotions during that time. One day, at home, I was thinking of metaphors for feelings, and I thought of the angriest image I could think of. That’s where the angry thundercloud popped into my head. I wrote the first draft of Thundercloud from the perspective of an actual thundercloud. Over time (and with the help of my agent and critique group), the protagonist shifted to a child feeling like a thundercloud.
For readers who may be new to publishing and wondering how long the traditional publishing process takes, could you share how long this story was in the making? Timeframe from story concept to first draft, then to final draft, then query to book deal, and book deal to final publication. (Rough estimate works too!)
I wrote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD in August 2020. I signed with Dan Cramer in February 2021. I got a YES for I AM A THUNDERCLOUD with Running Press Kids in December 2021. I was linked with my wonderful illustrator, Marie Hermansson, in July 2022. The book was released in April 2024.
What made this story shine above any other manuscripts to make it the one that snagged your first book deal? And was this the book that got you your agent with Page Turner Literary?
This is actually not the book that got me my agent. That book has yet to sell (sad face). I AM A THUNDERCLOUD had gotten a few “maybes” before the big YES. I felt cautiously optimistic.
For authors who may be debuting their own PBs soon, what advice would you like to share for things to do to prepare? (Author event prepwork, social media or word of mouth promotional campaign, in-person networking with local bookstores/libraries/schools, strategies on getting new reader reviews, or something else? Feel free to share more than one, if applicable.)
I joined a 2024 picture book debut group, PB Soar 24, which was extremely helpful. I would highly recommend finding one OR creating your own. It was wonderful to support these other debut authors and connect about our experiences. I also frequented local bookstores often, and introduced myself shortly before my book was released. I reached out to bloggers and connected with people in the KidLit world to get my name/book out there. I was active on social media during this time, trying to promote I AM A THUNDERCLOUD. The Running Press Kids team helped arrange a few school visits, but then I reached out to schools on my own. It’s a lot of work, but I was happy to do it and was proud to be in this situation.
As writers, we all have something inside us that compels us to write. What is your reason for writing? And what do you hope your stories will give your readers?
I hope my stories resonate with readers, caregivers, educators, and librarians. Writing is a creative outlet – a way for me to get my ideas out there. Some of the ideas blossom into drafts and go on submission. Other times, they don’t. But either way, it’s a way of getting my own thoughts out of my head and onto the paper.
What are some of your favorite books/authors?
I love Cori Doerrfield’s picture books. I’ve always been a fan of her SEL stories – her simple language, her emotional illustrations, and her meaningful messages. THE RABBIT LISTENED is my all-time favorite. Additionally, I’ve loved being a part of PB Soar 24 – make sure you check out all their fabulous new picture books!
What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows?
One of my writing inspirations is Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City. In college, I was told my writing was sometimes too “informal” due to my rhetorical questions and simple phrasing as I tried to emulate her! In my house, we are big Bluey fans. They created a show that kids find hilarious and adults connect with on another level.
Any last writing advice or words of wisdom that you’d like to share?
Writing is a journey. I am so fortunate to have one book out in the world. But I have yet to get another book deal. I’m hopeful and optimistic for a new opportunity in the future! Something I’m always reminding myself is that no two writing journeys are the same, and there is room for all the fabulous creators to tell their own stories!
“No two writing journeys are the same, and there is room for all the fabulous creators to tell their own stories!” – Leah Moser
Such beautiful words of wisdom, and very true. Thank you so much for joining us today, Leah.
ATTENTION WRITERS: Leah also has an editing service. She works with authors of all levels, from award-winning, well-known authors to those just starting out. Please visit her website to find out more.
And now it’s time for our giveaway prize!
For the month of August 2025, Leah is offering a PB critique OR a copy of her picture book, I Am a Thundercloud.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
LIKE and SHARE this post (and tag me X @chellysbooks IG @chelseasworldofbooks). That’s it! **If there are multiple prize options, please specify which one you’d like in the comments.**
And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter so you don’t miss out on future interviews/posts!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: August 31st, 2025, 11:59 PM CST
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Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Northern Virginia. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three daughters, dog, and readers of all ages. I Am a Thundercloud is her debut book.
X/Twitter & IG @LeahMoserWrites Leah Moser – Author on Facebook Visit her author website HERE
In today’s Feature Interview, indie children’s book author Renee Bolla opens up about her transition from a 20-year career in the corporate fashion world into kidlit publishing. She offers insight and tips on self-publishing, important first steps, what she wishes she had known earlier, and explains why indie publishing was the right route for her.
Renee, it’s so wonderful to have you here with us! Could you tell us where you’re joining us from today?
Birmingham, MI.
How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog and the Feature Interview segment?
I first connected with Chelsea’s World of Books on Instagram. It was one of those organic, mutual-follow moments where I immediately felt a sense of kinship as a fellow author, writer, and someone who cares deeply about community. I’m drawn to people who are building something authentic and inclusive, and that’s exactly what I felt when I landed in your literary world.
– Aw, I love this! I’m so glad you felt that connection. That’s definitely the feeling I want to impart to people visiting my page.
You mentioned in your bio that you transitioned from fashion retail to writing for kids. I’d love to hear how that came about! What led you to publishing? And when did your publishing journey begin?
Twenty years in corporate fashion retail taught me a lot, but it also came with its share of constraints. I grew up in a world of red tape and polished decks, where creativity was only applauded if it checked all the boxes. I spent years being the “do-it-all” working mom, managing a $2B business by day and raising three young kids at home. On the surface, it looked like I had it all together. Inside, I was exhausted. Disconnected.
“I grew up in a world of red tape and polished decks, where creativity was only applauded if it checked all the boxes… On the surface, it looked like I had it all together. Inside, I was exhausted. Disconnected.” -Renee Bolla
Then came the fall of 2020. Another busy morning on autopilot, lemon water in hand, makeup on, getting the girls ready, logging into Zoom, and yet something felt different. My gut had been whispering for years that something had to change, but I kept pushing it down. Until one day, I finally listened. I resigned after two decades in corporate. And while the decision was empowering, it also felt like a loss. I grieved that version of me. But in the stillness that followed, I found space to imagine a new version of myself.
– What an honest way of putting it.I can only imagine the emotions and thought process involved in this decision. It takes great courage to make big changes, especially if it’s been your way of life for a number of years, and you’re embarking on unfamiliar territory.
I didn’t leap into publishing with a full manuscript or a business plan. I started with stillness, with letting myself feel (thanks, Dad, for this advice). And from that quiet space, ideas started pouring in. My daughters became my muses. I found myself dreaming up stories rooted in our everyday lives. And before I knew it, the next chapter of my life began. I just had to be brave enough to embrace it.
I self-published my first picture book, Finding Bunny, in early 2022, with Imagine That following late 2022, and my latest book, The Truth About Stepmoms, in early 2024. One for each of my daughters.
“I didn’t leap into publishing with a full manuscript or a business plan. I started with stillness, with letting myself feel (thanks, Dad, for this advice). And from that quiet space, ideas started pouring in.” – Renee Bolla
What kind of genres do you write in and for what age groups?
I write children’s picture books, primarily for readers between the ages of 4 and 9. Picture books were a natural entry point for me. When I started this journey, my daughters were 2, 7, and 10, and our home was overflowing with stories (still are). Some books had been passed down for over a decade, and a few were even from my childhood, specifically The Monster at the End of This Book. This was the story my dad read to me at bedtime during his weekends, and it still holds a place in my heart. Sharing those pages with my girls, seeing the same characters come to life for them that once lit up my imagination, felt full circle.
There’s something magical about picture books. I love how they create space for shared reading moments between kids and adults. They spark questions, curiosity, and conversations that linger. That’s the kind of storytelling I want to offer, heartfelt and rooted in connection.
-YES!!! This sums it up perfectly, and I couldn’t agree more!
“There’s something magical about picture books. I love how they create space for shared reading moments between kids and adults. They spark questions, curiosity, and conversations that linger. That’s the kind of storytelling I want to offer, heartfelt and rooted in connection.” – Renee Bolla
What made you decide to go the independent route, and do you think you’ll continue indie publishing route or eventually pursue traditional? Explain.
I came into publishing at a time when self-publishing was being embraced rather than dismissed, and that changed everything for me. I knew right away that I wanted to self-publish. I wanted full creative control over every detail of the story and the illustrations. I wanted my daughters to see themselves in my stories, and not just metaphorically. I also didn’t want to wait years for someone else to decide those stories were worthy of being told.
“I knew right away that I wanted to self-publish. I wanted full creative control over every detail of the story and the illustrations. I also didn’t want to wait years for someone else to decide those stories were worthy of being told.” -Renee Bolla
Self-publishing gave me the freedom to move on my own timeline. I could publish while my girls were still young enough to curl up next to me and see their reflections on the page. That window of time felt too sacred to miss.
“Self-publishing gave me the freedom to move on my own timeline.” -Renee Bolla
That said, I’m not opposed to traditional publishing in the future. I believe there’s room for both in a writer’s journey. But for now, indie publishing fits me. It’s nimble, empowering, and has allowed me to build a business that reflects my values and vision from the inside out.
-Beautifully put!
Tell us more about your indie journey! What were some of the steps involved in getting your foot in the door for this new, exciting venture?!
This is a big question. Where do I begin? Publishing was a whole new world for me. I had so many questions in the beginning, more than I can count. But what surprised and uplifted me most was how welcoming the writing community was. I started reaching out to anyone willing to share their experience. I asked a lot of questions. And people responded with openness, encouragement, and generosity. That support became the foundation for everything I would build next.
-Questions are a great place to start! And yes, the kidlit community really is such a warm and inviting place.
I joined the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge and became a member of SCBWI. I participated in critique groups and learned to embrace feedback, even when it stung. I followed writers and illustrators on social media, watched webinars, and read books like Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul, anything to move my writing journey forward. I even took workshops through the Highlights Foundation, which helped me grow both as a writer and a storyteller.
-These are all great first steps. Asking questions. Joining writing groups. Participating. Embracing feedback (this one is hard at first, but CRUCIAL for growth as a writer). Expanding your writing circles. Webinars, books, and workshops- all fantastic.
Every connection I made along the way mattered. Each conversation, critique, or workshop taught me something I didn’t know the day before. And I can’t forget the unwavering support of my family, they were right beside me, cheering me on, reading early drafts, and reminding me to keep going when imposter syndrome crept in.
The biggest step? Hitting publish for the first time. It was terrifying, thrilling, and deeply rewarding. That moment marked not just the release of a book but the beginning of a new chapter I never knew I was meant to write.
What’s something you wish you had known earlier about that you’d like to share with readers who may be considering self-publishing?
That you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it all at once.
When I first started, I thought I had to have every detail mapped out, from an airtight marketing plan, polished website, and a full social presence, before even whispering that I was writing a book. I spent too much time trying to get it all “just right” and not enough time simply sharing the journey.
If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be: Start talking about your book early. Let people in. Share the process, the why, the messy middle. Build community around your story before it’s released. You don’t need a finished product to start creating connection.
I also wish I hadn’t listened to imposter syndrome quite so much. That voice in your head that says, Who am I to do this?, is loud at the beginning. But the truth is, no one else can tell your story the way you can. Your voice matters, even when it shakes.
You will make mistakes. You will learn things the hard way. But you will also grow, build confidence, and create something real. And that’s more important than perfect.
“If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be: Start talking about your book early. Let people in. Share the process, the why, the messy middle. Build community around your story before it’s released. You don’t need a finished product to start creating connection.” -Renee Bolla
What are some challenges you’ve faced, and how have you been able to overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been unlearning perfectionism. After two decades in the corporate world, I was conditioned to believe that success meant flawless execution. That every decision needed to be backed by data, every step reviewed, and every mistake avoided at all costs. But the creative process doesn’t work that way. It’s messy. Vulnerable. And deeply human.
Letting go of the pressure to do it “right” the first time was, and still is, an ongoing journey for me. I had to learn to take imperfect action. To publish, promote, and pivot without having all the answers. That’s terrifying when you’re used to operating in a world of forecasts and performance reviews.
Another challenge has been visibility. As an indie author, you wear every hat: writer, marketer, publicist, distributor. Getting my books into readers’ hands takes consistent effort and creative thinking. But I’ve found success by leaning into what I value most, connection. Whether it’s school visits, community events, or author meet-ups, the more I connect with real people, the more meaningful my journey becomes.
What have been some of your greatest moments and highlights in Kidlit Publishing?
Hands down, one of the most unforgettable moments was watching my daughters hold my book for the first time. Seeing their faces light up as they flipped through the pages, pointing out characters who looked like them and moments pulled from our real lives, it was surreal. That moment alone reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
I’ve also been honored to receive recognition for my latest picture book, The Truth About Stepmoms. It was named an Editor’s Pick by BookLife by Publishers Weekly, received a 2024 Honorable Mention from Writer’s Digest for self-published books, and was selected as a 2024 Females of Fiction Winner. It also earned Best in Genre – Children’s Humor from Indies Today and was recognized by the Independent Author Network. Each of these honors has been incredibly affirming, especially knowing how much heart went into telling a story that challenges stereotypes and celebrates blended families.
But honestly, the real highlight is hearing from readers. When a parent messages me to say, “My child asked to read your book again tonight,” or sends me a picture of their child reading my book, it truly touches my heart every single time. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.
What is your “why” for writing?
Writing has always been how I process the world, how I hold onto fleeting moments, and make sense of life’s curveballs. But at its heart, my why is deeply rooted in motherhood. My daughters are my muses, my motivation, and the spark behind every story I write. I want my girls to grow up knowing that their voices matter and that who they are is something to be celebrated.
So, for me, writing is a way of leaving breadcrumbs of love behind, tiny pieces of myself woven into words. These are the stories I hope they’ll return to as they grow, stories that make them laugh, wonder, feel brave, and remember exactly who they are and where they come from.
What does writing bring you, and what do you hope your stories offer others?
Writing is my creative sanctuary. It’s the one space where I can be fully myself, honest, imperfect, intuitive, and curious. It gives me permission to slow down, reflect, and turn the everyday into something meaningful.
My hope is that my stories offer children and families a safe space to feel. Growing up, emotions weren’t always discussed or validated. As a parent now, I see how critical it is to name feelings, to talk about hard things, and to normalize the ups and downs of life. That’s what I try to bring into every story: heart, honesty, and a whole lot of love.
If even one child feels comforted or finds joy in something I’ve written, then I’ve done what I came here to do.
What are some positive experiences you’ve had from readers?
I’ve had kids and parents come up to me at events and say they read my book at bedtime every single night. I’ve had parents send me videos of their child giving a five-star review with the biggest smile on their face. I’ve received photos of little ones being gifted my book or snuggled up reading it at night. Every time I start to question why I do this or when I feel exhausted by the never-ending to-do list that comes with writing, publishing, and promoting, one of these moments lands in my inbox and reminds me exactly why I started.
Sometimes, it’s my daughters who bring me back to center. When they tell me how cool it is that their mom is an author, or when they want to join me at a book event and share their stories too, those moments stop me in my tracks. Just writing about it makes me tear up. It’s truly something special.
Outside of publishing your books, you’re also very active in the Kidlit/literacy community. I’d love to hear more about your groups and projects. Let’s start with your A Pop of Indie: A Traveling Book Fair. What’s it all about? When was it founded? And what inspired it?
I co-founded A Pop of Indie in fall 2023 with fellow indie kidlit author Lindsay Gizicki. It’s Michigan’s first traveling book fair made up entirely of independently published Michigan-based children’s book authors. Our mission is to reinvent the traditional book fair mode. (You know the one. It usually brings in the same mass-produced books and sells a lot of toys.) Our goal is to create a space that highlights local authors, promotes diverse stories, and inspires the next generation of readers.
Each book fair pairs with a free 90-minute Family Literacy Night for local elementary schools, which includes a writing workshop, author Q&A panel, arts & crafts, and story time. We bring real authors into school communities, allowing kids to connect face-to-face with the creators of the stories they’re reading. We now have over 30 authors and more than 100 books in our catalog, spanning picture books through middle grade.
This initiative is all about accessibility, creativity, and representation. We want reading to be more than a classroom activity. We want it to be a part of everyday life, something the whole family can rally behind and celebrate. A Pop of Indie is about inspiring, empowering, and nurturing young minds one indie book at a time.
Could you tell us more about your work with the marketing group Kidlit at Heart. What is it, exactly? And what role do you play?
Kidlit at Heart came together through the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. We’re a group of authors navigating different paths (traditional, hybrid, and indie publishing) but all with a shared mission: to support one another and reach more readers.
We collaborate on marketing efforts, share resources, and brainstorm creative ways to amplify our books. Many of us launched books around the same time, so we hosted virtual launch parties, author Q&As, and promoted one another across our communities. It’s been such a gift to be part of a group that values collaboration over competition.
Coming from a corporate background in branding and marketing, I’ve been able to contribute those skills to the group. But it’s a two-way street; we each bring something unique to the table. At the heart of it, we’re just a group of writers helping each other succeed, one book at a time.
What other writing groups are you a part of, and what kind of benefits would you say they’ve offered you?
Early in my journey, I joined SCBWI and the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, both of which were game changers. They gave me structure, accountability, and access to a wealth of information and industry insight. Through these groups, I found critique partners, built confidence, and embraced feedback as a vital part of the process.
I’ve also participated in writing workshops through the Highlights Foundation, which helped me deepen my craft and connect with other writers in a truly immersive setting. One of the most pivotal moments came when I took virtual writing classes with Valerie Bolling, an author, educator, and mentor who had an incredible impact on my latest book, The Truth About Stepmoms. Valerie’s insight, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback helped me shape the story with more clarity, intention, and heart. She challenged me to dig deeper, to elevate my storytelling, and to trust my voice, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
In addition to those, I’m a writing contributor for Detroit Moms, where I share the raw, beautiful, and messy realities of motherhood with a community of women who just get it. Writing for them has stretched my voice in new ways and allowed me to connect beyond children’s literature.
Each group has poured into me in a different way—professionally, creatively, and emotionally. They’ve helped me grow not just as a writer, but as a human.
What suggestions would you offer to other aspiring indie authors?
Start before you’re ready. You will never feel “ready,” and that’s okay. Start where you are and learn along the way.
Talk about your book early. Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Let your community in on the journey; they’ll root for you harder when they feel a part of it.
Ask for help. This path wasn’t meant to be walked alone. Reach out to fellow authors, editors, and illustrators. Most people are more generous than you’d expect.
Get comfortable with feedback. Critique is where your story grows. It’s not personal; it’s part of the process.
Think like a business, but lead with your heart. Self-publishing is creative and entrepreneurial. You’re not just selling a book, you’re building a brand rooted in purpose.
Celebrate small wins. Your first school visit, your first review, your first reader message, it all counts.
Protect your joy. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison or metrics. Come back to why you started. Keep the joy in your work.
Writing takes a lot of time and dedication. And, like many creative pursuits, it can sometimes consume our lives- if we let it. As a mom to three, could you share what your experience of writing and publishing while parenting has been like? How do you manage your time and set boundaries to ensure balance for family and work?
I wish I had a perfect answer for this, it’s the million-dollar question so many working moms ask. But the truth is, I simply take it one day or one week at a time.
As a mom of three kids in very different life stages (elementary, middle, and high school) there’s no one-size-fits-all system that works for me. I also have ADHD, so structure isn’t always my best friend. I’m emotionally driven and creatively led. I’ve learned to tune into my energy, to work when I’m inspired, and to rest when I need to.
-YES! As a fellow ADHD girl myself, I can attest to how important this is. Tuning into our energy- working when we feel inspired and resting when we need to rest.
Outside of writing, I run my own business, RNB Retail Consulting, where I support women-owned businesses across Michigan using my 20 years of corporate retail experience. I’ve had to become more intentional with my time and more comfortable saying no. That’s taken practice, but it’s been incredibly freeing.
I don’t compartmentalize writing from motherhood because, honestly, it’s all intertwined. My kids are a part of this journey; they read early drafts, give feedback, and often tag along to bookstores and festivals. When they tell me they’re proud or that they want to write a story of their own, I know I’m doing something right.
Here are a few things that help me:
I carve out short writing sprints (30–45 minutes) when the house is quiet.
I keep a notebook or phone notes handy to jot down ideas anytime they come.
I protect family time fiercely, and I protect creative time too.
I involve my kids in my writing world. Their perspective often sparks the best ideas.
And I give myself permission to pause. Productivity doesn’t always look like writing. Sometimes it looks like living.
Speaking of parenthood, are there any resources related to your books that you offer to parents? (If so, would you be interested in linking/sharing them here so they could be available on the blog as well?)
Yes! Creating family-friendly, book-inspired activities is one of my favorite parts of the author journey. I want my books to do more than entertain; I want them to help families connect, process, and grow together.
For The Truth About Stepmoms, I offer resources that support children and families navigating blended family dynamics. These include:
A DIY family photo album craft that encourages kids to reflect on their favorite memories and celebrate their unique family makeup.
Conversation prompts that help kids express their feelings about family changes, stepparents, and shifting routines.
A “What Makes a Family” worksheet that emphasizes love, support, and connection over titles or roles.
Links to valuable outside resources like the Radical Stepmoms Podcast, which features real stories and tools for navigating stepmotherhood, and @stepmomcoach on Instagram, whose website is full of helpful strategies, affirmations, and printables for blended families.
I want families to feel seen and supported because there’s no one-size-fits-all model for love.
For Imagine That, which centers around bedtime fears and the power of imagination, I provide tools that help kids work through fear and build emotional resilience:
Discussion prompts about nighttime worries and calming routines.
A printable bravery cape activity, where kids decorate their own cape and write down the things that make them feel strong.
Bedtime affirmations and breathing exercises to ease anxiety.
A list of creative problem-solving prompts that help kids reframe fear through play and storytelling.
For Finding Bunny, a story about friendship and emotional resilience, I’ve created resources that focus on helping kids identify and process their feelings:
Emotion cards and a feelings game to help children name what they’re experiencing.
Creative writing and drawing prompts based on the story.
Mindful drawing activities that offer a gentle way to express emotion nonverbally
Some of these resources are available on my website, and others I provide during school author visits. They are easy for parents, teachers, and caregivers to implement at home or in the classroom. My goal is to extend the reading experience beyond the book because stories aren’t just for reading. They’re for living, feeling, and growing together.
Anything else you’d like to share with readers today?
If I could leave you with one thing, it’s this: Reading is one of the simplest, most powerful ways we connect with each other. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a few minutes between errands, or a book tucked into a travel bag, those small moments matter. They shape how our kids see the world and how they see themselves.
Make time for reading. For yourself and for your family. Stories are fuel. Stories are mirrors. Stories are bridges.
And if you ever need a little reminder of that, here’s the phrase I come back to often:
“Reading is my love language.”
It’s how I show up, how I connect, and how I leave something meaningful behind.
To every aspiring writer, dreamer, or mama out there juggling more than one hat, keep going. Tell your stories. They matter more than you know.
Renee, thank you so much for joining us on Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. It has been a pleasure having you here today. So much courage and kindness have been shared in today’s chat. I’m sure our readers who have made it to the end of this interview would agree. But we’re not quite to the very end. Now it’s time for our GIVEAWAY!
For the month of July, Renee is offering THREE winners a prize of one of her books + EXTRA GOODIES. Each book will come with EXTRA GOODIES: stickers, a bookmark, and a book bag tag.
Prize winner 1: Signed copy of Finding Bunny + EXTRA GOODIES
Prize winner 2: Signed copy of Imagine That! + EXTRA GOODIES
Prize winner 3: Signed copy of The Truth about Stepmoms + EXTRA GOODIES
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Renee Bolla, a children’s picture book author, seamlessly transitioned from the corporate world of fashion retail to crafting stories for young minds. She self-published Finding Bunny and Imagine That in 2022, followed by The Truth About Stepmoms in 2024. Renee weaves the magic of her personal experiences, as a mother of three, into every narrative, creating stories that resonate with the shared joys and challenges of parenthood. Her passion for literature extends beyond her own creations. She is the founder of A Pop of Indie: A Traveling Book Fair, an initiative connecting Michigan indie authors with elementary students, fostering a love of reading. She is also a writing contributor for Detroit Mom, a member of SCBWI, an active participant in 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and co-founder of the marketing group, Kidlit at Heart. Through her work, she aims to inspire and inspire young hearts, one story at a time. @reneebollaauthor (Instagram, FB, and Pinterest) / @reneebolla (Tik Tok) https://www.reneebollaauthor.com
In today’s Feature Interview, we’ll be discussing:
writing across genres of kidlit, picture books through middle grade
how to master voice
creative process
juggling work with play & work-life balance
and how to dazzle and hook an agent
Mia, it’s great having you with us! Can you tell us where you’re joining us from today? And how did you find out about Chelsea’s World of Books website/blog?
I’m joining from Newton, MA which is 7 miles west of Boston. I found Chelsea’s World of Books online as a source for book recommendations.
I’d love to hear how you got your start in publishing. What led you to the wonderful world of publishing, and what were you doing before then?
I was a children’s book blogger at PragmaticMom.com, and then I cofounded a literacy nonprofit, ReadYourWorld.org. I read a ton of children’s books as a blogger, and that helped me to spot areas where I didn’t see books. When the publishing world became more interested in diverse stories about 7 years ago or so, that is when the door opened for me to try to write my own stories.
Prior to that, I was an entrepreneur as the co-founder of Aquent.com. I also took time off to be a stay-at-home mom after my middle child was born. She is now 23 years old. When my third child started preschool five days a week, I decided to start my blog.
When did you begin pursuing writing as a career? And what were some of the first steps you took toward turning your dream into a reality?
My first step was to edit a book that was a curated list of lists of diverse children’s books by children’s book bloggers for my nonprofit, ReadYourWorld.org.
My next step was to write books for adults. I co-wrote How To Coach Girls with Alison Foley, the former Boston College Varsity Women’s Soccer Coach, who is also my neighbor. We also co-authored The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship, which helps high school students play sports in college.
But what really got me started was taking an Adult Education class on how to write children’s books at my local high school, and penning my first manuscript, Sumo Joe. I ended up entering this into Lee and Low’s New Voices competition. I didn’t win, but they offered me free editorial support, and after 7 months of edits, they offered to publish my book.
What were some things that helped you most in the beginning of your journey? Any contests, writing organizations, groups, friends, etc.?
Fifteen years ago, mom bloggers were a really big thing. There were hundreds of us who specialized in children’s books, and it was a warm and supportive community. I think this is where my journey into the world of children’s books began. It was a place to share my favorite books, and then I realized that there weren’t enough diverse stories being published, so I focused my blog on that. Being able to build a community around a love of diverse books has been the heart of being able to become a children’s book author because I was able to meet like-minded bloggers, authors, illustrators, publishers, and even agents!
As a fellow blogger and advocate for diverse books, I was thrilled to learn more about your literary blog. Can you tell us how/when that got started, and why?
About 13 years ago, Lee and Low published a study that showed that the number of diverse children’s books had not increased in the past 14 years. That was really a wake-up call for me because I had gone to a 10-year-old’s birthday party in California, and 18 out of the 19 girls were mixed race. The demographics of the U.S. were definitely changing into a more diverse population, but the children’s book publishing industry wasn’t keeping up because they thought only people of that minority would read a book about a diverse character. Children’s book bloggers sharing about great, diverse books to a wider audience helped to change this notion. The ALA awards recognizing diverse stories also played a major role.
As a traditionally published and agented author, could you share a little bit about what led you in the direction of traditional publishing vs. independent, as well as what reasons you chose to seek representation?
I have been both traditionally published and self-published, and my agent, Lary Rosenblatt, is also non-traditional in the sense that he owns a media company, (22MediaWorks) that makes children’s books as a “book packager.” He’s made more than 300 books for large publishing houses and turned to agenting during the pandemic when publishing was upended by the Covid lockdown.
He had hired me as a contract writer for Asian Pacific American Heroes, and asked if I had an agent. I did not and I was thrilled to work with someone that I actually already made a book with so there was comfort in knowing a person beyond one or two meetings. We also self-published Changing the Game: Asian Pacific Female Athletes together during the pandemic and then, five years later, he was able to sell reprint rights to Scholastic, the publishing company that he made Asian Pacific American Heroes for.
We have since sold 11 manuscripts together, and it’s been a wonderful and fruitful relationship!
For writers/illustrators out there who are desperately trying to dazzle and hook an agent, what are some suggestions you have on how to dazzle and hook an agent?
Honestly, I think the best way is to submit manuscripts on your own while also querying agents. When you have an agent who expresses a little interest, enough to get a phone call, let that person know when you are about to sell a manuscript on your own. There are actually quite a few publishing companies that will accept unagented children’s book manuscripts.
You mentioned that you write across different ages of kidlit. I’m curious, which did you start with- PB or MG (writing and/or querying)?
I had two picture book manuscripts and a partial early reader chapter book ready when I queried five agents. I would recommend querying a higher number. I got replies from three of them. One agent was someone I knew as an author, and she said that she was only looking to add a diverse graphic novel creator who was both a writer and illustrator, so that was not a fit. Another agent gave me a beautiful rejection email that broke my heart because it was so kind. I didn’t hear back at all from two of them. I had a couple of calls with another agent who was looking for a different type of story than I had written, but encouraged me to keep sending her my work.
So … no takers. I ended up not querying further and just focused on learning how to write better manuscripts, and then Lary came at the right time/right place.
Which manuscript landed you your agent, and which landed you your first book deal?
Sumo Joe was my first picture book deal. Food for the Future was my first book deal with my agent.
When writing across age groups, it takes a different mindset to create an appropriate voice for your characters. For example, a character in a picture book might respond much differently when presented with the same situation/problem as a character in a middle-grade story. How are you able to master voice across different age groups in your own writing? And do you have any tips on ways to improve this for our writers out there who may be interested in experimenting?
I honestly am still working on this. I tend to write for an older age naturally so I have to fix that when writing picture books. I also use an editor that I pay to help polish my manuscripts and I have learned a ton from her as well as from every editor that I work with on my books that were sold. It’s an ongoing process, I think, to just get better at craft.
My advice would be to read 100 books (if picture book) on the topic of what you are trying to write. There is so much to learn by imitating. It’s just like art when you study a master and even do a copy of their work. When you infuse your own personal lived experience into the story, you make it your own.
When writing a story… be it picture book or middle grade, what is your creative process like? And is it different depending on what age group you’re writing for?
I think I am similar to a lot of writers in that I have a ton of ideas, but I am always behind in developing them into an actual manuscript. And that process can really vary for me from a few weeks to five years. Sometimes, I have the idea, but I can’t figure out the structure of the story. For me, the structure of the story is where I begin and end as a writer. I think that is because I have trouble writing with a lot of emotion, so story structure is where I can build the narrative arc. Then, I go back to add in emotion and figurative language.
I talk to a lot of kidlit writers who are parents and have busy, busy schedules as it is, and want to get their stories out there, but worry that they won’t have enough time to dedicate. As a parent, what are some ways that you’ve been able to juggle work with play and create a healthy work-life balance?
I don’t think that I could have written manuscripts when my children were younger though many, many successful children’s book authors and illustrators can do that. I empty nested two years ago, so it’s been easier for me to find the time to slot in writing and revising.
What is your BIG reason for writing? What does it mean to you?
As an entrepreneur, I feel like I dropped into this because I had accidentally created an author platform as a children’s book blogger. It seemed like an opportunity to try to figure out. I was used to starting off doing things very badly and learning from mistakes, as someone who has worked on many start-ups, and writing is not different!
But I think the reason why I keep at it is because there are still stories out there of Asian Americans that deserve to be known to children as picture book biographies. I am hoping to bring some of these people’s stories to life in that way. I have a long list, lol!
Tell us about some of your stories and their inspiration! What makes each story special to you, and what do you hope it will provide your reader with? A new point of view? A specific emotion? A shared experience? A window or a mirror? Etc.
We Sing from the Heart came out of a meeting with musician and band leader, Simon Tam, when he reached out to hundreds of Asian American organizations and influencers to write letters of support for his lawsuit’s appeal. We met over the phone, and I was so impressed with him! When he won his trademark in a unanimous Supreme Court decision, I knew that my kids would not know about him unless it was through a children’s book.
My newest book, The Traveling Taco, is in response to the negative narrative recently about immigrants. I wanted to show that some of your favorite foods, such as ice cream, pizza, and pasta, would not be available if not for immigrants. I find that food is a great entry point to learn and appreciate other cultures.
What has the reaction been from readers? Have you had any special moments with fans? In person, online, through a kind review/note, etc.? We’d love to hear/see!
I don’t have a photo, but on one of my very first author visits to a school in Rhode Island, a very young Asian boy, perhaps in Kindergarten, greeted me with a hug. It meant so much to me, and I felt like he connected because we are both Asian.
What have been some of the highlights and greatest joys along your publishing journey?
I met publisher Angus Yuen-Killick one year after the pandemic at USBBY in Nashville, and his children’s book company, Red Comet Press, was a start-up with just one or two seasons of books under his belt. It’s been a joy to get to know him and support his company. They make the most beautiful books! I’m thrilled to be making six books (and hopefully more!) with him and his husband, Mike Yuen-Killick! It has been really fun to work together on our books, but also to send talent their way and watch my friends’ books come out.
Have you been able to host any local author events? Book signings/school visits (virtual/in-person), library storytimes, etc.?
Yes, I am going to be doing some group events soon. I have a group of Red Comet Press authors in the Massachusetts area and we hope to have events lined up in the fall. I am also putting together another group focused on sustainability/farms/pollinators.
I also do solo events including an author visit for a school in Ohio, right before ALA.
What were some difficulties you faced on your publishing journey, and how were you able to overcome them?
Every time I get a rejection, it feels like a gut punch, and I have to take off a few days from writing to recover. Luckily, my agent shields me from much of this.
What advice do you have for an author facing (a) similar difficulty/difficulties?
Look at rejection as the currency you need to succeed. Like, I need 100 rejections in order to achieve X goal.
I have so many, but I will say that my go-to response is Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Every character in that book is a fully fleshed-out, living, breathing, interesting human being. She is a remarkable writer!
-Such a great choice! I love Kate DiCamillo!
Favorite hangout spots?
I am learning to Urban Sketch, so I like to go fishing with my husband on the Charles River, and I watercolor paint while he fishes. I also set up a bird feeder in my yard, so now I wander around Newton, where I live, to find birds. There is a small pond in front of Newton City Hall, and I like to search for birds while painting there.
Favorite snack?
I love senbei, rice crackers. Also, the herb popcorn from Trader Joe’s. I am also a fruit-a-holic. I love all kinds of fruit, especially anything tropical. My kids think that I was a fruit bat in a past life.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers today?
My nonprofit, ReadYourWorld.org, gives away diverse books to readers, and our sign-up to be matched with a book starts in September. We celebrate the books at our annual event on the last Thursday in January.
We also have tons of resources to find great diverse children’s books, including our List Resource, a library of more than 250 interviews with authors from our IG Live series, and our Classroom Kits.
If you are in the Boston area, we host the Newton Children’s Book Festival, which will feature more than 60 authors. Check it out HERE.
Thank you so much for being here today, Mia!
And now…
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
For the month of June 2025, Mia Wenjen is offering ONE WINNER a signed copy of her book We Sing from the Heart and her newest book, The Traveling Taco, + book swag + and a virtual author visit.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
Want extra entries? Share and tag on X @chellysbooks or Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks, and I’ll add your additional entry to the giveaway pool.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 30th 2025, 11:59 PM CST
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Mia Wenjen blogs at PragmaticMom.com. She is also the co-creator and president of nonprofit, Read Your World. Her newest picture book is and Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime (Eifrig Publishing). Her debut picture book, Sumo Joe (Lee and Low, 2019) was selected as a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year. Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World (Barefoot Books, 2023) is a Junior Library Guild selection, received a starred review from School Library Journal, and made Chicago Library Best of the Best list. We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court (Red Comet Press) releases on October 15, 2024. Follow her @pragmaticmom on social media.
Blog: @PragmaticMomInstagram: @PragmaticMomTwitter/X: @PragmaticMomPinterest: @PragmaticMomFaceBook: @PragmaticMomLinkedIn: Mia WenjenYouTube: Mia WenjenTikTok: @ReadYourWorldBlueSky: @PragmaticMomThreads: Mia Wenjen
Attention kidlit community, I have exciting news. Applications for the 2026 Feature Interview lineup are now OPEN! If you’ve been following my blog, you know that this window is typically only open one month out of the year, so this is a special opportunity. I hope that opening the window early will allow more people the time needed to prep their applications and give as many people a chance to share their stories!
Would you/someone you know be interested in being a guest? APPLY HERE! I’d love to hear your story!
Shout THE NEWS from the rooftops- share, share, share!
Today, I’m talking with returning guest children’s book author Heather Stigall. In this month’s Feature Interview we’ll be trekking through the ups and downs of publishing and sharing intimate details of the daunting questions: “What do I do if my agent and I end up parting ways and/or my editor leaves?’
But before we do… here are a few things to know about 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!
Heather, it’s so nice to have a returning guest visit the blog. The last time we shared a chat was in the October 2023 Feature Interview. Now, fast forward to April 2025. How time has flown by! Since then, you’ve been through the mountains, so to speak, on your publishing journey.
When reading over your application for the Feature Interview segment 2025, I thought it was interesting and kind of comical how the route to publishing sometimes takes such unorthodox paths… far from linear. Publishing moves at a pace and rhythm of its own choosing and, more often than not, in quite chaotic upside-down and crisscross patterns, but eventually, things DO move forward, which is hopeful. Speaking of which… let’s jump into the first question.
Could you share a little about your 2025 project and its significance to your writing journey? What makes this book special, and what interesting experiences has it had?
Thank you for having me back, Chelsea! You are so right about the far-from-linear path that publishing often takes, and my journey has been no exception! To answer your question about what made my 2025 project special, in short, it got me my first R&R (“revise and resubmit”), my first request for more work, and landed me my first agent. All amazing things!
To expand on that a little, in the spring of 2021, I had the opportunity to submit a manuscript for a professional critique through a webinar I hosted for our chapter of SCBWI (Eastern Pennsylvania’s chapter of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). I submitted a story that had been through several rounds of revision and critiques by my critique partners. The agent had a lot of positive feedback about the story’s character, voice, language, themes, and marketability, but she also had some suggestions for how she felt I could improve the plot’s middle section. Then, much to my surprise, she said that even though she was taking on “very few picture book text these days,” she “encouraged” me to query her for representation and was “happy to take another look” at my story. I knew then that I had something special!
I did a few more revisions and that summer, I queried her. Within two weeks, she responded, asking me to send more work! A first for me! She specified that she was not asking for an exclusive submission, but to check in with her if I received an offer of representation while she considered my work. So, I began sending my story out to other agents while waiting to hear back. One of those submissions was to Beth Marshea of Ladderbird Agenc,y who was a 12×12 Picture Book Challenge Featured Agent (“Gold” members of 12×12 receive special monthly submission opportunities). Beth responded the very day I sent her my manuscript to say, “When I tear up at the end of a PB I have to talk to the author!” After talking with Beth and sending her more work, she offered representation. I then went back to the agents who had my work and had not yet responded, including the first agent who was considering my work, but I ultimately signed with Beth. A few weeks later, we went out on submission with my story about a boy who wanted to be friends with a ghost!
For many writers AND/OR illustrators looking for literary representation, it’s the dream goal to find “the agent” and ideally work together for, if not the remainder of, then at least a significant chunk of their author and/or illustrator career. But, as we know, that’s not always the case. Agents move and sometimes leave the industry altogether, and so do editors.
Many creators might shudder in fear at the thought of “starting all over again” and wonder, ‘What happens if my agent/editor ends up leaving the business or we end up parting ways? Where does that leave me and my book? What are the next steps to take?’ Since you have some experience with the things listed above, could you share a bit about your experiences, as well as the steps you were able to take?
Again, you are so right, Chelsea! I had a wonderful working experience with Beth. She was enthusiastic about my work, we got a book deal on the first story I sent her, she negotiated my contract, and we went out on submission with a second story. But in the spring of 2023, Beth informed me that she decided to take a step back from representing authors. She would continue to represent me on the book I had coming out and negotiate any offers we received on the story we had on submission at that time, but that would be our last project together. I was so disappointed! And the thought of querying authors all over again was daunting.
But that wasn’t the only roadblock I encountered that spring. A month after Beth informed me that we would be parting ways, Beaming Books (with whom I had a contract for GILBERT AND THE GHOST) informed me that the acquiring editor would no longer be working for them. Then, the following month, the publisher informed me they decided to push GILBERT AND THE GHOST’s publication date from Fall 2024 to Fall 2026! I had the option to withdraw from my contract, but I knew that even if I received a new book deal the following day (hah!), the publication date would likely be the same (or farther out).
I took a little time to let all this news sink in and after collecting myself, I retrieved my old agent research and updated it. I polished the stories I felt had the most promise. I crafted a new bio for my query letter that included my new publication credits. Then, I spent the summer and fall querying agents again. I collected rejections again. But this time, I got three requests for more work, and it took less time to find new representation (six months vs. almost four years). Now, I’m represented by the amazing Amy Nielsen of The Purcell Agency. And (bonus!) Beaming Books decided to push the publication of GILBERT AND THE GHOST to 2025!
-WOW! Truly an amazing journey, Heather. And this speaks to your resilience and adaptability- which we all know are greatly needed qualities to stay afloat in this ever-changing industry.
Let’s talk a little about R&R’s. What experiences did you have with R&R’s, and how did they impact your writing? Explain.
Great question! My experience with an R&R is a perfect example of how subjective this business can be. As I mentioned above, the agent who requested an R&R on GILBERT felt the middle section needed revision and offered reasons why (she had some questions about the story’s believability). It is interesting to note that she felt the story’s ending was “sweet and satisfying.” I agreed with almost all her suggestions and revised accordingly. When I queried her, I thanked her for offering to look at my revision (which served as a reminder that she did) and briefly explained how I addressed her concerns. I also explained why I decided not to revise one item she commented on. She must have liked the changes I made because that led to her asking to see more of my work.
Interestingly, however, somewhere in the process of making these revisions, I had another critique opportunity with a different agent, and she had some different opinions. For example, she wanted Gilbert’s family to be more empathetic to his cause; to encourage him to be brave along the way. I wanted them to act more as antagonists (just not in a mean way), so I decided to ignore that suggestion. The agent also felt that an editor might shy away from my story because the ending wasn’t “decisive” enough. It was my intent to leave room for reader interpretation at the end, so I ignored that suggestion as well. I did agree with a few of her other suggestions, but I only incorporated the feedback that resonated with me.
I’m glad I followed my instincts, because the agent I ultimately signed with obviously loved the version of the story I chose to stick with, and it was the version that resulted in a book contract.
-I really love how you explained this, Heather, and I think it’s SO incredibly important for creatives to learn this balance as well, knowing what feedback to take and what feedback to ignore. Being flexible and open to edits and changes to your work is something you’ll always need to have in this field. That being said, knowing what resonates with your vision is crucial. If an agent suggests an edit that doesn’t align with the “heart” or “vision” of your story, knowing how to stand your ground and tactfully defend/explain your vision will go a long way in having a happy relationship, as well as being satisfied with your end product.
Let’s talk about unexpected – shifts in plans (and timelines). You mentioned that since signing the book contract and losing your agent AND the editor being let go, AND THEN the publisher pushing the pub date out by another TWO YEARS- Ahh!- that you then got a new agent -(yay!) and after this, the publisher pushed your pub date back up by one year. *Oh-my-goodness. Talk about a ROLLER COASTER. I almost got whiplash just from writing this…*
During this uncertain time, I can only imagine the overwhelming emotions you may have been going through. How did you manage to keep it together and stay the course? And what advice would you give to authors and/or illustrators who may be facing similar up-and-down challenges?
A wild ride, for sure! Of course, I was crushed to receive news that I had been “orphaned” and then that my book had been orphaned too. I was starting to feel invisible, just like the main character of my story. But I knew others who had been through similar situations, and I asked them about their experiences. It helped to know I wasn’t alone. I also counted my blessings. I had the support of my critique partners, family, and the kidlit community, and my first book was about to launch (PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY released in August 2023). I told myself that the delayed publication date for my second book would allow me more time to promote the first. I could also use the extra time to research and query agents as well as polish more manuscripts when received a request for more work. I took comfort in the fact that I found an agent who believed in me once, so I had faith I could do it again. And, in the process, I continued my “rejection ritual” that helps take the sting out of all the NOs. When I receive a pass on a submission, I put a dollar in my “Rejection Jar” (which I’ve recently re-named my “Not Yet Jar,” because at school visits I encourage students to think in terms of “not yet” instead of “no”). When I receive a “yes” I spend the money in the jar on something for myself. So, my advice to those who are facing challenges like this is: Take the time you need to grieve, find your support system, take a breath, get back in there, and believe in yourself!
-Something that I really loved that you said when you were expressing the up and down journey with this book was: “One of the main themes of the picture book is to believe and not give up, so I guess it’s fitting that it’s path to publication took believing and perseverance as well!” All I could think was YES, that is absolutely the truth!
No doubt, there were disappointing moments during your journey: close-calls, near-misses, and some tears shed along the way. But, at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, would you say the rewards outweigh the moments of struggle? Explain.
Absolutely! I tend to look at the bright side of things, so when I hit a hurdle or roadblock, I tell myself that there is a reason for it. So maybe the delay in GILBERT’s publication was to allow me to savor PAISLEY a bit longer. I’ve had so much fun planning a launch, doing storytime events, school visits, book festivals, and more. Now I feel even more prepared to launch book number two and look forward to all the fun I’ll have sharing GILBERT AND THE GHOST with all those readers out there.
What have been some of the happiest moments of your publishing journey?
Oh, there have been so many! Besides signing with two agents and getting two book contracts, some of my happiest moments have occurred while promoting at events. I am fortunate to live near a few indie bookstores, and I’m a frequent visitor of Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA, so I asked them if they would host a book launch for my first book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (they’ve agreed to host my launch for GILBERT too). Paisley is a bunny, so I baked and decorated carrot cupcakes and bunny-shaped sugar cookies and made “carrot” savory treat bags. I had several surprise guests, including my aunt who is a big fan of picture books (she was a kindergarten teacher in her former life). I had commissioned her to make me stuffed toys that looked like the main character and her brother, Paisley and Pip, so it was especially meaningful to have her at my launch. Paisley and Pip now come with me for all my book events!
Another highlight was meeting the illustrator of PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY, Natallia Bushuyeva. This was very unexpected, as she lives in France! My husband competes in triathlons and qualified for the 2023 World Championships in the half-IronMan which was held in Finland that year. After his race and before coming home, we vacationed for a few days in Paris and arranged to meet Natallia. We met at a little café and signed each other’s copies of PAISLEY. How cool is that?
I love sharing my love of books with children. I have done several storytime events at bookstores and libraries and have also done some school visits. Everything from the kids’ enthusiasm to the questions they ask to the fan mail is more than enough reason to know pursuing children’s book writing was the right path for me.
Why do YOU write? What does writing mean to you?
I write to engage the creative part of my brain and to connect with my inner child.
What do you hope your stories will give your readers?
I hope to connect with the children who need or want to hear the stories I want to tell.
What’s something that you think every author and/or illustrator should know about publishing that you wish you had known sooner?
I think it’s important to understand that children’s book writing and illustrating is a business. We can pour so much of ourselves into our stories, so it’s understandable why rejections feel personal and can downright hurt. But there are so many reasons why an agent or editor passes on a manuscript, even a well-written, marketable one. Keep writing and submitting – your “yes” is out there!
What are some writing resources/contests/groups/workshops/etc. that have benefited you most along the way? How have they helped you? Did they help you find community, critique groups, accountability partners, deepen craft, etc.?
I am the poster child for trying out writing resources! I could name so many specific resources I’ve used that have contributed to my journey in kidlit (way too many to list them all here), but I’ve grouped them in more general terms:
The library and bookstores: I check out stacks of books from my local library regularly. Not only have I read books on the craft of writing, but reading books in the format/genre in which I write (mostly picture and chapter books) helps me see what I can do to improve my own writing and to see what books are being published and by whom. Bookstores are also great because you can see how books are being positioned and promoted to boost sales.
Joining SCBWI led to finding my critique group; attending local and not-so-local, in-person and virtual conferences and events; and to a volunteer position. That led to connecting with other writers/authors, illustrators, and industry professionals; learning more about my craft and about the industry; and improving my writing, revision, and critiquing skills.
Joining challenges (like 12×12, StoryStorm, Reading for Research Month, and March on with Mentor Texts) challenged me to write and read more, connected me with like-minded creators and more critique partners, and encouraged me to persevere.
Entering contests (like PBParty, the Rising with the Stars mentorship, and the #PBChat mentorship), and applying for awards and conferences (like SCBWI awards/grants and the Rutgers One-on-One Plus conference) challenged me creatively and pushed me to get my work out there.
Subscribing to (a ton!) of podcasts, blogs, publisher mailing lists, and author/illustrator newsletters, has been hugely influential. I’ve learned about writing, marketing, and author visits; about classes, workshops, contests, and mentorships; about industry trends and changes; about agents, editors, and publishers; and more. These sites (Chelsea’s is one example) often offer opportunities to win prizes like free books and critiques, and I have been the winner of a few. Bonus: Subscribing is FREE!
What do you think the main keys are to staying the course and keeping your joy in publishing? Feel free to share as many keys as you like! We’re open to all the wisdom.
Prepare (learn your craft and about the industry; work on what you can control). Practice (write, revise, share, submit, repeat). Have a Positive attitude (celebrate small successes). Persist!
Speaking of wisdom: what’s one piece of writerly advice/wisdom that you feel has been most helpful to you as a writer?
Keep going!
Okay, now we’ve entered the book portion of the interview. Tell us about your newest book! Starting with: What was your inspiration?
My newest picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST (illustrated by Jess Mason; Beaming Books, August 2025), began with two things – a title idea and a childhood memory. The title came about during Tara Lazar’s 2020 StoryStorm challenge. I like wordplay and thought “ghost writer” had potential for a picture book title (notice it’s not the title of my book now). The childhood memory came from my happy place – the beach. Beginning when I was two years old, my parents and my aunt and uncle rented the same beach house every year. I have many fond memories of summer days with my cousins at the beach, but as I brainstormed ideas for what to do with my fabulous title, I recalled one memory in particular. Before we left our rental for the season, we would hide a note somewhere in the house, hoping to find a reply when we returned the following year. Surely someone would want to be our pen pal! The next year, we’d check our secret hiding spot. Did anyone reply? No. But our note was missing! Someone must have read it, right? Maybe they did reply, but another renter received the note before us. So, we tried again, for several years, believing that eventually we would become friends with another beach lover, even if we never met. With that memory in mind, I wondered if I could write a story about a child who wrote notes to a ghost he believed lived in his neighborhood, even though no one else believed. A friendship story between a child, who understood what it was like to feel invisible, just like a ghost, and a ghost, who might want a friend too. So, I did!
Here is what the jacket copy for GILBERT AND THE GHOST says:
The ghost at 632 Savannah Street is real . . . right?
Gilbert often feels invisible, just like the ghost living at 632 Savannah Street. Despite his family’s disbelief, Gilbert leaves gifts for the ghost: a friendship bracelet, a plate of cookies, even a drawing with a note. When each disappears one by one, Gilbert finds that believing and friendship are worth the effort.
For kids who might often feel unseen, Gilbert and the Ghost is a ghostly tale of overcoming obstacles and finding friendship in mysterious places. Gothic, whimsical illustrations make this picture book perfect for spooky season, while its earnest themes make it worth a read all year round.
I didn’t plan it, but I realized much later that the story themes in Gilbert are a lot like what many authors/illustrators experience when they are trying to succeed in the industry. Gilbert, who sometimes feels invisible, believes in something most others around him don’t; but he perseveres and patiently keeps trying to achieve his goal (even though sometimes that’s difficult). I think we in the kidlit community can relate to feeling invisible when we submit into the “void” and often hear nothing back. Yet, like Gilbert, we persevere and try to be patient (even though that’s often difficult!). I am fortunate to have a very supportive family, and I’ve found the kidlit community to be extremely encouraging, but I know some creators encounter a lot of unsupportive (even if well-meaning) “doubters” just like Gilbert does with his family. So, I dedicate this book to all of you out there who are taking the steps to pursue your dream. I believe in you!
You shared something with me about feedback you received from the publisher on your book’s ending, and I really loved this experience because I think it’s very important as a writer to know when to budge and be flexible on something and when to tactfully stand your ground on something that speaks to your authentic author “voice” and the intention and vision that you have for your work. Could you tell our readers about your experience with this?
Absolutely! Before we got an offer from Beaming Books on GILBERT, the acquisition team came back with a few questions, one of which was about the ending. Earlier in this interview I talked about receiving agent feedback regarding what she felt was an indecisive ending, so I worried I might not receive an offer from Beaming if I gave them the “wrong” answer. But it was also important to me that the ending stay true to my intent. I don’t want to give the ending away, so I will refrain from providing specifics, but I will say that I crafted a carefully worded answer to their question, sent it to my agent for approval, and she sent it along to Beaming Books. Thankfully, they offered!
What are you most excited about with the publication of this book?
Even though I’ve seen the final digital version, I’m looking forward to holding a copy in my hands! It’s been a long wait for this book and I’m incredibly proud of it. I’m also excited to see the educator guide my daughter is creating for the book (she’s a teacher and created a fabulous one for PAISLEY), for a ghost-themed book launch at Children’s Book World, and for more readings and school visits with children!
When does the book come out, and when can we pre-order?
GILBERT AND THE GHOST officially releases on August 19, 2025, but you can pre-order now! Ordering links can be found on my website HERE.
I have a special offerfor everyone who pre-orders the book—freeSWAG! To get your SWAG, email or message me with proof of your pre-order purchase (you can use the contact form on my website; links below).
Any last words of inspiration that you’d like to share with our readers today?
Take a lesson from Gilbert – believe in yourself!
Thank you for joining us again, Heather. It’s truly been a treat having you. We’re all wishing you the best and continued success on this mountainous journey that is kidlit publishing.
Thank you, Chelsea, for having me on your blog again!
But that’s not all, friends! Now it’s time for…
A GIVEAWAY!!!
This month, Heather is offering a choice of either one signed copy of GILBERT AND THE GHOST or one critique of a fiction picture book, up to 800 words (preferably fiction).
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
Want extra entries? Share and tag on X @chellysbooks or Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks, and I’ll add your additional entry to the giveaway pool.
DEADLINE TO ENTER: 11:59 PM CST ON LAST DAY OF APRIL 2025
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
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) released in August 2023, is available in five additional languages and is a 2023 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award nominee. Her second picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST (Beaming Books) is due out August 2025. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, and her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall. PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis, 2023) GILBERT & THE GHOST (Beaming Books, 2025)
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Today, I’m talking with children’s book author Susan Lubner. We’ll discuss writing across genres, the creative process, and how to find a critique group.
But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.
THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?
Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.
Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.
What can these interviews offer YOU?
These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:
stay current with market trends
hook an agent or editor
find writing community & other resources
discover workshops, contests, and other events
figure out which path of publication is right for you
know if your agent is a good match
And more!
AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
THE VERY BEGINNING: PAVING A PATH TO PUBLISHING JOURNEY
Welcome to the blog, Susan! It’s so nice to have you with us today. The first thing I like to ask my guests is: how they ended up in kidlit publishing.
Let’s take that question into three parts: when, why, and how. When did your journey to publishing begin?
Hi Chelsea! Thank you so much for inviting me here today 😊
I think the path to publication really started when I was a young girl…long before I was ever aware of it! I enjoyed reading so much and writing short poems, too. My love of words and story were the seeds planted early on that would eventually lead to my career in writing for children. But the turning point was when I was in college. I took my first creative writing class and I was encouraged by my professor to submit some of my work. I did, and two fiction stories were published in a collegiate magazine. I think that gave me a boost of confidence. But it also made me realize how much I enjoyed the process of writing. And that it was something I wanted to continue and hone.
Let’s touch on the why. What was the inspiration that led you here? Is writing something you’ve always wanted to pursue, or were there other variables that brought you down this path? Explain.
What led me finally to a career in writing children’s books, happened pretty organically. But in a nutshell, it really stemmed from a renewed love and awe of children’s picture books. After college I continued writing short fiction and taking an occasional class or workshop. Writing for children wasn’t something I had considered or even thought about pursuing until after I had my first child. My daughter and I were reading a lot of picture books. I was reminded how much I enjoyed those books! And at that point I had a new perspective, not just because I was now reading from the point of view as an adult, but also as someone who enjoyed writing. I became very aware and curious about the craft. The pairing of text with illustrations. The cadence of sentences, and the idea of writing a complete story using so few words. Then one day in 1995, my daughter was two and we were in a bookstore. I saw a poster advertising a writing for children workshop. I signed up, and I’ve been writing children’s stories ever since.
That question leads nicely into our third which involves the how. How did you end up here in the kidlit arena?
That children’s writing workshop was the portal! It was taught by author Jacqueline Dembar Greene who became my mentor. All of us in that workshop were unpublished and newbies to the world of children’s publishing. And boy did we have a lot to learn. Several of the other members of the workshop and I formed a critique group. Three of us, (plus one other author who joined later on) are still critique partners …since the mid 90’s! Also at that workshop, I met Beth Raisner Glass. Beth had a manuscript she had been working on. At the time, I was very focused on writing stories that rhymed. She asked if I wanted to help her with her story which she was working to set in rhyme. Together we revised a new version of Noises at Night which eventually was published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.
What type of publishing did you pursue? (Traditional/hybrid/independent?) And why?
In the beginning I knew so little about how to get published that I wasn’t even aware that one could self-publish! I was told to get a copy of the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market which I did. It was also suggested to me that I try getting my stories published in children’s magazine’s too, like Highlights and Cricket. So my focus was always on the traditional route.
For our readers who may be new to publishing and don’t know the differences between these routes, could you briefly touch on what makes them different, as well as the pros and cons of each?
I don’t have any experience with hybrid or independent publishing and have not stayed current so I don’t have a lot of specific advice to offer to anyone who is taking that route nor can I speak confidently on that process. But generally, I can say that regardless of which route to publication is taken, there are so many wonderful resources that every writer can tap into to help them on their journey to publication.
Joining a writer’s critique group is invaluable! It helps enormously to have the feedback needed to get your stories really polished and ready for submission.
SCBWI offers opportunities to network, access to workshops, and the conferences are a great way to find the resources and support needed to help on the path to publication.
One of the things I have valued most from being traditionally published is the support from the amazing marketing departments at each publishing house. Marketing and selling your book is hard so, even though I have always done as much marketing and publicity on my own with each book launch, to have that support from a marketing and sales department from a publishing house too, is a valuable boost.
One of the things about traditional publishing that could fall in the con column is that it’s very difficult to get published with one. I have many manuscripts that have been rejected over the course of my career. It happens a lot! And I suppose that example of one of the downsides to traditional publishing highlights one of the awesome pros of self-publishing…that a writer has control of what gets published!
“Regardless of which route to publication is taken, there are so many wonderful resources that every writer can tap into to help them on their journey to publication.”
“Joining a writer’s critique group is invaluable! It helps enormously to have the feedback needed to get your stories really polished and ready for submission.”
“SCBWI offers opportunities to network, access to workshops, and the conferences are a great way to find the resources and support needed to help on the path to publication.”
Can you tell us a little bit about your querying/submission journey?
Things have changed so much since I started submitting my work. Back in the “olden days”, (ha!), when I was first starting out, snail mail was how the submission process worked. Prior to sending anything out, I was very careful to read as much as I could about how to submit a story. I learned how to format my manuscript and how to format a submission letter, too. Using the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market I made lists of which publishers were accepting unsolicited manuscripts (I did not have an agent at that time) and also which publishers were accepting simultaneous submissions, and which were not.
I have a very thick folder full of the many rejections I have received over the years. The first story I ever submitted was called The Ladybug. It was rejected many times until one day in 1998 I received an acceptance letter. My very first! I only got halfway through the letter when I cried and jumped up and down and did all the things I thought I would do if I ever got a story accepted! Then I read the rest of the letter. And again I cried. Because the letter went on to explain that even though they had accepted my story for publication (they wanted me to know that!), they had also made the unfortunate decision to move away from publishing children’s books!
- Oh, what an emotional roller coaster that must have been!-
It would be five years later that I would finally sell my very first story to Spider Magazine. Ironically, that first magazine story I sold took a long time to be published. It ended up coming out after the first book I sold (Noises at Night co-authored with Beth Raisner Glass ABRAMS 2005).
I got the awesome news that I sold my first picture book on April Fool's Day in 2004 so I had to wait a whole day to tell everyone so they would believe me!
- How funny! And exciting.-
That submission process was really unique. Noises at Night had come very close to being acquired at a very big house. Unfortunately, in the end, there wasn’t a total consensus and it was rejected. However, one of the editors was moving to Abrams and asked our permission to take the manuscript there. She loved the story, and we were fortunate that it found a home. Timing can sometimes play a very important role in whether something gets acquired or not.
Two more picture books followed but the submission process was much easier for me as my editor at Abrams asked to see other manuscripts, and so just a few emails were exchanged before I had an offer on my second picture book. My third picture book was a work-for-hire. Again, my editor at Abrams asked if I would be interested in working on the project and I said yes.
By the time my third picture book was out, I was about ready to start submitting my first middle-grade novel, The Upside of Ordinary. After making a lot of rounds and many rejections later, my critique partner suggested I submit it to a former student of hers who worked at Holiday House as an assistant editor. Fortunately, she really loved it as did the publisher!
-How wonderful!-
I’ve had a pretty eclectic experience when it comes to submissions! One thing has always been consistent though, and that is the road to publication is filled with twists and turns and lots of bumps!
Are you currently agented, and if so, how did you find your agent match? (Was it through cold query/submission, was it during a contest, etc.?)
I do work with an agent who I adore. At one of my writer’s group meetings, I shared a funny picture book that they really enjoyed. One of the members of my group had recently seen a post on a particular agent’s blog who was asking to see humorous picture books. I submitted the manuscript to her. It never did sell but we are still working together almost 11 years and three books later.
If comfortable sharing what agent/agency did you sign with?
Linda Epstein who at the time was with an agency in New York but moved to the Emerald City Literary Agency and I went with her.
For writers and illustrators who are actively querying for their agent match, could you tell us about your agent call and what to expect?
My agency query in this particular instance, was very specific in the approach. The post Linda had made on her blog, requesting to see humorous picture books had instructions on how to send a manuscript. I followed those instructions and attached the manuscript right in that first email as directed. She responded pretty quickly and asked to see other manuscripts which I sent back to her right away.
What types of questions do you find more useful to ask during this call?
One of the first questions I asked Linda when we discussed working together is if she offered editorial feedback. For me, it was very important to have an agent that also could (and would be willing) to provide feedback and suggestions for edits. I think all writers benefit from a second (or third or fourth!) pair of eyes! Especially before something is to head out on submission.
-Such a great thing to look for in an agent. And wonderful that you knew beforehand what you were specifically looking for.-
Which leads to a second question I think is important: Does the agent submit only exclusively or will he or she submit to multiple publishers all at once. I have heard of agents that will only send out a manuscript to one single publisher at a time even if that publisher will accept simultaneous submissions. That is a process that would not appeal to me, as it often takes so long to hear back from editors.
-Another great thing to know before signing with an agent.-
Asking questions up front before you commit to an agent is important. It’s very exciting to receive an offer from an agent but you want to make sure that the writer and agent are compatible and share similar expectations so that hopefully the relationship is a good fit. Talk to agented writer friends, too. See what their experience has been like and figure out what is important to you regarding a relationship with an agent before you make that choice.
-Love this advice, Susan. So great!-
How did you know which agent/agency was the right match for you?
I could tell from our email exchanges that Linda is accessible and responsive (she ALWAYS answers her emails quickly), straightforward, and very honest, the latter meaning if she doesn’t know the answer to something she says so, and will try to find out. Linda is funny, kind and approachable. All great qualities. And all of these things came across in the early days of email exchanges.
I also had a history with two other agents prior to signing with Linda. Those agents were also very kind and both of those relationships ended amicably. But everyone has different expectations and ways of doing things, and it’s not about whether someone is good or bad but more about whether a particular agent is the right fit for you.
-Yes, exactly! I think you put that perfectly. It's about finding the "right fit." Just like any relationship, it's about knowing what you want, what your expectations are of each other, then communicating it clearly- which it sounds like you did by the questions you asked- and overall, those factors will show you whether you're compatible or not.-
For people considering traditional publication as their route to publishing, could you briefly describe an agent’s role/relationship with an author and/or illustrator and some of the benefits of having one?
Everything I write, Linda sees and provides feedback before the submission process, so my manuscript is very polished and is in the best shape possible (or at least until an editor asks for revisions!) Linda then puts together and shares with me a list of publishers she will be submitting to. The great thing about working with Linda is that she knows which editors are looking for what and so the submission process becomes very targeted. Having someone do all this legwork for you really frees up so much more time for me to focus on my writing which is a great benefit.
-Linda sounds like a dream agent! And you sound like a dream client, because you're a clear communicator. That's so helpful!-
Another benefit is that there are many traditional publishers that will only look at work from agented authors so having an agent helps to get your manuscript in front of more editors. That of course is a plus because the more people who get a chance to consider your manuscript, the better your chances are (hopefully!) of getting an offer.
A third great benefit is that I do not have to deal with the business side of publishing. Linda handles all of the negotiations and contract issues, and I am so grateful for that!
HIGHS, LOWS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM
We on the blog LOVE hearing all the wonderful, exciting bits of publishing. But sometimes, hearing the realities of the lows can be helpful too.
What have been some challenges you’ve faced on the road to publishing? And how were you able to overcome these challenges?
I’m dealing with a challenge I’ve never experienced before, right now. I have worked with the most wonderful editor on my new early reader chapter book series Drag and Rex, beautifully illustrated by Blythe Russo. The first book, Drag and Rex Forever Friends, launched in November of 2023 and went into a second printing a few months ago so it’s done quite well. The second book in the series Drag and Rex Sweet and Silly launches in November of 2024.
Here’s the challenge: the imprint that published Drag and Rex is changing its focus completely and going forward they will not be publishing anymore of their list. That means that I will not be working with my editor and my books will be under a different imprint. This creates a lot of unknowns!
Will the new editor love the series as much as the other editor? Is the threshold for sales higher at this imprint? Will they want more books in the series?
My agent has been communicating with the editor at the other imprint (who I have actually worked with before and is lovely!) but no matter what, right now there are still a lot of unknowns. It’s a wait-and-see.
I am hoping the second book does very well and the series will continue! That’s the best way for me to deal with this unexpected challenge…to hope for the best and to do everything I can to help the book sell very well so the new imprint wants to continue the series.
Any words of wisdom for illustrators or authors who may be facing similar challenges?
Writers don’t have a lot of control when it comes to publishing decisions and unexpected challenges. But we can control our work. I think a great way to handle these stressful unpredictable curveballs is to get back to what we do best…writing! And of course, always hope for the best.
“I think a great way to handle these stressful unpredictable curveballs is to get back to what we do best…writing! And of course, always hope for the best.“
BEHIND THE WRITER’S DESK: WRITING ACROSS GENRES & CREATIVE PROCESS
Let’s talk a bit about the magic that happens behind the writer’s desk. I know you write across genres. Tell us about that. What does writing across genres entail?
I really enjoy writing different types of stories. Each type of story involves a writing process that is different…not in just topic, or target but technique, too. Writing picture books I am always mindful that my story will be illustrated and so the marriage of art and words must be considered; as do page turn and word count. Writing middle-grade novels involves multiple storylines that are more complicated and layered. That is true of MG characters too. My characters in my middle-grade books of course have more mature and complicated problems than my picture book characters. The early reader writing experience for me I used a bit of both PB and MG techniques! I had to consider the illustrations when I wrote Drag and Rex, but I could be a bit more relaxed about word count. I think what draws me to writing a specific type of book is influenced by what I happen to be reading at the time. Early in my career, I read a lot of picture books. I was reading piles and piles of them first to my children but then also because I just loved reading them so much. As my kids got older and were reading chapter books…I did too. Now they are 31 and almost 28! But I still love reading children’s books.
What are some of the pros and cons of writing across genres?
What advice do you have for writers who are interested in pursuing writing in different areas of kidlit (magazines, middle grade, chapter books, early readers, picture books, etc.)?
I think it’s important and helpful to read the genre or type of book that you are writing. If you are writing a middle-grade novel, then read middle-grade novels. If you are writing YA, read YA books. If you are working on a mystery, read mysteries! There are so many great authors who inspire me, and I love to think about their style and technique and try to figure out what it is I like (or on occasion what I don’t like) about a particular voice or storyline and analyze what makes it work so well.
Do you have any tips on techniques for writing across genres as well as how to shift gears and mindset from one genre to the next? Explain.
Usually when I write, no matter the genre or type of book I am working on, I always start with a character. My storyline (or lines) develop from my characters. For example, in my latest book Drag and Rex Forever Friends illustrated by Blythe Russo, each character has a very distinct (and extinct!!!) personality. Drag is a dragon who is a bit scatterbrained, a little messy, and very impulsive. Those character traits helped me to develop storylines that involve gobbling up a cake before it can be delivered to a friend, and accidentally, ALMOST ruining a very snowy day.
Using that technique of developing my characters first, and therefore getting to know them helps me to develop the plotlines in my stories. It doesn’t matter what kind of book I’m writing because each story always needs a character (or two or three or more) and my stories always develop from the characters I create.
I will also reiterate what I mentioned above and that is to read whatever type of book you are writing. If you are writing a picture book, read picture books. Note the books you really loved and what it was about the style, or tone, or cadence that made it so appealing.
AUTHOR VISITS
Have you been able to have any author visits? If so, what kind of visit was it (school/library/bookstore, etc)?
This year because it was a launch year, I did a lot of events at bookstores, libraries, book fairs, conferences, and even a couple of events at a bakery. All of my school visits this year were virtual and took place over World Read Aloud Day (but all week long) I had a terrific book launch last November at Wellesley Books with one of my critique partners, author Anna Staniszewski moderating. I really enjoyed that format and it was a packed house!
What kind of response did you receive?
For the most part most of my events went very well and I had some good turnouts. But even if an event isn’t very busy, I’m always grateful to have an audience big or small to read to. I so appreciate all of the support from so many enthusiastic booksellers, librarians and teachers, and of course the readers and students are awesome!
What’s your favorite part of a visit?
I do love engaging with readers and I especially love the Q & A portion of a visit. Kids are so incredibly curious and smart. And oftentimes they will tell me what they have been reading or about stories they have written.
About how long is a visit and what kind of routine do you have?
Most of my visits are about an hour to an hour and a half. Typically the event starts off with a reading followed by an activity and then a book signing.
Do you offer any freebies or promo swag?
I always have plenty of bookmarks to hand out and lately some Drag and Rex stickers
For authors or illustrators who may be debuting and not quite sure how to set up these visits or what to do when there, could you share a little bit about the process of how you arrange your visits? Do you reach out to schools/libraries/bookstores- does your agent/editor- or do they reach out to you directly?
It’s a bit of all of that! I've been doing this for a while so I have several booksellers and librarians that I'm very comfortable reaching out to to set up an event. I think it’s always helpful to consider the timing of the event of course…
For example for picture books and early readers, scheduling a visit during a bookseller’s regular story time is an advantage as usually there's an audience or a regular group that comes to those events every week, and so you have a chance of already having a nice turnout.
Middle-grade readers can be trickier as readers that age tend to have very busy schedules. In the past I have teamed up with other authors to do book signing tours…having a group of authors at one event can add a bit more buzz and help create a lot of excitement.
There are also times when the publicity manager from my publisher will organize an event for me. Often it will be at a conference, or sometimes at a bookstore where the bookseller has reached out looking to host an event with an author.
Do you have any tips for an author and/or illustrator’s first visit?
With library or bookstore visits, I always try to create more of an event rather than just an author reading (not that reading isn’t exciting on its own of course, but making the appearance sound a bit like a party helps to add to the excitement!)
For example, at one library event over winter break we had a winter fun theme which tied in with one of the story themes in my new early reader chapter book, Drag and Rex Forever Friends. We served hot chocolate and incorporated an activity.
Other events were friendship-themed “parties” which included making friendship bracelets after a reading; at one bookstore we hosted a pajama party…I wore mine with my slippers and readers were invited to show up in theirs for a bedtime story. For both Drag and Rex and Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl I have done several very well-attended events at a local bakery. After my reading, the kids toured the bakery and then decorated either a cake or brownie that was tied in with a storyline.
One of my favorite events was after Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl first came out. That book has a subplot that involves the main character and her best friend knitting sweaters for cats to raise money for the animal shelter where they volunteer. (You can guess how that turns out…trying to put a sweater on a cat!) In the end, they knit blankets instead. I did an event at a library where everyone made little patchwork blankets and donated them to the local animal shelter. The shelter volunteers even showed up at the library, and the local paper did a story about it so I received an extra boost of publicity.
Be creative and have fun! Think about the themes in your book and how they might tie in with a particular event.
Now it’s time for BOOKS!
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!
We’d love to hear about some of your books; from the first concept and inspiration to the final product.
I had actually written the first version of Drag and Rex Forever Friends more than ten years ago. I have always loved the simple storylines in early readers, making soup or raking leaves. I am a huge fan of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, and James Marshall’s George and Martha and was inspired by these lovely books.
Drag and Rex started out as Bitsy and Mo and then a host of other names. I had no idea who these characters were supposed to be…a dog and a cat? A rabbit and mouse? They were constantly changing. But I had written two of the stories (though a few details changed once I figured out that they were to be a dragon and T-rex!) and then they sat untouched in a file drawer until the Covid quarantine. I took out the stories, did a bit of tweaking and sent them to my agent. She loved them even though we still didn’t know who the characters were. I decided to set aside trying to figure out who I wanted them to be and thought about instead, who would kids want them to be? And that was how they became Drag and Rex. Alison Weiss at Pixel + Ink fell in love with these two. The process for finding an illustrator took a very long time…there were actual auditions! Blythe Russo nailed it! Shetruly understood the essence of these two buddies. It was so exciting to see how she brought the pair to life!
Do you have any favorite illustrative spreads? If so, which and why?
There are so many it’s hard to pick just one but I guess if I have to…this one is really extra special. It was one of the first illustrations I saw when the book was in production and I just love how Blythe Russo so perfectly depicted these three friends about to share this yummy carrot cake!
If you had to describe in one sentence what inspires you on a daily basis to pursue writing as a career… what motivates you to put your thoughts and heart on the line and share it with others… what would it be?
I think I can actually say it in one word: Stories. I love to read, write, and listen to them. I’m so grateful to be a part of this creative kidlit world!
What have been some of your most meaningful or fulfilling projects and what makes them so special to you?
Each project has had its joys and frustrations. But I think writing Lizzy and the Good Luck girl taught me one of the most important lessons as a writer…and that is… to dig really deep into your main character. To find out what it is your character really wants. For me getting to the heart of my character meant getting to the heart of my story.
What do you hope others will take away from your books?
I hope readers just enjoy the story. Maybe laugh or feel touched in some way. I never write with the intention to provide a lesson.
Anything special you’d like to share with us today that we may not know?
The second book in the Drag and Rex series, Sweet and Silly (illustrated by Blythe Russo) will be out in the fall of 2024!
What final words of wisdom would you like to share with your readers?
Love what you do, be passionate about your writing and be persistent! All else will fall into place! Remember that there’s always something to learn, too no matter what stage of your career you are at. And finally, the best bit of advice I ever got (I am so sorry I can’t remember where I read it!!!) And that is: allow yourself to write badly. That was a stumbling block for me…that I would type something out then erase it and rewrite and rewrite until I thought it was perfect. That’s ok to do that too once in a while! But some days allow yourself to just write…and keep going no matter how awful you think it is, magic can happen if you don’t stifle the process.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Susan. And now… It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!
Susan Lubner is offering the following giveaway prizes: (one prize PER winner )
Prize 1: A signed copy of Drag and Rex Forever Friends
Prize 2: A 20-minute virtual visit with the book.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment on this post!
And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribeto the blog and/or newsletter!
That’s it!
DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 30th 2024, 11:59 PM CST
Please note: if the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
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Susan Lubner grew up in Bangor, Maine but has lived in Massachusetts for most of her life. She is the author of the early reader chapter book series from Pixel + Ink, Drag and Rex Forever Friends (book 1 fall 2023) and Sweet and Silly (book 2 fall 2024) illustrated by Blythe Russo; two middle grade novels, Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl (Running Press Kids/Hachette Books 2018); and The Upside of Ordinary (Holiday House 2012) and three picture books (Abrams Books for Young Readers 2005, 2006, 2008). Her stories have appeared in Spider Magazine and Highlights for Children. Susan lives with her husband David and a giant poodle named Bailey. They have two grown daughters.
But I had never done one before. So, it was time to do some research. Today, I’ll be sharing what I uncovered.
Who Does Guest Blogging Benefit? And WHAT are the Benefits?
So, let’s start with the benefits of guest blogging. Who exactly does it benefit?
WHO it benefits:
The guest blogger
The blog host
The guest blogger’s audience
The blog host’s audience
Now we know who’s benefiting. Let’s talk about HOW they benefit them.
The Guest Blogger
If you’re invited to join someone on their blog as a guest blogger, congratulations! This means somebody has found value in your blog posts and is interested in sharing your content with their readers. Networking with fellow bloggers is a fantastic way to grow your audience. But it helps in other ways too.
Not only can it help you grow your audience, but it can also help you gain website authority, establish credibility, increase organic rankings, and improve your Google algorithms.
Alright! This is awesome. But how does it work? We’ll get into that too.
Important things to remember when writing a guest post is that you’re writing for whoever’s blog’s audience. So, if you share compatible topics but not everything is the same, remember to tailor your discussion to something that will directly benefit or interest your blog host’s readers. (Your blog host may have a specific set of guidelines or suggested topics for you to write about- we’ll touch on that later.)
So, do your homework. Know your audience. And your blog host’s audience. And… don’t forget to use backlinks.
Adding backlinks (aka link building) to your post is very important. Why? Backlinks are part of what helps you gain website authority, establish credibility, and increase your rankings organically.
They tell Google, “Hey, this is a trusted, credible source.” The more links you can add into your guest post that trace back to your website, the better. But- not just ANY links will work. Technically, they’ll “work”… but you don’t want them to simply be accessible, you want them to be successful. Which goes back to audience. WHO are you writing for? WHAT will this audience care about? What are their interests?
Example: Let’s say you have a blog on animal care, and you’re invited to do a guest post for a blog all about CATS called THE CAT LADY, or NOTHING BUT CATS- THAT’S IT. If you link back to an article on your blog about hermit crabs or birds, this probably isn’t going to be what your readers were hoping to read because it’s not directly related to your audience preference. They’re interested in this blog because they want to read about CATS. So, why not take this opportunity to look over your blog articles and figure out which ones would be MOST compatible with your blog host? Then, use those articles as your backlinks.
That way, your audience will benefit. This is the goal.
The Blog Host
Now, let’s talk about how the blog host is benefited by having exterior posts written by other writers. If you’re like me (by that, I mean juggling 1,500 hundred things), AKA a very busy woman, you might not have the time to write hundreds of blog posts on your own.
Let’s be real. Good content takes time. And readers can tell the difference. So, if you’re sloppily throwing together blog entries that don’t have anything truly meaningful, your readers aren’t going to stick around. This means you need to put thought into each article you write. And thoughtful articles take time to produce. But what if you simply don’t have the time to write as much content as you’d like to be sharing?
That’s where guest bloggers can help!
Guest bloggers can offer your readers the extra content that you don’t have the time to create. And, through the use of link building, you can gain more readers. Additionally, by collaborating with other bloggers with higher website authority, it also boosts your website’s authority. And vice versa.
The Guest Blogger’s and Host’s Audience
In summation, both audiences will benefit from guest blog posts. If it’s the guest blogger’s audience, they’ve just discovered a new website that might be of interest to them. If it’s the blog host’s audience- same thing- but also, they’ve been provided with helpful content from a different perspective. This can be a nice change of pace and, again, lends to your credibility as a website.
As you continue to grow as a blogger, it’s imperative that you connect with other bloggers in the network. Like any successful business, partnerships are mutually beneficial. By doing this, it will help both you and them to continue rising up in ranking and audience.
Where Can I find Bloggers Interested in Creating Content for my blog (aka guest blogging) OR Where Can I go to Write Content for Someone Else’s Blog?
Places to find content writers to help with guest posts OR to pitch yourself as a guest post content writer for others:
Directly on the blog. Comment on blogs you’re interested in having write for you, or who you’d be interested in writing for. Be courteous and respectful of their time, and don’t push if it doesn’t feel like a good fit. You never know, you might just find someone who’s grateful that you reached out.
LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a reputable place with qualified professionals who, for the most part, take their career and business seriously, so it only makes sense that this would be a good place to find like-minded future network comrades. Again, be respectful of people’s time, and DON’T be overly pushy. If you find a fit, be professional, and if the timing feels right, ask. It never hurts. The worst someone can say is “no.”
