In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with Cindy Williams Schrauben about growth mindset and the value of reading aloud. We’ll also discuss ways to put yourself out there as an author and share personal experiences of the author journey.
Cindy, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Feature Interview guest series. Could you tell us where you’re joining us from today?
Hi Chelsea. Thanks for having me. West Michigan.
How did you hear about the Feature Interview series, and what made you want to apply?
I follow you online and admire your content.
Could you tell us what kind of books you write? (Age group and genre).
I have written books for children, including picture books and a middle-grade novel, which is in the works. I will also be venturing into the adult novelty book market soon.
When did you first begin your writing journey, and what did those beginning stages look like for you?
I jumped into the journey with both feet when my daughters left for college. It was time to challenge myself. It took nearly 8 years of studying, attending conferences and classes, and penning several manuscripts before I was able to realize my life-long dream of publishing a picture book.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your author journey, and how were you able to stay the course?
The challenges were many, but I think the hardest part was believing in myself enough to ‘stay the course’ as you say. The key for me was getting involved in the kidlit community – joining critique groups, reading about other authors’ journeys, entering contests and challenges, etc. These connections gave me courage and helped me to manage my expectations.
What have been some of your greatest joys and highlights in publishing?
There are so many – receiving a book deal, seeing the illustrations for the first time, getting a starred review from Kirkus, etc. I am also looking forward to an upcoming visit to a children’s hospital to read to some brave kids. I also love encouraging aspiring authors, but the best part continues to be sharing my love for books with kids.
When would you say it’s “too late” to pursue publishing?
Never! My first book was published just after my 63rd birthday, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
Why would you say it’s beneficial as an author to put yourself out there? And what are some different ways/examples of doing this?
It can be exhausting, but publishing a book isn’t enough if no one sees it. Interviews such as this, blog tours, giveaways, social media posts, in-person events, etc all help with visibility. It is hard, though, because there needs to be a balance between self-promotion and providing valuable content. I try to follow the 80/20 Rule – 80% content for authors or parents/teachers (such as the social media post below) and 20% book promotion. For content, I have chosen to concentrate on the topics of Growth Mindset and Social-Emotional Learning.
What kind of author events have you been a part of locally or otherwise, and how did you go about setting up these events? Did your publisher/marketing team reach out? Did you reach out? Was contact made via phone/email,/in-person?
I attend and/or organize events on a regular basis, ranging from book festivals, bookstore signings, school visits, launch parties, local media appearances, podcasts, etc. I was responsible for setting up most of these on my own (usually via email). I have three tips. First – go where the kids are instead of hoping they will come to you. I held the launch event for my first book, THIS COULD BE YOU, at a children’s museum on a busy Saturday. Over a hundred kids were already visiting the museum that day, so my audience was ready-made. That leads to tip number two – just ask! The museum was a dream location, and I never expected it to come to fruition, but the staff was excited to bring a unique opportunity to their visitors. The third tip is this– don’t be discouraged when you plan an event, and no one shows. It has happened to all of us. Evaluate the situation and improve your processes for next time. I also encourage other authors to think beyond your book in order to offer great programs for your community. I recently partnered with a local elementary school to break a Kid’s World Record entitled “The Most Children Sharing Handmade Hearts.” Though this event matched the theme of my second book, HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, the day was about celebrating kindness rather than the book specifically. It was great fun and happened just because I asked (Tip #2, again.)
We’d love to hear about some of your author events and experiences and see some photos if you would like to share a few!
When reading over your bio, I loved how you described your books as being books to “inspire kids to live their best lives.” Could you elaborate on what this means to you?
Sure! Encouraging kids to love books and reading is, of course, a big part of my journey, but it goes further. Both of my books have a social-emotional learning foundation. I am a firm believer that books can provide learning opportunities without being preachy. HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART applauds kindness and sharing, while THIS COULD BE YOU empowers children with a growth mindset by persuading them to believe in themselves.
Let’s talk a little bit about growth mindset for home and in the classroom. In your application, you expressed your passion for empowering parents and children with a growth mindset and inspiring them to learn from each other as they go. Can you talk a little bit more about how you do this?
Growth Mindset is a term coined by Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University. Her research shows us that we can develop our abilities through dedication and hard work and that failure helps us to learn and improve. I love to talk with kids about famous people who have achieved great things after facing years of defeat. By understanding the power of a growth mindset, adults can make a huge difference in the lives of children. It is often as simple as changing our vocabulary. For example, “I can’t do it” vs. “It didn’t work, yet, but I’m still trying.”
I know you also have a collection of growth mindset activities and educator guides. I’d love to add a link to those for readers to have access to on Teacher Corner as well!
While we’re on the classroom side of things, could you talk a little bit about reading aloud and its value?
There is a great deal of research out there to support the value of reading to kids. The advantages range from improving a child’s own reading abilities and listening skills, expanding their vocabularies and language skills, to fostering bonds. A statistic that always amazes me is this one from the Child Mind Institute: “… young children whose parents read to them daily have been exposed to at least 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than kids who aren’t read to regularly. And depending on how much daily reading time kids get, that number can go up to over a million words.”
Now, for our writers out there, could you tell us a little bit about mentor texts? What are they? How do you use them? How can they be helpful?
Mentor texts are valuable for writers in a number of ways, ranging from learning about the industry and what is being published to honing our own craft and revising. There is nothing more helpful, in my mind, than reading the work of other children’s book authors and asking, what works? What doesn’t? Why? And how can I apply that to my own work?
Is there any particular book/author that inspires/inspired you to write?
I have always been enamored by rhymers like Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. I love to write in rhyme – it’s like a puzzle.
What advice would you like to offer writers who are just beginning their publishing journey?
Don’t give up. The journey can be long and hard, but it is worth every moment. I have a YouTube Podcast to encourage authors. You can take a look here: https://www.youtube.com/@Cindy-Williams-Schrauben
Thank you so much for joining us today, Cindy!And now it’s time for our FIRST giveaway pool of the year.
GIVEAWAY This month, Cindy is offering an AMA Zoom. (two winners)
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY LIKE AND SHARE this article to X and/or Instagram and mention my handle X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter the giveaway by LIKING and COMMENTING at the bottom of the interview. ENTRY WINDOW: Once the Feature Interview is posted, you will have one month (roughly 30 days) to enter. The entry window for this feature interview giveaway will close once next month’s feature interview is posted. At that time, the next month’s feature interview giveaway window will open. Meaning, there will always be a giveaway opportunity.
Example: January Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window opens/begins. February Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window closes/ends, and February giveaway window opens/begins.
NOTE: Feature Interviews come out on the third Wednesday of every month.
Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.
Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.
Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in West Michigan, where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the beach, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her books, THIS COULD BE YOU (starred review from Kirkus) and HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, inspire kids to live their best lives. You can connect with Cindy at http://www.cindyschrauben.com.
It’s no surprise that I’m excited to share my monthly guest with you. Every guest is exciting in new ways, but today’s guest is especially sentimental to me because I just love her writing so much. I won’t give it all away in the intro, but you’ll hear more on this later…
If this is your first time visiting Chelsea’s World of Books literary blog, or the first feature interview segment you’ve read, welcome! You have stumbled upon something truly special. So, what are Feature Interviews? And what makes them so special?
411 ON FEATURE INTERVIEWS
In a nutshell, Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.
We share tips and resources for querying agents and submitting direct to publishing houses, we share about upcoming conferences and workshops and where to find the best writing community, as well as specific things like free and paid writing memberships, crafts workshops, writing contests, and more.
My guests share their experiences, offer advice and support, and give readers an up-close-and-personal look at the world of publishing from a unique perspective.
AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least 1 giveaway prize- sometimes more.
Which means… every month, you have multiple opportunities to win prizes!
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Faith, thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to be here today. We’re thrilled to have you!
Thank you, Chelsea! I’m honored to be here. Let’s start with the why. WHY did you pursue publishing? What about it drew you? Was it always something you were interested in pursuing, or did that happen later in life?
I grew up steeped in books and art - my dad is a fine artist and a children’s book illustrator, and I think I just always loved stories and art and wanted to make my own.
As a young teen, I submitted stories I’d written to my dad’s editors and got some very kind rejection letters back. And then, I spent a number of years doing other things, traveling, working odd jobs, leading summer camps, getting married, and didn’t really return to writing until I was on a lengthy bed rest, pregnant with twins. I wrote a middle-grade fantasy manuscript, sent that manuscript out to editors, and received a ton of rejections and one request for changes from Maria Modugno, an editor at HarperCollins. But by the time I sent my revisions back, she had moved publishing houses and was not working with middle-grade fiction anymore. I spent several years after this writing, rewriting, and trying to get published, until in 2013, I had a stroke, followed by heart patch surgery. After that, I struggled to find a way back to writing again and took a visual storytelling class through UCSD - “Thinking in Pictures,” taught by esteemed book designer Joy Chu, to see if I could dislodge some of those words. Thanks to that class, I fell in love with the dance of art and words in picture books and set out to grow into a children’s book writer and illustrator.
I didn't know your dad was a children's book illustrator. How wonderful that it runs in the family! I can only imagine the influence that must have had on you toward children's literature growing up. And I just love that you submitted stories to his editors as a teenager.
Next, let’s explore the HOW. Tell us about your journey here. How did you end up where you’re at now? What route to publication did you choose and why? And can you explain the steps involved in that route?
After that visual storytelling course, I spent time sketching and writing every day, attending writer’s conferences, reading picture books, sending illustrated postcards to art directors, and sharing my work on social media. Which is how I ended up with an agent who saw my work on Twitter, and helped me prepare and revise one of my story ideas until it was ready to send on submission That book became my. author-illustrator debut The Starkeeper, published with Random House in June 2020. Since then, I’ve made six books and am in the process of making the seventh.
Wow! So, your agent found your work on Twitter? That's incredible. Such an inspiration for others too. How are the steps different for an author-illustrator versus text-only?
An author-illustrator needs to work at the craft of both writing and illustration. The excellent part about doing both is that you have an awareness of that balance of art and text when you’re thinking about Story. The harder part of working at both disciplines is that doing both sides of crafting a picture book takes a great amount of work and time.
I can only imagine.I think of it like being ambidextrous and trying to use both hands at the same time. Now, you work as an author-illustrator but also as an illustrator. Can you explain what this means for our readers? And which one was your first “step” into publishing?
The difference between being an illustrator vs being an author-illustrator is that an author-illustrator both writes and illustrates a book. An illustrator receives an author’s final text from a publisher and creates the visual side of the book. My ”first step” into publishing was an offer to illustrate Lynn Parrish Sutton’s Once Upon a Timely with Kane Miller books. That book came out in 2019, and was sold exclusively through Usborne Books.
About how long were you in the writing/illustrating field before your first book was acquired & then published?
About 13 years. From the time I decided to be a picture book writer and was actively pursuing this dream, though, about five years.
Are you currently represented by a literary agent? And were you for your first book deal (and forthcoming deals)?
Yes! I LOVE my agent Molly O’Neill at Root Literary.
She has represented me through these book deals: Once Upon a Timely by Lynn Parrish Sutton, illustrated by Faith Pray, Kane Miller 2019. The Starkeeper, Random House 2020. Perfectly Imperfect Mira, Little, Brown 2022. One Day, written by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Faith Pray, Harper Collins 2023. Finding Grateful, written by Dianne White, illustrated by Faith Pray Chronicle 2024. The Day We Got Lost, Little, Brown, August 2024. And The Bear Who Became a Book, by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Faith Pray, Holt 2026.
For some of our readers who may be contemplating going the traditional route and seeking representation from a literary agent, could you share what some of the benefits of that are? Why is it important and how can it help them and their career?
There are soooo many reasons I am grateful for my agent! Here are just a few: ● pep talks, encouragement ● representation, advocate, insight into publishing industry, marketing, contracts, connections that I can’t possible hope to have ● always someone in my corner! ● writing coach! Every phone call with Molly is like taking a writer’s master class
SETBACKS, COMMUNITY, RESOURCES, AND MOTIVATIONS
Were there any challenges or setbacks you faced throughout the road to publishing, or perhaps challenges you still face- and how were/are you able to overcome them?
My biggest challenges in this journey: trying to pursue a career as a writer while caring for four kids, and then overcoming numerous health obstacles, stroke recovery, and trying to find my writer’s brain again post-stroke. For a couple of years before I was published, I worked as a paraeducator at an elementary school, and it was extraordinarily challenging to come home exhausted from a day with kids, then care for my family, and eek out time for writing and illustrating in any extra snatches (usually early, early mornings and late, late nights!).
Any words of wisdom you’d like to impart to readers who may be facing similar challenges on their publication journey?
● nothing is wasted ● don’t give up ● become a learner ● enjoy the journey
Speaking of challenges… I know how invaluable my writing community is when I face bumps in the road. Can you tell us about your writing community and how they’ve helped you to grow and continue moving forward?
● My community continues expanding and connecting the more I continue in this career path. Children’s book people - librarians, booksellers, authors, illustrators, educators, editors, art directors, literary agents - are just the best people - and they all love books!
● I meet regularly with a group of author-illustrator friends for both critique and encouragement. These are peers who understand the unique challenges that come with this career. It is invaluable, perhaps even essential for writers and/or illustrators to meet regularly with peers who have a similar focus. It helps you from feeling like an island! Critique partners can really help you level up your work. But most of all, the more you expand your community, the more you find you’re cheering for each other all the time. You’re on the same team. I LOVE it when friends get book deals or book awards, because we are connected, and their happiness is my happiness.
● Here’s something I learned from debuting as an author-illustrator in June 2020. Remember June 2020? All the publishing houses were closed. All the bookstores were closed. All the libraries were closed. So since I would not be going to any book launch parties or book promotion opportunities for my book, I reached out to some respected author friends I’d met through SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and asked if they could help me host a book launch party for my debut The Starkeeper on Zoom. Remember when Zoom was new? I made Starkeeper-themed decorations that guests could print from home, fancied up my studio with stars and balloons, and had a pretty fantastic online party. A piece of advice - Create the community you wish you had. Don’t have a local writer’s group you can join? Make an online one. Need a book launch party? Make your own.
Are there any places or groups that you’d recommend other author-illustrators, in particular, check out to find that community, or maybe other helpful resources?
Here are some resources that have helped me: 1. SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators) 2. UCSD CFA program - “Thinking In Pictures,” taught by Joy Chu 3. Jolie Stekly’s Writing for Children class 4. Befriending my local children’s librarians 5. Befriending my local booksellers 6. Going to local author events, meeting local authors 7. Starting a critique group with writers/illustrators who write in a similar genre 8. Befriending kidlit peers online through hashtag searches, Twitter events, and through following other authors /illustrators and engaging with the things they post about.
● nothing is wasted ● don’t give up ● become a learner ● enjoy the journey
MARKETING STRATEGY & TIPS: PRE AND POST PUBLICATION
Let’s jump into a few marketing strategies. For an author-illustrator, or an illustrator only, do you have any suggestions on how to go about marketing your work for prospective editors or agents to see?
● SCBWI publishes a yearly resource for members that contains publisher info and addresses. I used this to send illustrated postcards to art directors, and through this, received an offer to illustrate my first book Once Upon a Timely, by Lynn Parrish Sutton, published by Kane Miller for Usborne books in 2019.
● Instagram and Twitter events like #colour_collective, #kidlitart, #kidlitartpostcard. I’ve received book jobs from showing work on my Instagram account.
● Writing conferences, retreats, and showcases is a solid way to have your work seen by agents and editors.
● You can also look up an agent’s submission page and submit your work via their submission requirements.
Wow. Your first tip here about using the info in the SCBWI to send art directors illustrated post cards is absolutely brilliant. What a creative idea! And so clever!
How important would you say having a prepped portfolio is?
I think a prepped portfolio is key. It’s really important to have a cohesive portfolio and to share only your best work- even if it’s just eight pieces. HERE is a great post about building strong portfolios from my friend Polina Gortman.
Thanks for sharing this article, Faith! I've included the quick link under 'HERE' in the sentence above.
What constitutes as “enough” ready material to begin querying/submitting?
I think that’s really up to the writer/illustrator. Sometimes it helps to just jump in and see what happens, while also simultaneously trying to learn and grow your craft.
How important would you say an online presence prior to publication is?
Writing can be a pretty lonely job. With or without publication, I think it is very helpful to have a connection with other authors and illustrators, and book lovers online. Cheering for friends and being cheered on by them when good news arrives makes every part of the journey happier. It’s also an excellent way to find out about what’s happening in publishing if there are new opportunities, conferences, hashtags, or online events that you might want to be part of, and then once you finally publish a book, your good news can be shared among the community you’ve built.
Do you recommend any specific platforms for illustrators to display their artwork?
1. It’s crucial for illustrators to have a website with a contact page to reach you quickly and easily. 2. Instagram is an image-centric platform that is a pretty standard way to connect within the children’s publishing industry. Many illustrators use Instagram as a portfolio extension.
Any tips, hashtags, or otherwise you’d like to recommend that illustrators use to help agents/editors find out about their work?
Social media events are a constantly changing mark. I think it’s a good idea to do some searching to find out about currently trending hashtags relevant to your genre. You can follow #kidlitart on both Instagram and Twitter (X) to see popular posts show up and do a little detecting to see if there are any events (art sharing, portfolio challenges, pitch contests, etc.) upcoming that you might want to be part of.
Okay, now let’s say you’ve found your editor or agent (or both), and you’re on your way to publication. Now what? How can authors and illustrators stay busy and help themselves prepare for a debut book launch?
The best thing you can do while waiting for a book to launch is to write the next book!
My local SCBWI author friend Sarah Jane Marsh shared with me her six month plan of how she set up posts and events as she neared book publication day. I now do the same for each of my books. I write a few essays on themes I want to focus on as I talk about my book, and I create graphics with art from my book to use for online posts.
Speaking of book launches... one thing I know to be very beneficial is getting yourself out in the community and finding your local libraries, schools, and book stores. Can you tell us about your experience with this?
Have you done any book events in your local area? And if so,do you have any recommendations on how to get your foot in the door with your local bookstores, libraries, and schools? And what would you say the benefits are in collaborating and connecting with local places in your community?
I haven’t done many in-person events. I love to host or do live interviews and sometimes team up with other authors and illustrators who have books arriving around the same time for online events like Instagram Live “launch parties.”
I love my local librarians and booksellers. The first thing to remember about making friends with book people is that it’s not about me and my books. It’s about relationships. About the humans behind the “job.” I like to ask them questions - what they’re reading, what they care about, how their day is going, what’s challenging them, and offer thanks and encouragement.
A great way to mutually support each other is for authors to buy books from local indie bookstores. Sometimes I bring them small art tokens to say thanks for being there. I am not a fan of just walking up to someone to demand something of them, and I think it’s important that we cultivate friendships with each other with no expectations of getting something in return.
I mean that both for booksellers and also for relationships with other authors and illustrators. I want to become the kind of person who supports and uplifts others, regardless of what happens in return. I like to do combined book launches with other authors because then we can cross-promote our event and, hopefully, each bring a few guests.
I just love that attitude. I couldn't have said it better myself. It's about relationships and cultivating friendships with each other with no expectations of getting something in return. YES!! No doubt your kind spirit is warmly appreciated not only by those in your local community, but all around the world! *After all, the writing community has no global barriers!*
But while we're discussing your home community- I was so excited to learn that you were located not far from my childhood home in the BEAUTIFUL Washington State.
Living just outside of Seattle the (at that time) small town of Bremerton, I have so many wonderful memories of weekend trips with my family to your lovely town, Port Townsend. Veering back to publishing- can you share some of your favorite moments or experiences while connecting with local places in your community?
How fabulous that you know Washington, Chelsea! It’s such a beautiful place to live!
I just finished a week leading the most fabulous creative workshops with Port Townsend elementary students. We played with storytelling and sticky notes, and I have all the hope for our future after seeing kids’ creativity absolutely ignite!
One of my favorite parts of being a children’s book creator in my community is that every year, our library asks a local illustrator to design their Summer Reading Program t-shirt, and I got to design the fairy-tale-themed reading shirt the year my first book came out. That was definitely a highlight!
How fun! I bet that was a blast. For you and the students. :)And being a librarian myself, I love that you're finding ways to connect with your local library. I can't imagine a more exciting time to participate than for summer reading program!
It’s crucial for illustrators to have a website with a contact page to reach you quickly and easily. Instagram is an image-centric platform that is a pretty standard way to connect within the children’s publishing industry. Many illustrators use Instagram as a portfolio extension.
I think it is very helpful to have a connection with other authors and illustrators, and book lovers online. Cheering for friends and being cheered on by them when good news arrives makes every part of the journey happier. It’s also an excellent way to find out about what’s happening in publishing if there are new opportunities, conferences, hashtags, or online events that you might want to be part of, and then once you finally publish a book, your good news can be shared among the community you’ve built.
THE HEART OF IT ALL … AND BOOKS!
At the beginning of our interview today I asked two questions: why and how. We touched on the why briefly. But I think the why tells so much about the heart of it all. Why are we here, doing the work we do? What is it about publishing that speaks to us?
Can you tell us in more depth about your motivations in writing and illustrating and what you hope YOUR stories and artwork will impart?
In some ways, I think the reason I create this is constantly shifting. I mean, as a writer and illustrator, my fingers are constantly itching to create. And each new book pulls out a facet of something I’m curious about, almost like walking on the beach and finding new rocks or shells to examine, different themes or questions come into focus at different times and I want to center those in my work.
Speaking of what you hope to impart… we’d love to hear about your books- both ones you’ve written and illustrated as author-illustrator and ones you’ve done the illustrations for.
My most recently published book, FINDING GRATEFUL, written by Dianne White, illustrated by me, came out in April with Chronicle Books. FINDING GRATEFUL is about looking for wonder and gratitude in every day moments, and I can’t imagine a text more suited how I want to live my life. Finding beauty in the every day dirt is pretty much what I’m all about, so when I read Dianne’s text, I instantly felt like a puzzle piece clicked into place.
And then later this year, my next author-illustrated book THE DAY WE GOT LOST comes out with Little, Brown August 20. THE DAY WE GOT LOST is about a wonderfully busy and chaotic family who are sort of disconnected from each other. They go for a hike in the woods, and get a little bit lost and sort of find each other along the way. I spent a ton of time hiking in the Pacific Northwest while writing and researching this one, and now I’m kind of obsessed with taking my puppy on hikes in the woods.
Earlier, I mentioned that today’s guest was exciting because I loved her writing. And I really do. One of my favorite books, that sits facing out on my wall in my writing room is PERFECTLY IMPERFECT, MIRA. I remember the first time I picked it up. I cracked open its pages, and there it was. This familiar weight. A weight I’ve known since childhood and carried with me to school. A weight I’ve kept in my pocket at ballet class. A weight that, even when I tried to leave it at home, somehow followed me wherever I went. The weight of worry. Mira really spoke to my heart. Her anxieties and insecurities of not being good enough were something I knew all too well, and I remember taking in a deep breath and thinking, “Oh my goodness, I wish I had this book as a little girl.” And I feel like that is such a powerful story because it’s ageless. It is an ageless human feeling that everyone, in some way or another, can relate to. The fear of not being good enough to try can be such a debilitating emotion, and if we’re not careful, it can not only suck the joy out of living… but, worse still, prevent us from even experiencing life altogether. Sitting on the sidelines because we’re too worried about the “what if I fail?” can be such a dangerous and heartbreaking thing. Being in the line of work that we are as creators, it’s a huge “heart on your sleeve” industry filled with rejection, waiting, more rejection, more waiting, and sometimes, that fear can creep in and dampen our spirits and even tempt us to give up. And I just love how Mira’s discovery of falling down isn’t the end of the world. She can keep trying, and that’s okay. But I love that she goes through those motions… the fear in the beginning and seeing how she progresses to eventually “try” and how that really is the key. The secret in life is to keep trying. And Mira’s story so beautifully illustrates that.
Okay, so I’ve talked your ear off about the story. But I’d love to ask you personally, what was the backstory of this story? How did you come up with Mira? And why did you feel it was important for her story to be shared? Explain.
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT MIRA, published by Little,Brown in 2022 is about a girl who wants to be good at something, but everyone else is already better. Think - growth mindset meets gymnasts. The story was inspired by my daughter, who, at the age of eleven, decided she was sick of being in a soccer family and wanted to try gymnastics. Gymnastics? At the age of eleven? I figured all the other gymnasts would have been tumbling for years. What if they laughed at her? What if it made her feel bad about herself? But my quiet, independent daughter braved it anyway. She stepped through the gym doors and was instantly welcomed into her gymnastics family. She grew confidence. Stood taller. Gained inner and outer strength, and she stuck with it. Not in hopes of achieving medals or recognition, but just because she loved it. I shared a little blurb about my daughter’s gymnastics story on social media and my agent wrote and said, “I think this might be your next book.” Which is how I ended up writing PERFECTLY IMPERFECT MIRA.
Any last words of wisdom or advice that you’d like to share with authors and/or illustrators?
Read heaps of books in the genre you want to write - preferably, books published in the last 5-10 years. Keep going! Try to work on your craft every day. Cheer for your kidlit community! Enjoy the journey!
Thank you, Faith. Now it's time for the last item on the agenda... THE GIVEAWAY!
Faith Pray is offering the following giveaway prize: A signed copy of her most recently published book FINDING GRATEFUL
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog
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Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: May 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
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FAQ:
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Faith Pray (yes, that’s really her name, by marriage) grew up in a family of children’s book creators, so it’s no surprise that picture books have won her heart as well. Faith is the award-winning illustrator of ONE DAY, written by Joanna Ho, and the author-illustrator of PERFECTLY IMPERFECT MIRA and THE STARKEEPER. Faith lives with her husband, four kids, a rambunctious dog, and one overly helpful cat in a Victorian seaport town in the Pacific Northwest. Upcoming in 2024, Faith’s next books are FINDING GRATEFUL, written by Dianne White, illustrated by Faith Pray (Chronicle, April 2024), and her next author-illustrated picture book THE DAY WE GOT LOST (Little Brown, August 2024). Faith is represented by Molly O’Neill at Root Literary.
It’s the first day of May- and the first Wednesday of the month, which means I’m welcoming another guest onto the blog. Put your hands together for children’s book author and educator Christina Dankert.
Before I jump into our interview, though- if this is your first time visiting my blog or the feature interview segments, welcome! I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll visit again. To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a brief overview of what feature interviews are all about and why they’re so valuable.
WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?
In a nutshell, here’s what a “feature interview” is. Every month, I sit down with literary professionals –authors,illustrators,editors, andagents– at all stages of their careers- from newly debuting to well-established, seasoned best sellers- and we discuss all things kidlit publishing. (Many of my guests are also former or current educators andlibrarians!)
These interviews are a great resource for kidlit writers and illustrators no matter where they are in their journey. Not only do they offer current information on market trends, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publishing from a diverse collection of creators and perspectives.
Here’s a list of just a few of the helpful things we discuss:
Where to find both FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources
How to query agents andeditors and what they’re looking for
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators
What to do after you sign with your first agent – and/or make your first book deal
How to promote your books as a debuting author or illustrator
Behind the scenes of hosting author events- library/school visits
How to get your books into bookstores & schools
And, of course- during each feature interview segment- we share new publishing deals & host giveaway prizes for our readers!!! ** Giveaway PRIZES and instructions on HOW to enter are listed at the bottom of each interview**
Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!
INTRODUCTION: HOW IT ALL STARTED… AND CLASSROOMS
Christina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you here. The first thing I love asking my guests is where they began. Can you tell us when and how your journey to kidlit started? What were the motivating factors that led you to publishing? And where did your entry into the world first take root?
Thank you for having me! I find your author interviews very helpful and motivating, and I am honored to share part of my story. My kidlit author journey started as a Covid silver lining. I stepped away from my teaching position for a year, focused on my family, and had the opportunity to make writing a priority. Instead of writing lesson plans, prepping, and grading, I used that time to write and attend virtual conferences and writing sessions.
Have you always been a literature lover and fan of writing?
I loved reading as a child. I grew up with parents who valued reading. My mom took my sister and me to the public library frequently. I had teachers in high school who caused me to greatly dislike reading. I hated being told what I had to read and often found mandatory text boring or confusing. I went to college and had a roommate who was an English major. She traveled with a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in each of her apartments. She would highlight books she thought I’d be interested in and I began to read for pleasure. When I had my own children, I read to them but didn’t have the time or energy for my own reading. I missed it. I made a goal to read four pages a night. FOUR PAGES! A habit was formed, and now I enjoy reading and listening to books through audiobooks as much as possible.
I know you’re a second-grade teacher. Has your teaching experience influenced your desire to publish books?
Absolutely! As a teacher, I take my read-alouds very seriously. As a mom of two and a teacher, I read a lot of picture books. There are so many beautiful and meaningful books. Since I only have 180 school days, I try to pick the best of the best.
Books that will: * help teach academic content *that will allow for discussions and celebrations of cultures and diversity *books that help explore feelings/emotions and provide strategies *and books that simply make us laugh and are meant to entertain us while building a love for reading
As a mom and teacher, I know that kindness is very important. I want my children and students to be kind humans to each other and to themselves. Kindness ended up being the focus of my first picture book.
What do your students think about the fact that their teacher is also an author? Do they think, “Wow, my teacher is SO cool! She writes books!” (I know I would have thought it was the coolest thing ever.)
They do think it is exciting! But the best part is, they are inspired to write their own stories! I have students create their own stories, outside of pieces we are working on, that they illustrated or that they work together with a friend at recess or at home. Each week, students share their stories with the class, and our basket of published books keeps growing.
I love it when students complain about how hard writing is. It allows me to pause and tell them how many times I had to reread The Kindness Machine and how many times it was edited. This allows them to see that it is okay if it’s hard, but perseverance is key.
That must be an AMAZING feeling, to see your students inspired to create and try- try again.Speaking of inspired to create... Do you ever do any creative writing assignments with your second graders?
This year, we are creating a writing portfolio. Each quarter, students add a few pieces of writing or typed stories. They range from narrative, opinion, and informational writing. I write a positive note to each student in their portfolio, and then they take it home to share with their families. It is returned with a positive note from home, and then we repeat the following quarter. I have seen more enthusiasm from reluctant writers because they know they get to share it at home. Boosting confidence is a huge piece of writing in 2nd grade.
“As a mom and teacher, I know that kindness is very important. I want my children and students to be kind humans to each other and to themselves.“
“I love when students complain about how hard writing is. It allows me to pause and tell them how many times I had to reread The Kindness Machine and how many times it was edited. This allows them to see that it is okay if it’s hard, but perseverance is key.“
PUBLISHING ROUTES & SUBMISSIONS
You published your debut picture book, The Kindness Machine, in 2022. Congratulations! Can you tell us about what publishing route you took? Did you go traditional or independent? Did you query agents for representation, or did you send submissions directly to the publisher? And why?
Thank you! I went with a hybrid publisher, Purple Butterfly Press, which had other published books featuring character strengths. Working collaboratively with a team was very beneficial since this was my first time publishing. The team was very patient and answered all of my questions. An added bonus was that this publisher allowed for not only manuscript submissions but illustrator samples as well. We will circle back to why that was so exciting in a minute. In the future, I would love to be traditionally published, and I am working on agent research and my query letter.
Was it an immediate YES on the first try? Explain.
I submitted to a few publishers and heard nothing. When I submitted it to Purple Butterfly Press, I received an email about a month later stating that they were interested in my manuscript.
Can you share some of the pros/cons of each route and what it has to offer?
There are pros and cons to each publishing route, and ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. I’d love to be published traditionally and independently to see which route I prefer. A pro for traditionally published is often a wider distribution to help get your book in the hands of readers. A pro for being independently published is that it is often a faster timeline.
Okay, so you have your manuscript(s), and you’re ready to launch out in the world. What kind of timeframe did it take to get your first book deal- from concept to publication?
Be sure to pack an extra suitcase of patience for this journey. We live in a fast-paced world where we are so used to instant gratification.
My timeline was: Fall 2020 - wrote manuscript, peer edits/feedback. March 2021 - submitted manuscript to Purple Butterfly Press. May 2021 - signed contract March 2022 - published
Are you currently represented by an agent/agency? If so, who? Not at this point. Through the 12x12 writing community, I have learned a lot about agents and representation. I hope to one day have an agent that will help bring more books into the world.
“There are pros and cons to each publishing route, and ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. A pro for traditionally published is often a wider distribution to help get your book in the hands of readers. A pro for being independently published is that it is often a faster timeline.“
Do you have anything out on submission right now or any future projects currently in the works?
My goal for 2024 is to write multiple manuscripts and revise them. All of my manuscripts feature a positive character trait: empathy, perseverance, quality time, etc. I am proud of the writing that has happened so far this year and hope to send work out on submission in 2025.
I recently received an honorable mention for my 50 Precious Word International Writing Contest submission. That was a huge boost for my confidence and is motivating me to turn those 50 words into a full manuscript.
That is such an exciting accomplishment, Christina- congratulations!! That confidence boost is well deserved and should be celebrated.
Speaking of celebrating… I also participated in this year’s 50 Precious Words Contest and made it to the honorable mentions- so I’m celebrating with you! If any of our readers would like to see me or Christina’s 2024 50 Precious Word entries, you can view them below!
AUTHOR VISITS
I know you love doing author events. Would you tell us about some of the events you’ve done? How did you get in the doors? Did you reach out to them (schools/libraries/bookstores/etc) or did they reach out to you? Are your visits paid, do you offer them voluntarily, or is it a mixture of both?
I absolutely LOVE doing author visits! To read something that you have poured your heart and soul into, to your target audience is an incredible feeling. To see children get excited when you hope they do, ask amazing questions, and often tell you that they are going to be an author is very rewarding. When the book launched, I had the opportunity to read the book to each grade level at my very supportive school. I presented the book six times as I worked my way from kindergarten to fifth. I was able to try out a few different things and cater the presentations to the different age groups.
From there, I have reached out to a few schools and been approached by local schools. At this point, the presentation is not paid but schools have an opportunity to purchase books, which my husband and I both sign. (Keep reading to find out why my husband is signing the books too!) If this was my full-time career, I would charge for the presentation, would be more willing to travel further from home and would spend a lot of time approaching school districts. Maybe someday, but right now, I look at author visits as something that brings me immense joy and is a special treat for my author heart.
“I absolutely LOVE doing author visits! To read something that you have poured your heart and soul into, to your target audience is an incredible feeling. To see children get excited when you hope they do, ask amazing questions, and often tell you that they are going to be an author is very rewarding.“
About how long do you typically stay for a visit? Can you give us a brief idea of what your format looks like? Read aloud? Q&A? Class craft or project? Etc.
A typical author visit kicks off with the importance of reading and sharing stories. I then have children look at the cover of The Kindness Machine to make a guess what it looks like under the sheet. I read the story and pause throughout to ask questions. There are little “magic questions” in the bottom right hand corner in the heart of the book that are perfect to engage listeners. I end with a Q&A and have had older students complete a kindness brainstorming activity. I also email teachers a few printables that go with the story for them to use at their convenience. Typically, the presentations are 25-40 minutes long.
What’s your favorite part of the author visit?
My favorite part of the author visit is when I read the last page of the book. I never show the last page on the large screen until after I read the last page has only one sentence. It reads, “Now let me ask you again, who has a superpower?” Student’s hands ALWAYS shoot up when they realize that kindness is the superpower they already have.
Do you ever offer (or bring) anything special to your classroom/library/bookstore, like a signed copy of your book or something else?
I like to donate a hard copy of the book to the school’s library.
What advice would you share with a debuting author or illustrator looking to get their foot in the door of a bookstore, library, or school for an author event? Any tips on how to go about this?
Reach out to school librarians, reading specialists, or parent clubs to see if an author visit is something their school would be interested in. Let them know what your book is about and what the presentation looks like so they can see if it would be a good fit.
“My favorite part of the author visit is when I read the last page of the book. Student’s hands ALWAYS shoot up when they realize that kindness is the superpower they already have.“
“Reach out to school librarians, reading specialists, or parent clubs to see if an author visit is something their school would be interested in. Let them know what your book is about and what the presentation looks like so they can see if it would be a good fit.”
OVERCOMING HURDLES & FINDING COMMUNITY
What were some of the hurdles you faced early on and maybe even later during the publishing process? And how were you able to overcome them? Explain.
Waiting is very challenging, but it is part of the process. I received excellent writing advice from a writer friend. She suggested that once you submit something and you are waiting, start working on something else. It might be another manuscript, but it might also be a blog post, application for author event, magazine article, etc. Keep working on your craft so that you continue to get better and keep your mind busy during the waiting portion on this journey.
Speaking of hurdles… one thing I’ve found to be true is the value of building connections among the writing community. They make the hardships so much more bearable and at times, they can make the difference in sticking it out until the end. Can you tell us about your experience in forging friendships among the writing community?
The kidlit community is truly incredible. Finding other authors is key. Oftentimes your family and friends will be incredible cheerleaders for you. However, you need other writers to understand your frustrations, help with accountability and celebrate even the littlest of wins. It was through a virtual writing conference in 2021 that I connected with incredible writers. We get together a few times a month via Zoom to ask questions, share work and receive feedback and then spend time writing.
Where did you go to find your writing community and what suggestions do you have for other writers or illustrators looking to branch out in this area?
As I mentioned, I was fortunate enough to click with writers during a virtual conference. However, reach out to your library, check to see if there are local writing groups or feel free to start your own with like minded people.
Are there any writing organizations, groups, podcasts, or websites that you recommend checking out?
I find the 12x12 Writing Challenge to be a very supportive community, it is where you and I first crossed paths. I appreciate the thoughtful monthly webinars and active Facebook group to ask questions and support one another.
“The kidlit community is truly incredible. Finding other authors is key. Oftentimes your family and friends will be incredible cheerleaders for you. However, you need other writers to understand your frustrations, help with accountability and celebrate even the littlest of wins.“
“I find the 12×12 Writing Challenge to be a very supportive community, it is where you and I first crossed paths. I appreciate the thoughtful monthly webinars and active Facebook group to ask questions and support one another.“
BOOKISH THINGS
Moving on to bookish things! Can you tell us about the illustrations in your story, The Kindness Machine? Did you have any say or contribution in the artwork, or was it a complete surprise? Were they what you imagined they’d be? Explain.
Ah ha! I am so excited to share that my husband, Chad, was the illustrator for The Kindness Machine! Before we were married, I told him we should merge our two professions of teacher and artist into a picture book. 14 years later and here we are! It was honestly a joy to collaborate with Chad. He knows me so well and was able to bring the story to life. Working with a hybrid publisher, we had the opportunity to pitch both the manuscript and illustration samples and they both were accepted. We spent many nights on the couch or at the dinner table after the kids went to bed, talking about illustrations as he sketched on his i-Pad. He was able to add in extra details such as the teacher looking like my best friend, adding a Free Little Library to the sketches and items from my classroom, such as a fish tank. Chad exceeded my expectations and it is something we are both very proud to have collaborated on.
Let’s talk about “the moment.” “The moment” being… the first time you saw and held your book in your hands. What were your feelings and thoughts?
It really is a big deal! I remember holding the sample copy and just smiling. Our own children saw it and my son said, “Wait! It’s out!?” It was very special reading the actual book to them that night at bedtime.
The Kindness Machine has such a wonderful message. Can you tell us about the story?
The Kindness Machine takes place in a second grade classroom with a teacher, Mr. Wilson, who is known for creating fun gadgets and gizmos. One day he brings a kindness machine to school and students have the opportunity to push different buttons to learn ways to be kind not only to others but also to themselves. In the end, students realize that they each have their own kindness machine inside them to help spread kindness wherever they go.
In your own words, can you share your inspiration for writing this book and how you hope it will leave your readers feeling?
As a mom and a teacher, we truly want all of our children and students to be kind. My hope is that the readers and listeners are reminded that kindness is not complicated. We can spread kindness through simple actions. The idea of self-love and kindness to ourselves is something that even adults struggle with. My goal is that if we start sharing this idea of loving ourselves early, we can help lay a solid foundation for self-love. I also secretly hope that the adults reading the books get a gentle reminder to not be so hard on themselves.
What has the reaction/response been from readers? Have you had any special moments that you’d like to share?
The response has been great! I love when former students tell me they read the book AGAIN before bedtime or that a teacher checked it out from the library for their class. A high school senior, who I did not know, used The Kindness Machine for a huge project. He had to create a display, read the book to a class, and create an activity to go with the book. One school counselor read the book to 17 classes and created an entire school wall with pieces from the story that they worked on together. It was so amazing to really feel the kindness ripple that has happened from publishing.
Any advice for authors and/or illustrators who are looking into breaking into the kidlit market?
Read! Read everything you can in your kidlit theme that is already out and figure out what is missing that you can add. I read over 50 books about kindness, but only one included kindness to ourselves, which is why I included that in my book. Connect with other writers and carve out time to write.
Okay, we’ve done the nitty-gritty portion. Now, let’s move on to a few fun favorites.
Favorite color? Red
Favorite animal? Panda
Favorite vacation destination? The beach!
Favorite dessert/snack? Dark chocolate, donuts
Favorite book(s)? Too many to list!
“As a mom and a teacher, we truly want all of our children and students to be kind. My hope is that the readers and listeners are reminded that kindness is not complicated. We can spread kindness through simple actions.“
“The idea of self-love and kindness to ourselves is something that even adults struggle with. My goal is that if we start sharing this idea of loving ourselves early, we can help lay a solid foundation for self-love. I also hope that the adults reading the books get a gentle reminder to not be so hard on themselves.“
Any last pieces of advice or words of wisdom that you’d like to share with our readers today?
Be patient. Trust yourself. Remember that you have a story to tell and that your words matter. Write on.
Thank you, Christina, for spending time with us today. We appreciate you and everything you’ve done to share your kindness with the world.
But don’t hurry off just yet… We still have ONE final item on our agenda. And that’s… THE GIVEAWAY!
Christina Dankert is offering the following giveaway prize: A signed copy of The Kindness Machine.
HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Subscribe to the blog
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)
Deadline to enter: May 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST
And that’s it!
FAQ:
What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).
Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored linksbelow also supports this blog.
Already own a copy?
Consider leaving a brief review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.
Christina Dankert is a children’s book author, second-grade teacher, and literacy enthusiast living in Ohio. As an educator, she believes books are a beautiful way to continue to learn and grow. She believes all children should be able to find themselves in picture books. It is through children’s literature and reading to the children in our lives that we will change the world.
Author Bio Jess Townes is the author of several picture books, including the forthcoming Sometimes I Cry. A lifelong storyteller, Jess has worked in public education, non-profit development, birth, and lactation services, as a freelance writer and actress, and currently works as a bookseller at Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri, but her favorite part of any job is the connections she builds with other people. She believes there is no better path to those connections than through our stories. Jess lives outside St. Louis with her husband, two teenagers, and two black cats.
Beginnings
It's time for another great FEATURE INTERVIEW. Today, we're welcoming guest Jess Townes to the blog. It’s such a pleasure to have you with us, Jess! I loved learning about your colorful and varied work experiences as a doula and advocate for Spanish speakers in the public school district as well as your history with nonprofit fundraising, among other cool things. So, tell me, what was the series of events that landed you here in the wonderful land of children’s book writing?
There's an expression about endings, I think it originated with Aristotle, that says they should be "surprising, but inevitable," and that's sort of how I feel about landing in the world of children's literature. I did not grow up wanting to become an author. I'm not sure it ever made my list of what I wanted to be when I grew up, and that list was long and varied, from journalist to Rockette to the first female Catholic priest (for the record, I wasn't even Catholic). Yet, I fell in love with children's books at a very young age and never fell out of love long past the age that our culture dictates I should have. I've always been a storyteller, and most of my work has involved advocacy for children, so in a way, though it was a surprise, it was perhaps inevitable that I eventually paired my love for story and my connection with children in this way.
I saw on your author’s website that you memorized Richard Scarry’s illustrations. So, I’m guessing books played a large part in your young childhood. Can you tell us more about some of your favorite childhood book memories and how they influenced you then or maybe still influence you today? Books were a foundational part of my childhood. In early elementary school, I was completely obsessed with The Babysitters Club. I loved and admired all of them. Kristy's leadership, Claudia's artistic talent, Maryanne's empathy, and Stacey's ability to adapt to change. They felt like friends to me, and when I was going through difficult moments in my own life, I turned to them for comfort and consistency. As I got a little older, I discovered Judy Blume, and her books were a revelation. She wrote things that nobody talked about but everyone experienced, and reading them stripped away shame and self-doubt. I believe she shaped the future of children's literature through her vulnerability, and so many of the books I love and sell as a bookseller today might not have ever been published had she not paved the path for them. Another thing I wanted to talk with you about is your day job! I remember you mentioning that you work as a bookseller at an independent bookstore in St. Charles, Missouri (which is so cool)! It seems like a very fitting job for someone who enjoys reading and writing. I work in a library, and I love being surrounded by books and book lovers. I imagine you do too! Can you tell us a little more about the bookstore where you work and what it’s like working there? I love my job at Main Street Books! We are located on a historic cobblestone street in St. Charles, Missouri, where many of the buildings are over two hundred years old. It's a vibrant tourism location that hosts multiple festivals every year, from a floral festival in May to Halloween to Christmas. The street is charming, and you really get to know your neighbor merchants. We are a general interest bookstore, which means we have a little bit of everything, and our staff reads across all genres. I love getting to know our local readers as well as meet people from all over the country who are visiting. Working as a bookseller gives me a behind-the-scenes peek at the other side of publishing, which I find helpful in understanding the industry. And it's always so exciting when I get the chance to sell one of my writer friend's books!
Books & Writing
When it comes to your own writing… do you ever host storytimes or book signings of your books where you work?
Yes, I launched both of my first books with a signing/storytime at Main Street Books. It's my bookish home, so it feels right to start there.
Speaking of your books… let's talk more about those! I know you have Spellbound, which came out in January 2022; Groundhog Gets it Wrong, which came out in January 2023; and your next book, Sometimes I Cry, is coming out THIS Fall! Can you tell us about your newest book?
Sometimes I Cry is definitely the most vulnerable of the books I've published so far. It's an exploration of all the different kinds of moments in life that can move us to tears, and as an easy crier myself, it hits very close to home. Growing up, I sometimes felt ashamed or embarrassed by how easily I cried (I'm that person that cries during commercials, for example), but once I had my own kids, it became important to me to model crying as a normal, healthy part of being human in a complex world. I started to notice the ways that boys, in particular, were discouraged from crying and wondered what our world would look like if men were able to access and express their full range of emotions in healthy ways. This book was born in my part from my desire to help create that world, and I really hope young readers see themselves on its pages.
So now that we've wandered into the territory of one of my all-time favorite topics- books- I'd love to hear a little more in-depth of the behind-the-scenes of the creation of these stories. Can you share a little about how your books were born? What was the inspiration behind them?
Spellbound was inspired by my work as a doula. I had the privilege of watching many families welcome a new baby into their homes and the varied reactions of the existing children. While some became immediate caregivers, others took some time to adjust to a new sibling, and I wanted to honor that reality in a playful but honest way. Groundhog Gets It Wrong was inspired by a winter in my region where the groundhog called for an early spring, and it actually came true! It made me wonder how often this rodent gets it right, which got me thinking about making mistakes and the aftermath of those mistakes.
Book Publishing Territory & Timeline
I know I have a lot of readers who are at different stages of writing and publishing. Some are just starting out with finding a home in the writing community and joining their first critique groups. Others are already a part of the writing community and now have polished manuscripts that they are querying to find an agent. Some are now agented but don't yet have book deals. And others may be agented with multiple book deals. So, I like to ask questions that help give more information about each stage.
I'll start with the beginner questions.
When you first started writing, can you tell us how/where you discovered your writing community? Were there any groups or things that helped, in particular?
There were two groups in particular that were an enormous help to me as a beginner children's writer - the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge and SCBWI. I met my first critique group through SCBWI, and they remain close friends and writing partners to this day. I attended workshops and conferences through SCBWI, eventually becoming a Co-RA of my local region. It's hard to imagine my publishing journey without this organization that I have learned so much from. Likewise, 12 x 12 continues to be a huge part of my writing life! The program helped me challenge myself to write drafts and practice craft on manuscripts that I knew would never be published, which for me, is an essential part of the process. But more importantly, I meet writers through this community that understand the ups and downs of the publishing journey and the specificity of picture book writing. I currently serve as a Critique Ninja for 12 x 12, and I am honored to give back to a community that has given me so much.
From the time you first started swapping manuscripts and getting feedback on your work, how long did it take you to start querying agents, and what was that process like?
It took me a long time to be ready to swap manuscripts and seek feedback on my work. I wrote privately for a couple of years before even joining SCBWI and learning about critique groups. Once I did have those groups in place, I started querying agents about six months later and was fortunate to sign with my agent very quickly after that.
Once you started querying, how long did it take you to find your agent match?
I received an offer to revise and resubmit from my current agent within a month of querying agents, and I ended up signing with her a few months after that.
Once you found your agent, how long did it take to get your first book deal?
Much longer! I was with my agent about a year and a half before we had our first offer. We had a couple of other manuscripts go through acquisitions more than once, so I got a lot of experience in getting oh-so-close to a deal but not quite crossing the finish line. This is a part of the process even after multiple book deals. Each time on submission is like starting over.
Discouragements, Set-backs, Words of Wisdom
We've gone over the timeline. Now let's talk a little bit about the in-betweens.
Were there any points throughout your publishing career that you felt discouraged? If so, what/who helped you overcome it?
Yes, of course. So much of publishing is outside our control, and keep in mind that my own publishing timeline fell in the middle of a global pandemic. There has been near constant uncertainty about everything from shipping to supply chains, sales, a changing market, the fate of brick-and-mortar bookstores, book challenges, and bans, the future of AI, etc. I try to remind myself that I can only impact so much. The things inside my control are the stories I write and, to a smaller extent, the ways I share my work in the world. I try to focus on what I can control, as well as the joy I find in the craft of telling a story, instead of the many things outside my control.
What were some of the struggles you faced during your writing career?
Because writing is not my full-time job, it can be a struggle to give my stories the space and time they need to grow into what they could be. Balancing work, family, health challenges, volunteering, and the many things life throws at us with an extra job like writing can be a lot. Sometimes, writing is able to take the front seat and other times, it has to wait patiently in the background. I miss being away from my stories in those seasons, but I trust that something new will always be waiting. I think a lot about this advice from Stephen King - "Put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn't in the middle of the room. Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around."
Are things all breezy and easy now? Explain.
If you've read this far, you probably already know my answer to this! Of course not, but I don't expect there will ever be a season in my writing career where all things are breezy and easy. This is an ever-changing industry with new challenges every day. The best we can do is honor our craft and adjust the best we can. We can remind ourselves of why we write in the first place and follow that "why" as long as it makes sense to you and your life.
Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known earlier on that you think might be helpful for other writers?
This is a hard question because what motivates one person can discourage someone else. I like data. I like understanding the reality of the publishing industry. For me, working as a bookseller has opened my eyes to the absolute miracle it is to get a single book published, ever, much less have that book find a lasting place on the shelf. I know the numbers, I know the odds, and for me, this helps me understand why it is that so many beautifully crafted stories have a hard time finding a publishing home. Recognizing that this is out of my control is freeing to me as a writer and artist. But I always hesitate to share those numbers in a concrete fashion because I've seen it have the opposite impact on others.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I want to thank everyone who has ever shared one of my books with young readers. So much of this process, in the beginning, involves other adults reading your work, but there is something so deeply gratifying about the moment you finally get to share your book with kids. Their reactions, connections, and responses to my work have been the best part of this journey, so thank you to all of you who help make that happen.
Fun questions:
Favorite book(s)- and why? (I'll allow up to 5 because I know choosing favorites is hard).
Impossible! I'm a bookseller! How could you do this to me? ;) How about instead, I name five picture books from recent years that I've loved sharing with young readers?
After the Fall by Dan Santat
Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl
The Vamos! books by Raul the Third
The Longestletsgoboy by Derick Wilder and Catia Chien
Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares
Favorite color?
Green
Favorite place, real or imagined?
Grand Teton National Park
Favorite quote?
"Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it."
― Mary Oliver
Thank you, Jess for joing us today. And now it's time for...
THE GIVEAWAY PRIZE
This month, Jess is offering multiple-choice prizes. A signed book of your choice! Or, if you’re a teacher or librarian, a 30-minute zoom call with classroom/patrons. (This could be a fun storytime idea!)
QUESTIONS-ANSWERS
How do I enter the giveaway?
Simply like August’s Feature Interview post (the one you’re reading now) and subscribe to the blog. And that’s it! You’re entered.
How long will I have to enter the giveaway? The entire month of August 2023 Deadline: August 31st
February is here! And with it… another FEATURE INTERVIEW! Today, I’m especially excited to introduce you to our guest, Alycia Neighbours.
I have the pleasure of working with Alycia in the library. She is a fantastically talented artist with a very funny (and sometimes unfiltered) sense of humor- which cracks us all up. Of course, most of us gals in the library think we’re hilarious and spend a lot of our time laughing at what some might think is nonsense. But I’m losing focus. *My ADHD apologies.* Speaking of which… something that Alycia and I share is that both of us are on the neurodiverse spectrum. Which is pretty cool.
I have a feeling putting us together for this interview is going to lead to a lot of wandering around on different topics. We’ll see if we get through it. If nothing else… I can guarantee it will be interesting.
So, let’s do this.
*Rolling up sleeves.*
Are you ready, Alycia? And 100 points to Gryffindor if you say, “I was born ready.”
*Cracks knuckles, smirks, and her eyes have a puckish glint* “I was born ready, but I’m unsure if you are.”
Ready or not, here we go!
My bio about Alycia:
Alycia is a very cool librarian with many creative talents and passions. She works with wildlife rescue (we actually have a very funny story about a tortoise she almost stole thinking it was mine. Maybe we’ll tell you about it later…) She’s an artist and now working on illustrations for an upcoming picture book (YAY!) She is neurodiverse (I’ll let her expand on that if she’d like), big-hearted, big-humored, big-mouthed- (Am I allowed to say that, Alycia? I know you would. Just kidding. Kind of.) one-of-a-kind individual with her own unique brand of personality. She is also a mom and stepmom to a pretty gigantic brood of kids. I can’t remember how many there are… What was it, like 50? I know it was a Cheaper By The Dozen Situation at best. Tell me again, how many munchkins you have in total? And all jokes aside, she’s a pretty terrific and down-to-earth human being, who I’m deeply grateful to know.
Alycia’s bio about Alycia:
I am a 46-year-old wife and mother of 8 with 2 granddaughters. A lot of the time, it does feel like there are 50+ kids I am somehow responsible for. Most of the time, it IS extra kids that have come over to play with our menagerie of animals. If it can be a house pet, I guarantee I probably have two of them. If it’s not one of my pets, it’s probably wildlife that I am working on rehabbing; nobody blinks an eye around here about squirrels in a closet, a hawk on the screened porch, a possum in the bed, or watching me set a broken leg on a mouse on the kitchen counter. I am autistic and have a Conure as a service animal. Cricket, the conure, is a small parrot with a growing vocabulary. He has the ability (as all birds do) to sense small, subtle magnetic changes around him. This includes the beating of my heart speeding up. His job is to identify those moments before I do, and then he leans into my neck. His warm body pressing on me alerts me that I need to pay attention to what my body is telling me and use my tools to combat my instincts. When I am not filling dinner plates of food bowls, I am either working at the library, homeschooling 4 teenagers, or creating. Artwise I am a painter, crocheter, knitter, pyrographer, calligrapher, tattoo designer, logo designer, sculptor, and jewelry maker. My other interests are mounted archery, kayaking, working with mustangs or abused horses, hiking, and anything else that can get me into nature.
So, today’s interview (as you can probably already tell) is going to be formatted a little bit differently for a few reasons.
1.It’s Alycia and me- and together, we’re trouble.
2.This will be my first sit-down interview with an artist only! We did have one interview back in December that featured a father and son-author/illustrator team, but this time, we are going to be focusing on art and illustration. And Alycia’s illustration journey is going to be a little bit different because, as I understand it, Alycia is going through a traditional route and was hired by a publishing house. Is that right?
I believe the chain of events that occurred whilst I was peacefully sleeping is that an author actually stumbled into my art via a social media site while she was perusing artwork pertaining to her character. She introduced it to the Powers That Be of Publishing and then began courting me with promises of face-to-face meetings at her hobby farm. How could I possibly refuse a chance to sit down amongst roaming goats, turkeys, floofy dogs, and kitties in need of “scritches.”
I know that in publishing, there is some red tape on things, and it’s important to stay hush-hush until a certain date. So, with that in mind, instead of me asking you direct questions, maybe instead, you could tell us what you’re able to about the publishing experience and project so far.
I can tell you that the publishing house that is working with us is a fantastical beast of making sure everything is absolutely perfect, from making sure the prose is formatted the best for our demographic, the margins are clearer than a guppie’s mind, the artwork being chosen is to not only reflect the passion of the words but to engage all levels of readers. It’s a slower process than Chelsea’s pretend tortoise imitating an arthritic sloth. The author I am working with has a background in teaching and preparing kids not just academically for the world but emotionally. She is in the middle of two books, one I am illustrating in my style because of the subject matter and the other about a whimsical butterfly done by a brilliant watercolorist. It was important to her to choose artists that not only could tackle bringing her words to life but who were passionate about their subjects.
Her deciding factor in choosing me was her book focuses around a crow that has grown up believing his identity was defined by those around him, which was a loving, but aloof family of chickens. He has to embrace who he truly is if he is going to be able to make a difference. When the author found me on social media, not only was she interested in my artwork, but I was also working with an orphaned crow affectionately named Chikyn. I was documenting his life of learning how to be a crow by introducing him as he was maturing to wild crows that nest in the woods behind my home. She knew then that I was the perfect candidate for illustrating this book.
So, now that we’ve talked about your traditional experience let’s talk about your inspiration for art. Have you always identified as an artist? How old were you?
I have always been creative, and at 46 years old, I sometimes feel as though I am just beginning. I work in all sorts of mediums and am usually taking online courses and working with other artists to further my different crafts. As mentioned, I am on the spectrum and am Autistic. One of my superpowers is the ability to hyperfocus on small details that make up the whole. I can get lost for hours creating each blade on a feather, the wrinkle on a flower petal, or the texture of the skin on an elephant. Most of my art focuses on these details, and by working in black and white, I encourage the viewer to ignore the colors that fascinate us at first glance and look closer at the beauty of the structure.
What does being an artist mean to you? And what is your connection to your art?
Being an artist means slowing down to appreciate the complex within the simplicity at first glance. It is taking a millisecond of time and preserving it in a way that invites the viewer to stop for a while and take notice of the chaotic perfection of form and structure.
My connection to art is that is my way of being. I think, hear and process the world around me in pictures. To be able to pull those images from my mind and put them onto canvas is a way of communication for me. It is my window to my soul.
What made you want to pursue illustration?
Pursuing this particular avenue of art allows me to use my connections to my work to help the author give “flesh” to their message. Children especially learn images long before they learn language. When reading an illustrated book on their own or if an adult is reading to them, they take what they have already learned through images and assign language. I feel this gives kids a sense of security to learn language and emotion/intention with a base of knowledge that feels familiar and comfortable.
Outside of this newest publishing venture, have you previously done any sort of commissioned artwork? If so, can you tell us a little bit about that process and maybe about the projects you worked on?
I’ve been doing commissions for the better part of the past decade. I tend to gravitate toward projects that have deep emotional meaning to the recipient. Whether a portrait of their beloved family member, a wood-burned recipe on a cutting board that has been passed down from the grandparents, a sculpture of their favorite pet, a watercolor of their home, a crocheted blanket for their newborn child, or a rendering of their favorite animal; if they are passionate then so am I.
I know what a talented artist you are. I’ve seen your work up close! And I’ve had the privilege of watching you teach a painting class for beginner artists as well, inside the library. Do you have any samples of your work that you’d be willing to share with us today?
Note: so, Alycia gave me free reign to choose images from her Instagram, and of course, my favorite animals are foxes and bats, so I have included them both!
Alycia, your attention to detail blows my mind. I know you usually work with black and white, but I chose one image to share as well with a pop of color. It really is stunning! But, I could talk all day about how much I love your work, and as much fun as that would be… I might lose some readers. So, back to what we were previously talking about: the library…
Recently, you hosted your first program in the library! Back in December of 2022, you hosted a winter painting party. How did it feel to host your first program? Were you super siked to lead an art-based event? Or were you nervous? Or were you a little of both? (Although, I can’t really picture you being nervous. And you handled the class so smoothly, it seemed like second nature.)
I was very excited to bring painting to the library. The main reason I began working in the library is my intense desire to serve people. Not just to serve them but for each person, I come in contact with to feel seen, feel important, and feel connected. Painting and learning painting is not something easily or cheaply done, so many people don’t ever take a chance on themselves becoming artists. The library offering this service for free allowed people of all backgrounds to be risky. I know how hard it is to take a risk and create something that feels so personal, so by teaching the class, I was able to walk right alongside them each step of the way, instructing, encouraging, and celebrating each unique canvas.
I was a little nervous, but that was due to my being in a new situation and a transition from my normal routine at the library; spectrum by-product. However, teaching painting classes is not new for me. I’ve taught personal lessons one-on-one, small groups during parties, and large groups of 100s of children at one time. I’ve learned the reward of seeing all the risk-takers with their paintbrushes is far more powerful than my moments of discomfort.
So, if someone wanted an Alycia original, is that something they could get? Can people approach you with projects they’d like you to create for them? And if so, how?
Absolutely! I am always available for new projects and ventures. Sometimes there are busy seasons, so there may be a wait for your finished project, but I always connect through each stage of the work progress to show the recipient where I am with things an.d if we need to tweak along the way. They can always approach me in person or through email alycia.neighbours@gmail.com, social media sites, or by phone (six one five- four two zero- zero two four four.)
Okay, now for some fun GET-TO-KNOW-YOU-BETTER questions:
Alycia, if you could be any mythical creature, what would you be?
I would want to be a fairy the size of Tinkerbell (which, by the way, is one of my favorite characters) By being so small, I could sit in a flower all day to appreciate each splendid petal or perhaps ride on the wings of bird and see the world through their eyes, or maybe I’ll curl up under a toadstool, pull up my blanket of moss, listen to the cricket orchestra play a Sonata while I nap under a sunbeam.
If you could have any superpower (other than the many you already possess), what would you choose?
Flying. Definitely flying. I am a bird fanatic (autism focus - I can talk about birds for hours and hours) and also have a degree in bird biology.
If you could travel to any point in history, what and where would it be?
I’m going to have to go with the Jurassic Era here. Yes, I am probably going to get smashed at some point, but this girl is going to ride a Triceratops if that is the last thing I do.
If you turned into an animal tomorrow, based on your personality, what do you think it would be and why?
As much as I want to say a bird, I would one hundred percent probably be a cicada. I stay under wraps and avoid all contact until I am forced to come out. Then I begin to scream.
Now for some riddles… no cheating!
Where do sick boats go?
Well, if they had taken their Vitamin Sea, they wouldn’t have to go to the dock.
Tou·ché. However, the answer we were looking for is “the dock-tor.”
Name an expensive fish.
The one that clogs up your toilet and creates hefty plumbing bills.
*Chelsea laughing* Goldfish.
How do you spell COW in thirteen letters?
*Sips coffee, tries to look wise* SEE O DOUBLE YOU.
Alright. Here’s our last one.
If 2 is company and 3 is a crowd, what are 4 and 5?
*Continues sipping coffee*9.
Thank you, Alycia, for letting me pick your brain! It’s been a treat. *Chelsea as a zombie “brains! Delicious.”* And now… does anybody know what time it is?
I’ll give you a hint. It starts with the letter G…
As great as all those things are… it is none of the above. It’s…
Alycia is generously offering a custom artwork giveaway. Think of your favorite animal *fiction or nonfiction* and leave it in the comments below. One lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive a custom piece of art featuring the animal you chose. The commenting window for the prize will last one week from the post date of this FEATURE INTERVIEW. The deadline will be Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, so make sure to get your answers in as soon as possible! Please also make sure to include your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS in your comment so that we can easily contact our prize winner.
To connect with Alycia or to see some of her amazing artwork, visit her social media, shown below.
Instagram alicyia.neighbours
Before you go…
If you enjoyed this interview, be sure to like this post and subscribe to Chelsea’s World of Books BLOG for more fabulous #kidlit happenings. You can also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Thanks for reading!
Sneak peek…
Join us next month for our FEATURE INTERVIEW with Kidlit Author Janet Sumner Johnson.
