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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 December 4, 2024December 3, 2024 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
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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
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“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
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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!
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[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!

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!

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

Where to find FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources.
How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for.
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators.
Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters.
Writing across genres.
Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented VS. unagented.

AUGUST 21ST, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED GRAPHIC NOVELIST AND CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR DEBASMITA DASGUPTA, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on August 21, 2024August 4, 2024 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Today, I’m talking with AWARD-WINNING south-Asian graphic novelist and artist Debasmita Dasgupta. We’ll be diving under the cover of books and art and the powerful relationship between stories and voices and the messages they carry to today’s youth.

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.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

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!

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

BEGINNINGS & INSPIRATIONS: WHY, HOW, WHEN?

Debasmita, it really is a pleasure to welcome you to the blog. Every month I feel so appreciative of the conversations I’m able to have with different members of the publishing community. Welcome! It’s great to have you with us - all the way from the UK. Today, I’d love to ease into the publishing waters with some pre-publication chit-chat.
First question. What kind of role has literature played in your life, both as a young child and present day?

Literature has always been my go-to source for inspiration and imagination, both in my childhood and now as an adult. Every time I read, whether it's words or pictures, a new world of possibilities unfolds before me. I absolutely love that experience!

Have writing and illustrating always been something you’ve been passionate about, or was this a later-in-life discovery?

Art, and particularly Art-for-Change, has always been my passion. However, that passion became my profession over the years as I had to hone the craft of storytelling.

Now let’s talk about the “when, why, and how.” When, why, and how did your publishing journey begin? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do, or was it something you realized later in life? And when/how did that journey first take root?

It was on a Sunday afternoon when I heard a TED talk by Shabana Basij from Afghanistan. It was a moving experience. I felt something had permanently changed inside me. Over the next few days, I watched that talk over and over. Her honesty, simplicity, and power of narration moved me. Shabana grew up in Afghanistan during the Taliban regime. Despite all odds, her father never lost the courage to fight for her education. He used to say, “People can take away everything from you except your knowledge”. Shabana’s story gave me a strong impulse to do something, but I didn’t know ‘what’ and ‘how.’ That’s when my red sketchbook and pencil caught my eye. Before I’d even realized it, I had taken my first step. I illustrated Shabana’s story and posted it on a Facebook page, “My Father Illustrations”. It was an impulsive reaction. I found Shabana’s contact and shared the illustration with her. Shabana was so touched that she forwarded it to her students, and then I started getting emails from a lot of other Afghan men! The emails were a note of thanks as they felt someone was trying to showcase Afghan men in a positive light. I realized that if there are so many positive father-daughter stories in Afghanistan, just imagine the positive stories across the world! My journey had started. I started looking for moving father-daughter stories from across the globe. Some I found, some found me. With every discovery, my desire to create art for change kept growing. I shared over 350 stories from 56 countries.

That was the beginning of my artistic career. That Facebook page went viral. Many international media including the Huffington in the USA, wrote about it. And I was recognized as an artist on the global stage. From there I started to receive publishing offers to illustrate children’s books. A new universe welcomed me with open arms.

ROUTES TO PUBLISHING: TO QUERY OR NOT TO QUERY?

I know you’re represented by Alice Williams Literary Agency, based in London. Could you tell us about your agenting journey? How/when did you find your agent match? Was it through cold querying, did you meet at a writing event, or was it something else? And what kind of project did you pitch/query/submit- was it art only, or did you have text too?

I was fortunate when Alice stumbled upon my work on Instagram through a SCBWI event, and she approached me. Eventually, we met in London and loved speaking with each other. Since then, we have been working together.

Alice represents me only for my picture book/graphic novels with big press in the UK and the USA. Sometimes, I write and create pitch materials that she submits to publishers. In addition, she also gets me only illustration projects for stories written by other writers. In the second scenario, she is mostly approached by art directors/editors who are familiar with my artwork.

For some of our newer-to-publishing readers who might be trying to navigate the waters of the literary world and aren’t sure which way to go, could you explain a little bit about what a literary agent’s role is in an author and/or illustrator’s career, and some of the benefits of having one?

A literary agent first of all advocates for your work. Artists or creatives are mostly not the best to market themselves. Agents help with that. They study and evaluate your body of work and pitch it to potential clients. When you get a job, your agent manages all the paperwork including fee and other terms negotiation in the publishing contract.

When you first set out on your publishing journey, did you know that you wanted to seek traditional publishing, or did you also consider other routes? And what was the determining factor that led you to traditional publishing as the right route for you?

I was always interested in traditional publishing because I felt that was the most sustainable way forward for my career. I left a decade-long full-time career in international relations before moving into the publishing world. I had managed projects with the United Nations and the European Commission before I found my calling in illustrated literature. It was a big decision for me, so I was determined to get into traditional publishing where there were advance payments plus royalties from publishers. These help me pay my bills.

-MORE ABOUT PUBLISHING- Some authors choose to query an agent for representation so that they can pursue traditional publishing houses for their work. Others choose to submit directly to smaller, select houses or imprints (editors) without literary representation (agents). Alternatively, some authors choose to go it alone and self-publish - which has endless options. And still, others choose to do a little bit of both- which is called “hybrid” - where you might do some independent work, publish articles for magazines, do work-for-hire, AND also have a literary agent representing select projects and genres of your work, to submit to larger publishing houses, that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to submit to directly on your own. *Many large publishers do not accept “unsolicited,” aka “work from authors/illustrators that do not have literary representation.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: Publishing is not a “one-size-fits-all,” and one route to publication may be perfect for one person and not another, so if you’re trying to figure out what route to take, make sure you’re basing that decision on what works best for you, and weigh the variables accordingly, to YOUR situation.

TIPS & RESOURCES

Prior to publication- and even since- have there been any resources you’ve found valuable in the writing/illustrating community that you’d like to share?

I love technology. I think we, the artists/creatives, should use technology to our advantage. Illustration tools such as the Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate are super helpful for my illustration process. There are also free alternatives to these tools that one could use if they are unable to afford licensed tools.

In general, I am always on the lookout for new free resources (such as newsletter creation & distribution tools, form submission tools, data gathering tools, editing tools, business management tools, etc.) that can enhance my freelance career.

What are some struggles you’ve faced on the road to publishing, and how were you able to overcome them?

The biggest challenge is that you have to do everything on your own. So, the more informed you are, the better time and cost-effective it is. Knowledge and practice are the only ways to keep you going.

If you could share the most precious pieces of advice that you know NOW and that you wish you had known sooner with other authors/illustrators, what would it be?

Happiness is a Habit. Don’t create your stories to compete with another storyteller. Create your stories because that’s your happy place, and you belong there. There is nothing more precious than your happiness, but to be happy, you have to create art every single day.

-I absolutely love this piece oof advice!

“Happiness is a Habit. Don’t create your stories to compete with another storyteller. Create your stories because that’s your happy place, and you belong there.”

TIMEFRAMES & EXPECTATIONS

Could you share the timeframe of your publishing journey from the beginning to the first book publication for our readers?

My first picture book was published in 2010 (illustrated by me), and my first graphic novel, “Nadya,” was published in 2019 (words & pictures by me).

Here's the full timeline for my first graphic novel Nadya:

In September 2018, I attended an art residency in Spain. During that residency, I developed the story of "Nadya" along with some character sketches and sample frames. After coming back from Spain, I was super pumped up so I posted a sketch on my Instagram sharing my state of mind and the fact that I have completed drafting a manuscript for my first GN. Next day, I got a message in my inbox from an editor at Scholastic India. She was following my work for a while and was wondering if I would want to share the MS with her team. I was thrilled! Without any further delay, I prepared a pitch deck with my MS, sample sketches, colour palette, and query letter. They liked my proposal and within 2 months, I signed my publishing contract with them. Editing, polishing, proof-reading, and fine-tuning of the script happened over next two months, after which I immediately started working on the illustrations. "Nadya" was finally launched in September 2019.

What are some publishing expectations vs. realities that you’ve experienced? And what common publishing misconception have you noticed?

Myth: Publishing illustrated stories is a complete immersive artistic process and you don’t need to know your audience / market / industry.
Reality: Publishing an illustrated book is 50% art and 50% business. As a creative, you don’t have to understand the whole business implementation part. However, to stay in the business, you can’t ignore it completely.

Myth: If only I have 50k followers on Instagram, I will get many publishing contracts.
Reality: Aim for some quality Instagram followers, such as editors/publishers, who will offer you paid work.

Myth: Picture books are easy to write and draw.
Reality: Every picture book is a labor of love, and it takes months (if not years) to create one quality book.

MOTIVATIONS & HEART

Earlier, I asked you about the “why, when, how.” But I always love to dig deeper into the why, BECAUSE… the why is where our HEART and MOTIVATION lives. That magical place holds all of the reasons WHY we’re writers and illustrators, to begin with. So, I’d love to ask… what do your stories mean to you on a personal level? 

My stories are my raison d'etre, my identity. 

And what do you want your readers to feel/experience/learn when reading them?

I want my stories to help readers start a dialogue, if not with anyone else, at least with themselves. A dialogue may not give you all the answers, but every dialogue will open a plethora of possibilities.

EMPATHY, AWARENESS, DIVERSITY

As we progress into a newer era of understanding, empathy, and awareness of differences around us, ranging from everything from cultural identity to different abilities and more, we’ve been able to see that shift in publishing where there’s been a push for amplifying and raising up previously underrepresented voices. Which just makes my heart GLOW with excitement for all of the children who are now seeing themselves reflected on the page, as well as for all the educational awareness and early-developed empathy that this is creating in our culture of young readers, who may not otherwise have had the access or influence to learn about these things, and now, thanks to these powerful voices and stories, they now have that opportunity. It’s just… so beautiful. Could you share in your own words what effect you think this change is having on young readers and why having inclusive and diverse voices in books- especially children’s literature, is so important?

When children read and see characters who resemble them, share similar backgrounds, or face similar challenges, it affirms their importance and validates their experiences. Having diverse voices in children's literature also challenges stereotypes and combats prejudice. It helps children appreciate diversity and learn to discover more bridges that connect people and less walls that divide them.

BOOKS!

That brings us to the book portion of the interview. We’d love to hear all about your books! Inspiration? Publication? In the works? Share it all.

My inspiration for my most recent YA graphic novel, Terminal 3, written and illustrated by me and published with Penguin Random House India:

The seed idea for Terminal 3 germinated in 2013 when I created a passion project, a Facebook page called ‘My Father Illustrations’, to feature stories of fathers defending the rights of their daughters from across the globe. Some stories I found, some stories found me. With every discovery, my desire to create art kept growing — I’ve shared nearly 350 illustrated stories of fathers and daughters from 54 countries. During that time, one day, I came across the story of Tajamul Islam, a kickboxer from Kashmir’s Bandipora district, and how her father had supported her. That was the beginning of Khwab’s story, which finally took the shape of Terminal 3.

My first upcoming graphic novel this year is:“ZardoZi - stitched with love” with HarperCollins India.

Why I want to tell this story:

Most of the time, people we know tell us who we are supposed to be. They create borders around us defining our gender, sexuality, characteristics, identity --- and this list is endless. Both men and women fall prey in the hands of patriarchy. Under such circumstances, what happens when a boy finds his passion, which is considered to be feminine? He is bullied, shamed and forced to run away from his dreams. “ZardoZi-stitched with love” is a story that questions such archaic values with humor and hope through a stylish timeless tale.

My next graphic novel releasing soon is: Faiza is a Fighter, with Soaring Kite Books (SKB) USA

My inspiration behind the story of Faiza:

The word "Faiza" means victorious / winner in Urdu. Sometimes you're broken. You're left orphaned at a dead end with a crushed confidence. However, that end could be a new beginning if you discover your inner strength. You can knock out the murmur of terror with a silent roar of courage. Then even if you lose, you will still emerge victorious from the depths of fear.

Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration behind these stories, Debasmita!
Below, you can browse a list of Debasmita's books along with pictures and blurbs:

Written by Lakshmi Thamizhmani

Illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta

During her town’s Ganesha Chaturthi festival, young Prema comes up with an innovative plan to save the river from pollution. Persevering through multiple obstacles, she convinces her friends to help her create natural clay Ganesha statues to replace the plaster ones that harm the river when they dissolve. Created by an author and artist from different parts of India and set in modern-day India, this inclusive tale of activism, ingenuity and sustainability is sure to inspire young readers. Endnotes include information about Ganesha Chaturthi, a recipe for homemade sculpting dough and instructions for making an earth-friendly statue.

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

It’s August 2019 and Khwab Nazir is waiting to board the plane at Terminal 3 of New Delhi International Airport. Set to represent India at an international jiu-jitsu tournament, Khwab nervously looks towards her unknown future. She also reflects on her complicated past-of growing up against the insurmountable difficulties
of life in Kashmir.

Between happiness and emptiness, desire and grief, penance and peace-Khwab has endured. She has a dream that life will be a paradise, one day. Breathing against the backdrop of conflict, Terminal 3, is the story of the everyday people striving to live their dreams in the Valley.

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

Ten-year-old Zi loves embroidery. He is growing up in a world filled with expectations. Everyone around him – family, friends, neighbours – seems to have a say in who Zi should be.

Surrounded by all the noise, Zi’s own voice yearns to break free. Will Zi find the strength to be who he wants to be?

ZardoZi is a heartwarming story that touches on history, identity and the power of breaking free. Finding oneself is a remarkable adventure, filled with surprises, challenges and the joy of embracing our authentic selves. ZardoZi is all about that.

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

Faiza wants to win the biggest boxing tournament in town. When the odds are stacked against her, will she be able to achieve her dream without the presence of her biggest supporter?

Life in hilly northern India is not easy. Every day, Faiza has to scale the mountains to reach her school or to fetch water from the stream. Faiza doesn’t have many friends or relatives who believe in her, but her dream of being a world champion boxer and the support of her only parent, her dad, and her grandma keeps her going.

When her dad’s travel is delayed due to a landslide, she has to enter the boxing tournament without her coach and support system. Will she give up or forge out on her own? Sometimes your biggest cheerleader is the voice inside of you. Fight, Faiza, fight!

Support the author & this blog by purchasing through this sponsored link.

Do you have any favorite illustrations? If so, we'd love to steal a peek at a few!
Check out some of Debasmita's illustrations below.

Captions:
Top left illustration: "character illustration"
Top middle illustration: "Cooler colour palette-going out of my comfort zone"
Top right illustration: "Incorporating cultural details"
Bottom left illustration: "One of my favourite colour palettes"
Bottom middle illustration: "Showing collective action by children"
Bottom right illustration: "Use of fabric motifs"

Have you been able to host any fun book events at local bookstores/libraries/schools/somewhere else?
Regular online workshops with updates on my Instagram.

Any final words of wisdom that you’d like to share with readers today?
I would like to share a few words from my graphic novel, “Terminal 3” –
“Failure is never the last answer. It only means, you have to try one more time.”

Thank you so much, Debasmita. 
And now… 
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY

For the month of August, Debasmita is offering one giveaway prize to TWO winners!

PRIZE 1: Picture Book giveaway- 1 copy of Ganesha Goes Green

PRIZE 2: Portfolio Review for an emerging illustrator via Zoom (preferably a POC)

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

PLEASE NOTE: IF THE HOST IS OFFERING MORE THAN ONE GIVEAWAY PRIZE, SPECIFY WHICH PRIZE YOU WOULD LIKE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. THIS DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL WIN THAT PRIZE.

FAQ:

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.

Debasmita Dasgupta is a UK-based, award-winning south-Asian graphic novelist and artist. An advocate for BIPOC (person of color) rights in media and arts, Debasmita’s visual stories have been published by Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Barefoot Books, to name a few. Her illustrated animation work has been showcased by the StoryCentre NYC and the Raindance Film Fest in the UK and Canada. In a career spanning over 15 years, she has also written and produced international films to narrate stories of Under-represented communities. Her art has been exhibited worldwide, and over forty international media outlets have featured it.

Debasmita mentors aspiring and emerging visual storytellers from diverse backgrounds. BIPOC creators can contact Debasmita Doodles at debasmitadoodles@gmail.com or stay in the know through her two Instagram accounts, @debasmitadasgupta or @debasmitadoodles.

To learn more about Debasmita, connect with her using the links below.

LinkTree

Twitter

Instagram

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

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

Where to find FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources.

How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for.

Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators.

Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters.

Writing across genres.

Purchase a copy of Chelsea’s Book, ADHD AND ME HERE.

For eight-year-old Malory, who has ADHD, school isn’t always an easy place to be. But Malory isn’t the only one who has difficult days. Sometimes it’s her classmates, teachers, or parents. Malory tries her best to focus, but oftentimes, her mind wanders, leading to trips to the Principal’s office and phone calls home.

Malory’s art teacher Ms. Julie understands how it feels to think a little differently from others. Born with Autism, Ms. Julie found comfort and calm through art. Now she uses it to help others to find their safe, creative haven too. In this inspiring neurodiverse story, Malory will discover that with a little bit of love and support from friends, you can do anything and, along the way, learn the power of believing in yourself and embracing your differences.

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

Posted on June 19, 2024June 28, 2024 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Today, I’m talking with children’s book author Susan Lubner. We’ll discuss writing across genres, the creative process, and how to find a critique group.

But before we jump into our interview, if this is your first time visiting the blog, here’s the scoop on Feature Interviews.

THE SCOOP: WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS & WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Feature Interviews are a free resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the publishing journey.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

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!

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

THE VERY BEGINNING: PAVING A PATH TO PUBLISHING JOURNEY

Welcome to the blog, Susan! It’s so nice to have you with us today. The first thing I like to ask my guests is: how they ended up in kidlit publishing.

Let’s take that question into three parts: when, why, and how.
When did your journey to publishing begin?

Hi Chelsea! Thank you so much for inviting me here today 😊

I think the path to publication really started when I was a young girl…long before I was ever aware of it! I enjoyed reading so much and writing short poems, too. My love of words and story were the seeds planted early on that would eventually lead to my career in writing for children. But the turning point was when I was in college. I took my first creative writing class and I was encouraged by my professor to submit some of my work. I did, and two fiction stories were published in a collegiate magazine. I think that gave me a boost of confidence. But it also made me realize how much I enjoyed the process of writing. And that it was something I wanted to continue and hone.

Let’s touch on the why. What was the inspiration that led you here?
Is writing something you’ve always wanted to pursue, or were there other variables that brought you down this path? Explain.

What led me finally to a career in writing children’s books, happened pretty organically. But in a nutshell, it really stemmed from a renewed love and awe of children’s picture books. After college I continued writing short fiction and taking an occasional class or workshop. Writing for children wasn’t something I had considered or even thought about pursuing until after I had my first child. My daughter and I were reading a lot of picture books. I was reminded how much I enjoyed those books! And at that point I had a new perspective, not just because I was now reading from the point of view as an adult, but also as someone who enjoyed writing. I became very aware and curious about the craft. The pairing of text with illustrations. The cadence of sentences, and the idea of writing a complete story using so few words. Then one day in 1995, my daughter was two and we were in a bookstore. I saw a poster advertising a writing for children workshop. I signed up, and I’ve been writing children’s stories ever since.

That question leads nicely into our third which involves the how. How did you end up here in the kidlit arena?

That children’s writing workshop was the portal! It was taught by author Jacqueline Dembar Greene who became my mentor. All of us in that workshop were unpublished and newbies to the world of children’s publishing. And boy did we have a lot to learn. Several of the other members of the workshop and I formed a critique group. Three of us, (plus one other author who joined later on) are still critique partners …since the mid 90’s! Also at that workshop, I met Beth Raisner Glass. Beth had a manuscript she had been working on. At the time, I was very focused on writing stories that rhymed. She asked if I wanted to help her with her story which she was working to set in rhyme. Together we revised a new version of Noises at Night which eventually was published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

What type of publishing did you pursue? (Traditional/hybrid/independent?) And why?

In the beginning I knew so little about how to get published that I wasn’t even aware that one could self-publish! I was told to get a copy of the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market which I did. It was also suggested to me that I try getting my stories published in children’s magazine’s too, like Highlights and Cricket. So my focus was always on the traditional route.

For our readers who may be new to publishing and don’t know the differences between these routes, could you briefly touch on what makes them different, as well as the pros and cons of each?

I don’t have any experience with hybrid or independent publishing and have not stayed current so I don’t have a lot of specific advice to offer to anyone who is taking that route nor can I speak confidently on that process. But generally, I can say that regardless of which route to publication is taken, there are so many wonderful resources that every writer can tap into to help them on their journey to publication.

Joining a writer’s critique group is invaluable! It helps enormously to have the feedback needed to get your stories really polished and ready for submission.

SCBWI offers opportunities to network, access to workshops, and the conferences are a great way to find the resources and support needed to help on the path to publication.

One of the things I have valued most from being traditionally published is the support from the amazing marketing departments at each publishing house. Marketing and selling your book is hard so, even though I have always done as much marketing and publicity on my own with each book launch, to have that support from a marketing and sales department from a publishing house too, is a valuable boost.

One of the things about traditional publishing that could fall in the con column is that it’s very difficult to get published with one. I have many manuscripts that have been rejected over the course of my career. It happens a lot! And I suppose that example of one of the downsides to traditional publishing highlights one of the awesome pros of self-publishing…that a writer has control of what gets published!

“Regardless of which route to publication is taken, there are so many wonderful resources that every writer can tap into to help them on their journey to publication.”

“Joining a writer’s critique group is invaluable! It helps enormously to have the feedback needed to get your stories really polished and ready for submission.”

“SCBWI offers opportunities to network, access to workshops, and the conferences are a great way to find the resources and support needed to help on the path to publication.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your querying/submission journey?

Things have changed so much since I started submitting my work. Back in the “olden days”, (ha!), when I was first starting out, snail mail was how the submission process worked. Prior to sending anything out, I was very careful to read as much as I could about how to submit a story. I learned how to format my manuscript and how to format a submission letter, too. Using the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market I made lists of which publishers were accepting unsolicited manuscripts (I did not have an agent at that time) and also which publishers were accepting simultaneous submissions, and which were not.

I have a very thick folder full of the many rejections I have received over the years. The first story I ever submitted was called The Ladybug. It was rejected many times until one day in 1998 I received an acceptance letter. My very first! I only got halfway through the letter when I cried and jumped up and down and did all the things I thought I would do if I ever got a story accepted! Then I read the rest of the letter. And again I cried. Because the letter went on to explain that even though they had accepted my story for publication (they wanted me to know that!), they had also made the unfortunate decision to move away from publishing children’s books!

- Oh, what an emotional roller coaster that must have been!-

It would be five years later that I would finally sell my very first story to Spider Magazine. Ironically, that first magazine story I sold took a long time to be published. It ended up coming out after the first book I sold (Noises at Night co-authored with Beth Raisner Glass ABRAMS 2005).

I got the awesome news that I sold my first picture book on April Fool's Day in 2004 so I had to wait a whole day to tell everyone so they would believe me!

- How funny! And exciting.-

That submission process was really unique. Noises at Night had come very close to being acquired at a very big house. Unfortunately, in the end, there wasn’t a total consensus and it was rejected. However, one of the editors was moving to Abrams and asked our permission to take the manuscript there. She loved the story, and we were fortunate that it found a home. Timing can sometimes play a very important role in whether something gets acquired or not.

Two more picture books followed but the submission process was much easier for me as my editor at Abrams asked to see other manuscripts, and so just a few emails were exchanged before I had an offer on my second picture book. My third picture book was a work-for-hire. Again, my editor at Abrams asked if I would be interested in working on the project and I said yes.

By the time my third picture book was out, I was about ready to start submitting my first middle-grade novel, The Upside of Ordinary. After making a lot of rounds and many rejections later, my critique partner suggested I submit it to a former student of hers who worked at Holiday House as an assistant editor. Fortunately, she really loved it as did the publisher!

-How wonderful!-

I’ve had a pretty eclectic experience when it comes to submissions! One thing has always been consistent though, and that is the road to publication is filled with twists and turns and lots of bumps!

Are you currently agented, and if so, how did you find your agent match? (Was it through cold query/submission, was it during a contest, etc.?)

I do work with an agent who I adore. At one of my writer’s group meetings, I shared a funny picture book that they really enjoyed. One of the members of my group had recently seen a post on a particular agent’s blog who was asking to see humorous picture books. I submitted the manuscript to her. It never did sell but we are still working together almost 11 years and three books later.

If comfortable sharing what agent/agency did you sign with?

Linda Epstein who at the time was with an agency in New York but moved to the Emerald City Literary Agency and I went with her.

For writers and illustrators who are actively querying for their agent match, could you tell us about your agent call and what to expect?

My agency query in this particular instance, was very specific in the approach. The post Linda had made on her blog, requesting to see humorous picture books had instructions on how to send a manuscript. I followed those instructions and attached the manuscript right in that first email as directed. She responded pretty quickly and asked to see other manuscripts which I sent back to her right away.

What types of questions do you find more useful to ask during this call?

One of the first questions I asked Linda when we discussed working together is if she offered editorial feedback. For me, it was very important to have an agent that also could (and would be willing) to provide feedback and suggestions for edits. I think all writers benefit from a second (or third or fourth!) pair of eyes! Especially before something is to head out on submission.

-Such a great thing to look for in an agent. And wonderful that you knew beforehand what you were specifically looking for.-

Which leads to a second question I think is important: Does the agent submit only exclusively or will he or she submit to multiple publishers all at once. I have heard of agents that will only send out a manuscript to one single publisher at a time even if that publisher will accept simultaneous submissions. That is a process that would not appeal to me, as it often takes so long to hear back from editors.

-Another great thing to know before signing with an agent.-

Asking questions up front before you commit to an agent is important. It’s very exciting to receive an offer from an agent but you want to make sure that the writer and agent are compatible and share similar expectations so that hopefully the relationship is a good fit. Talk to agented writer friends, too. See what their experience has been like and figure out what is important to you regarding a relationship with an agent before you make that choice.

-Love this advice, Susan. So great!-

How did you know which agent/agency was the right match for you?

I could tell from our email exchanges that Linda is accessible and responsive (she ALWAYS answers her emails quickly), straightforward, and very honest, the latter meaning if she doesn’t know the answer to something she says so, and will try to find out. Linda is funny, kind and approachable. All great qualities. And all of these things came across in the early days of email exchanges.

I also had a history with two other agents prior to signing with Linda. Those agents were also very kind and both of those relationships ended amicably. But everyone has different expectations and ways of doing things, and it’s not about whether someone is good or bad but more about whether a particular agent is the right fit for you.

-Yes, exactly! I think you put that perfectly. It's about finding the "right fit." Just like any relationship, it's about knowing what you want, what your expectations are of each other, then communicating it clearly- which it sounds like you did by the questions you asked- and overall, those factors will show you whether you're compatible or not.-

For people considering traditional publication as their route to publishing, could you briefly describe an agent’s role/relationship with an author and/or illustrator and some of the benefits of having one?

Everything I write, Linda sees and provides feedback before the submission process, so my manuscript is very polished and is in the best shape possible (or at least until an editor asks for revisions!) Linda then puts together and shares with me a list of publishers she will be submitting to. The great thing about working with Linda is that she knows which editors are looking for what and so the submission process becomes very targeted. Having someone do all this legwork for you really frees up so much more time for me to focus on my writing which is a great benefit.

-Linda sounds like a dream agent! And you sound like a dream client, because you're a clear communicator. That's so helpful!-

Another benefit is that there are many traditional publishers that will only look at work from agented authors so having an agent helps to get your manuscript in front of more editors. That of course is a plus because the more people who get a chance to consider your manuscript, the better your chances are (hopefully!) of getting an offer.

A third great benefit is that I do not have to deal with the business side of publishing. Linda handles all of the negotiations and contract issues, and I am so grateful for that!

HIGHS, LOWS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM

We on the blog LOVE hearing all the wonderful, exciting bits of publishing. But sometimes, hearing the realities of the lows can be helpful too.

What have been some challenges you’ve faced on the road to publishing?
And how were you able to overcome these challenges?

I’m dealing with a challenge I’ve never experienced before, right now. I have worked with the most wonderful editor on my new early reader chapter book series Drag and Rex, beautifully illustrated by Blythe Russo. The first book, Drag and Rex Forever Friends, launched in November of 2023 and went into a second printing a few months ago so it’s done quite well. The second book in the series Drag and Rex Sweet and Silly launches in November of 2024.

Here’s the challenge: the imprint that published Drag and Rex is changing its focus completely and going forward they will not be publishing anymore of their list. That means that I will not be working with my editor and my books will be under a different imprint. This creates a lot of unknowns!

Will the new editor love the series as much as the other editor?
Is the threshold for sales higher at this imprint?
Will they want more books in the series?

My agent has been communicating with the editor at the other imprint (who I have actually worked with before and is lovely!) but no matter what, right now there are still a lot of unknowns. It’s a wait-and-see.

I am hoping the second book does very well and the series will continue! That’s the best way for me to deal with this unexpected challenge…to hope for the best and to do everything I can to help the book sell very well so the new imprint wants to continue the series.

Any words of wisdom for illustrators or authors who may be facing similar challenges?

Writers don’t have a lot of control when it comes to publishing decisions and unexpected challenges. But we can control our work. I think a great way to handle these stressful unpredictable curveballs is to get back to what we do best…writing! And of course, always hope for the best.

“I think a great way to handle these stressful unpredictable curveballs is to get back to what we do best…writing! And of course, always hope for the best.“

BEHIND THE WRITER’S DESK: WRITING ACROSS GENRES & CREATIVE PROCESS

Let’s talk a bit about the magic that happens behind the writer’s desk. I know you write across genres. Tell us about that. What does writing across genres entail?

I really enjoy writing different types of stories. Each type of story involves a writing process that is different…not in just topic, or target but technique, too. Writing picture books I am always mindful that my story will be illustrated and so the marriage of art and words must be considered; as do page turn and word count. Writing middle-grade novels involves multiple storylines that are more complicated and layered. That is true of MG characters too. My characters in my middle-grade books of course have more mature and complicated problems than my picture book characters. The early reader writing experience for me I used a bit of both PB and MG techniques! I had to consider the illustrations when I wrote Drag and Rex, but I could be a bit more relaxed about word count. I think what draws me to writing a specific type of book is influenced by what I happen to be reading at the time. Early in my career, I read a lot of picture books. I was reading piles and piles of them first to my children but then also because I just loved reading them so much. As my kids got older and were reading chapter books…I did too. Now they are 31 and almost 28! But I still love reading children’s books.

What are some of the pros and cons of writing across genres?

What advice do you have for writers who are interested in pursuing writing in different areas of kidlit (magazines, middle grade, chapter books, early readers, picture books, etc.)?

I think it’s important and helpful to read the genre or type of book that you are writing. If you are writing a middle-grade novel, then read middle-grade novels. If you are writing YA, read YA books. If you are working on a mystery, read mysteries! There are so many great authors who inspire me, and I love to think about their style and technique and try to figure out what it is I like (or on occasion what I don’t like) about a particular voice or storyline and analyze what makes it work so well.

Do you have any tips on techniques for writing across genres as well as how to shift gears and mindset from one genre to the next? Explain.

Usually when I write, no matter the genre or type of book I am working on, I always start with a character. My storyline (or lines) develop from my characters. For example, in my latest book Drag and Rex Forever Friends illustrated by Blythe Russo, each character has a very distinct (and extinct!!!) personality. Drag is a dragon who is a bit scatterbrained, a little messy, and very impulsive. Those character traits helped me to develop storylines that involve gobbling up a cake before it can be delivered to a friend, and accidentally, ALMOST ruining a very snowy day.

Using that technique of developing my characters first, and therefore getting to know them helps me to develop the plotlines in my stories. It doesn’t matter what kind of book I’m writing because each story always needs a character (or two or three or more) and my stories always develop from the characters I create.

I will also reiterate what I mentioned above and that is to read whatever type of book you are writing. If you are writing a picture book, read picture books. Note the books you really loved and what it was about the style, or tone, or cadence that made it so appealing.

AUTHOR VISITS

Have you been able to have any author visits? If so, what kind of visit was it (school/library/bookstore, etc)?

This year because it was a launch year, I did a lot of events at bookstores, libraries, book fairs, conferences, and even a couple of events at a bakery. All of my school visits this year were virtual and took place over World Read Aloud Day (but all week long) I had a terrific book launch last November at Wellesley Books with one of my critique partners, author Anna Staniszewski moderating. I really enjoyed that format and it was a packed house!

What kind of response did you receive?

For the most part most of my events went very well and I had some good turnouts. But even if an event isn’t very busy, I’m always grateful to have an audience big or small to read to. I so appreciate all of the support from so many enthusiastic booksellers, librarians and teachers, and of course the readers and students are awesome!

What’s your favorite part of a visit?

I do love engaging with readers and I especially love the Q & A portion of a visit. Kids are so incredibly curious and smart. And oftentimes they will tell me what they have been reading or about stories they have written.

About how long is a visit and what kind of routine do you have?

Most of my visits are about an hour to an hour and a half. Typically the event starts off with a reading followed by an activity and then a book signing.

Do you offer any freebies or promo swag?

I always have plenty of bookmarks to hand out and lately some Drag and Rex stickers

For authors or illustrators who may be debuting and not quite sure how to set up these visits or what to do when there, could you share a little bit about the process of how you arrange your visits? Do you reach out to schools/libraries/bookstores- does your agent/editor- or do they reach out to you directly?

It’s a bit of all of that! I've been doing this for a while so I have several booksellers and librarians that I'm very comfortable reaching out to to set up an event. I think it’s always helpful to consider the timing of the event of course…

For example for picture books and early readers, scheduling a visit during a bookseller’s regular story time is an advantage as usually there's an audience or a regular group that comes to those events every week, and so you have a chance of already having a nice turnout.

Middle-grade readers can be trickier as readers that age tend to have very busy schedules. In the past I have teamed up with other authors to do book signing tours…having a group of authors at one event can add a bit more buzz and help create a lot of excitement.

There are also times when the publicity manager from my publisher will organize an event for me. Often it will be at a conference, or sometimes at a bookstore where the bookseller has reached out looking to host an event with an author.

Do you have any tips for an author and/or illustrator’s first visit?

With library or bookstore visits, I always try to create more of an event rather than just an author reading (not that reading isn’t exciting on its own of course, but making the appearance sound a bit like a party helps to add to the excitement!)

For example, at one library event over winter break we had a winter fun theme which tied in with one of the story themes in my new early reader chapter book, Drag and Rex Forever Friends. We served hot chocolate and incorporated an activity.

Other events were friendship-themed “parties” which included making friendship bracelets after a reading; at one bookstore we hosted a pajama party…I wore mine with my slippers and readers were invited to show up in theirs for a bedtime story. For both Drag and Rex and Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl I have done several very well-attended events at a local bakery. After my reading, the kids toured the bakery and then decorated either a cake or brownie that was tied in with a storyline.

One of my favorite events was after Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl first came out. That book has a subplot that involves the main character and her best friend knitting sweaters for cats to raise money for the animal shelter where they volunteer. (You can guess how that turns out…trying to put a sweater on a cat!) In the end, they knit blankets instead. I did an event at a library where everyone made little patchwork blankets and donated them to the local animal shelter. The shelter volunteers even showed up at the library, and the local paper did a story about it so I received an extra boost of publicity.

Be creative and have fun! Think about the themes in your book and how they might tie in with a particular event.

Now it’s time for BOOKS!

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

We’d love to hear about some of your books; from the first concept and inspiration to the final product.

I had actually written the first version of Drag and Rex Forever Friends more than ten years ago. I have always loved the simple storylines in early readers, making soup or raking leaves. I am a huge fan of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, and James Marshall’s George and Martha and was inspired by these lovely books.

Drag and Rex started out as Bitsy and Mo and then a host of other names. I had no idea who these characters were supposed to be…a dog and a cat? A rabbit and mouse? They were constantly changing. But I had written two of the stories (though a few details changed once I figured out that they were to be a dragon and T-rex!) and then they sat untouched in a file drawer until the Covid quarantine. I took out the stories, did a bit of tweaking and sent them to my agent. She loved them even though we still didn’t know who the characters were. I decided to set aside trying to figure out who I wanted them to be and thought about instead, who would kids want them to be? And that was how they became Drag and Rex. Alison Weiss at Pixel + Ink fell in love with these two. The process for finding an illustrator took a very long time…there were actual auditions! Blythe Russo nailed it! Shetruly understood the essence of these two buddies. It was so exciting to see how she brought the pair to life!

Do you have any favorite illustrative spreads? If so, which and why?

There are so many it’s hard to pick just one but I guess if I have to…this one is really extra special. It was one of the first illustrations I saw when the book was in production and I just love how Blythe Russo so perfectly depicted these three friends about to share this yummy carrot cake!

If you had to describe in one sentence what inspires you on a daily basis to pursue writing as a career… what motivates you to put your thoughts and heart on the line and share it with others… what would it be?

I think I can actually say it in one word: Stories. I love to read, write, and listen to them. I’m so grateful to be a part of this creative kidlit world!

What have been some of your most meaningful or fulfilling projects and what makes them so special to you?

Each project has had its joys and frustrations. But I think writing Lizzy and the Good Luck girl taught me one of the most important lessons as a writer…and that is… to dig really deep into your main character. To find out what it is your character really wants. For me getting to the heart of my character meant getting to the heart of my story.

What do you hope others will take away from your books?

I hope readers just enjoy the story. Maybe laugh or feel touched in some way. I never write with the intention to provide a lesson.

Anything special you’d like to share with us today that we may not know?

The second book in the Drag and Rex series, Sweet and Silly (illustrated by Blythe Russo) will be out in the fall of 2024!

What final words of wisdom would you like to share with your readers?

Love what you do, be passionate about your writing and be persistent! All else will fall into place! Remember that there’s always something to learn, too no matter what stage of your career you are at. And finally, the best bit of advice I ever got (I am so sorry I can’t remember where I read it!!!) And that is: allow yourself to write badly. That was a stumbling block for me…that I would type something out then erase it and rewrite and rewrite until I thought it was perfect. That’s ok to do that too once in a while! But some days allow yourself to just write…and keep going no matter how awful you think it is, magic can happen if you don’t stifle the process.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Susan.
And now…
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

Susan Lubner is offering the following giveaway prizes: (one prize PER winner )

Prize 1: A signed copy of Drag and Rex Forever Friends

Prize 2: A 20-minute virtual visit with the book.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

That’s it!

DEADLINE TO ENTER: June 30th 2024, 11:59 PM CST

Please note: if the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.

FAQ:

Did you enjoy this interview?

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

BOOKS

Drag and Rex: Forever Friends

Drag and Rex: Sweet and Silly

Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl

The Upside of Ordinary

BIO

Susan Lubner grew up in Bangor, Maine but has lived in Massachusetts for most of her life. She is the author of the early reader chapter book series from Pixel + Ink, Drag and Rex Forever Friends (book 1 fall 2023) and Sweet and Silly (book 2 fall 2024) illustrated by Blythe Russo; two middle grade novels, Lizzy and the Good Luck Girl (Running Press Kids/Hachette Books 2018); and The Upside of Ordinary (Holiday House 2012) and three picture books (Abrams Books for Young Readers 2005, 2006, 2008). Her stories have appeared in Spider Magazine and Highlights for Children. Susan lives with her husband David and a giant poodle named Bailey. They have two grown daughters.

CONNECT

Website

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Facebook

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

Where to find FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources.
How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for.
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators.
Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters.
Writing across genres.

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

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

Posted on May 1, 2024January 25, 2025 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

It’s the first day of May- and the first Wednesday of the month, which means I’m welcoming another guest onto the blog. Put your hands together for children’s book author and educator Christina Dankert.

Before I jump into our interview, though- if this is your first time visiting my blog or the feature interview segments, welcome! I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you’ll visit again. To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a brief overview of what feature interviews are all about and why they’re so valuable.

WHAT ARE FEATURE INTERVIEWS AND WHY ARE THEY SO GREAT?

In a nutshell, here’s what a “feature interview” is. Every month, I sit down with literary professionals –authors, illustrators, editors, and agents– at all stages of their careers- from newly debuting to well-established, seasoned best sellers- and we discuss all things kidlit publishing. (Many of my guests are also former or current educators and librarians!)

These interviews are a great resource for kidlit writers and illustrators no matter where they are in their journey. Not only do they offer current information on market trends, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publishing from a diverse collection of creators and perspectives.

Here’s a list of just a few of the helpful things we discuss:

Where to find both FREE and PAID for writing memberships, craft workshops, contests, and other resources
How to query agents and editors and what they’re looking for
Where to find kidlit community and support from other writers or illustrators
Diversity, empathy, and kindness in kidlit and why it matters
How to improve your skills and set goals
Writing across genres
How to deal with setbacks/disappointments and WAITING
Helpful tips and suggestions for aspiring authors and illustrators
Pros and cons of small publishers, hybrid (or indie) publishing, and being agented vs. unagented
What to do after you sign with your first agent – and/or make your first book deal
How to promote your books as a debuting author or illustrator
Behind the scenes of hosting author events- library/school visits
How to get your books into bookstores & schools
And, of course- during each feature interview segment- we share new publishing deals & host giveaway prizes for our readers!!! ** Giveaway PRIZES and instructions on HOW to enter are listed at the bottom of each interview**

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

INTRODUCTION: HOW IT ALL STARTED… AND CLASSROOMS

Christina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you here. The first thing I love asking my guests is where they began. Can you tell us when and how your journey to kidlit started? What were the motivating factors that led you to publishing? And where did your entry into the world first take root?

Thank you for having me! I find your author interviews very helpful and motivating, and I am honored to share part of my story. My kidlit author journey started as a Covid silver lining. I stepped away from my teaching position for a year, focused on my family, and had the opportunity to make writing a priority. Instead of writing lesson plans, prepping, and grading, I used that time to write and attend virtual conferences and writing sessions.

Have you always been a literature lover and fan of writing?

I loved reading as a child. I grew up with parents who valued reading. My mom took my sister and me to the public library frequently. I had teachers in high school who caused me to greatly dislike reading. I hated being told what I had to read and often found mandatory text boring or confusing. I went to college and had a roommate who was an English major. She traveled with a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in each of her apartments. She would highlight books she thought I’d be interested in and I began to read for pleasure. When I had my own children, I read to them but didn’t have the time or energy for my own reading. I missed it. I made a goal to read four pages a night. FOUR PAGES! A habit was formed, and now I enjoy reading and listening to books through audiobooks as much as possible.

I know you’re a second-grade teacher. Has your teaching experience influenced your desire to publish books?

Absolutely! As a teacher, I take my read-alouds very seriously. As a mom of two and a teacher, I read a lot of picture books. There are so many beautiful and meaningful books. Since I only have 180 school days, I try to pick the best of the best.

Books that will:
* help teach academic content
*that will allow for discussions and celebrations of cultures and diversity
*books that help explore feelings/emotions and provide strategies
*and books that simply make us laugh and are meant to entertain us while building a love for reading

As a mom and teacher, I know that kindness is very important. I want my children and students to be kind humans to each other and to themselves. Kindness ended up being the focus of my first picture book.

What do your students think about the fact that their teacher is also an author? Do they think, “Wow, my teacher is SO cool! She writes books!” (I know I would have thought it was the coolest thing ever.)

They do think it is exciting! But the best part is, they are inspired to write their own stories! I have students create their own stories, outside of pieces we are working on, that they illustrated or that they work together with a friend at recess or at home. Each week, students share their stories with the class, and our basket of published books keeps growing.

I love it when students complain about how hard writing is. It allows me to pause and tell them how many times I had to reread The Kindness Machine and how many times it was edited. This allows them to see that it is okay if it’s hard, but perseverance is key.

That must be an AMAZING feeling, to see your students inspired to create and try- try again. Speaking of inspired to create... Do you ever do any creative writing assignments with your second graders?

This year, we are creating a writing portfolio. Each quarter, students add a few pieces of writing or typed stories. They range from narrative, opinion, and informational writing. I write a positive note to each student in their portfolio, and then they take it home to share with their families. It is returned with a positive note from home, and then we repeat the following quarter. I have seen more enthusiasm from reluctant writers because they know they get to share it at home. Boosting confidence is a huge piece of writing in 2nd grade.

“As a mom and teacher, I know that kindness is very important. I want my children and students to be kind humans to each other and to themselves.“

“I love when students complain about how hard writing is. It allows me to pause and tell them how many times I had to reread The Kindness Machine and how many times it was edited. This allows them to see that it is okay if it’s hard, but perseverance is key.“

PUBLISHING ROUTES & SUBMISSIONS

You published your debut picture book, The Kindness Machine, in 2022. Congratulations! Can you tell us about what publishing route you took? Did you go traditional or independent? Did you query agents for representation, or did you send submissions directly to the publisher? And why?

Thank you! I went with a hybrid publisher, Purple Butterfly Press, which had other published books featuring character strengths. Working collaboratively with a team was very beneficial since this was my first time publishing. The team was very patient and answered all of my questions. An added bonus was that this publisher allowed for not only manuscript submissions but illustrator samples as well. We will circle back to why that was so exciting in a minute. In the future, I would love to be traditionally published, and I am working on agent research and my query letter.

Was it an immediate YES on the first try? Explain.

I submitted to a few publishers and heard nothing. When I submitted it to Purple Butterfly Press, I received an email about a month later stating that they were interested in my manuscript.

Can you share some of the pros/cons of each route and what it has to offer?

There are pros and cons to each publishing route, and ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. I’d love to be published traditionally and independently to see which route I prefer. A pro for traditionally published is often a wider distribution to help get your book in the hands of readers. A pro for being independently published is that it is often a faster timeline.

Okay, so you have your manuscript(s), and you’re ready to launch out in the world. What kind of timeframe did it take to get your first book deal- from concept to publication?

Be sure to pack an extra suitcase of patience for this journey. We live in a fast-paced world where we are so used to instant gratification.

My timeline was:
Fall 2020 - wrote manuscript, peer edits/feedback.
March 2021 - submitted manuscript to Purple Butterfly Press.
May 2021 - signed contract
March 2022 - published

Are you currently represented by an agent/agency? If so, who?
Not at this point. Through the 12x12 writing community, I have learned a lot about agents and representation. I hope to one day have an agent that will help bring more books into the world.

“There are pros and cons to each publishing route, and ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. A pro for traditionally published is often a wider distribution to help get your book in the hands of readers. A pro for being independently published is that it is often a faster timeline.“

Do you have anything out on submission right now or any future projects currently in the works?

My goal for 2024 is to write multiple manuscripts and revise them. All of my manuscripts feature a positive character trait: empathy, perseverance, quality time, etc. I am proud of the writing that has happened so far this year and hope to send work out on submission in 2025.

I recently received an honorable mention for my 50 Precious Word International Writing Contest submission. That was a huge boost for my confidence and is motivating me to turn those 50 words into a full manuscript.

That is such an exciting accomplishment, Christina- congratulations!! That confidence boost is well deserved and should be celebrated.

Speaking of celebrating… I also participated in this year’s 50 Precious Words Contest and made it to the honorable mentions- so I’m celebrating with you! If any of our readers would like to see me or Christina’s 2024 50 Precious Word entries, you can view them below!

AUTHOR VISITS

I know you love doing author events. Would you tell us about some of the events you’ve done? How did you get in the doors? Did you reach out to them  (schools/libraries/bookstores/etc) or did they reach out to you? Are your visits paid, do you offer them voluntarily, or is it a mixture of both? 

I absolutely LOVE doing author visits! To read something that you have poured your heart and soul into, to your target audience is an incredible feeling. To see children get excited when you hope they do, ask amazing questions, and often tell you that they are going to be an author is very rewarding. When the book launched, I had the opportunity to read the book to each grade level at my very supportive school. I presented the book six times as I worked my way from kindergarten to fifth. I was able to try out a few different things and cater the presentations to the different age groups. 

From there, I have reached out to a few schools and been approached by local schools. At this point, the presentation is not paid but schools have an opportunity to purchase books, which my husband and I both sign. (Keep reading to find out why my husband is signing the books too!) If this was my full-time career, I would charge for the presentation, would be more willing to travel further from home and would spend a lot of time approaching school districts. Maybe someday, but right now, I look at author visits as something that brings me immense joy and is a special treat for my author heart.

“I absolutely LOVE doing author visits! To read something that you have poured your heart and soul into, to your target audience is an incredible feeling. To see children get excited when you hope they do, ask amazing questions, and often tell you that they are going to be an author is very rewarding.“

About how long do you typically stay for a visit? Can you give us a brief idea of what your format looks like? Read aloud? Q&A? Class craft or project? Etc.

A typical author visit kicks off with the importance of reading and sharing stories. I then have children look at the cover of The Kindness Machine to make a guess what it looks like under the sheet. I read the story and pause throughout to ask questions. There are little “magic questions” in the bottom right hand corner in the heart of the book that are perfect to engage listeners. I end with a Q&A and have had older students complete a kindness brainstorming activity. I also email teachers a few printables that go with the story for them to use at their convenience. Typically, the presentations are 25-40 minutes long. 

What’s your favorite part of the author visit?

My favorite part of the author visit is when I read the last page of the book. I never show the last page on the large screen until after I read the last page has only one sentence. It reads, “Now let me ask you again, who has a superpower?” Student’s hands ALWAYS shoot up when they realize that kindness is the superpower they already have.

Do you ever offer (or bring) anything special to your classroom/library/bookstore, like a signed copy of your book or something else?

I like to donate a hard copy of the book to the school’s library. 

What advice would you share with a debuting author or illustrator looking to get their foot in the door of a bookstore, library, or school for an author event? Any tips on how to go about this?

Reach out to school librarians, reading specialists, or parent clubs to see if an author visit is something their school would be interested in. Let them know what your book is about and what the presentation looks like so they can see if it would be a good fit.

“My favorite part of the author visit is when I read the last page of the book. Student’s hands ALWAYS shoot up when they realize that kindness is the superpower they already have.“

“Reach out to school librarians, reading specialists, or parent clubs to see if an author visit is something their school would be interested in. Let them know what your book is about and what the presentation looks like so they can see if it would be a good fit.”

OVERCOMING HURDLES & FINDING COMMUNITY

What were some of the hurdles you faced early on and maybe even later during the publishing process? And how were you able to overcome them? Explain.

Waiting is very challenging, but it is part of the process. I received excellent writing advice from a writer friend. She suggested that once you submit something and you are waiting, start working on something else. It might be another manuscript, but it might also be a blog post, application for author event, magazine article, etc. Keep working on your craft so that you continue to get better and keep your mind busy during the waiting portion on this journey.

Speaking of hurdles… one thing I’ve found to be true is the value of building connections among the writing community. They make the hardships so much more bearable and at times, they can make the difference in sticking it out until the end. Can you tell us about your experience in forging friendships among the writing community?

The kidlit community is truly incredible. Finding other authors is key. Oftentimes your family and friends will be incredible cheerleaders for you. However, you need other writers to understand your frustrations, help with accountability and celebrate even the littlest of wins. It was through a virtual writing conference in 2021 that I connected with incredible writers. We get together a few times a month via Zoom to ask questions, share work and receive feedback and then spend time writing.

Where did you go to find your writing community and what suggestions do you have for other writers or illustrators looking to branch out in this area?

As I mentioned, I was fortunate enough to click with writers during a virtual conference. However, reach out to your library, check to see if there are local writing groups or feel free to start your own with like minded people.

Are there any writing organizations, groups, podcasts, or websites that you recommend checking out?

I find the 12x12 Writing Challenge to be a very supportive community, it is where you and I first crossed paths. I appreciate the thoughtful monthly webinars and active Facebook group to ask questions and support one another.

“The kidlit community is truly incredible. Finding other authors is key. Oftentimes your family and friends will be incredible cheerleaders for you. However, you need other writers to understand your frustrations, help with accountability and celebrate even the littlest of wins.“

“I find the 12×12 Writing Challenge to be a very supportive community, it is where you and I first crossed paths. I appreciate the thoughtful monthly webinars and active Facebook group to ask questions and support one another.“

BOOKISH THINGS

Moving on to bookish things! Can you tell us about the illustrations in your story, The Kindness Machine? Did you have any say or contribution in the artwork, or was it a complete surprise? Were they what you imagined they’d be? Explain.

Ah ha! I am so excited to share that my husband, Chad, was the illustrator for The Kindness Machine! Before we were married, I told him we should merge our two professions of teacher and artist into a picture book. 14 years later and here we are! It was honestly a joy to collaborate with Chad. He knows me so well and was able to bring the story to life. Working with a hybrid publisher, we had the opportunity to pitch both the manuscript and illustration samples and they both were accepted. We spent many nights on the couch or at the dinner table after the kids went to bed, talking about illustrations as he sketched on his i-Pad. He was able to add in extra details such as the teacher looking like my best friend, adding a Free Little Library to the sketches and items from my classroom, such as a fish tank. Chad exceeded my expectations and it is something we are both very proud to have collaborated on.

Let’s talk about “the moment.” “The moment” being… the first time you saw and held your book in your hands. What were your feelings and thoughts?

It really is a big deal! I remember holding the sample copy and just smiling. Our own children saw it and my son said, “Wait! It’s out!?” It was very special reading the actual book to them that night at bedtime. 

The Kindness Machine has such a wonderful message. Can you tell us about the story?

The Kindness Machine takes place in a second grade classroom with a teacher, Mr. Wilson, who is known for creating fun gadgets and gizmos. One day he brings a kindness machine to school and students have the opportunity to push different buttons to learn ways to be kind not only to others but also to themselves. In the end, students realize that they each have their own kindness machine inside them to help spread kindness wherever they go.

In your own words, can you share your inspiration for writing this book and how you hope it will leave your readers feeling?

As a mom and a teacher, we truly want all of our children and students to be kind. My hope is that the readers and listeners are reminded that kindness is not complicated. We can spread kindness through simple actions. The idea of self-love and kindness to ourselves is something that even adults struggle with. My goal is that if we start sharing this idea of loving ourselves early, we can help lay a solid foundation for self-love. I also secretly hope that the adults reading the books get a gentle reminder to not be so hard on themselves.

What has the reaction/response been from readers? Have you had any special moments that you’d like to share?

The response has been great! I love when former students tell me they read the book AGAIN before bedtime or that a teacher checked it out from the library for their class. A high school senior, who I did not know, used The Kindness Machine for a huge project. He had to create a display, read the book to a class, and create an activity to go with the book. One school counselor read the book to 17 classes and created an entire school wall with pieces from the story that they worked on together. It was so amazing to really feel the kindness ripple that has happened from publishing.

Any advice for authors and/or illustrators who are looking into breaking into the kidlit market?

Read! Read everything you can in your kidlit theme that is already out and figure out what is missing that you can add. I read over 50 books about kindness, but only one included kindness to ourselves, which is why I included that in my book. Connect with other writers and carve out time to write.

Okay, we’ve done the nitty-gritty portion. Now, let’s move on to a few fun favorites.

Favorite color?
Red

Favorite animal?
Panda

Favorite vacation destination?
The beach!

Favorite dessert/snack?
Dark chocolate, donuts

Favorite book(s)?
Too many to list!

“As a mom and a teacher, we truly want all of our children and students to be kind. My hope is that the readers and listeners are reminded that kindness is not complicated. We can spread kindness through simple actions.“

“The idea of self-love and kindness to ourselves is something that even adults struggle with. My goal is that if we start sharing this idea of loving ourselves early, we can help lay a solid foundation for self-love. I also hope that the adults reading the books get a gentle reminder to not be so hard on themselves.“

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

Be patient. Trust yourself. Remember that you have a story to tell and that your words matter. Write on. 

Thank you, Christina, for spending time with us today. We appreciate you and everything you’ve done to share your kindness with the world.

But don’t hurry off just yet…
We still have ONE final item on our agenda. And that’s… THE GIVEAWAY!

Christina Dankert is offering the following giveaway prize: A signed copy of The Kindness Machine.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Subscribe to the blog
Like this blog post
Comment below, letting me know you’ve done BOTH. (Please note: If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which prize you’d like in your comment.)

Deadline to enter: May 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM CST

And that’s it!

FAQ:

Did you enjoy this interview?

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

Already own a copy?

Consider leaving a brief review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble.

Purchase THE KINDNESS MACHINE

Purchase ADHD AND ME

Christina Dankert is a children’s book author, second-grade teacher, and literacy enthusiast living in Ohio. As an educator, she believes books are a beautiful way to continue to learn and grow. She believes all children should be able to find themselves in picture books. It is through children’s literature and reading to the children in our lives that we will change the world.

Connect with Christina Dankert

Website: https://christinadankert.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina.dankert/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDankertAuthor

Tag: Traditional Publishing

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

Like this:

AUGUST 21ST, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED GRAPHIC NOVELIST AND CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR DEBASMITA DASGUPTA, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

THE VERY BEGINNING: PAVING A PATH TO PUBLISHING JOURNEY

HIGHS, LOWS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM

BEHIND THE WRITER’S DESK: WRITING ACROSS GENRES & CREATIVE PROCESS

AUTHOR VISITS

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

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

INTRODUCTION: HOW IT ALL STARTED… AND CLASSROOMS

PUBLISHING ROUTES & SUBMISSIONS

AUTHOR VISITS

OVERCOMING HURDLES & FINDING COMMUNITY

BOOKISH THINGS

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THE VERY BEGINNING: PAVING A PATH TO PUBLISHING JOURNEY

HIGHS, LOWS, AND WORDS OF WISDOM

BEHIND THE WRITER’S DESK: WRITING ACROSS GENRES & CREATIVE PROCESS

AUTHOR VISITS

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

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Like this:

INTRODUCTION: HOW IT ALL STARTED… AND CLASSROOMS

PUBLISHING ROUTES & SUBMISSIONS

AUTHOR VISITS

OVERCOMING HURDLES & FINDING COMMUNITY

BOOKISH THINGS

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