Tag: kidlit

PROVIDING APPROACHABLE BOOKS FOR RELUCTANT READERS: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH JOHANNA PEYTON

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

In today’s Feature Interview, I’m talking with fellow neurodivergent kidlit author Johanna Peyton. We’ll be talking about perspective as a neurodivergent reader/writer, and the importance of providing approachable books for reluctant readers that meet them where they are.

FEATURE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Johanna, it’s so nice to have you here on the blog today! Could you tell us where you’re joining us from?

I’m so excited to be here. Thanks for having me. I’m coming in from Austin, Texas, where it is already heating up and on the verge of summer!

How did you hear about the Feature Interview series, and what made you want to apply?

When writing, it is easy to compare your messy works-in-progress to the fully polished, published books and get discouraged. I love seeking out places where I can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into other authors’ processes. This series has been great for that.

What kind of books do you write? (Age group and genre).

I write fiction and non-fiction picture books and middle-grade fiction. My writing style leans toward lyrical and is often full of playfulness and poignancy.

What made you want to become a writer, and when did your writing journey begin?

Following the wisdom of the quote, “If you write, you are a writer,” I have always been a writer and always (secretly) dreamed of publishing a book one day. But I didn’t begin pursuing this dream with intention until 2020, when life felt unpredictable and fragile. For me, this was a moment of, if not now, when.

What were the early stages like? 

I like to think of the early stages as my sponge years. Everything was new to me, and I read all the writing craft and children’s books I could get my hands on and signed up for as many classes and conferences as I could. Then I soaked everything up. It was exhilarating and fun.

Were there any groups/contests that helped you early on?

The kidlit community is lucky to have many mentor authors who are generous with their time and experiences in helping newer writers. My writing journey was particularly helped by the writing classes and community at The Writing Barn with author/founder Bethany Hegedus, the webinars and community of 12×12 with author/founder Julie Hedlund, and SCBWI. 

In fact, it was during Austin’s SCBWI 2021 conference that I was selected as a finalist for the Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. This was the first form of external validation that one of my picture book manuscripts received, and I was over the moon. It was a huge piece of encouragement that I was on the right track.

How did you find your agent match? Cold query/contest/etc?

My agent and I were fortunate enough to be connected through mutual shared relationships. I was first connected to the founder of Full Circle Literary, Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, via an introduction from author and friend, Bethany Hegedus. Stefanie then referred me to my now agent, Taylor Martaindale Kean, who was another agent at Full Circle Literary.

What were some green flags you saw with your agent?

After Taylor read five or six of my manuscripts, she asked for a call in which she offered representation. The conversation between us felt natural, and when it was over, I was buzzing with inspiration. This was a huge green flag to me. Not only did Taylor have everything I was looking for from the business side (smart, well-connected, ethical, hard-working, editorial, etc.), but she also shared the same vision and passion for my stories. She told me that my manuscripts had kept her up late reading and had brought her to tears. This is every writer’s dream to hear, and I was so giddy with excitement that I wanted to say yes right away. But I forced myself to take some time and do all my homework (review contract, talk to other clients, etc.). This made me all that much more confident when saying yes! 

Two years later, I still feel beyond grateful for Taylor’s belief in me and my work and for her stewardship of my career.

Do you have any advice for writers who may be in the query trenches, still looking to find (and sign with) their dream agent?

From a practical standpoint, my advice is to put yourself out there as much as possible. I think something that helped me land my agent was that I had an editor from a major house interested in one of my manuscripts. I originally submitted to that editor through a conference opportunity, and we developed a rapport through which she requested a revise and resubmit of one of my pieces. In the end, that project didn’t go forward, but at the time, I think it spoke to the quality and marketability of my work and showed my agent that I was able to professionally advocate for myself. So my advice would be to find and take all the opportunities you can.

From an emotional standpoint, I would say just keep going. As writers, it can be so hard to see what we are building. It’s hard to show up day after day to add one more word, send out one more query, and then another, and another. It takes faith, bravery, and belief that what we are doing matters. But what we are doing does matter. So keep showing up and putting yourself out there. 

How long did it take you to get your book deal? Who was it with? And was your first book deal for the same manuscript that your agent signed with you for?

My debut nonfiction picture book, ALL BRAINS WELCOME: Embracing ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and More, illustrated by the talented Olga Popova, is publishing with Sourcebooks eXplore on October 6, 2026. It is a celebratory look at neurodivergence through a classroom of children introducing themselves and what makes their brains unique while throwing a brain party. 

I signed this deal with editor Anna Luketic at Sourcebooks about six months after signing with my agent. At the time of signing with my agent, this book didn’t even exist. The manuscripts that my agent signed me for are either on submission, in development, or back in the drawer.

For writers who may be agented and out on sub (or for those who aren’t yet and are wondering what to expect), could you share a little about what goes on behind the scenes in the publishing process? We’d love to hear any details you can share about your first book deal! 

Once I signed with my agent, we went through and reviewed my manuscripts and together chose which ones felt the strongest. Then my agent made a list of editors/houses she suggested we submit to. I added some editors to the list based on connections made at webinars or conferences. Then Taylor submitted my manuscripts, and we waited! It is honestly a lot like querying agents, but instead, you are submitting to editors. I think this is typical for the start of most agent/author relationships.

However, ALL BRAINS WELCOME had a different start. My editor, Anna Luketic, initially approached me. We connected during an SCBWI conference the previous year, and she knew that I was passionate about writing books that affirmed neurodivergent experiences. Sourcebooks was looking for a book that did just that, so I set to writing it!

How long was it from book deal to publication?

Two years. I signed the contract for ALL BRAINS WELCOME in September of 2024 and submitted a completed manuscript by December. The illustrator signed on in early 2025, and the book will be released on October 6, 2026. Preorders are currently available everywhere books are sold. I am so excited and proud of this book and hope it goes out into the world and does great things!

As a neurodivergent author, could you share a bit about the perspective you bring to both reading and writing books?

As a proudly neurodivergent author, I want to write books that honor and validate the experiences held by myself and others. And beyond that, I want to celebrate it. Over the past ten years, there has been a wealth of increased information about neurodivergence, but there is still so much work to be done to break long-held stigmas and beliefs that differences somehow make us less than.

In our family, four out of the five of us are neurodivergent, so we don’t take reading or writing for granted. It is something that was fought hard for and is much cherished. Most days, I wear a pendant around my neck inscribed with the Latin phrase “dulcius ex asperis,” which means “sweeter after difficulties.” This perspective that the things we work the hardest for are most cherished once earned is something that pushes me every day to continue to fight through the challenges to create books for children.

You mentioned in your application that you were diagnosed with dyslexia later in life. What was it like being diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult, and how do you feel it has impacted/shaped your life in general, and also as a writer?

After my older two children were diagnosed with dyslexia, I began noticing similarities between their reading challenges and my own. This prompted me to be evaluated, and I was officially diagnosed when I was 35. 

Finding this out about myself as an adult doesn’t technically change anything… yet at the same time changes everything. Even though I made good grades throughout school and went on to get a master’s degree in a reading/writing-heavy program, I often felt like I was just pretending to be smart. I felt like I always had to be extra prepared, otherwise everyone else would find out the truth that I actually didn’t belong. 

Having a dyslexia diagnosis meant that I could begin telling myself all the things that we had been telling our children for years: I am smart. My brain just works differently, so reading takes me longer, but I am smart. As I began seeing the many, many ways I have compensated over the years, for the first time, I was able to give myself grace and accept who I am.

This process also drastically increased my empathy towards my children and their experiences at school. As adults, we often have control over our environment, so we put ourselves in places where we feel comfortable. But at school, our children don’t have this luxury. I am daily in awe of my children’s bravery and perseverance, even when it is hard and uncomfortable.

So today, I write for the little girl I was, I write for my children, and I write for all those who are still figuring out how to love who they are.

You also touched on your mission and desire to provide approachable books for reluctant readers that meet them where they are, while also providing them with deeper, mature themes. Could you share how you try to do this with your writing and why you feel it’s so important? 

For children with dyslexia, learning to read takes longer, so it is not uncommon for them to be reading below grade level. That might mean a fourth grader is reading at a second-grade level. But the things that interest seven/eight-year-olds are much different than what nine/ten-year-olds are into. As I am writing middle-grade novels, I work to keep this in mind by writing books with content that will appeal to older children, but that still feels accessible to dyslexic or reluctant readers. I try to write shorter or tighter chapters that include more white space on the page and, when appropriate, add multi-format presentation of information, such as text messages, graphics, etc., to break up the prose. Techniques like these and others can help books feel more approachable and less intimidating while not sacrificing deep content and themes.

What have been some of the biggest struggles on your road to publishing?

My biggest struggle along this writing journey has been handling the close calls and near misses. And I have had several, especially on a manuscript that is extremely close to my heart. It has made it through the revise and resubmit process at two major publishing houses, only to ultimately get rejected at both. It has been devastating to get so close and not have it work out. Yet.

What has kept you going?

With this particular manuscript, I believe that the world needs this story. And it is my job to keep working on it to make it the best it can be so that it’s ready when the right industry partner comes along.

What advice would you give to others who may be struggling right now?

Be brave and believe. Be fearless and honest in what you put on the page. Be brave when submitting to different opportunities. Believe that the stories you are writing matter. Believe that this dream will happen for you.

Be brave enough to believe that what you are writing is exactly what a child needs to hear. And keep going!

What have been some of your happiest publishing moments? Feel free to share more than one!

My happiest publishing moments have been around seeing ALL BRAINS WELCOME come to full fruition. Hearing all the encouragement and support from the Sourcebooks team during this project’s creation, then seeing the art for the first time, and then getting to share the bright and playful cover with the world. It has all been one amazing *pinch me* moment after the next. I can’t wait to get my author copies and hold the book in my hands for real. Once this book is out in the wild, I hope it makes a true difference for children, families, teachers, and classrooms.

What do you hope readers will take away from your stories?

I write to speak truth to the unkind, untrue whispers that often live within us. I hope readers walk away from my stories with another, more honest, loving voice in their mind that reminds them of their own resilience and creativity.

For ALL BRAINS WELCOME, my hope is specifically that those with neurotypical brains see and those with neurodivergent brains feel seen. 

What do you want people who are reading your interview today to take away?

I hope those reading this interview take away the importance of reading. The importance of books. And the importance of creating them.

Any final thoughts/words of wisdom that you’d like to share?

This has been such a joy. Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this fabulous series.

Thanks so much for joining us, Johanna.

Now it’s time for a giveaway!

GIVEAWAY

Johanna is offering ONE PRIZE FOR ONE WINNER!

PRIZE OPTIONS:

Prize 1: A non-rhyming, fiction PB critique

OR

Prize 2: A 30-minute Zoom AMA.

Be sure to specify which prize you’d like in the comments!

Deadline to enter giveaway: 6/16/2026

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

LIKE AND SHARE this article to X and/or Instagram and mention/tag my handle X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your entry! Don’t have X or Instagram? Enter the giveaway by LIKING and leaving a COMMENT 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. 

NOTE: Feature Interviews come out on the third Wednesday of every month. 

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.

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.

Book by host, Chelsea DiCicco: ADHD AND ME – GET YOUR COPY HERE.

Book by guest, Johanna Peyton: ALL BRAINS WELCOME – GET YOUR COPY HERE.

Johanna Peyton is a proudly neurodivergent writer who writes with playfulness and poignancy. Johanna is represented by agent Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary. She holds a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management and an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. Her debut nonfiction picture book, ALL BRAINS WELCOME: Embracing ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and More, illustrated by Olga Popova, is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2026 with Sourcebooks eXplore.

Johanna is a member of SCBWI, 12×12, Writers League of Texas, and The Writing Barn’s Empowered Author and Courage to Create communities. She also serves on the board of the Dyslexia Center of Austin. In her free time, she shares her writing journey and the books that inspire her on Instagram @JohannaPeytonAuthor. www.johannapeyton.com

GROWTH MINDSET AND THE VALUE OF READING ALOUD; ONE AUTHOR’S JOURNEY: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CINDY WILLIAMS SCHRAUBEN, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND LITERARY BLOGGER, CHELSEA DICICCO

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

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.”

LINK TO GM EXAMPLES: https://cindyschrauben.com/growth-mindset/

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!

LINK TO READER GUIDES.

HANK: https://cindyschrauben.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hank-Reader-Guide.pdf

THIS COULD BE YOU:

Click to access TCBY-Readers-Guide.pdf

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.

ADHD and Me Purchase Link

This Could Be You Purchase Link

Hank’s Change of Heart Purchase Link

AUTHOR BIO + HEADSHOT + WEBSITE

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.

HOW TO MANAGE MAJOR CAREER SHIFTS AND COME OUT ON TOP: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER BIOLOGY PROFESSOR, NOW HOMESCHOOL MOM AND KIDLIT AUTHOR DANNA ZEIGER, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND LITERARY BLOGGER, CHELSEA DICICCO

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

In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with former Biology Professor, now Homeschool Mom and Children’s Book Author, Danna Zeiger. We’ll be discussing accessibility and disability awareness in kidlit, as well as how to manage major career shifts and the many hurdles they come with, and why the benefits outweigh the struggles.

Danna, it’s wonderful to have you with us! Can you tell us where you’re joining us from today?

Thank you so much for having me, Chelsea! I’m so excited to be here. I’m joining you from the Boston area.

How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog, and what made you want to apply for a guest Feature Interview?

I’ve read several of your fantastic, thorough interviews, so when I saw the application window open last year, I knew I had to try!

I was intrigued by your application, and I’m excited to learn more about your “unconventional route to publishing.” My hope in sharing your interview is to inspire others to chase their dreams- nothing is impossible if you don’t give up! So, let’s jump right in. Could you tell us about your day job before children’s publishing was in the mix?

Thanks! I was a biology professor and the program director for the biology bachelor’s degree at a local college. I had been in the unique position to create the program before running it for seven years. I come from an immigrant family myself, so it was especially fulfilling to serve disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. I taught lectures and labs from first-year biology (or non-major!) students all the way through the senior thesis course for my seniors. I helped them secure solid internships and got them ready for the world. I partnered with neighboring institutions and universities to create interesting lecture series or research opportunities. I advised dozens of students through their college experience, ensuring they made some good choices and shepherding those who were graduate school bound. My students often had one–or three!–full-time jobs on the side to get themselves through college, so there was also lots of time spent counseling students, helping them manage all of their responsibilities, and working creatively to make it happen, as well as drawing out challenging biology pathways on my whiteboard in my office during office hours. I served on college committees, worked on new course and degree development, and overall had a full and busy life as a professor.

Now enter the *spark* that started it all. What was that beginning spark for you that made you take the leap in shifting careers from Biology Professor to Homeschool Mom and Children’s Book Author?

When COVID hit, I resigned from my position, much to the shock of many people in my professional, friend, and family circles. But with a newborn baby who needed a lot of caretaking (and no nannies to be found at the time), a preschooler for whom Zoom school did not work, and a sobbing elementary school child frustrated with online learning, plus immunocompromised people at home and not enough remote work support, it simply was not possible for me to stay in my position. 

I started homeschooling all three kiddos and was devouring hundreds of books, reading each month with them.

One day, while running a writing exercise for the kiddos after reading Chris Van Dusen’s If I Built a House, I had an idea for a picture book.

I should mention that, in addition to being a perpetual bookworm, I have always been a creative writer, naturally gravitating towards poetry and literature since I was a young kid, writing poems in multiple languages, and finding creative outlets my whole life. So it was well within my bucket list to one day become an author, especially a children’s book author. I just always thought that day was long in the future.

When I told my husband my picture book idea that “someone” should write, he responded with, “yes, you should.” I was shocked at first, but dove into what it took to become a traditionally published children’s book author, thanks to my dear friend who happened to be personally connected to Chana Stiefel (what an author giant to get to know!!!), and Chana kindly, generously offered both feedback and guidance on what it takes. While our mutual friend, who was initially mildly interested in what Chana might say, pretty much ran away screaming, Chana’s long list of hard work felt exciting and fascinating to me. And that is how I knew it was worth pursuing!

I give my husband a lot of credit, both for initially encouraging me to try it and then continuing to remind me that I must invest in myself and take myself seriously as an author if I want to become one. I took classes, joined critique groups, and carved out time from our busy homeschooling schedule.

-Amazing! We love hearing about supportive husbands. I am thankful enough to have one of those myself! They can really help boost your courage and belief in yourself.

Tell us about that beginning time. What were your thoughts? I’m guessing it was a mixture of scary and exciting- all the best things in life are. 🙂

It was a really exciting time! For me, the scariest part had already happened–leaving my job. I did worry about striking a balance between homeschool and writing, but my kids were my cheerleaders from day one, and I was able to take it for myself without them feeling it. 


This was an exciting new prospect, but I definitely had imposter syndrome. Did I have what it took? I was a biology professor–what made me think I could write creatively, professionally? I hadn’t been an English major (although I loved my English classes and had taken AP Creative Writing!), so I had real concerns!

It was a steep learning curve: learning how the industry worked, learning to critique and receive feedback, finding groups and critique partners, the writing and publishing organizations. What was an imprint vs. a publisher vs. an editor? I truly have a whole bookshelf with publishing books I’ve read (in addition to the library ones I borrowed) in order to figure all of this out.

I quickly realized I should not submit to publishers alone and that I needed an agent. I did the thing you’re not supposed to do and queried with my very first manuscript! It did land me an agent, thankfully, but it did not land me a book deal… yet. Hooks, saleability, and the business side of publishing matters… I still had a lot to learn!

What were/are some of the hurdles that you’ve had to overcome, and how have you been able to do so?

I think publishing is mostly full of hurdles, a lot of luck, with a few spotlights of wins, LOL! I probably carry some intensity from my academic career with me, and I’m not afraid of hard work. So I try to throw everything I’ve got into this basket and push past the challenges!

Personally, it was challenging to carve out enough time for myself, so I had to get creative. Nap time? Quick, read through a new manuscript. Sitting with the kids at their activity, like gymnastics or dance? I had a critique partner’s manuscript queued up to read and comment on. Bedtime for kiddos? Yes, I loved writing so much that instead of watching TV, I would plow away at my manuscripts.

In terms of publishing, I wished for an agent so badly. I was fortunate to find one pretty quickly, and she is a great agent who makes awesome deals. However, I quickly learned that as an author, I needed more communication from my agent, so I voluntarily thrust myself back into the trenches. Luckily, I got another agent quickly again–and this time, this was a career match! Jonathan got me my first book deal and was a great support. Sadly, he decided to leave agenting (another hurdle), but my agency stepped in and had my back. A new agent absorbed some of his old clients, and my current and hopefully forever agent, Gaby Cabezut, read my work and decided to take me on! Exceptional luck, I know.

There are so many hurdles still to overcome. I have loads of ideas and work on many projects. Trying to assess which are the most marketable with the most hooks is tough. Bringing a manuscript to the true polished state–giving it time (another hurdle!) and reading it with new eyes is also tough. I’m also always trying to diversify my portfolio and write in new genres and categories. 

Have there been any organizations/contests/resources/people who have helped you stay positive and motivated to continue pursuing this path?

Oh, yes! Apologies in advance for this long answer, and even bigger apologies for anyone I might inadvertently leave out–but the kidlit community is so supportive, and I have had so much help along the way.

I mentioned Chana Stiefel–she will forever be my very first critique and serious foray into children’s book publishing.

I joined Storyteller Academy, and the very first editor I listened to was this animated, articulate, smart STEM editor! I learned a lot from her one session. Ironically, she–Carol Hinz–became my first editor years later! I wisely did not submit any manuscript at the time, despite the submission opportunity, because I intuited that my work was just not good enough yet for such a sharp reader. And I can say now that I was right!

I joined SCBWI and attended virtual conferences. I joined Facebook groups, and critique groups kindly welcomed me. Thanks to Covid, everything was online, so local groups were open to someone who geographically lived even an hour away. Thanks forever to so many critique partners who welcomed me into already established groups comprising phenomenal members. 

I’ve tried various things. I’m grateful to Inked Voices for many opportunities and workshops, from which I’ve also learned so much!

But way back when I started, and had only just become agented, I still felt pretty unsure of myself. I entered my very first writing contest in my entire life: Vivian Kirkfield’s famous 50 Precious Words Contest. I’m not sure if she and the judges will ever fully understand what they did for me, but placing 5th out of 750 strong writers, judged by real authors, with incredible, real prizes to boot, was my very first sign that I might not be insane for trying this writing endeavor! I won an invaluable critique by editor Thalia Leaf, who offered me essential insight I continue to carry. I continued on with other contests, including Kaitlyn Sanchez and Ciara O’Neal’s Spring Fling Contest, where I placed first and won a critique with the amazing Alyssa Henkin. Alyssa’s feedback helped me bring my debut book’s manuscript closer to the finish line, and I’m forever grateful. I’m also grateful to Lynne Marie and her Rate Your Story Contest, where I won first place, and she continues to support my work. Other contests and wins have been great, too–like Susanna Leonard Hill’s Holiday Contest. There are so many amazing opportunities! And so, so many kidlit people stepped up as my debut launched to host me for interviews, celebrate my cover reveals or launch, or promote me in any way possible!

And I would be extremely remiss not to mention PJ Library. If Vivian Kirkfield’s contest was the first to make me feel like I might be able to hack writing, PJ Library was the first organization to award me a monetary prize and sponsor me, in-person, into a tight community I continue to love today. PJ Library sent me to the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center for the most transformative experience with twenty other Jewish authors I’m still in touch with. This incredible group has been critical through the last two years and soaring antisemitism, as well as personally, as my dad passed away, or when my kids have had emergency surgery, etc. 

PJ Library also awarded me a Highlights scholarship, where I learned so much from Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson, as well as what used to be called the Partial Author’s Incentive award for my pre-published middle grade. Finally, PJ Library also awarded me a Sephardic Stories Initiative fellowship, where I have been immersed with a new community and have been able to dive deep into stories I had tried to write a while ago, and have given more energy and oxygen to lately. As far as organizations go, I am indebted to PJ Library and will need to write them into every single acknowledgement of hopefully many books to come. They have been incredibly supportive of my writing career, and I have learned so much, networked, met many people, found communities, and grown as a writer, all thanks to them.

-So many fantastic community resources and groups you mentioned here, Danna! Thank you for all the shoutouts. I am familiar with all of the above-mentioned groups/contests and could not speak more highly of their positive impact!

Looking back, would you say that the benefits outweigh the struggles? Why or why not?

Absolutely! Publishing is a long hill to climb, but the views sure are breathtaking. I truly feel like I am living my dream.

For readers who may be early on in their publishing career stages (pre-pubbed/pre-agented), could you share a bit about your process… querying, rejections, timeframe, etc?

The best advice I can give people early on is to do more of three things than they think they need:

  1. Read! However much you read, read more. Whatever you want to write, read more! Study the books, analyze them, find the patterns, study what is successful and what is not, form opinions about what works best, think about the openings/closings, etc.
  2. Give it time! Whenever you think a manuscript is ready, put it down and pick it up again in a few weeks or more. I’m the most eager to birth every story, and I need to slow myself down.
  3. Make connections! Find support networks, critique groups, attend webinars, and find every opportunity to connect with other authors, agents, editors, and publishers.

None of publishing is in any of our control. I think you have to really want it, and if you do, pour yourself into it. I’m a big fan of hard work, and it still often takes a while to pay off. But the most important piece is really the manuscript. Writing your best work, thinking about hooks and saleability, etc. The query letter itself doesn’t matter as much as the manuscript itself. And an agent doesn’t guarantee you a book sale. If you keep giving your best effort, eventually, at some point, you will reach your milestone–be it agent, book deal, or whatever.

“None of publishing is in any of our control. I think you have to really want it…” – Danna Zeiger

So, you finally land your publishing partner- AKA your literary agent! Could you tell us about how that happened? Cold query? Event? Special opportunity? Etc.

Yes! Gaby Cabezut! I mentioned above that my agent #2, Jonathan Rosen, decided to leave agenting. Gaby was newer and she looked through Jonathan’s clients’ work–and decided to offer me representation! I’m so grateful. Jonathan told me Gaby was sweet and smart, and he was so right! Every time I chat with Gaby, I come off of our Zoom with a huge smile and feeling incredibly supported. She is smart and savvy, a fantastic advocate, and gives excellent guidance. It has been an awesome ride together and I’m pretty sure now that Gaby is not only officially my longest standing agent, I hope that she will be my forever agent!

What was your agent call like, and how did you know that your agent was the right fit for you? (This is such an important piece of information for readers to know, because not EVERY agent is the RIGHT agent. So much of a positive agent/author relationship depends on the right “fit.”) What things do you find to be “green flags” in a good author/agent relationship? And what words of advice would you give to a person who’s looking for representation for their writing?

I have been lucky to have had four agent calls. The first time in the trenches, I got two offers! My second time in the trenches, I had a call with Jonathan. And luckily, Gaby didn’t make me go back into the trenches–so as part of the transfer when Jonathan left, I Zoomed with both Gaby and the president of our agency.

So from these four calls, I think the essential pieces are getting a feel for each other, feeling comfortable together, and feeling like this is a nice person, and someone who not only loves your work but will champion it. A lot of publishing, as it turns out, is relationship-building. Making sure you are kind and that the other person is kind. I think sometimes either might need grace, and allowing space and that grace as life necessitates, is key. And also, that communication styles match. I learned with my first agent that communication is really important to me.

“I think the essential pieces are getting a feel for each other, feeling comfortable together, and feeling like this is a nice person, and someone who not only loves your work but will champion it.” – Danna Zeiger

For others who may be setting out on the same (or a similar) journey as yours, what are some words of encouragement that you’d like to share about identity shifts and major career shifts?

Major career shifts are hard, especially when you like your previous career. I think allowing a grieving period is natural and okay–I certainly took one. For me, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. Zoom wasn’t going to change my infant’s diaper or feed him, or develop my preschooler, and my oldest child needed guidance. I think, just like in children’s books, having agency makes a big difference. Since I didn’t feel like I had a choice, it took me some time to accept the situation. Luckily, I was able to dive into homeschooling, and I really loved it.

What has saved me, though, is that at the end of the day, my overarching net emotion is that I feel grateful for these immense privileges. It is a privilege to be able to homeschool–I certainly recognize that. And, it is equally a privilege to have the opportunity to pursue this dream of becoming a children’s book author. Giving space for the grief and all of the messy feelings has also allowed me to process and find both perspective and gratitude.

So, for those setting out on major career shifts: be patient with yourself! Feel the feelings! And, follow your passions. No matter where the road ends, the journey will be fulfilling.

-Love this advice! So true!

“So, for those setting out on major career shifts: be patient with yourself! Feel the feelings! And, follow your passions. No matter where the road ends, the journey will be fulfilling.” – Danna Zeiger

You mentioned in your application how important disability awareness is for kids and gatekeepers. Could you speak more to this?

I hope kids take away from my book how to approach people with disabilities in their future—as people. Our world is rife with ableism, stereotyping, and hurtful assumptions. They can cause physical pain, even as Dr. Kathleen Friel experiences when well-meaning strangers try to grab her when they think she needs help. She has needed to go to the ER from these well-meaning strangers!

Speaking of disability awareness, I know that you have a lot of great information on this in your book. Could you tell us more about that?

Yes! The book itself shows how Dr. Friel has had to educate so many classmates, labmates, and even doctors about cerebral palsy–and how exhausting that advocacy work is. The book also makes clear how Dr. Friel is able to find her own way to do certain tasks, but also that it is often much harder for her. The back matter offers more information about all of these subjects, as well as how Dr. Friel herself is an amazing and award-winning advocate. I actually have a teacher’s guide that anyone can download.

What is your big “why” or motivation for writing for kids? What does it bring you, and what do you hope it will bring your readers?


Kids are the keys to our future world. Kids are the future. I believe that the best way to fix our world is by reaching kids and building our stronger future, today.

My lifelong mission has always been to make STEM accessible and to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront. I’ve simply shifted from doing this as a college professor to a children’s book author, and hopefully I can reach a wider audience.

We’ve touched on your writing and its inspiration, but I’d love to hear more about your homeschooling journey and the resources that you offer. Could you shed some light on this for our readers?

When COVID hit, parents everywhere were bewildered, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Truly, my youngest baby was not held, changed, or comforted by any hands other than mine and my husband’s for a year and a half!! It was rough. I quickly started trying to channel some of my college teaching into my kids and trying to think of exciting activities, experiments,and STEM projects. I posted about them on my personal social media (while I don’t always love social media today, the connection it offered during Covid was so helpful!) and started getting questions from fellow bewildered parents. 

After plenty of answers, I decided to catalog our journey and share the resources with other parents, too, which ultimately became @DrZatHome.  

I wanted the @DrZatHome platform specifically to be free, and even as it grew, I continued to decline any paid sponsorships. I’m glad I did! Every recommendation I made, I truly made with a whole heart. I also felt a lot of freedom to post when I wanted, and about content that I felt passionate about. And, when my writing started to pick up, I felt no qualms about pausing for a bit.

What have been some of the responses you’ve received to your books and/or homeschool resources from parents/educators/kids?

In terms of homeschool resources I’ve shared, the pandemic was a critical point where many parents felt alone and ill-equipped to suddenly entertain, educate, and occupy all of their kids’ time. I felt overwhelmed, too! Coming online and sharing my resources felt like giving and receiving virtual hugs from all parents everywhere, and the messages of appreciation (and camaraderie, and mutual overwhelm) made me emotional. Whenever anyone shared that my content helped entertain a kiddo, or better yet, that their kids learned and got excited, it really made my day.

And my book experience!! Well, this has been a heart-warming experience, to say the least, and I have witnessed how books can be both windows–as kids tell me they want to be brain researchers too, and their horror at what Kathleen has had to endure–as well as mirrors. Various kids with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, or simply identified as disability advocates, have chatted with me and bought my book at book festivals or author events.

Have you been able to attend/participate in any local in-person/virtual author events? (Schools, libraries, book stores, etc?) If so, we’d love to hear about them and see some pictures if you have them!

Yes! I’ve done quite a few! In-person, I have had:
-A bookstore launch
-Several library and school events
-A book festival
-Signings in various bookstores
-An author talk hosted by No Place for Hate, the Waquoit Congregational Church, the Jewish Congregation of Falmouth, and Eight Cousins Bookstore, and
-A panel presentation and author signing at NCTE

Book Launch – held at Hummingbird Books
IG @hummingbirdbookstore
Bookstore signing
Library Event- held at Newton Library
IG @newtonfreelibrary
NCTE Danna and Editor Carol Hinz at Lerner Booth
No Place for Hate Event
No Place For Hate Author Talk

My book was also featured in the Closing General Session at the 2025 American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine meeting!

I also had a blog tour, thanks to the incredible kidlit community–yourself included! You can find all of my interviews on my website. What a massively supportive group of people and friends who come out in droves to cheer side-by-side! Thank you for all that you and others do!

I’ve had two podcast interviews: one was with my amazing former agent and friend, Jonathan Rosen, who now hosts two successful podcasts.

And the second was with my dear friend, Mel Rosenberg, host of New Book Network.
Both were remarkably different yet equally fun and exciting–it felt like such a virtual hug and celebration of my book!

My book has been shared by some incredible influencers, whom I admire so much: in the homeschooling, disability, science, and mom communities. I’m so grateful for their support!

My book was also shared in the Cape Cod Times and The Enterprise.

Finally, not my own promotion work, but I’m so grateful that my book has won Best of 2025 by the Chicago Public Library, Best of 2025 by School Library Journal, and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2025 by the National Science Teachers’ Association. So proud of and grateful for the whole team involved in creating this book!

It has been exceptionally busy!

What is something you wish you had known about publishing earlier on?

That there are no guarantees! Even having an agent does not guarantee a book deal. So the only way forward is hard work, an open mind to feedback, and excitement over the work!

“[In publishing] there are no guarantees! …The only way forward is hard work, an open mind to feedback, and excitement over the work!” – Danna Zeiger

What’s one piece of advice that you’d like to share with other writers?

Be resourceful–read lots of books, take classes, speak to people, seek feedback. It takes all the things and a lot of work!

Any final words of wisdom or something you’d like others to know?

Make sure your story is unique and adds something new. Not all well-written stories will be made into books (this goes for myself, too!) because there are soooo many manuscripts being queried, and still a lot of competition on the shelves. In order for a book to do well at each step, it simply must stand out!

Thank you so much for spending some time with us today. We truly appreciate you and all the hard work you do to make a safe and inclusive place for kids with disabilities, and the awareness you spread with your stories. And now, it’s time for a giveaway!

GIVEAWAY

For the month of December 2025, Danna is offering one prize to one winner: a picture book critique. Non-rhyme. Fiction: up to 600 words. Non-fiction: up to 800 words.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Like this post and share it on X/Instagram or retweet/repost mine (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter by liking this post and dropping a comment at the bottom of the Feature Interview article.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 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.

Purchase ADHD and Me HERE.

Purchase Rewriting the Rules HERE.

Before pursuing her aspirations as a children’s literature author, Danna Zeiger was a Biology Professor and Program Director for Fisher College’s Biology Program, teaching and mentoring disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. While homeschooling her three spirited kids, Danna established a STEM accessibility and educational resource entitled DrZatHome. Danna’s debut STEM nonfiction picture book, REWRITING THE RULES: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability, was released this past September and has recently won Best of 2025 by the Chicago Public Library, Best of 2025 by School Library Journal, and Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2025 by the National Science Teachers’ Association. Her unpublished novel-in-verse was recently awarded the PJ Our Way Partial Author’s Incentive Award. Danna is represented by Gaby Cabezut at The Seymour Agency. CONNECT: @home_zat (x/Twitter) @DrZatHome (IG and Bluesky) website: http://www.dannazeiger.com.

HOW TO MARKET LIKE A PRO AS AN INDIE AUTHOR AND PLAN AUTHOR VISITS AND EVENTS: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER NESTOR, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND LITERARY BLOGGER, CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Today, I’m chatting with indie kidlit author, marketing expert, and mental health advocate, Jennifer Nestor. We’ll be diving into the ins and outs of self-publishing, marketing, and how to plan author visits and events. We’ll also be exploring anxiety, bullying, mindfulness, and self-confidence in kidlit and why it matters.

Jennifer, it’s so lovely to have you here on Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog! Could you share where you’re joining us from today?

Saint Augustine, Florida.

How did you hear about Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog, and what made you want to apply for a spot as a Feature Interview guest?

I had been following Chelsea on Instagram and loved everything she stood for, especially her connection with ADHD and helping kids. 

Tell us about your intro to publishing! What were you doing before this, and how did you get here?

I was a Director of Demand at a healthcare tech company called Bamboo Health while going to Graduate school at SNHU, and writing has always been the cornerstone of joy for everything I’ve done in my marketing career. While in school, I decided to pursue writing a children’s book and wanted to see if I could self-publish and create a high-quality product that could leave a lasting impact. Once I graduated in 2023, I started doing research on all avenues of publishing, created a marketing plan, and launched my first children’s picture book, Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality, in July of 24’. 

Have you always been a writer? And when did you realize that you wanted to pursue publishing as a career?

I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. When I was younger, I wrote song lyrics, poems, and journaled a lot, but then that translated into my marketing and communications career, and even through Graduate school when I had to write blogs, website content, articles, and ten-page papers. I knew in my heart I always wanted to be a writer, but I was always afraid to take the leap until the end of my degree program, when I looked at my ten-plus-year career as a Director of Marketing and still felt empty on a soul level because I wasn’t pursuing the thing that I wanted the most. That’s when I decided to write my first picture book.

What were some hurdles that you had to overcome, and how were you able to stay the course?

One of the biggest hurdles I faced was lack of time to go all-in at the beginning of my author journey. I was working 40+ hours a week in a high-level role where I had a lot of responsibility, and it was hard not to compare myself to those around me who had a lot more free time to make things happen. Once I found more balance, I was able to prioritize by developing a marketing plan and timeline, and I started to take things day by day, instead of worrying too much about the long game. That helped me center more and stay the course. Once I had more time, I was able to do more networking and things that benefited what I was trying to achieve. 

Tell us about your indie publishing journey. What was your process like? (Finding an illustrator/formatting the book/marketing/platform/etc).

My process initially was to write the manuscript. Once I had an idea of what the story was about and the goals of the story, I wanted to look for an illustrator who would be the perfect fit to show emotion and had experience with jungle characters. I found Victoria Mikki through SCBWI’s featured portfolio of the month and reached out to her online. I worked with her over the next six months to create magic, and once the illustrations were complete, I worked with BookBaby for the text layout/formatting and print-on-demand distribution online. I’ve done all my own marketing and have tried different online channels like FB/IG ads, TikTok ads, Google & Amazon ads, podcasts, blogs, and then also traditional channels like print media, news interviews, sponsored content in magazines, and radio as well.

What are some things/places helped you along the way? 

Building community has been extremely helpful. I recently went to a writing retreat with Story Sirens in PA, and that was amazing, meeting other authors who are just as passionate about writing and want to make this a career-long-term. 

What are your favorite writing resources/groups/contests/etc, and why?

Manuscript Academy, SCBWI, and 12×12 Picture Book group. Each of them have given me opportunities to learn, grow, and develop my writing skills. I’ve watched several helpful webinars as well, with agents and knowledgeable authors who have seen success.

What’s something you wish you had known about indie publishing or publishing in general before you started?

I wish I had spoken to more people about options on reducing upfront costs initially, as it’s been an expensive journey. 

What’s a piece of advice you have for someone currently pursuing independent publishing?

Make sure to do your research before you get started. Develop a 360 omni-channel campaign where you’re hitting on many facets of marketing and are executing a well-rounded book launch. Surround yourself with other indie authors who have the same goals/passions as you and create community.

Are you currently looking for literary representation for future projects that you’d like to publish traditionally down the road, or are you hoping to continue independent publishing? And why?

Yes. I am actually looking for an agent and querying at this time with my MG Contemporary novel, and am also working on a New Adult Romance. My goal is to be a multi-genre career writer. I think you have a better chance of exposure when represented by professionals. It’s also less of a cost investment up front, and it can provide visibility nationally vs. just locally, when marketed correctly.  

What would you say some of the benefits of independent publishing are?

Creative control for things like illustrations, covers, and final say on the content itself. 

What would you say some of the cons of independent publishing are?

High costs, a lot of groundwork needs to be done to get yourself out there and visible in markets outside your local area. It can be tiring to do a lot of in-person events, trying to recoup costs. 

How have you been able to use your background in marketing and master’s in communication to your advantage when it comes to publishing?

I’ve had the opportunity to develop a full marketing plan for publishing, which helped me see more success with indie retailers, brand visibility, and more based on having a clear understanding of my demographics, channels, and online/traditional strategies. 

As a marketing professional, could you share your top piece of advice for writers on how to properly market to their audience?

I have a few pieces of advice here. Don’t just throw spaghetti on the wall and hope it sticks. It’s great to try new things, but you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. You can create your own path. Be sure to understand who your ideal readers are and develop content related to them. Make sure it always has a purpose and a clear CTA. 

Have you been able to attend/participate/host any local/otherwise events? If so, we’d love to hear about them! Don’t forget to shout out the names of your local bookstores/libraries, and if applicable, add their social media website/handles so that we can promote/share them with readers as well!

St. Johns County Library-https://www.instagram.com/stjohnscountylibrary/

Jax Library-https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/

Book stores:

Needful Books and Things-https://www.instagram.com/needfulbooksandthings/

No Shelf Control – https://www.instagram.com/no_shelf_controlsta/

Novel Tea Books- https://www.instagram.com/novelteabookshop/

The Literary Lounge- https://www.instagram.com/literaryloungejax/

ToyTopia *all locations – https://www.instagram.com/toytopiatoys/

Chamblins –https://www.instagram.com/chamblinsbooks/

The Book Loft at Amelia Island-https://www.instagram.com/bookloftamelia/

La Casa Studios in St. Augustine- https://www.instagram.com/lacasastudiosfl/

For some of our newer authors who may be debuting soon *so exciting* could you share more details on how to plan author visits and events?

Typically, it’s good to plan out how many events you have the capacity for from a timing perspective and what you’re willing to invest in from a collateral and financial standpoint. Larger events/markets require a table setup, signage, tents, table cloths, inventory, and more. They also come with an upfront cost, occasionally, or a “vendor fee,” so try to set a realistic limit on what you’re willing to spend to be a vendor. Be strategic. Will there be a lot of authors at this event, or can you find ones where you’re the cornerstone author so that you can make additional connections and revenue? If there are multiple authors, you might not be able to have as many conversations with potential clients due to the speed people breeze through markets when they have their kids. 

Author visits require less up-front costs, but you should have a media kit created that has information about your book, any awards, a photo of you with your book, and what your author visits include, your website, social media handles, etc. This will help you appear more professional and organized. Many debut authors struggle knowing where to start, so having your presentation developed and ready on PPT, Canva, etc., and thinking about what type of interactive elements you’ll include will help you on your journey to school visits. 

Tell us about your stories! What are they about? What was their inspiration? And what do you hope each story will bring the reader?

Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality is about a young girl who gets bullied on the school bus and goes into this dreamstate where she finds herself in The Jungle of Individuality. There, she meets three animals who help guide her into being more self-confident, resilient, and learning how to take a pause. Jane learns to embrace the things that make her unique due to her jungle friends, who all have unique quirks themselves. I hope that this story helps kids embrace the things that make them special, instead of being embarrassed by them. I also hope it fosters empathy, kindness, and shows them that bullying is not okay. My second book, Jane’s Carnival Adventure, follows Jane and Molly at the school carnival. Jane is excelling at all the carnival games, while Molly is struggling and feels inadequate in her own skills, lacking the confidence to continue to play. Jane passes down the lessons she learned in the jungle and teaches her it’s okay to fail and try again. Perseverance, empathy, kindness, and resiliency are all topics readers can take away from the sequel in The Adventures of Jane’s Imagination series. 

Could you tell us more about the themes you explore in your books, such as anxiety, bullying, mindfulness, and self-confidence, and why these topics in kidlit are so important?

It was important for me to tackle topics like bullying, anxiety, self-confidence, and mindfulness so that kids understand they’re not alone with their big feelings. Young children are consistently met with a lot of challenges, so having a book that can address multiple topics in one was my goal. 

I saw that you offer activity sheets for 1st-4th graders that accompany your stories. We’d love to learn more about what these activity sheets include!

Yes! For Jane Escapes, I have a 36-page educator resource, and for Jane’s Carnival Adventure, I have a 15-page resource. These resources include activities like vocabulary, crossword puzzles, dissecting scenarios in the story like bullying, friendship, and perseverance, and celebrating the things that make you unique. 

See what Jennifer has to offer on TEACHER CORNER!

What is your biggest reason for WHY you write? What does writing bring YOU?

My biggest reason why I write is to help people understand they’re not alone and to bring joy to others’ lives through literature. Writing brings me a lot of creativity, joy, and satisfaction, seeing a story come to life from start to finish. 

What have been your greatest publishing highlights? This could be anything that brings you joy from publishing- notes from readers, personal experiences, etc.

Golden Wizard award, Literary Titan award, Reader’s Favorite Five-Star, and a positive Kirkus review that said Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality was “A beautiful celebration of human differences.” My eBooks also jumped to the top of the charts in their categories during the launch week. What I love the most is when a teacher or parent gives me positive feedback where their student or child feels represented or seen in my story. 

Any last words of advice that you’d like to share with readers today?

Keep dreaming big. Anything is possible. In all transparency, being a debut author isn’t easy, especially when you’re writing a novel or trying to get published, but if you keep being persistent, everything will work out in time. This is a long game. There isn’t much instant gratification involved since things take time, so you have to be prepared for it.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Jennifer. And now, it’s time for our GIVEAWAY!

For this month’s Feature Interview prize, Jennifer is offering a free signed copy of her book with a Jane doll, coloring sheet, maze, and sticker!

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Share a link to the Feature Interview on X/IG or retweet/repost mine (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me X @chellysbooks / @chelseasworldofbooks. If you do not have an X or Instagram account, you may enter by dropping a comment at the bottom of the Feature Interview article.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 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.

Purchase a copy of ADHD AND ME

Purchase a copy of Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality

Purchase a copy of Jane’s Carnival Adventure

HIGHLIGHTING DISABLED VOICES IN BOOKS AND WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH KATIE MAZEIKA, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND LITERARY BLOGGER, CHELSEA DICICCO

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

In today’s Feature Interview, I’m talking with traditionally published, award-winning author/illustrator Katie Mazeika. We’ll be discussing the importance of highlighting disabled voices in books and why representation matters.

FEATURE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Katie, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. It’s great to have you with us! Where are you joining us from today?

I’m in Ohio, just east of Cleveland, in a little city on the lake called Mentor.

How were you first introduced to the blog and the Feature Interview series?

You’ve interviewed several authors I know from promo groups or events. I’m sure it was through one of those shared interviews that I first became aware of your blog.

One of the things we love to discuss here on the blog is how. Could you tell us more about the events that led up to you joining the world of kidlit publishing?

Absolutely! I studied illustration at the Columbus College of Art and Design with the intention of pursuing editorial illustration after graduation. But at some point in my Junior or Senior year, I was introduced to picture book illustration and fell in love. After school, my focus was on illustrating for the children’s market.

Since you are both an author and illustrator, could you tell us which came first? Did your career start out with you querying projects as both author and illustrator, or one or the other? Explain.  

In high school, I was torn between going to college for writing or for art. My compromise was a degree in illustration with a minor in creative writing. So initially, I pursued both. But my first agent, and my first jobs, were as an illustrator only.

While we’re in the territory of querying… could you tell us more about your querying journey and how you came to find your agent?

I started with an illustration agent at a large agency that wasn’t a great fit. After about fifteen months with them, I was dropped. Fortunately, I was picked up by a much smaller illustration agency fairly quickly. I really liked the people at the second agency, but the owner became ill, and less than six months later, it closed. I knew I couldn’t query the same illustration agents again, so I was at a loss. That was when an author/illustrator friend suggested writing my own texts and querying as an author/illustrator. So, I wrote my first manuscript, which eventually became Annette Feels Free, and sent out my first queries. At the same time, I participated in #DIVPIT (Diversity Pitch) on Twitter and got a few responses. One of those was my agent, Sorche Fairbank. (FYI-#DIVPIT still exists, it’s just moved to Discord.)

What are some key things an author or illustrator should look for when deciding on an agent relationship? What are some green flags? And what are some red flags?

With my first agent, looking back, there were a lot of red flags. I was never allowed to communicate directly with Art Directors; everything talked about went through the agent. Getting paid was a battle. When I was in NYC, I asked to come by their office for a meeting, but it was very unclear where the office actually was. They asked me to meet in a coffee shop instead. I think the biggest red flag was emails that were never acknowledged. Artwork I sent in again and again that was never added to the website. There was often a general tone that I was bothering them and they had better things to do. But this was my first agent. I assumed this was normal and tiptoed around them. After comparing notes with other agented illustrators, I realized that relationship wasn’t typical. When they dropped me, I was surprised-I’d been booked pretty steadily and done four or five jobs through them, but in the end it worked out for the better.

Looking for an agent a second time, I was much pickier. I went through their social media, going back three to five years. I took note of who was announced as recently signed. Then I looked to see how many of those illustrators were still with that agency. If more than a handful of artists were gone after three years, then I didn’t query that agency. That crossed a number of agencies off my list, but it helped me find my second agent. I imagine I would still be there today if the agency hadn’t closed.

When I signed with Fairbank Literary, I had another offer from an illustration agency, but after a phone call with Sorche, I was eager to work with a literary agent and to write as well as illustrate. I know some creators who almost seem to be afraid of their agents. I was one of them with my first agent. But I’ve learned that fear isn’t conducive to creativity. It should be a partnership, with respect and boundaries that go both ways.

For someone who may be on the fence about whether or not to pursue representation, what are some reasons why you chose to find an agent?

Unfortunately, a lot of publishers only accept agented submissions. And I really value having someone go line by line through my contracts explaining what each clause means for me and my book, before I sign.

What would you say makes a great author/illustrator and agent relationship, from both sides?

Like I said before, it should be a partnership, with respect and boundaries that go both directions. I often bounce ideas off Sorche very early on, and I trust her to be very straight with me about whether I should keep going. I know she has an uncanny business sense and a great feel for the market. She’s always straight with me about whether an idea is worth pursuing. I also know that I can be direct with her; there’s no tiptoeing or playing games.

What’s something that you didn’t know when you started out that you do know now (and maybe wish you had known sooner)?

I think everyone assumes the work is done when you have the first book published. And what I realized is that it’s just the beginning. From there come the promotions and events. At the same time, you are working on your next project.  It’s a lot of plates in the air. The risk of burnout is very real, even more so for author/illustrators. So, I have to remind myself to slow down and breathe.

I was so excited to see that all of your books (the ones you’ve written) include curriculum guides. As a former children’s librarian and current word nerd, I’m a big fan of educational resources with books, and love promoting these added free resources on my Teacher Corner for educators, parents, and librarians. I’d love to hear more about some of the resources/extras that you have to offer.

With Annette Feels Free and Beulah Has a Hunch, the curriculum guides offer the opportunity to go deeper into the subject matter and learn even more about these fantastically interesting women. 

For my recent book, Maybe Just Ask Me, the curriculum guides focus more on building empathy and understanding about disability and differences. 

As a disabled person and a writer, I understand that highlighting disabled voices in books is something near to your heart. Could you share more on this and why representation in books matters?

The reason is twofold: every child should see themselves represented in a book. Being a part of the story is incredibly validating and confirms that they are not alone. At the same time, non-disabled readers need to see disabled characters in the books they read. We need to normalize differences and be comfortable with talking about them. Disability is not a bad word, but when we teach kids to pretend it doesn’t exist, we are teaching them there is something bad or scary about disability and disabled people. 

–I love this answer and couldn’t agree more!

Speaking of books, let’s talk about them! Could you tell us briefly about some of your stories and what they highlight?

Annette Feels Free is a biography of Annette Kellerman, who started as a dancer when she was a child but developed polio and was unable to continue dancing. She discovered swimming and became a world champion swimmer, a performer and movie star, and designed what later became the modern swimsuit. She even went to court to fight for women’s right to wear that suit.

Beulah Has a Hunch! is about Beulah Louise Henry, the most prolific female mechanical inventor in the US. What’s so unique about her is that she had no traditional education, only finishing school. She was so intelligent and passionate that she figured out the mechanics of how things worked|. She used the success of her first invention to pave her own path and created a name for herself in a time when few women had careers, let alone owned multiple businesses. I also focused on her neurodivergence, specifically Synthesia and hyperphantasia. 

Maybe Just Ask Me! is based on my own childhood, specifically returning to school after losing my eye to cancer. It was difficult to feel gawked at and to have students talk about me, but not to me. Unlike the main character in the book, I was not brave enough to speak up for myself and to advocate for my story to be heard. Mazie is who I wished I could have been back then, someone who is open about her disability. I hope that she can be an inspiration for children with disabilities and encourage children without disabilities to pursue curiosity with kindness.

“Unlike the main character in the book, I was not brave enough to speak up for myself and to advocate for my story to be heard. Mazie is who I wished I could have been back then, someone who is open about her disability. I hope that she can be an inspiration for children with disabilities and encourage children without disabilities to pursue curiosity with kindness“ – Katie Mazeika

I understand you’ve been able to participate in several community events as well as industry speaking/social engagements with your books. I’d love to hear more about these!

I have been very fortunate; I’ve participated in national panels on disability representation in books at NCTE, ALA, and SCBWI, as well as in local panels at several book festivals. I’ve also presented individually on disability representation in children’s books at several state library conferences. This is a topic very close to my heart, and I’m always thrilled to see how many attendees are also passionate about disability representation in children’s books.

I also do school and library visits, and love interacting with the kids, answering their questions, and creating with them. I have a character writing and illustrating workshop that I do. The kids always come up with the most fantastic characters. They’re so imaginative. It’s one of my favorite programs to hold.

Have you had any notable/special experiences or moments with readers/fans/fellow writers/illustrators during these events? We love to hear the positives, so if you have more than one, feel free to share multiple!

The very first school visit I did for Maybe Just Ask Me, there was a boy in the audience wearing an eyepatch like Mazie. He was hugging a copy of the book throughout the whole presentation. Seeing him holding the book and grinning because he felt seen made me tear up. Afterward, I signed his book and spoke to him. His teacher was at a book festival I was part of a few days later. She told me that was all he talked about all week. More tears. That was the whole reason for writing the book: to make children feel represented and seen. 

The feedback from librarians and teachers that Maybe Just Ask Me! connects with their students, and that the book opens doors for conversations, reminds me why I create books. This book, in particular, opened old wounds for me and was really hard to write; those responses make it feel worth it. 

What is your big WHY for writing? What does it bring you?

I never felt seen in stories. There were really no disabled characters or scenes in hospitals. The one book where I saw myself was Madeline. I cherished that story and wished there were more like it. I see writing as an opportunity to create characters and share stories so readers with disabilities do not feel alone or forgotten. Like I said, it’s hard to do this sometimes. There are parts of growing up with a disability that I did not fully work through until writing these books. But when I see children able to own their disability and get excited about seeing themselves on the page, it reminds me that I am doing it for them and to honor my younger self. 

“I never felt seen in stories. There were really no disabled characters or scenes in hospitals… I see writing as an opportunity to create characters and share stories so readers with disabilities do not feel alone or forgotten.” – Katie Mazeika

What’s one piece of wisdom that you’d like to offer to fellow kidlit writers/illustrators?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep moving forward, even when it’s hard; you only fail when you give up. And learn to celebrate all the wins (big AND small!). 

Thank you so much, Katie, for joining us on the blog today. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know you a little better. Thank you for all that you do to provide disability representation in children’s books, as well as the resources you offer to families, educators, and librarians.

Now it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

For the month of October, Katie is offering two prizes to two winners (1 prize per winner). Prize 1: a signed copy of one of her books. Prize 2: A 20-minute ask me anything call.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Share a link to the Feature Interview on X (during the corresponding month/year) and tag me @chellysbooks. Want extra entries? Repost my Feature Interview post on X. Don’t have X? Drop a comment at the bottom of the interview.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 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.

Purchase a copy of ADHD and Me HERE

Purchase Maybe Just Ask Me HERE

Find more of Katie’s books on her website!

AUTHOR BIO + HEADSHOT + WEBSITE

Katie Mazeika is an award-winning author and illustrator who can’t imagine a better job than making books. She loves creating stories based on real people and events. Katie is passionate about highlighting disabled voices in her work. Katie strongly believes all children should see themselves in books.

Connect: Instagram:kdmazart X:kdmaz

FB:Katie Mazeika

Website: http://www.katiemazeika.com

FEBRUARY 2025 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH LIBRARIAN AND CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR MAKENZIE HICE, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, LITERARY BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Today, I’m talking with storyteller + filmmaker + Children’s Books Author AND Librarian Makenzie Hice. We’ll be diving into finding inspiration from books, discovering ideas for stories, challenges of the writing process, and the importance of being kind to yourself while creating.

Before we get started with our interview, if this is your first time visiting, here’s a sliver of what you’ll find here on the blog. THE BLOG houses pretty much an endless array of resources and helpful tips for writers and illustrators- and the list is always growing, but one of the most popular and truly incredible things that the blog has to offer is the FEATURE INTERVIEW segment, founded in 2022 and hosted by yours truly, Chelsea DiCicco.

You might be wondering…

WHAT ARE THEY?

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?

Let me shed some light…

Feature Interviews are a monthly collaboration of industry professionals, including authors, illustrators, editors, and agents, having real conversations about the ins and outs of publishing. Many featured guests were at one time, or currently are, also educators, librarians, or booksellers. Their input and perspectives on publishing bring an invaluable amount of knowledge both for newly aspiring authors and/or illustrators, as well as those who are well-established.

These conversations help provide writers and illustrators with tools and insight by giving them an up-close look at publishing across a diverse collection of viewpoints from different sides of the desk. Every month, we dig deep into the behind-the-scenes of publishing, share tips and resources, and provide answers to common (and not-so-common) questions. We also offer PRIZE giveaway opportunities to all readers who take the time to either leave a comment on the blog post or share it on social media. Prizes include free merchandise, one-on-one Zoom mentor calls or Ask-Me-Anythings, manuscript critiques, and more.

Now that we know what’s in store, let’s get this ball rolling!

Makenzie, it’s so great to have you on the blog with us this month! It’s no secret I love libraries and always have a soft spot for talking to fellow librarians. And even though I technically no longer work in a library anymore, I feel like it’s a “once a librarian, always a librarian” type of thing.

Even when I am no longer working for the library, it will always be a significant place for me. The Dewey Decimal System will forever be ingrained in my brain. 

Okay, so to get us started, could you tell our readers where you’re located?

I currently live in Portland, Oregon. We are known for our rain here.

Wonderful! So, Makenzie, when reading through your bio in your application for the 2025 Feature Interview lineup, it was very apparent that you have a real love for storytelling. And I thought it was interesting that you mentioned your interest in storytelling was first developed through filmmaking. Could you tell us more about this?

I fell in love with filmmaking when I was fourteen. I started making my own short films with my friends as a creative outlet. I always loved movies and was enchanted by the endless possibilities of visual storytelling. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in film, so I tried a little bit of everything. My favorite director as a teen was Stanley Kubrick, which is funny to look back on. My goals as a storyteller are the complete opposite now.

I’d love to hear the process of how one form of creative arts led you to find another! Can you tell us how you got from point A. filmmaking to point B. writing?

When I went to Portland State to study film, I wasn’t sure what I specifically wanted to pursue. Once I took my first screenwriting class, my heart was set. I loved being able to make something out of nothing. When it comes to writing, I found relief in knowing not too much could go awry. If I write myself into a corner, I can write myself out of it. I had a favorite screenwriting professor and I took every class of his. He taught me so much about enjoying the process and not beating myself up. Seeing someone who was successful with such a light-hearted attitude when it came to writing really inspired me to stick with it. Writing is hard work, but it doesn’t mean you have to be hard on yourself. 

When and how did the pursuit of your publishing career begin?

I was graduating from college in the Summer of 2020. We were all living in an uncertain time, and I felt very lost. I asked my screenwriting professor for advice on where to look for opportunities. He encouraged me to not limit myself. “You are a writer, not just a screenwriter,” he said. Writing children’s books was something I had considered, but I had no idea where to start. Since I was unemployed and had all the time in the world, I started researching how to construct a manuscript and went from there. I took my screenwriting knowledge on structuring stories and developing characters and morphed it to fit the picture book format. I was surprised by how well my past knowledge lent itself to my new phase of writing.

From the time you first began your publishing journey, how long did it take you before you found your “yes” and could you tell us how that happened? (Was it through a contest, a cold query, an in-person event, or something else? Was it an editor/publisher who you submitted directly to?)

I looked up publishers who were accepting unsolicited manuscripts and found several useful lists. I am grateful for how much helpful information there is on the internet. I then took the leap of sending out a manuscript. It was scary, but I figured I couldn’t expect anything from the universe if I wasn’t willing to put myself out there. When you submit to publishers, you may get a polite rejection or hear nothing at all. The first manuscript I sent out received a few rejections, but mainly it was crickets. I then wrote Angel and the Paper Trail and sent it to about five publishers. Within a month, I received an email from Clavis Publishing telling me they wanted to publish my story. My first “yes” came about 5 months after beginning my children’s book-writing journey. I understand my situation was very lucky. I sent the right manuscript to the right person at the right time. I don’t say this to discredit the work I put into it, but I am aware of how long extremely talented people have had to wait to get their first “yes.” I was given a rare opportunity before I had a strong grasp of what I was doing.

I saw on your application that you aren’t represented by a literary agent. Have you been at any point, and/or is that something that you are interested in pursuing in the future?

I have never been represented by a literary agent, but it is my dream to have one. Right now, I am in the rejection portion of my career. I am consistently submitting to agents, adding to my growing list of rejections. Getting rejected isn’t fun, but it is a huge part of the journey. I don’t take it personally. I just let myself feel what I need to feel, dust off my shoulders, and keep trying. I will gladly pay my dues in order to earn the growth I need.

If you weren’t represented by a literary agent for your previous book deals, could you tell our readers about what your experience was like when going through the process of handling and negotiating publishing contracts independently?

My negotiating process wasn’t very extensive. They emailed me the contract. I read it over with my mom and signed it. I am by no means saying this is the best approach when signing a contract, but it is what felt best for me at the time. It was my first book, so I had no prior experience. I’m still learning about the business side of this industry. If I have the fortune of signing another contract in the future, I think there will be a more in-depth conversation going on.

For writers and/or illustrators who are considering submitting directly to publishers without solicitation, do you have any helpful tips you might like to share?

Keep looking and be patient. Publishers’ and agents’ submission windows often change, so it’s good to consistently do research. You may not have a manuscript that is a great fit for a specific publisher right now, but something you create down the line could be. You can’t predict exactly what people are looking for, so don’t be afraid to try different things. 

Let’s talk about finding inspiration from books. Have there been any specific books that you can recall that really inspired your creative career today? Explain.

Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to sweet-gentle stories. I loved the work of Arnold Lobel (The Frog and Toad series) and Else Holmelund Minarik (The Little Bear series). They have helped shape my view of the world, teaching me to look for the little moments of joy in life. Those are the things that keep my heart warm. When I get caught up in stress, I revisit these stories to remember why I started doing this in the first place. 

What are some ways you strive to keep your creative juices flowing, in turn helping you continue discovering new ideas for stories?

Working in a library, I get to be surrounded by books every day. This allows me to see what’s coming out and what classics have withstood the test of time. Pulling inspiration from both old and new gives me a good sense of what kind of stories children are drawn to. Reading children’s books helps keep my childlike view alive. They bring up old memories from when I was a child. Revisiting perspectives I had when I was young helps me tap into a whimsical imagination I once neglected.

Have there been any challenges you’ve had to face during the writing process/publishing journey, and if so, what are some ways you were able to overcome them?

I have trouble trusting my instincts. If I get too close to something, I can’t see it from another point of view. I may have a general idea of what I want to convey, but I can’t find the right words. I overthink and let it stop me in my tracks. Over time, I have learned it is easier to edit a page of clunky words than a page of nothing. I have had to become okay with creating a mess and cleaning it up little by little. The more experience I can get working through my mistakes, the stronger my writing muscles will become. 

I love the idea of being kind to yourself while creating. It’s so, so, so important. We often look at and talk about the “fun” side of creativity and the “beauty,” which there is a lot of fun and beauty in it, BUT being creative can also take a LOT out of you. Especially if you’re harnessing it to be used in your everyday career. And if you don’t take time to properly recharge that creativity, you can find yourself on the flipside completely energy-drained. Can you speak to what it means to be kind to yourself while creating? And what are some ways you’ve been able to do this? (If you’d like to mention other ways of being kind to yourself while creating, like not holding yourself to standards of perfection, not comparing yourself to other people’s successes, etc., Feel free to add that as well!)

In order to get better at something, you have to be bad at it for a while. It can feel really uncomfortable. I used to beat myself up if something wasn’t coming easy to me. It takes time to create. The more you try to force it, the more frustrating it will become. It is important to take a break when you hit a wall. When I am burnt out, I give myself a week to catch my breath and clear my head. Pursuing a creative path can be emotionally draining. I think there may always be a little voice in the back of my head whispering, “You’re not good enough.” I can’t silence that voice, but I can acknowledge it for what it is. It is a feeling, not a fact. As soon as I stopped bottling up my negative emotions, the more at peace I had as a writer. Balance looks different for each person. Celebrate the little accomplishments. Even If you were only able to write for fifteen minutes, be proud of yourself. Every little bit counts. You can’t give it your all every single day. You have to find a routine that works for your life.

Okay, I’m itching to know more about your work in the library. How long have you been a librarian? And which library do you currently work in (if you feel comfortable mentioning)?

I have been working for a Multnomah County Library for about three years. It is a three-story building, which lends itself to housing many books. I am actually not a librarian, but just a library worker. I shelve books, make library cards, and do many things to help patrons get what they’re looking for. I share a lot of the work with the librarians, but they are much more qualified and educated than me. Before working in a library, I thought everyone who worked there had a Master’s Degree in Library Science. I was pleasantly surprised to learn this wasn’t the case. There are workers with varying levels of education. This made it possible for me to work in such a cool place.

Have you been able to host any author events at your local library? 

I haven’t. To be honest, I feel sort of sheepish when it comes to talking about my book at work. This past year, I have been trying to come out of my shell more and be better at sharing my accomplishments with the people around me. 

My book on display at our library!

Speaking of local author events, I’d love to hear about any events you’ve been able to participate in: local/virtual school visits, bookstore visits, library storytimes, etc.

I have done two events at local bookstores. My first event was at Herringbone Books in Redmond, Oregon. I also did a reading at Green Bean Books as part of their back-to-school storytime. I feel very grateful for how kind everyone at these stores was. Last year, I got to visit my brother’s second grade class. It was my first time seeing him in teaching mode. His students were thrilled to meet their teacher’s sister. They were such an engaged audience. I brought little papers so they could make their own notes. I loved seeing how excited they were as they picked their papers and brainstormed what they wanted to write.

My first event at Herringbone Books in Redmond, Oregon!

What has the response to your books and/or events been? Have you had any particularly positive/kind responses while visiting with patrons/classrooms/families? (This could be anything! A kind card. A hand-drawn picture. A thoughtful comment. Etc. Again, if you have pictures you’d like to share, please email them to me as attachments to chelseasworldofbooks@gmail.com)

For the few events I have done, I went into them feeling super nervous. I became a writer because I liked the isolation of it, so being the center of attention is something I struggle with. Despite my nerves, everyone has been so wonderful to me at these events. Someone who had reached out to me through social media months earlier was able to attend one of my events. It felt so amazing to have someone support me in that way. Her kind message had meant so much to me, making me cry happy tears. Getting to meet her in person was so special.

What have been some of your greatest highlights/memories/milestones on the publishing journey? (Again, if you have pictures you’d like to share, please email them 

Seeing my book on a library shelf was definitely a pinch me moment. As I was going about my regular day at work, I looked up to discover it sitting there. It was in the company of so many wonderful stories. It was surreal. Another big moment for me was when I found out my book made it onto the Children’s Books Council’s (CBC) 2024 Children’s Favorite list and Teacher Favorite list. It was such an honor to be included. It helped me feel confident at a time when my imposter syndrome was at its height. 

Okay, we’ve arrived at the book portion of the interview. Please tell us about your books! 

My book, Angel and the Paper Trail is about a young boy who is new to his school and struggling to make friends. He finds a mysterious note inside a book at the school’s library and sets off to find out who wrote it. With the help of his classmate, he begins his search. With each clue they follow, their search team grows. 

This story was inspired by the time I spent at the library when I was younger. I hid many notes in library books and wondered if anybody ever found them. 

What do you hope your readers, big and small, will experience and/or gain from your stories?

I just hope to bring a little bit of joy and comfort to readers. If readers walk away with a smile, then my job has been done. 

Any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers today?

A creative path is not an easy path, but it is so rewarding to do what you love. It may feel as if you are not moving forward, but you are making more progress than you think. Accept support and find ways to support others. This community is full of so much kindness. Root for others’ successes, and remember, your moment will come, too. 

Thank you so much, Makenzie, for joining us on Chelsea’s World of Books Blog.

Thank you so much for having me! Getting to be a part of this makes me feel like the real deal! And now… it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE: A FREE COPY OF ANGEL AND THE PAPER TRAIL

Makenzie is giving away 3 PRIZES (TOTAL) TO 3 WINNERS (TOTAL): 1 PRIZE PER WINNER.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

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: THE LAST DAY OF THE FEBRUARY 2025 BY 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.

Purchase ADHD and Me HERE

Purchase Angel and the Paper Trail HERE

Makenzie Hice grew up in Bend, Oregon, where she first fell in love with storytelling through filmmaking. She spent her summer days walking to her library and leaving notes in books. While attending Portland State University to study film, she uncovered her passion for screenwriting. After receiving the invaluable advice to try writing for other forms, she decided to take a chance at fulfilling her dream of writing a picture book. She currently works in a library where she is happy to be surrounded and inspired by thousands of stories. From time to time, she even gets the fortune of checking in and shelving a copy of Angel and the Paper Trail. Connect with Makenzie on Instagram @makenziehicewrites.

Looking for custom writer, librarian, or book-lover-themed swag/accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a list of my personal favorite book recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:

JANUARY 2025 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH SPECIAL GUEST CHILDREN’S AUTHOR LISA KATZENBERGER, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

This year, we’re jumping into our Feature Interview segment with a guest who is every bit as lovely inside as she is out. Please welcome- Lisa Katzenberger! Lisa is a Children’s Book author known best for her beautifully written SEL stories that feature themes like being true to yourself, overcoming fears, and what it means to be a friend. But beyond her wonderfully charming stories, Lisa also wears many other literary hats, including her hat as a Writing Barn faculty member and writing instructor for classes like Write Submit Support. Which (fun fact) is actually how we met!

Before we get started with our interview, if this is your first time visiting, here’s a sliver of what you’ll find here on the blog. THE BLOG houses pretty much an endless array of resources and helpful tips for writers and illustrators- and the list is always growing, but one of the most popular and truly incredible things that the blog has to offer is the FEATURE INTERVIEW segment, founded in 2022 and hosted by yours truly, Chelsea DiCicco.

You might be wondering…

WHAT ARE THEY?

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?

Let me shed some light…

Feature Interviews are a monthly collaboration of industry professionals, including authors, illustrators, editors, and agents, having real conversations about the ins and outs of publishing. Many featured guests were at one time, or currently are, also educators, librarians, or booksellers. Their input and perspectives on publishing bring an invaluable amount of knowledge both for newly aspiring authors and/or illustrators, as well as those who are well-established.

These conversations help provide writers and illustrators with tools and insight by giving them an up-close look at publishing across a diverse collection of viewpoints from different sides of the desk. Every month, we dig deep into the behind-the-scenes of publishing, share tips and resources, and provide answers to common (and not-so-common) questions. We also offer PRIZE giveaway opportunities to all readers who take the time to either leave a comment on the blog post or share it on social media. Prizes include free merchandise, one-on-one Zoom mentor calls or Ask-Me-Anythings, manuscript critiques, and more.

Now that we know what’s in store, let’s get this ball rolling!

Lisa, it’s so truly fantastic to have you here with us today. What an exciting way to kick off the new year. How’s the beginning of the new year treating you so far?

Hi Chelsea! Thank you for having me. My new year is starting off great after a very busy 2024, which ended with me running out of steam and realizing I needed to take a nice long break. I did, and I’m back and ready to hit the ground running in 2025! 

Okay, first question. Where are you located? This is a new one, but I think it will be nice for readers to see where on the globe our friends are. Last year, I had people from all parts of the world join this segment. Maybe to celebrate the five-year mark, I’ll do a world map with pins on it to see how many locations we’ve reached. It would also be neat if some of our writers could form local connections this way. I befriended a few local authors last year thanks to the Manuscript Academy podcast. Shoutout to Molly McCaffrey, now M Hendrix. 😊 Turns out we’re in the same SCBWI chapter!

I’m located in the western suburbs of Chicago, in La Grange, Illinois. I’ve lived in the Chicago area my entire life.

Lisa, where and when did your love for writing manifest?

I remember it so clearly! I was in third grade, and we were writing stories in class. Mine was about a haunted house. But when the lesson was over, I just didn’t want to stop writing–I had more story to tell! I told my teacher and she let me keep writing as long as I liked. I was hooked!

Tell us about your journey into kidlit. How did you end where you are today? And when did that journey begin?

I started writing stories in grade school – for several years I took an advanced English class that I think was called TREK, but I never knew what it stood for! But we got to do a lot of creative writing – writing stories and poetry, and I learned about things like alliteration and personification. It was fascinating. I kept writing a bit in high school, then more so in college, where I learned about the short story form and also worked on my college newspaper (which was a blast!). After college, I got a job as a technical writer, and while I was good at it and grateful for a steady salary, I was bored out of my mind. I kept writing stories in notebooks and journals and eventually took my first online creative writing class through Writer’s Digest University. That’s when I began to consider writing for publication, working on short stories and then eventually novels for adults. I’ve had a handful of short stories published and have two and a half novels sitting in the proverbial drawer. But when I had my kids in 2010, and started taking them to library storytimes and reading board books and picture books, that’s when I switched to writing for kids! I joined SCBWI, 12×12, Storystorm, and every challenge you could find. I scoured the KidLit411 website (a FREE gem of information), read every blog post, attended conferences, took classes at The Writing Barn, and just sat down and wrote and wrote and wrote. At this point, I’m represented by Wendi Gu of HG Literary and I’ve had six kidlit books published!

What made you decide to take the route to traditional publishing vs. independent? Explain.

When I first started thinking about getting published, I honestly didn’t realize independent publishing was an option. I still don’t know much about that landscape, but I do appreciate there are lots of different options for creators to get their stories out in the world.

How were you able to find your agent match, and what made you know she was the right one for you? Explain.

I’ve been represented by Wendi Gu for about six years, and she is my second agent. When I was querying the second time around, I was much more focused, had my debut PB under contract, and was further along in my writing career, so it was a shorter process. I loved so many things about Wendi—her warm personality, her Chicago upbringing, her track record selling kidlit, amazing references from clients, and her insight into my stories. But what really won me over (I did have multiple representation offers) was that she told me which stories I shared with her that she thought she could sell and which were just not hitting things right. I knew she would be honest with me, but give her feedback professionally and kindly. Wendi has continued to both support and challenge me over the years, and I’ve grown under her guidance. I am very lucky to have a partnership with her.

Were there any challenges that you faced at the beginning of your publishing journey? If so, what were they, and how were you able to overcome them?

My relationship with my first agent only lasted a couple years, and it was so hard for me to admit that it just wasn’t the right fit. I asked around to a lot of friends who I had made in the kidlit world for advice, and they helped me come to the conclusion that it would be OK to move on and I wouldn’t lose steam in my writing career. It was a scary move to make but has worked out in the long run.

For writers and illustrators who may be facing similar challenges, what advice would you give them?

If you are struggling in your relationship with your agent, be very honest with yourself if this person is helping or hurting you. Are you waiting weeks or months for replies to emails? You shouldn’t have to! Are you afraid you are “bothering” your agent? You aren’t! You are their client, and they want to help you develop your craft and sell your books. If they aren’t doing this, don’t hold on with someone who is not respecting you, your time, and the work of your heart.

What have been some of the greatest highlights of your publishing career? Explain.

One of my favorite highlights was seeing my debut picture book, NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY, illustrated by Barbara Bakos, on display at my local independent bookstore, Anderson’s Bookshop. I went with my sister Krista, who was there to pick up a big order she had placed to give copies of my book to her friends and fellow teachers. Krista has since passed away, but she was my biggest fan. I will never forget how excited she was for me.

Me and my daughter Sydney at Anderson’s Bookshop with NATIONAL REGULAR AVERAGE ORDINARY DAY – Krista took this picture.

What have been some of the most difficult things you’ve faced on your publishing journey?

Handling the rejections. For a while, I was getting a thick skin, but over time, the rejections have started to hurt again. The last three books I’ve had out on submission have not sold. I try to focus on my current work, but there’s still heartache when a story you’ve worked so hard on isn’t picked up.

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever been told?

I honestly can’t think of any bad writing advice I’ve received! I try to take some sort of learning from everything.

What’s the best?

Slow down. When I’m drafting, I have a tendency to rush through the emotional moments in a story, the parts that hit your heart and make a reader root for the main character. When I go back to revise, I have to remember to slow down pivotal moments in a story to really let the reader know what the character is experiencing.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever been told?
“Slow down.” – Lisa Katzenberger

Do you have any favorite resources or communities that were especially influential to your writing journey that you’d recommend to other creators? If so, which ones and why/how were they able to help you?

The Writing Barn and the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge were both instrumental to my picture book career. I took classes through The Writing Barn and attended their retreats starting in 2017, and I had a mentorship with the wonderful Bethany Hegedus, who taught me so much and offered endless support and encouragement. With 12×12, in my first few years of writing picture books, I cranked out draft after draft. It was the practice I needed to learn how to craft a good story, and I met so many fellow writers who are now good friends!

Let’s talk a little about writing craft. Can you tell our readers what “craft” is all about and why it’s important to sharpen and hone those skills?

This is a great question, and it brings up a special memory. In the early 2000s, I was writing short stories and attempting to write my first novel. I was taking a class online through AOL messenger (yes, I’ve been at this for that long!,) and I remember the instructor using the word “craft” and I asked him what that word meant. I kind of felt silly afterward when I understood what he meant, but it reminds me that we all have to start somewhere, and there really are no bad questions.

Now, the tricky part is how in the world would I describe the craft of writing? I would say it’s the combination of the art and science of the creative writing process. Things like learning how to choose the best point of view, defining your protagonist’s voice, and identifying your story’s major plot points. 

What are some ways writers can learn to better their craft?

Read a lot! You will learn so much from reading stories – both in the genre you like to write and outside of it. Take classes, go to webinars, attend conferences. Meet other writers and talk about the writing process. Work with critique partners to get feedback on your stories. Try lots of different approaches in a story – experiment and have fun!

“Read a lot! You will learn so much from reading stories – both in the genre you like to write and outside of it. Take classes, go to webinars, attend conferences. Meet other writers and talk about the writing process. Work with critique partners to get feedback on your stories. Try lots of different approaches in a story – experiment and have fun!” -Lisa Katzenberger

While we’re on the topic of learning and improving, can you tell us a little bit about the other literary work you do outside of writing and publishing books for kids?

I teach writing courses online as well! I have taught classes or webinars through The Writing Barn, SCBWI, Inked Voices, and 12×12.

How did you end up working as a writing instructor? And do you feel this helps ground you in the literary world and also helps strengthen your own skills as a writer?

From 2017-2020, I attended three retreats at The Writing Barn, took two online classes, and began a mentorship with Bethany. Bethany and I got to be good friends, and as my work became published, she asked me to teach Perfecting the Picture Book I at The Writing Barn. From there, I taught other courses at the Writing Barn and did webinars for Inked Voices, SCBWI, and 12×12. Part of the joy of teaching is giving back to the writing community and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. It also helps me remember that we are all constantly learning – I still take classes and webinars all the time. I am inspired and encouraged by my students, and when they take chances with their work and push themselves, it inspires me to do the same.

The Writing Barn, Austin Texas

“Part of the joy of teaching is giving back to the writing community and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. It also helps me remember that we are all constantly learning…” -Lisa Katzenberger

Speaking of your writing, I’d love to talk some about writing SEL picture books. As you know, I love SEL picture books and quiet stories with lots of heart and sentiment. Your books are always favorites of mine. They always leave me feeling the warm fuzzies. You know when I get those because usually, I close the book and hold it to my chest and smile. Sometimes, I’ll even shut my eyes to savor the moment. For readers who may be wondering what SEL is, could you share a little more about what SEL books are?

SEL stands for Social Emotional Learning. In my research about SEL over the years, I found this definition from CASEL to be helpful: “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”

CASEL SEL Framework

Now, SEL picture books can be a hard sell for a lot of reasons. For one thing, your craft has to be just right for the story to really sing. And just because you have a lovely message doesn’t necessarily mean that a kid will find it lovely. So, it’s a delicate balance of finding the “kid” voice, tempered with the right pacing and right heart levels, and making sure it’s enjoyable for the readers (big and small). It’s really quite the master balancing act! But you always manage to do it so well. Can you tell our readers what your secret to writing a perfect SEL story is?

I see SEL books as those that focus more on how a character feels rather than what they do. These books are not as heavy on plot and may focus on exploring a specific emotion like empathy. For a great list of examples, check out librarian Betsy Bird’s recent list.

Oh gosh, I don’t know that I possess any secrets! But what I do have is a ton of tenacity. My SEL books take much longer for me to write. I go through 40-50 revisions over the course of several years. When there is a theme that is important to me, and I really want to tell a specific story, I really dig my heels in and refuse to give up! 

“When there is a theme that is important to me, and I really want to tell a specific story, I really dig my heels in and refuse to give up!” -Lisa Katzenberger

What are some hints and/or tips you can share with a writer on how to tighten or improve their SEL story? Do you have a magic checklist for what makes a SEL story sing?

I don’t have a checklist, but I often teach about thinking of the emotional shift in an SEL book. If it’s a story where your character changes (and they don’t have to!) you can look at what the emotional arc of their story is. For IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship, Giraffe moves from anxious to empathetic. In I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding The Brave You, the characters move from scared to brave. 

A map of the Plot and Emotion ARCS in IT WILL BE OKAY

-I love this visual of your story arc. It’s so helpful! Thanks for sharing.

Okay, time to celebrate some happy things. What have been some of the positive responses you’ve received from readers? And how did their words/actions make you feel?

I have been doing school visits this past year, and I love meeting with young readers. As they are coming into the presentation, some of them will ask me, “Are you The Author?” like it’s an official title. I think letting kids see the creator behind books helps them realize that they, too, could grow up to be an author or whatever they dream of being!

Lisa at a school visit

What are three things that instantaneously make you smile when you think about your career as a Children’s Book Author?

I get to make things up all day, I’m my own boss, and I can make kids think or feel something new.

-All wonderful things!

If you could share some words of wisdom with other writers and illustrators, pertaining to publishing and/or life, what would they be?

My 88-year-old mom, bless her heart, always says, “getting old isn’t for sissies!” You have to be a tough cookie to survive this publishing business, too. It is all really, really hard. The rejection, the self-doubt, the waiting (so much waiting!), the odds being stacked against us. And when you get to one milestone (say, signing with an agent), you realize there are a bunch of other milestones after that (selling a manuscript to an editor, getting your books into stores, having a decent sales record, the opportunity to sell another manuscript). There are so many points in this process where it would be SO easy to just throw your hands up and walk away. But please don’t! The world needs your stories – and not just the kids – the parents, teachers, and librarians need them too! Story is how we expand our worldview, learn something new, have a good laugh, or see ourselves reflected. As creators, we are doing important work for this world – keep at it! 

-Oh my gosh, I love this!!

Let’s talk about books! Could you tell us about some of your books and your inspiration behind writing them?

Most of my books were inspired by real-life events! Here is some background:

-Ooh, I did not know that! FUN FACTS with Lisa! Tell us more…

CROC & GATOR: Swamp Ranger School was inspired by my family travels. We took a swamp tour in Louisiana and I was fascinated with the setting. When I created my characters, and needed to give them a job, I was inspired by the National Park Service Junior Ranger program that my kids have participated in.

IT BELONGS TO THE WORLD: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin was inspired by my son Ryan who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and requires a constant supply of insulin to survive.

I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding The Brave You was inspired by my experiences in therapy. I talk about it in this interview with Psychology Today, as well as the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book.

Do you have any fun/exciting stories about things that have happened with any of your books?

For A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr, I commissioned a unique song from the amazing Emily Arrow. I use it at storytimes and school visits, and it’s been a lot of fun. Emily uses ASL and hand motions in the video. When I was doing school visits this fall, one librarian had shown her students the video prior to my arrival. I was worried they would be bored watching it again, but when I played the videos, they all started singing along and signing! I got goosebumps – it was so sweet! You can watch Emily’s video here.

-How amazing! I love that you did this. What a fantastic resource for ASL. And I can only imagine how fun it must have been to have this experience with the kids. Thanks for sharing, Lisa!

Students watch Emily Arrow sing the song she created to accompany A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY.

What do you hope readers will feel while and/or after reading one of your books?

I hope that they feel hopeful! Hopeful that they can be brave, talk about their feelings, be a good friend, or discover something new.

-I love this response! So beautiful!

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

I feel like I am at this weird point in my career where I’ve achieved so many of my initial goals, and yet at the same time, I feel like I don’t know if I’ll be lucky enough to keep going. In the past few months, I’ve been working with a career coach to focus on what success means to me and what steps I need to take to achieve that. Thinking about being a full-time author as a career I want to maintain has been intimidating, but I am hoping that if I continue to work hard and a little luck still falls my way, I will be able to keep writing books for a long time.

Lisa, thank you so much for joining us today and for all that you do for the kidlit community and your readers (big and small!) You bring so much courage and care to your work, and it truly makes a difference. We appreciate you!!

Now it’s time for…

OUR GIVEAWAY!!!

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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DEADLINE TO ENTER: January 31st, 2025 by 11:59 PM CST

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Lisa Katzenberger: Author

Writes: Picture Books, Chapter Books

Traditionally published – meaning her work has been acquired by an editor at a publishing house, not a vanity/paid-for service or press.

Represented by literary agent Wendi Gu.

BIO Lisa Katzenberger has been writing stories since she was a kid. Books have been a part of her life since her mom took her to their local library each week, letting her roam around the children’s section, picking out whatever she wanted to read. She loved escaping into stories, and she still can’t believe she gets to write them for kids now! Lisa is the author of I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding the Brave You, A LOVE LETTER TO MY LIBRARY, IT BELONGS TO THE WORLD: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin, IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship, and CROC & GATOR: Swamp Ranger School. She is on the faculty of The Writing Barn, where she teaches picture book writing courses and serves on the Board of Trustees of her local library. Lisa lives near Chicago with her husband and two children.

CONNECT http://www.lisakatzenberger.com Instagram: @lisakatz17 Twitter: @FictionCity BlueSky: @lisakatzenberger.bsky.social

Looking for custom writer, librarian, or book-lover-themed swag and/or accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:

DECEMBER 4TH, 2024 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR EMMA PEARL, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

In today’s feature interview, I’m talking with children’s author Emma Pearl about exciting ways of breaking into the kidlit market. Emma shares how she got her first book deal through a Twitter/X pitch event and shares tips for other creators on ways/places to go to participate and put themselves out there!

But before we jump in… 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!

INTRODUCTIONS AND EARLY BEGINNINGS

Emma, it’s such a treat to have you joining us today! I share your sentiment that all journeys to publication are unique and interesting, and yours is certainly an inspirational one. I can’t wait to dive into the story of your publication. I’d love to start our interview today back at the beginning.

What was your beginning inspiration for joining the world of kidlit? 

I’ve always loved reading and writing and have had a lifelong affinity with children’s literature. Stories can be so magical and transformative for young people – a place to escape, to explore yourself and your place in the world, to discover endless possibilities. I’m not sure there was a ‘beginning’; it’s just always been a passion of mine.

Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer, or is it something that you discovered later?

I’ve always known – as soon as I could hold a pencil, I was writing stories, stapling pieces of paper together to make books!

-Same!-

You had a pretty famous family member who also wrote for children. I’ll let you share who that mystery person is! What was that like growing up? And did their writing legacy influence you and your desire to write for kids?

Roald Dahl was my great-uncle, and I think it’s probably not a stretch to say that his legacy has had a profound influence on many people across the globe, including many children’s authors. He was a huge presence in my early childhood – a kind of magnetic, charismatic, mystical, and sometimes slightly intimidating locus of energy. Being at his house was always hugely exciting and a little scary – whether he was taking us on walks up to the woods and telling stories about the Witching Tree that grew there, showing us his giant greenhouse full of exotic and mysterious plants, letting us play in his Danny the Champion of the World caravan, or threatening to chuck all the children in the garbage! Plenty of inspiration for a young imagination.

I have to ask… do you have a favorite of one of your uncle’s books? If so, which and and why?

The Twits is dedicated to me, so that’s naturally a special book for me. But I think my favorite is Matilda – she’s just such an iconic female character. I also feel a personal connection to her, as I believe (although I can’t confirm it 100%) that Miss Trunchbull was at least partly based on one of my teachers!

-Oh my gosh... goosebumps! And yes, Matilda is absolutely brilliant. Also one of my favorites.-

(Learn more on Emma’s website!)

“Roald Dahl was my great-uncle… He was a huge presence in my early childhood – a kind of magnetic, charismatic, mystical, and sometimes slightly intimidating locus of energy.” – Emma Pearl @emmspearl

MRS Book Fair April 1979

Prior to publication, and maybe even still, what kind of work were/are you doing outside of writing, and did that somehow play a role in your journey to entering kidlit publishing?

I’ve worked in all kinds of jobs, from contemporary art to travel to professional regulation. I also worked in kidlit publishing in London for a couple of years in the late '90s, which I loved. I’m not sure these days whether work (i.e. earning a living) and writing kidlit are very closely aligned, sadly. 

Speaking of which… it’s time to jump into the when and how!
When and how did your publishing journey begin? 

Although I’d been writing stories all my life, my first ‘real’ step into the publishing world was in 2020 when I was selected as a mentee for the WriteMentor mentorship program. 

Let’s talk about those first steps as a new writer breaking into the industry. When you decided you wanted to pursue publication professionally, what were your first steps? Did you query agents and/or submit directly to editors?

I didn’t do either to start with – I was far too lacking in confidence! Before I applied for that mentorship, I had spent 4 years learning as much as I could from free resources online and practicing the craft. I also read as much as I possibly could.

Were there any writing groups or organizations that were especially instrumental in helping you in your beginning stages of writing? If so, what were they, and how did they help you?

WriteMentor was an amazing resource. I was a mentee in 2020 with a middle-grade novel, and in 2021 and 22, after I got my book deal, I was a picture book mentor for the same program. I learned as much from being a mentor as I did being a mentee, but the most valuable takeaways from all 3 years were the connections and feeling of community. I think WriteMentor’s tagline is ‘writing can be lonely, but it doesn’t need to be,’ which is so true and perfectly encapsulates what they do as an organization. If you haven’t discovered them yet, I recommend checking them out.

Can you tell us about some of the events and contests that you’ve participated in, which ones you would most recommend to other authors, and why?

There was a time when I would enter every free-to-enter contest and pitch event. It can be good for honing your craft, and obviously, it’s lovely if you get some recognition, but I think, in hindsight, it took a much bigger toll on my creativity and my mental well-being than I realized at the time. It can be very emotionally draining to be in that constant cycle of writing to a brief, submission, hope/excitement, and disappointment/rejection. Pitch events have a similar rollercoaster effect on the emotions. Although let’s face it – that’s what being a writer is all about, so it’s also very good practice! 

Pace yourself and don't feel pressured to participate in anything if you haven't the time or headspace to do it well or to handle disappointment.

One of my favorite contests is Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words, which not only always has a ton of amazing entries and prizes but also includes a literacy initiative that gets books from an independent bookstore into schools. Everyone wins! 

As far as pitch events go, I’m honestly not sure which ones are still going, but one I used to love was Mood Pitch, where you had to post a mood board with your pitch - I’m an absolute sucker for those visual aesthetics!

Speaking of contests… let’s talk book deals and magical moments in publishing!

[Words of wisdom: Writing resource recommendations] “WriteMentor was an amazing resource. I think WriteMentor’s tagline is ‘writing can be lonely, but it doesn’t need to be,’ which is so true and perfectly encapsulates what they do as an organization.” -Emma Pearl

[Words of wisdom: Advice on writing contests + events] “Pace yourself and don’t feel pressured to participate in anything if you haven’t the time or headspace to do it well or to handle disappointment.” – Emma Pearl

[Writing contests + events] “Can be good for honing your craft, and obviously, it’s lovely if you get some recognition, but I think, in hindsight, it took a much bigger toll on my creativity and my mental well-being than I realized at the time. It can be very emotionally draining to be in that constant cycle of writing to a brief, submission, hope/excitement, and disappointment/rejection.” @emmspearl

“WriteMentor was an amazing resource. I was a mentee in 2020 with a middle-grade novel, and in 2021 and 22, after I got my book deal, I was a picture book mentor for the same program. I learned as much from being a mentor as I did being a mentee, but the most valuable takeaways from all 3 years were the connections and feeling of community.” @emmspearl

DREAM COME TRUE: MAGICAL MOMENTS IN PUBLISHING

In your application, you shared a unique experience about how you landed your first book deal. It’s one of those experiences that is a one-off and so exciting to hear about. Would you mind telling our readers about how you landed your first “big break?” I’m sure they’d love to hear about it!

Okay, I got my book deal on Twitter. There, I said it! I know it’s all gone a bit awry since the bird has flown from there, but back in the day, it was a wonderful place to connect with other writers and home to a thriving writing community. I entered every pitch event, and one of those was #PBPitch, for picture books only. I think it was held four times a year, and I did it maybe four or five times. I didn’t get any agent likes, but I received encouraging comments from other writers and enjoyed participating in the community interaction. I had zero expectations for anything else, so it was an incredible surprise when I received a like from the Page Street Kids editor on one of my pitches in October 2020. 

I love hearing experiences like this. It’s so hopeful for others. And I can only imagine how exciting this must have been for you! Could you walk us through some of the steps that took place after the Twitter event?

I sent the editor my manuscript straight away, and we went through a few rounds of revisions. By Christmas that year, I had a book deal! It was super exciting! A few minor tweaks were needed after the contract was signed, and then the publisher gave me a long list of potential illustrators and asked for my input. We ended up working with Sara Ugolotti, who did a stunning job of bringing the story to life.

You mentioned in your letter that you didn’t have an agent for your first two book deals. Was this intentional? Did you query agents after receiving your first two book deals?  Why or why not? 

I hadn’t actually started querying properly at this stage. I received some full requests from agents as a result of the WriteMentor showcase in September 2020, and I sent out a handful of queries around the same time (maybe three or four). Nothing materialized from the showcase in the end, but the pitch event happened, and I got busy (moving from the UK to New Zealand in the middle of the pandemic was a little crazy!), so querying was put on hold for a while.

So now, you do have an agent who represents your young adult work. How did that come about?

I finished writing another novel about a year later and began querying it in February 2022. This time, I was thorough and methodical (and lucky!), and I received an offer from Sera Rivers only 3 months later.

I’m curious about this. Was there a reason you sought representation for young adult but not children’s? Or did it just happen this way by chance?

To be honest, I’ve always been more focused on writing novels than picture books. It just happened that my picture book deal came out of the blue. In 2022, I queried my picture books and my novels but had far more agent interest in the novels despite already having picture books contracted. Every part of kidlit is so fiercely competitive, but I think picture books, possibly most of all.

Since you’ve had the unique experience of both having literary representation and also not having representation when handling book deals, could you share with our readers a little bit about what this process is like on both ends? 

I think the process depends very much on the publisher and on the agent – experiences can differ wildly whether you’re represented or not. I was very lucky to have a wonderful editorial experience with Kayla Tostevin at Page Street Kids, and I don’t think that being without an agent for that deal had any negative impact. My agent is also wonderful, and emotionally, it’s great to have her support during the submission process. We haven’t landed a book deal together yet, but she’s been very patient with me this year while I’ve had a bit of a hiatus for personal reasons, and she continues to believe in me and my stories. 

If someone was interested in submitting directly to an editor/publisher without having literary representation, what are some essential things they should know beforehand?

Do your research! There are plenty of publishers that accept un-agented submissions, but make sure you know who you’re submitting to (there are many resources online, but one I’ve found to be very useful is the list published by children’s author Bitsy Kemper), and that your story is a good fit with their list. Also, give yourself the best chance by not submitting until your manuscript is really ready, i.e., you have received as much feedback as you can handle, ideally from a supportive critique group, and taken it on board as far as it resonates. Polish that story until it shines!

Are there any recommendations or tips you have for writers who are on the fence about which way to go- to be agented or not to be agented? What are some of the pros/cons or help/freedoms of each?

It’s a very personal decision, so I hesitate to advise on this – what’s right for one person is definitely not right for all, and there is so much variability in publishing. I think most writers starting out would give anything to be published, with or without an agent. It’s wonderful to have an agent supporting and believing in you and also protecting your interests on the contractual side of things, but the traditional publishing route is not without its challenges, and there are certainly opportunities for un-agented writers, too. I would say, whichever path you find yourself on (it’s not always a choice!), give yourself grace and look after your mental health.

ADVICE FOR AUTHORS on traditional publishing without an agent: Do your research! There are plenty of publishers that accept unagented submissions, but make sure you know who you’re submitting to & give yourself the best chance by not submitting until your manuscript is ready!

[Words of wisdom: Choosing routes to publishing:] “What’s right for one person is definitely not right for all, and there is so much variability in publishing… traditional publishing is not without its challenges, and there are certainly opportunities for un-agented writers, too. …Whichever path you find yourself on… give yourself grace and look after your mental health.” -Emma Pearl

HURDLES & HIGHLIGHTS

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your publishing journey, and how have you been able to overcome them?

Rejection is the biggest challenge, and I believe that’s the case for all writers, no matter where they are in their publishing journey. It’s constant, relentless, and brutal. I think having an agent helps with this because a) they act as a buffer so the rejections aren’t flying directly into your inbox (I know all agents work differently, but mine has a spreadsheet that I can look at when I choose to), and b) they are a great source of moral support and continue to believe in you no matter how many rejections you rack up!

For creators who may be facing similar struggles, what words of encouragement would you like to share?

Self-care is so important. Remind yourself often that signing with an agent or directly with an editor is a matter of good luck and serendipity as much as anything else, and try not to measure your progress or your self-worth by things that are outside of your control. Find cushions (e.g. collect all the uplifting comments you’ve received about your writing and keep them where you can see them; create a reward system for yourself for achieving your word count goals, submissions, and rejections) and barriers (e.g., create a separate inbox for querying and check it once a week or only when you feel strong) that work for you. Be kind to yourself!

-Such great advice!-

What have been some of the most rewarding, fulfilling, and happy moments of your publishing career so far?

Right now, I’m having an amazing experience – the British International School in Washington, DC, is about to put on a stage performance of Mending the Moon! It’s truly an author's dream come true for me and such a huge honor. Sadly, I won’t be able to see it in person, but I’m waiting with bated breath to see the recording of the performance. This happy event has also brought about another opportunity, as the student who’s playing the main character, Luna, is a budding young writer, and I’m delighted to be helping her hone her skills in a kind of unofficial mini-mentorship. These are honestly the kind of interactions that make being a children’s writer so incredible.

[Words of wisdom: Challenges in publishing + how to overcome them] “Rejection is the biggest challenge, and I believe that’s the case for all writers, no matter where they are in their publishing journey. It’s constant, relentless, and brutal. Self-care is so important. …Try not to measure your progress or your self-worth by things that are outside of your control. … Collect all the uplifting comments you’ve received about your writing and keep them where you can see them… Create a reward system for yourself for achieving your goals… Be kind to yourself!”

WORDS OF WISDOM

If you could share a piece of advice with readers today, publishing or otherwise, what would it be?

The world is a difficult place at the moment and it’s easy to feel powerless, insignificant, overwhelmed and despairing. Focus on the present – what can you do now? What is within your control? All any of us can do is our best, but we can do that in everything we do, even the boring, menial tasks. And be kind – to others, to the planet, and most importantly, to yourself!

BOOKS!

Okay, it’s time for the books. Tell us about your work! What are your books about? What was their inspiration? All the fun details!

What do you hope your readers will gain from your stories?
I hope that readers of all ages will feel a sense of joy and wonder at the magic of nature and maybe feel inspired to follow Luna’s example – not to feel helpless and overwhelmed at the scale of the problems that need fixing, but to just do whatever is within your power to do, however small it may be. On a more personal level, I think it’s a story that parents and grandparents will enjoy reading with their children, and it’s a joy to me to hear when people simply love the story – and the beautiful illustrations, of course.

Have you been able to host any author events either in-person or virtually? If so, where? And what kind of event? We’d love to hear all about it! Pictures are great, too, if you have them!

I’ve done a few library and bookshop events and some school visits. But living in New Zealand makes it all quite difficult. I’ve participated in a couple of virtual panels hosted by the amazing Books of Wonder in NY (Mending the Moon available here and Saving the Sun available here ), which were great fun. But I guess the funniest story was the bookshop event where no one turned up, and my post about putting on a brave face but feeling crushed went viral!
In this Feature Interview, Children's author Emma Pearl shares exciting ways to break into the kidlit market. Emma discusses how she got her first book deal through a Twitter/X pitch event + offers tips for other writers! Don't forget to COMMENT on the blog post to be entered into the GIVEAWAY POOL! Deadline to enter: 11:59 PM CST December 31st, 2024.
What kind of responses have you had from readers, big and small?

I’ve had some amazing responses. The stories resonate particularly with grandparents as they feature a grandparent relationship, but have also been popular with teachers, as they are full of great learning points. But my favorite responses are when kids themselves pluck up the courage to tell me in person how much they loved the books. That really means the world.
 
Thank you so much for joining us on Chelsea’s World of Books literary blog. We love getting to know our writing friends better!

And now… 
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY:

For the month of December, Emma Pearl will be offering 2 prizes to 2 winners. (ONE prize per winner.)

PRIZES: One copy of Mending the Moon and one copy of Saving the Sun

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

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: December 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).

AUTHOR + HOST BOOK LINKS AND IMAGES

PURCHASE ADHD and Me 

PURCHASE Saving the Sun 

PURCHASE Mending the Moon

EMMA PEARL AUTHOR BIO + CONNECT:

My debut picture book, Mending the Moon, in 2022, followed by Saving the Sun in 2023 (both illustrated by Sara Ugolotti and published by Page Street Kids). Originally from the UK, I live in New Zealand and write fiction for young people of all ages, from picture books to young adults. I am represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary.

emmapearlauthor.com Twitter: @emmspearl Instagram: @emmspearl Bluesky: emmspearl.bsky.social www.emmapearlauthor.com

A peek at Emma’s adorable and informative ‘Tell me why you think you’d be a good fit to be featured?’ answer for the 2024 Feature Interview application: “All journeys to publication are unique and interesting – my book deal came from a Twitter pitch event (#PBPitch), and I think those kind of one-in-a-million stories are always inspiring. I was un-agented for both book contracts and signed with my agent later for a YA novel. Also, Roald Dahl was my great uncle and dedicated The Twits to me, so that’s always a good conversation starter, too!“

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing/reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog. Looking for custom writer, librarian, or book-lover-themed swag and/or accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

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NOVEMBER 20TH FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR STEPHANIE WILDMAN HOSTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND CREATOR OF CHELSEA’S WORLD OF BOOKS LITERARY BLOG, CHELSEA DICICCO

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

In this Feature Interview, Stephanie Wildman talks about her inspirational journey to publishing that began at age 69- and how it’s never too late to pursue your dreams!

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, POST A COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS FEATURE INTERVIEW! Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!

Not that we’ve shared a little about what’s in store… it’s time to jump into our interview!

INTRODUCTIONS AND BEGINNINGS: WHEN, WHY, HOW?

Stephanie, welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books Literary Blog. We’re so excited to have you with us! For our guests who may not be familiar with Stephanie, she’s the writer of five picture books, including Treasure Hunt (the first book in the Flor, Roberto, & Luis series), Brave in the Water, and a newly released picture book - this month- (congratulations!) Miri’s Moving Day (co-authored with Adam Ryan Chang, illustrated by Dream Chen). Stephanie, we can’t wait to hear about your books. But first, I’d love to learn more about you and your path to publishing. I always love starting my interviews by asking about the why. What was the “why” behind your decision to pursue children’s publishing as a career? Has writing always been something you’ve been passionate about, or did you discover your love of literature as an adult?

I have always loved libraries, reading, and writing. My fondest childhood memories are of trips with my family to the local library – usually in the early evening because my mom didn’t drive, but my father took us all after work. I created a pen name for myself in the fourth grade. Your question asks why I chose writing for children as a career – and I think, in fairness, I have to say I didn’t – I couldn’t see how to make a living at it, so I went to law school and became a law professor. Some of my friends would say I’ve always been a writer anyway since I wrote five books and dozens of law review articles in that career. But that writing was different than the focus on fiction for children that I now have, even though I still retain that social justice sensibility that drove my legal work.  Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences. 

-This is just fascinating. I love hearing how people ended up in kidlit. And I think having writing for children as your happy place is a great way to look at it. Also, it’s beyond cute that you created a pen name in fourth grade!-

Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences. 

I know you mentioned that your journey to publishing started later in life - at age 69 - which is just incredible! Your journey is definitely a testament to the statement, “It’s never too late to start something new!” I’d love to hear a little bit about what kind of work you were in prior to your career in publishing- and what influence your earlier acts played - if any - in your decision to enter kidlit publishing?

I guess I answered some of this question in the above response – isn’t that just like a law professor to anticipate and elaborate on the question? I will add that even in my legal writing I did tell stories to illustrate points I was trying to make. When I published the first edition of Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Preference Undermines America (with contributions by Margalynne Armstrong, Adrienne Davis & Trina Grillo), I sent a copy to my college creative writing teacher (yes, I took creative writing classes back then). She wrote back that now she saw “what creative writing classes were for.” Narrative storytelling is a great way to reach audiences of any age. As at least one craft book has aptly pointed out, our brains are wired for stories.

-How cool!-

So, we have a little background on earlier years. Now, I’m curious: what events led to you entering the kidlit publishing world? And when did your journey begin? We’d love to hear about your beginning steps! Querying agents/submitting to publishing houses, rejections, revisions, finding critique groups- all of it!

My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend. I really knew nothing. I had an idea for a book (that became Brave in the Water), and Maxine said, “It’s a picture book.” I’m not artistic, so I was doubtful. I didn’t understand that the publisher picks the illustrator – I didn’t have to be artistic at all. From this class, I also learned about SCBWI (where I found a critique group) and 12x12 Picture Book Challenge (with educational webinars to continue my learning about craft). I began to understand a whole world of kid lit resources full of kind people existed. I did begin querying agents after many rewrites of Brave in the Water, which started at over 900 words. I learned it had to be under 500, which seemed impossible. I didn’t even understand that one should have several polished manuscripts to share before starting to submit to agents; I had only the one. While I did get some champagne rejections, along with form rejections and radio silence, too, I didn’t land an agent. But I had stayed in touch with Maxine. When we connected some months after the class, she said, “Haven’t you sold that book yet?” She had always believed in it, helping me with multiple revisions. When I told her I had not sold it, she suggested I send the manuscript directly to Lawley Publishing, a small woman-owned company. They accepted it within a month – a month that happened to be during the pandemic lockdown.

-This is incredible, Stephanie. Wow! Also, having writing friends like this who believe in us can be a huge game-changer. Sometimes, we don’t see the same magic in ourselves (or our stories) that others do… That imposter syndrome is the silent dream killer. I’m so glad you had a supportive friend in your corner who pushed you to pursue publication and take chances.-

My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend.

PUBLISHING ROUTES: TRADITIONAL? INDEPENDENT? AGENT? NO AGENT? CONTRACTS + BOOK DEALS + MORE

What made you choose traditional publishing over independent publishing?

I did consider independent publishing, but as I mentioned, I’m not artistic. I didn’t feel confident that I could shepherd the manuscript through the whole publication process with book design as well as choosing illustrations and distribution. A traditional publisher made more sense to me, so I wouldn’t have to invent the wheel.
For readers who may be on the fence about which route to take, what are some of the pros and cons of indie/traditional? Explain. 

*Note for my readers: it’s important to remember that these answers are SUBJECTIVE. What might be a pro for one person could very well be a con for another, or vice versa. Publishing is not a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL. My advice? Do your due diligence. Figure out what YOU want out of publishing and lean into what works best for YOU.*

I want to second Chelsea’s note here about figuring out what YOU want from your writing experience – not just in choosing a route to publication but also in measuring what success means to you. To some people, book sales measure success. My primary goal is for my book to be in libraries! (remember – I love libraries. And there is a great website – worldcat.org – where you can track what libraries have your books.)

-Oh my gosh, Stephanie. How did I not know about this? Formerly a librarian myself, I’m glad you shared this resource! Thank you! As you were saying…-

My understanding is that acquisition librarians generally look to traditionally published books for their purchases. But independent publishing can be a way to get your creation out in the broader world, if that is your primary goal. But it’s also expensive. I wanted to use my resources to buy books for little free libraries rather than spend upfront to get the book created. And I liked the collaborative aspect of book creation with the publisher’s team.

Are you currently (and/or have you ever been) represented by a literary agent/agency? 

I do not have an agent. As one writing colleague noted, an agent still has to sell the book.

-Very true. An agent does not guarantee a book sale. And on the other side of that coin… having no agent does not mean you won’t have a book sale.-

Is finding an agent something you want to pursue in the future? Why or why not?

I am open to finding an agent, especially a more hands-on editorial agent. As a member of the Writers Grotto, I see the range of writers who have agents, who seek them, and who are going it alone. It all really does come down to what you want your writing experience to be for you. An agent can help a writer get access to bigger publishing houses with more resources. I’m happy, though, that my books are out in the world. My definition of success, as I said, is more about getting the books into libraries to reach the largest audience.

For our readers who haven’t yet reached the other side of publication (but are eager to), could you share a little bit about your experience with book deals and contracts, specifically, contract negotiations, advances, and royalties? How do these all work?

As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members, and while I haven’t used that service, I think it would be worth the price of membership.
 
-Another fantastic tidbit of helpful information for our readers- thanks for sharing this resource, Stephanie!-

I have never been the best negotiator for myself, so that may be another role an agent might play. I have asked, for each book with each publisher, to have a say in selecting the illustrator, even though that condition hasn’t been a clause in the contract. Having input into the book’s creation was more important to me than anything else. Having that interaction happen is more based on trust, even with a contract clause.

Can you walk us through your experience of working with publishing houses on a project: things like working with art directors to find an illustrator for your writing and how much say, if any, you as the writer have this process?

When I worked at fundraising for social justice, we used to say, if you’ve seen one foundation, you’ve seen ONE foundation – meaning they are all so different. I believe the same may be true of publishing houses, having worked with two different ones with different approaches. One thing I have loved about Lawley Publishing is that, because they are small, the publishers begin with a Zoom meeting giving me a chance to share my vision of the book. I loved that they wanted to know my ideas, and judging from other author’s reactions, it’s kind of unusual to be asked that question. We also consulted on illustrators, and once an illustrator came on board, we had another Zoom meeting about illustrations before any sketches got created.

As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members,

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES + HIGHLIGHTS + PIECES OF ADVICE

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced (and/or are still facing) on the publishing journey, and how have you been able to overcome them?

Having my first book debut during the pandemic was a challenge. My local bookstore suggested I pair with another writer so we could draw a larger audience to Zoom. I have found this pairing strategy a good one for future events, even post-pandemic. It’s fun to boost other authors and share that spotlight.

-I echo this! Doing group/partner book events is SO fun! When I worked for our library as the events coordinator, I used to arrange author events all the time (practically whenever I could!), and I always encouraged local authors to come in groups of 2-5, and sometimes, I’d even host larger panels over the weekends so that guests would be more drawn in by the size of the event. 

Plus, as an added bonus: if you’re uncomfortable about being in the spotlight, as many authors who are introverted by nature often are, sharing it with others is always nice. And it’s a great way to build new connections within your local writing community!-

Another challenge that we all face is rejection. Having published articles and books before my kidlit journey, I was further along in understanding rejection is just part of the process – it is more the norm than acceptance. I won’t say that rejections don’t sting a little – we all would like that “yes,” of course. But so many opportunities for rejection are ever present in this business, even once you have published a book! You ask someone to review it or host you on a blog or podcast, or let you read at their bookstore (or carry your book). I’ve gotten surprising “no’s” or ghost responses, as well as surprising “yeses.” I think I’ve gotten better at just asking.

-This is so true and important for writers. The worst that you can get is a “no,” but you’ll never get the “yeses” if you don’t ASK. So, ASK! And if it’s a no, that’s okay. ASK again!-

What’s one piece of advice that you would like to share with readers who may be dealing with similar challenges?

Like I said, just ask. Submit, take the risk. Try again. Don’t spend a lot of time being bummed out or derailed. Breathe. Take a walk. And get back to writing.

-100% AGREE!-

“…Just ask. Submit, take the risk. Try again. Don’t spend a lot of time being bummed out or derailed. Breathe. Take a walk. And get back to writing.” – Stephanie Wildman

What have been some of the greatest highlights of your author journey? 

So many highlights! The best are the photos of kids hugging the books, like the mom who mailed me a picture with the bookmark her daughter had made for Brave in the Water because it was her new favorite book that she was reading over and over. I also cherish the opportunities to read to children at bookstores, libraries, and schools. And, of course, the new friends I’ve made, like my wonderful, wonderful critique group and members of the Writers Grotto – the sense of community means so much. I even have online friends I’ve never met in real life.

-These are all wonderful highlights!-

In your application, you mentioned discussing steps authors might take to help librarians find their books. As a former librarian myself, I’m a huge fan of finding ways to connect with libraries, whether it’s by creating resources, hosting author events, or any other opportunity I can find. In all truth, collaborating with libraries as an author is always a mutually uplifting and beneficial experience for both parties. I’d love to hear about any experiences you may have had with connecting with your local libraries and sharing your books! What has your experience been?

Just last weekend, I read Ghost Writer (Escritor Fantasma in Spanish) at a bilingual event at my local library. The library purchased copies of the book, as part of their promoting literacy campaign, to give to patrons, and we followed the reading with crafts to build the library’s altar for Dia de los Muertos! The event occurred in the very room where I had brought my grandchildren for story times when they were preschool age. Just thrilling. I had read for this library previously in the pandemic, but they had a new children’s librarian. I just asked in an email if she would like to hear about my book. But I also introduce myself to librarians, whenever I visit a library. And I ask about storytimes. I don’t always get “yeses,” either.

-That sounds like a lot of fun! I’m so glad you got to do this.-

I participated in a fun event through the Writers Grotto about writing books for children as part of their Grotto Nights at the Library series. The recording is available on YouTube. Here's the link!

-Thanks for sharing!-

Do you offer any resources for librarians in connection with your books or otherwise? If so, I’d love to add them to my TEACHER CORNER resource page.

Educational Resources are available for each of my books both on my website and on the publisher’s.

-Note for readers: You can also find Stephanie's resources for Brave in the Water, Treasure Hunt, Breath by Breath, Ghost Writer, and Miri's Moving Day linked via Teacher Corner.-

And Lawley has a YouTube channel featuring videos where I read each of my books. *Channel Linked Here* Spanish versions are also available on this channel. Treasure Hunt, Breath by Breath, and Ghost Writer have each been made into TV Shows by Chris Castellarin, a first-grade teacher in Canada. Mr. Castellarin broadcasts Lessons from the Classroom on Vancouver Island’s Channel 4 - Roger’s Spotlight Community TV.

Links here: 
Treasure Hunt: Watch it here.
Breath by Breath: Watch it here.
Ghost Writer: Watch it here.


-Wow, how awesome! Thank you so much for sharing these.-

Have you had any author events? If so, we’d love to see some pictures! 

I list past author events on my webpage – here are some photos!

SHARING RESOURCES: CONTESTS + WRITING GROUPS

Were there any writing contests, groups, or organizations that were particularly helpful to you as a writer?

Mindy Alyse Weiss’s PB Party gave an early version of Miri an honorable mention, which was so encouraging. I didn’t place in other contests, but the discipline of writing something new and entering contests has been fun, especially for Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words. I love reading the entries from other writers. And I felt honored when Karen Greenwald invited me to be a judge this year for Sun, Write, Fun – a nonfiction, info fic contest. I felt like I had ARRIVED!

-How awesome! I bet that was exciting!-

For writers who are looking to build connections and forge relationships within the writing community, what are some places/resources that you’d recommend looking into and why?

I would start with SCBWI (where I found my critique group and attended local chapter events) and 12 x 12 Picture Book challenge (for the Facebook community, educational webinars, book chats, and resources in their forum community, including library requests, review requests and more). I also joined the Writers Grotto – a writers’ workspace because I love interacting with writers from all genres. My writing accountability group came from members of this organization.

THE BOOKS!

Okay, we’ve landed on the books portion of the interview. Is anyone else excited? I know I am! Stephanie, tell us about your books! What makes them special to you? What inspired you to write them? What do you hope they will give to your readers?

☺ My books are inspired by my grandchildren and the questions they ask.
Brave in the Water evolved after I spent 8 swim lessons watching one grandson sit on the edge of the pool, refusing to get in the water. (He is now on a swim team, by the way, and loves it).

The Flor, Roberto, and Luis series didn’t start as a series; it started with Treasure Hunt, based on games and crafts I did with another grandson during the pandemic. (And each book has a craft activity in the back matter). 

Once that book was in the world, with the wonderful characters drawn by Estefania Razo, Flor, Roberto, and Luis returned in Breath by Breath, a bedtime (or anytime) adventure through the body. I thought the series might be complete as a trilogy with Ghost Writer (co-authored with Cecilia Populus-Eudave, who has been the Spanish translator for all these books) - a Halloween/Dia de los Muertos story inspired by a third grandson’s questions after the death of a beloved pet. But guess what!? A fourth book is coming in 2025 – Story Power! (co-authored with Simon Wildman Chung). 

This grandson had an idea for another Flor, Roberto, Luis story; he is a co-author because it was his idea! He was so cute sitting with his pencil, circling words, and suggesting edits. Readers will learn the elements of writing a story.

Finally, Miri’s Moving Day (co-author Adam Ryan Chang, illustrator Dream Chen) arrived this month, again inspired by a grandson’s questions about his identity.

So you can understand how each of these books is special, coming as they did from various grandson’s questions and involvement. I hope readers relate to the interests and concerns my grandsons expressed and that the books provide insight and fun.

-This is so sweet. I love the story behind your stories!-

Any last pieces of writerly wisdom that you’d like to share with us today?

Do you need inspiration? Tara Lazar’s January blog posts (Story Storm) are full of ways to generate ideas.
Start writing! I have found the morning pages (or any time of day) practice to be beneficial. Try writing two or three pages longhand, even if it’s a grocery list – just write what you are thinking. I find I write differently using a pen than I do at the computer. Eventually, I take some of these ideas to the computer. Some writers benefit from writing sprints – set a timer for 5 minutes and write.

-I personally find writing sprints to be super helpful. Sometimes, I feel intimidated by the idea of starting a new project because I have SO MANY other things I’m trying to get accomplished between revisions and other writing deadlines, but if I just set a timer for 5 or 7 minutes, it’s amazing how much easier that feels. And the funny thing is, I usually get so into writing that I end up setting another timer so I can have more time to finish up fresh ideas.-

Exactly! There is something freeing about setting that timer. 

My last piece of advice is “Have fun.” As I said, writing is my happy place – I hope it’s yours, too.

Beautiful words of wisdom to end on. Thank you so much for joining us today, Stephanie. We really enjoyed having you with us and wish you all the continued success on your author journey + the general story of life!

But that’s not all. We have one last item on the agenda. And it’s a big one! It’s time for our GIVEAWAY PRIZE(S)!

“My last piece of advice is- have fun. As I said, writing is my happy place – I hope it’s yours, too.” – Stephanie Wildman

GIVEAWAY

For the month of November, Stephanie Wildman is offering 2 prizes to 2 winners- (1 prize per winner):

  • One copy of Breath by Breath
  • One copy of Miri’s Moving Day

One copy of Breath by Breath and one copy of Miri’s Moving Day.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: 11:59 PM CST 11/30/2024

Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!

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/reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog.

AUTHOR + HOST BOOK LINKS AND IMAGES

PURCHASE Brave in the Water

PURCHASE Treasure Hunt

PURCHASE Breath by Breath

PURCHASE Miri’s Moving Day

PURCHASE ADHD and Me 

AUTHOR BIO + CONNECT

Children’s book author Stephanie Wildman of Treasure Hunt (2022) and Brave in the Water (2021) both published by Lawley Publishing, became a Professor Emerita after serving as the John A. and Elizabeth H. Sutro Chair at Santa Clara Law. She directed the school’s Center for Social Justice and Public Service. Her other books include Privilege Revealed: How Invisible Preference Undermines America 2d (with contributions by Armstrong, Davis, & Grillo) (2021); Race and Races: Cases and Resources for a Diverse America 4th (with Delgado, Perea, Cuison-Villazor, James, & Stefancic) (2022); Social Justice: Professionals Communities and Law (with Mahoney & Calmore) (2013); and Women and the Law Stories (with Schneider) (2011). Lawley published her third picture book Breath by Breath in 2024. Kar-Ben Publishing will release her fourth children’s book, Miri’s Moving Day (co-authored with Adam Chang) in 2024. Member: 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, SCBWI, Writers Grotto. Stephanie is a grandmother, mother, spouse, friend, good listener, and she can sit “criss-cross apple sauce” thanks to her yoga practice. Learn more about her at www.stephaniewildman.com. Connect with Stephanie Wildman on Instagram and/or X.

Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics:

Looking for custom writer/library/book-lover-themed swag/accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

OCTOBER 2, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH DYSLEXIC, NEURODIVERGENT, DEBUT CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR, AND PUPPET AND FILMMAKER KRISTA WELTNER, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Today, I’m talking with dyslexic, neurodiverse, debut children’s book author-illustrator, and puppet and filmmaker Krista Weltner. We’ll be chatting about learning differences and disabilities and their important role in literature- especially kidlit, multi-deal publishing a book series, debut to kid-lit secrets, routes to publishing- and of course- BOOKS AND GIVEAWAY PRIZES! Don’t miss your chance to enter the October Feature Interview giveaway prize pool by COMMENTING on this blog post before the deadline: October 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST.

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!

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Krista- welcome to Chelsea’s World of Books literary blog! It’s so great to have you with us today. This month is a big month for neurodiverse celebrations, as October is not only DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH, it’s also ADHD AWARENESS MONTH! As a neurodiverse girl, I’m thrilled to be celebrating with a fellow neurodiverse creator!

In honor of that, I’d love to start by asking: what words of wisdom would you like to share with other neurodiverse creators today?

Thank you for having me! My advice is to set your goals high. There is no reason you can’t achieve anything you want to.

Chelsea’s Words of Wisdom: I think Lupe Fiasco’s- Superstar says it best. 🙂 Also, you deserve something nice. Here’s a link to a cozy blanket.

Okay, so let’s go back to the very beginning. When did you first fall in love with writing and illustrating? Have you been drawing and writing stories since you were little, and did you always know that you wanted to pursue this as a career, or did that happen later in life? Explain.

I've had a few careers. I have worked in stop-motion animation, theater, the theme park industry, and publishing. I’ve been creating since I was a kid, but I never thought I would be an author!  As a kid, I made my dollhouse furniture and dioramas and painted and sewed costumes for my stuffed animals…my play was making things. I went to college for theater design and technology and then to graduate school for puppet arts. My love of inventing and creating my own stories really emerged from that time in my life. We learned how to build puppets, wrote scripts and performed them. While I was in grad school, a newly formed stop-motion class was offered in a completely different department from mine. A lot of the students in that building were pursing degrees in illustration, which is something I had never considered. The exposure to what they were doing sparked my interest and curiosity about publishing. It was something I immediately began to pursue after school. 

When did you first begin actively pursuing publication? And about how long from that time did it take for you to finally achieve that big publishing moment of holding your first book in your hands?

I started forming an illustration portfolio in 2017. I held my first books earlier this year, January 2024. 

I know we talk a lot about the *final product* AKA the book being published, but there are so many wonderful milestones to celebrate throughout the publishing journey. What are some little/big milestones that you were able to celebrate even BEFORE publication?

One of my favorite memories was during the acquisitions phase with Free Spirit Publishing. I had been messaging back and forth with the acquiring editor for months. There was some interest in the manuscript I submitted, which made me feel like I was on top of a mountain.  I received an email asking what I thought about expanding the idea to a series and if I had more ideas for my main characters. I was working on a film with Laika Studios at the time (my partner also worked there.) I remember running down to his department to tell him about the email. I was shaking, I was so excited. 

What are some challenges you’ve faced on the publishing journey, and how have you overcome them?

I’m dyslexic, so there are some obvious challenges associated with that. But my biggest hurdle is time. I cannot do publishing work full-time, so I always have a 40 or 40+ hour a week job. I always make my deadlines, but I often wish I had more time to make my work that much better.

BEGINNING STEPS TO PUBLISHING: FIRST DRAFTS & QUERYING

I know we talked a little bit about the beginning of your publishing journey, as in “when” it started- now, I’d love to dive deeper into the steps that were involved in those beginning stages for some of our readers who may be anticipating diving in themselves but aren’t sure where to start.

Let’s start with the first drafts. What was that stage like for you? And who was your support system during those early stages?

In 2018, I focused on creating an illustration portfolio. My friend and critique partner challenged me to draw my dyslexia as a character. I credit him with planting the seed that would eventually develop into my book series. In the years that followed, I drafted many ideas for this character. I was also learning digital illustration. I submitted to slush piles, got feedback at conferences etc. It took years, but I also worked on other projects at the same time. 

When (and how) did you find your first critique group partners and/or other writing community?

I have a fantastic critique group! We all met at the Mid-South SCBWI Conference and other events about six years ago. There are 6 of us who are all authors and Illustrators. We meet via Zoom when we can. Sometimes it’s about work, and sometimes it’s about catching up and supporting each other. I’m amazed when one of us has a book come out. It’s so fun to cheer each other on. I feel like we are on a team, and when someone has a book come out, it feels like we all won. 

Were there any writing organizations, special events, or other communities that especially helped you in the early stages of publishing to stay on the path and keep moving forward? Explain.

Yes, The SCBWI was my education in publishing. I’ve been in three different chapters at this point. I think the value to be gained can depend on where you are and how active your chapter is. 

Okay, so you have your writing community and your first, second, twenty-fifth, and fiftieth drafts… now you’re finally ready to enter the query trenches. Queue daunting music.

Tell us about your introduction to querying. What methods did you use to find your literary agents? Did you Google different agencies? Was there a specific literary blog you followed? Did you use QueryTracker, etc.? 

Since I wanted to pursue traditional publishing, I queried publishers that took unsolicited submissions, and I researched agents on Manuscript Wish Lists. However, I still don't have an agent. I would love to find someone to work with, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m querying agents right now with a picture book dummy and a graphic novel pitch. I’m also working on a comic series. I caught Free Spirit's attention during a #PBPitch event on X, then Twitter. 

What kind of query responses did you receive from agents, if any?

Often, it’s crickets, which is okay. They are busy people. When I do get a rejection email, I have a personal policy of looking at my list of agents or publishers and sending out another query. I don’t want to sit with the disappointment for too long. 

If you had to give a rough estimate, how many agents/queries would you guess you sent? And what was the timeframe?

It’s so hard to say! Maybe 50? With various projects. I don’t really know. When I was offered my three-book contract with Free Spirit, I queried five or so agents with “OFFER RECEIVED.” When I didn’t get any interest from that round, I negotiated the contract myself. I think the experience taught me a lot. I also had some contacts with other authors and illustrators who are further in their careers, and they were able to give me some invaluable advice about what to look for in the contract. 

In addition to querying literary agents, you also submitted directly to editors at publishing houses. Eventually, you got an offer from an acquiring editor prior to getting literary representation. Can you tell us more about this? What was the submission process like versus the querying process? 

It can be similar. Most publishers want a dummy with one or two finished illustrations plus a query letter. For publishers, it’s more about whether this book aligns with their catalog. For an agent, do I fit with what this agent is looking for?  And do they fit what I’m looking for? I am looking for someone who represents authors and illustrators and supports picture books and graphic novels. I also want to know that they have authors working with publishers who do not take unsolicited submissions. 

Outside of Free Spirit Publishing, did you receive any responses or offers from other publishers/editors?

I don’t think so, not for my Molly and Lexi series. The book is about supporting the social-emotional side of growing up with Dyslexia. That is incredibly specific, and Free Spirit was the perfect home for these books. 

Can you tell us about the multi-book deal for your series and how that came about?

In the acquisitions phase, the acquiring editor asked if I could expand the idea to a series. We went back and forth, and I pitched a lot of ideas. 

We ended up with three books centered around Molly, who is dyslexic, and Lexi, an imaginary friend or personification of dyslexia. The books focus on advocacy, self-esteem, and celebrating dyslexic strengths, but they offer a balanced perspective of dyslexia.

So, once your editor had made an offer, you queried agents, letting them know you had received a series deal but weren’t able to find an agent, so you went at it alone. Being in the position of representing yourself and going through traditional publishing without the aid of an agent, can you share your thoughts on some pros and cons of this?

The pro was that I learned a lot. I intend to keep going in this industry, and even if I do have an agent working with me next time, I will be better prepared because I went through it alone the first time. I have a family member who is a contract lawyer working in another sector, and he was able to help me understand a lot of the legal language. But he wasn’t versed in what is typical in the publishing industry. I got advice from friends who were already published, which helped. But I made some mistakes, and I think I will be more prepared if it happens again. 

What are some valuable lessons you learned from this experience that you’d like to share with others?

I learned some valuable lessons about specific legal language. Also, ask for what you want. The worst they can say is no. And a piece of advice I heard from someone, “You are never guaranteed book sales, so get the largest advance you can.” I think this is really good advice. I can also recommend the book Law and Authors. I read this book recently, and I thought the information was good and would have helped me had I read it back then. 

Moving forward, would you want to continue publishing directly to editors without literary representation, or would you still like to find your agent match? Why or why not?

If the publisher accepts unsolicited submissions, I think I would be comfortable negotiating for myself now that I have gone through it. If it’s a larger-scale publisher that typically doesn’t take unsolicited submissions, I think I would prefer to work with an agent.

AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATORS: MAKING SMART DUMMIES

Being in the seat of both author and illustrator, can you share a little bit about your creative process for writing vs. art and what stages you typically work with first? For example, do you find that your stories come to you in the form of mental pictures first or in words? Explain.

Often, my ideas start with an image, a character, or a concept. My ideas seem to come out of nowhere and hit me fast. I typically build the story around key illustrations. For picture books, I tend to start by sketching the entire book in thumbnails and think about the text as I go. I will have an idea of the story I want to convey, but the words come to me slowly. While developing my picture book series with Free Spirit Publishing, I worked with an editor on the three manuscripts before fleshing out the illustrations. We passed the manuscripts back and forth. They didn't need to see illustrations at this point, but I was sketching anyway while I was writing because I couldn't separate the two. I try not to get too married to illustrations during the writing stage and I tend to place greater importance on the illustrations over the text. 

For new aspiring author-illustrators, could you share some formatting tips and secrets on how to make smart dummies? (If you have any picture examples that you’d like to share, feel free to share them! Just email them to me.)

I work in Photoshop and illustrate digitally. However, I like to print the pages out periodically and tape them to my wall, which helps me get a bird’s s-eye view. 

When you were submitting dummies to agents/editors, what (and how much) was included? Full book dummies? Partial book dummies? Pencil outline? Full color? Etc.

I do a full sketch dummy in a PDF. I choose two illustrations to finish fully. It depends on the publisher, though. Some want one finished, some want two, and some want to see a summary without the manuscript or dummy first. I’m always scratching my head at this one. When the picture book is only 200 words, but the summary is 500. 

What advice would you like to offer to aspiring author-illustrators who are at the beginning of their publishing journey?

Keep going! Chip away at it every day and learn about the industry. Just move forward. 

What’s one (or more) writing resource(s) that was absolutely invaluable to you, and what would you recommend to other author-illustrators?

Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics.

Comic inspired by a recent school visit

BOOKS + INSPIRATION

Okay, we’ve made it to one of my all-time favorite parts of the interview… the part where we talk about the BOOKS. Please share with us your incredibly inspiring dyslexia-centered books. We want to hear all about Molly. Who is Molly, and what does she mean to you personally?

Molly is a young dyslexic girl learning to navigate the challenges of dyslexia with creativity and determination. Her dyslexia (Lexi) appears as an imaginary friend or personification of her dyslexia. Molly can interact with and confide in Lexi. The books cover what dyslexia is all about but also dive into the emotional challenges children with learning differences face. 

I am dyslexic, and prior to this series, I did and continue to do a lot of advocacy work with dyslexia students. It means the world to me that I was able to give back to dyslexic children in this way. 

How many books are in the series? And can we hear a little blurb about each one?

There are three books. In the first book, Molly’s Great Discovery, Molly gets diagnosed with dyslexia and learns how to self-advocate. In Molly Tells the World, Molly's class gets a new student who is also dyslexic. Molly grapples with the idea of whether or not to tell her classmates about her dyslexia. Ultimately, she does. This book is about helping children with the words to discuss their differences, and Molly grows in her self-esteem and appreciation for Lexi. The third book is called Molly Finds A Way. In this final book, Molly and her friend Leeann (who is also dyslexic) are having a playdate at Molly’s house. They use their dyslexic strengths to solve the problems they see.
In this feature interview, dyslexic author-illustrator Krista Weltner shares her experience as a kidlit publishing debut with a three-book-deal without an agent, and the steps involved in creating and submitting picture book dummies direct to publishers. Don't forget to COMMENT on the post to be entered into the giveaway pool! Deadline: October 31st 2024.
What is your inspiration for Molly and her adventures? Are her stories something that you wished you had had for yourself as a kid? Explain.

I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was seven years old. My relationship with my dyslexia has changed dramatically over the years. It was something I hated about myself for a long time. That relationship inspires my series. What if we could tell our differences how we feel about them? What if we could tell our learning disability to go away? 

I was interested in providing a book to children to examine their relationship with this part of themselves in a fun, creative way. In school, dyslexic children focus greatly on reading, writing, and spelling. However, there are specific emotional challenges that children with invisible differences face, and those challenges are often overlooked. I hope my series can help parents and educators with those tough conversations. 

Were there any books that helped you as a kid with seeing yourself in stories? And other than your wonderful stories, what other stories could you recommend that also have a positive message about dyslexia and other learning differences?

I think the second book in the Pony Pals series was about one of the characters being dyslexic. I loved it!  but I can’t recall any other fiction books on the topic from my childhood. I like The Dyslexic Advantage for adults hoping to learn about dyslexia. 

Books about dyslexia are tricky because some of the most popular books, especially in the picture book category, are outdated and have content that contributes to misconceptions about dyslexia. I recommend looking at books published in the last ten years by reputable publishers. A few titles that I find good representations in include Fish in a Tree for older kids, Aaron Slater Illustrator, and the Hank Zipzer books. 

What message do you hope to share with readers with your stories?

That dyslexic children are smart and capable. 

Do you have a favorite illustrative spread? If so, which one and why? Pics or it didn’t happen! 

I have two. 

The first is in Molly’s Great Discovery, where Molly is being tutored in a classroom filled with children with various learning disabilities. In the illustration, each child’s learning disability or difference is represented with an imaginary character like Lexi. Each character looks different and is reflective of the child he or she belongs to. 

My second favorite is Molly Tells the World. Molly and Lexi have been fighting, and Lexi has gotten so angry that she expands to the size of the room. 
Both of these images were in the earliest drafts; I think that’s why I love them. 

If you could relay one message to kids with learning differences, what would it be?

You are brilliant! Set your goals high. Your path might look different from others but enjoy and embrace it.
 
Thank you so much for joining us today, Krista.
And now… 
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

For the month of October, Krista is offering the following giveaway prize to one winner:

A free copy of Molly’s Great Discovery (the first book in the series.) 

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

  • Leave a comment on this post!
  • And if you haven’t already, like this post and subscribe to the blog and/or newsletter!

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: October 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

FAQ:

What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed before this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your COMMENT below this post within the deadline (the current month/year entry was posted).

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased at your local library! Using the sponsored links below supports this blog.

Krista Weltner is a neurodiverse (dyslexic) author-llustrator. She debuted in January 2024 with her picture book series, Everyday Adventures With Molly and Dyslexia, published by Free Spirit Publishing. The series was inspired by her own experience growing up with dyslexia.

In addition to her literary pursuits, she works in stop-motion animation. Her work can be seen in the Netflix animation Wendell and Wild and Laika Studios’ upcoming Wildwood. Before her film work, she helped bring animatronic and puppet characters to life for the theme park industry. In 2016, Krista obtained a Master in Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut, where she presented her master’s project and short film, Partially Compensated (also inspired by her experience with dyslexia). Her short film has been seen in film festivals worldwide and has afforded her numerous opportunities to engage and advocate with others for a more inclusive world.

Twitter/X @kwelts1 Instagram @kristaweltner www.kristaweltner.com 

Looking for a custom writer, librarian, or book-lover-themed swag and/or accessories? Visit my Zazzle store! Want to see a curated list of my personal favorite books and recommendations? Visit my bookshop page! Want to browse favorite writing accessories, books by genre, and cozy reading must-haves? Visit my Amazon Storefront!

PURCHASE Molly’s Great Discovery

PURCHASE Molly Finds a Way

PURCHASE Molly Tells the World

PURCHASE The Raven Remix

PURCHASE ADHD and Me

Looking for a specific topic? Browse the list below to find a link to information on one of these topics: