Tag: writers

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH HYBRID AUTHOR AND ACQUIRING EDITOR of BLUE WHALE PRESS, ROSEANNE FRANK, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Welcome back to another Feature Interview about kidlit publishing on Chelsea’s World of Books blog. Today is an exciting day! Not only am I coming to you with this terrific information from special guest, Children’s Book Author and Acquiring Editor at Blue Whale Press, Roseanne Frank, but it’s also the anniversary of my book birthday for ADHD AND ME. Hip-hip-hooray!

But before we get started… just in case this is your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes feature interviews so great…

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators. Personally, my favorite part about these interviews are the connections I’m able to make- and share with you all!

Every month, I sit down with members of the writing community (authors, illustrators, editors, and agents), and we discuss all things kidlit publishing.

Here are a few examples of topics:

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

So, now that you know what to expect… let’s get into our interview.

Children’s Book Author & Acquiring Editor for Blue Whale Press, Roseanne Frank

Roseanne Frank is a former early childhood educator with a degree in reading and clinical diagnosis. Her journey to publication started in the adult space and spreads across the scope of both indie and traditional publishing. Roseanne is the social media director for the SCBWI Long Island, NY chapter, the founder of the site Parents Love Picture Books, and a freelance editor and writing consultant for Clear Fork Publishing and Kidlit41. In her free time, she enjoys hosting Elements of Picture Book Writing workshops for several local libraries. As of January 2024, she was appointed as Blue Whale Press’ new Editor of Acquisitions. When she’s not doing writerly things, she likes to watch old movies, especially old horror. She has two grown children, a delicious King Charles Cavalier, and a husband who has always been super supportive. She lives on the beautiful north shore of Long Island, NY, and wherever she goes, she has to have trees.

THE BEGINNING: WHY? WHEN? HOW?

Roseanne, it’s such a treat to have you with us today! The first question I love asking my guests is about the beginning. Why? When? How? Could you share the beginning stages of what led you to the wonderful world of literature?

Hi, Chelsea! Thank you so much for hosting me! I’m so excited to be here! My journey into writing is quite circuitous. It started while on the alumni board for the School of Education for Manhattanville College, and back in 2010, they had a call for articles for their newsletter. So, I submitted one on Multiple Learning styles in the classroom. When I saw my work in print, I was hooked! I continued to write articles for the newsletter (links to them are on my website) and then sought out other avenues to write. I found a site called Indies Unlimited. Each week they had a visual prompt for a flash fiction contest – you had to tell a story in 250 words or less. Foreshadowing for future writing endeavors? Perhaps. 

I continued writing weekly for almost 7 years for other outlets and other contests and worked at honing how to tell a complete story that engages the reader in such a short space. I loved flash fiction – still do. It’s like a puzzle to try to write a micro-story that has a beginning that grips the reader, a rising action, and a satisfying ending. Then I leaned into my first love – children’s literature. It was there all along, just…dormant. I wrote a couple of too-long stories and sentthem out with too-long query letters, which – of course – received rejections. Then everything changed when I went to my first SCBWI event and met someone who would invite me to join their local critique group. This group of talented writers has been invaluable, and my children’s writing has improved on the fast track. And what I found was that my experience writing flash fiction was the perfect prep for picture book writing! 


Which came first- being an editor or a writer? Explain.

Writing came first. But editing and critiquing are part of the process of learning how to look at a story, what works, what doesn’t, and why, and how to make it better. By critiquing others’ work you become an active learner of all the elements of picture book writing, and then it helps you craft your own well-written stories. I found that I loved pouring over other writers’ manuscripts and helping them create a story that not just conveyed their story idea but did it in such a way that employed all the exciting elements that make a great children’s book. During the pandemic, I opened a FIVERR account, and now I edit through that platform with a great following of return clients. Then I was added to KidLit411 resource website and as a freelance editor for Clear Fork Press. 


Do you think one benefits the other? Explain.

I can’t stress enough the importance of reading, critiquing, analyzing, and giving feedback on other writers’ work to improve your own. The love of editing came out of writing. But by editing, my writing improves too.


What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you been able to push forward?

Oh, buckle up for this one. ALICE IN THE PALACE was originally signed with a publisher in 2017. They closed before they even put out their first book. Then it caught the attention of an agent. Sent them more manuscripts and had a phone call. We got disconnected during the call and then (this is CRAZY) they ghosted me. ALICE was then signed with another publisher, which is where I was paired with the awesome illustrator, Ashleigh Heyns. The illustrations were almost done… and they closed. Ash and I continued to submit the manuscript as a team when Clear Fork picked it up. In the meantime, I continued to write and submit, and I signed with Touchpoint Press’ faith-based imprint for WHISPERS FROM GOD, due out this March, again after a long, bumpy road. ALICE is finally out in the world 7 years later. 

How to push forward – that’s a great question because this industry is fraught with disappointment. Two things I felt kept me sane: a great support system (my writing pals), and always working on something else and submitting something new. One rejection in, send two stories out.

“Two things I felt kept me sane: a great support system (my writing pals), and always working on something else and submitting something new. One rejection in, send two stories out.“

WRITING ACROSS GENRES

You mentioned in your bio and application that you started out your career as an author in the adult space. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

I started writing flash fiction for adults. My stories tend to be like Twilight Zone episodes with a Stephen King vibe. I especially enjoy endings with a twist you never saw coming, which is how my adult collection, BITE SIZE READS, came to be. Sometimes my ideas aren’t quite kid-friendly, so writing for adults is a great outlet. Also, I write for adults under RB Frank to keep the genres separate. 


How did you get from point A to point B, point A being the adult space and point B being children’s?

I think learning how to write concisely and effectively made moving to a picture book structure easier than, say, moving from longer narrative writing. So when I started with kidlit, I was already primed to write.


Do you still enjoy writing for both, or have you entirely switched to writing for children?

I am 97% with kidlit! I veer off to the adult space only occasionally with projects like KVETCH & SKETCH, which is a humorous art therapy and journal activity book – not for kids! And my one foray into the YA space with LEGACY & LEGEND. It’s historical fiction set in the Revolutionary Era on Long Island, with horror and paranormal elements woven in. It was a labor of love, a story that haunted me for a while that I needed to tell. I love that it’s a book for that in-between age group (MG & YA) that everyone says they’d like to see more of.

ROUTES TO PUBLISHING: INDIE VS TRADITIONAL, AGENT VS NO AGENT

Now, you’ve had experience with both independent publishing as well as traditional. Can you share a little bit about both experiences and explain some of the pros and cons of each?

After years of writing flash fiction, I found I had a collection of solid stories. And while organizing the stories, I found that they fell naturally into categories. I decided to self-publish. It wasn’t even a question if I should submit the whole collection anywhere because I had a vision for the presentation that was hyper-specific and really unique; the stories are grouped by how long they take to read. I love irony so although the stories are short, the title is not: BITE SIZE READS: slightly twisted, deliciously dark, really short stories for people with very little time or very short attention spans.

It was the same way with my picture book, THE WITCHES’ DANCE. I did the artwork and I had specific goals for the back matter to include recipes, activities, a read-aloud, and QR codes for links. I felt it was too directive to propose to a publisher, so this was another indie project. 

The pros are that I had complete control over the production and distribution, and I kept a greater percentage of the royalties. The cons of self-publishing is that there is a learning curve to the process. Then there’s marketing – not unlike traditional publishing. My experience with traditional publishing is with a small publisher, and I will say that I do like working with small publishers as they are willing to include the author in all stages of production.

And regardless of which path you take, marketing ALWAYS seems to be a challenge. That’s why I started Parents Love Picture Books. It’s a way for readers and creators to connect easily.


What are some reasons you might recommend one vs the other and why?

If you have a very specific idea about your story and you are not willing to compromise on the story, or you envision the illustrations a certain way, then you may want to consider going indie. One of the services I offer is to work with authors in the creation of their book, compiling the illustrations and text – almost like an art director – and setting it up for publication on whatever platform they’ve chosen. 

If you are a writer with a great story and you’re okay collaborating with an editor and letting an illustrator work their magic (because they do!), then send those babies out and find the perfect home for it!


As someone who has experience with independent publishing, what are some tips and suggestions you’d like to share with other authors or illustrators considering this route of publication?

Have a plan. Learn the process beforehand and the sequence of when things need to be done. I work with a lot of authors who self-publish, and more often than not, authors have the illustrations done before they choose the size of the book or the platform. Then, when we get to formatting, the authors have to pay to have the illustrations re-done because they’re the wrong size or ratio or they’re not the digital quality that is required. 

Have a plan for which platform you want to use and familiarize yourself with their distribution, lead times, and royalty reporting. Make sure you’re okay with all those things.

Edit. Then edit again. Then have someone else edit it.

Make sure your illustrator is excellent. Artwork sells the book first. If you cheap out on the artwork, it will show.

Don’t use Comic Sans. For anything.

Familiarize yourself with other successful indie books and traditionally published books for what makes those books visually captivating.

Finally, your expenses should be for illustrations, editing, and maybe, formatting. The latter you can learn to do on your own. You don’t have to lay out thousands of dollars for an “all-inclusive” service; you can do it! 


Are you currently represented by an agent/agency? If you are agented, can you share what some of the benefits are? If you’re not agented, are you actively querying for representation? Why or why not?

I am not represented and I'm not actively seeking representation at this time, but you never know. This is something that works for me. I feel I have the control to send the stories I want to the publishers that I think will be a good fit. Agents do great work, but I think they have so many clients they can’t represent ALL my stories. They are able to get into closed houses, but for me, right now, I’m okay pursuing smaller publishers.


This is all such brilliant advice, Roseanne. Thanks for giving our readers so much to work with and consider!

“Have a plan. Learn the process beforehand and the sequence of when things need to be done. Have a plan for which platform you want to use and familiarize yourself with their distribution, lead times, and royalty reporting. Make sure you’re okay with all those things.“

“Edit. Then edit again. Then have someone else edit it. Make sure your illustrator is excellent. Artwork sells the book first. If you cheap out on the artwork, it will show. Don’t use Comic Sans. For anything.“

“Familiarize yourself with other successful indie books and traditionally published books for what makes those books visually captivating.“

WRITING BLOGS, WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES

Let’s talk about writing resources & workshops. You mentioned that you’re the social media director for the SCBWI Long Island, NY chapter. How did you end up doing this, and can you tell us what it involves?

The position of social media coordinator for the LI chapter became available not long after I joined SCBWI, and I jumped on the opportunity to take that on. I like being involved and being on the inside of things. For almost 5 years now, I’ve posted on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Sometimes, I come up with posts on my own, share writing or illustrating information, repost events from SCBWI or other chapters, or promote events that we’re hosting. 


For some of our aspiring writers who are very new to publishing and may not be familiar with SCBWI, would you mind telling us a little more about it and all of the things it offers? Why would a writer be interested in joining? What resources and opportunities will they find here?

SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) has been around for about 50 years. They are a worldwide organization that is dedicated to supporting children’s book writers and illustrators with events, resources, and networking opportunities. They also offer online events, in person conferences, showcases, awards, grants – you name it! You can find your regional chapter on their site scbwi.org. Membership is a game-changer if you’re serious about diving into kidlit.


You also mentioned being a freelance editor and writing consultant with Clear Fork Publishing and Kidlit411 website. Can you share more about this and the specific services you offer?

I edit picture books, novels, and business content. I offer consulting - which can include developmental edits, feedback & critique - for picture books only. Some clients have requested formatting and production services, so I offer custom orders for those services. I actually love doing that because I get to see a book from beginning to end! Anyone interested can find more detailed info on my site rbfrank.com – Consulting & Editing.


It's great to know that you offer these services! And earlier you mentioned Parents Love Picture Books, which is a website that you founded. Can you tell us more about what that is and how it began? What inspired you toward this venture, and when did you start?

Parents Love Picture Books is fairly recent, 2021. I realized that there wasn’t a One-Stop Shop for parents, teachers, or educators to just stop by and peruse new books. There are blogs and posts on social media and Amazon but not one place where they could see suggestions in one place categorized by fiction and non-fiction. It’s a simple site. New books highlighted on the homepage, a section for non-fiction, and an archive. Each book cover is clear and has a clickable link for easy purchase. A win-win for everyone!


I love that you saw the need for this and took it upon yourself to provide it. Congrats on such a wonderful idea!
But that's not all you offer in the way of resources. You also take an active interest in your local libraries. (Which, being a librarian myself- I am cheering for! I wish we lived closer so I could host you in our library!) 

Let's talk about what role you play with your local libraries. Which is, hosting an Elements of Picture Book Writing workshop for multiple libraries in your community. Can you tell us how this all started? Is it something you do independently, or is it a partnership program? Do you create the materials yourself or use templates/information from a specific website or place? I'd love to learn more about it!

Teaching is always in my blood. Whether it’s kids or adults, it doesn’t matter. I enjoy being part of the learning process for both. I approached a few libraries with the idea of hosting a picture book writing workshop for adults (since I hadn’t seen one). 

I run two workshops; one in the evening and the other during the day. The workshops are student-driven, and we focus on their work and the elements that make a picture book work. To start each class, I read a mentor text and then ask open-ended questions to determine where they are in the writing process. Are the participants looking at the superficial elements, or are they recognizing the deeper levels like pacing, language, page turns, and the relationship between art and text? Then I know how to proceed in our discussions, and we workshop their stories with everyone’s participation.  


Wow, Roseanne. What a superstar!  I love that you (again) saw a need that wasn't being met- and filled it. So, okay. You take notice- you decide what you want to do. Then what? What was the process like for getting into the library, and what kind of responses have you received from your attendees?

Approaching libraries is a lot like querying. I sent out emails with a proposal, and then I waited. The response from attendees has been great, and I’m so pleased about that. Our groups have people who return every session. I’ve come to know them and vice-versa, and they make hosting these writing groups so enjoyable. They’ve become not just a writing group but a social, engaging group. We eat lots of chocolate.

You can't go wrong with lots of chocolate and great company. I'm sure you're writing participants are very grateful to have a free program like this to help aid them in their writing careers! For these workshops.. are they something you regularly host, or is it a one-time event that you’ve done for various locations?

The sessions are 6 classes: one session in winter, two in spring, and two in fall. Right now, I’m in two libraries.


So cool! While we're on the subject of workshops… have there been any workshops that you’ve attended that you really enjoyed and would recommend to other writers/illustrators? If so, which ones were they and what made them special?

Any of the SCBWI events are great. I’ve attended webinars or in-person events from the parent SCBWI or virtual through other regional chapters. I find they’re affordable, and they always over-deliver! I love Rosie J Pova’s events, Storytime Sprint, Picture Book Summit, and Julie Hedlund’s events. Kidlit411 site and social media groups are invaluable for information and upcoming workshops. The blog Writer’s Rumpus has an extensive list every month of events and opportunities for writers and illustrators. The kidlit community is incredibly giving, and you can find lots of free opportunities on social media.


Can you share three (or more) resources or practices you’ve found to be most helpful on your writing journey?

Three things that I do that really help in all aspects of writing are:

-	Read a lot of picture books. 
-	Be part of a great critique group.
-	Be involved, whether it’s attending in-person or virtual events. Networking is invaluable, and you really get a pulse of the ebb and flow of children’s books and the market.


Do you have any suggestions or words of wisdom you’d like to share regarding workshops, resources, or something else?

When you read picture books, read them as a writer. Approaching a book as a reader is different than reading as a writer. Put your writer hat on and ask yourself questions about the elements that make your mentor texts work. How is the pacing? Is there an interesting use of language? How does the author build tension? How do the illustrations help tell the story, and why did they make those choices? Recognizing what works in other’s stories will help you in your craft as well.

So well put!

Read a lot of picture books. Be part of a great critique group. Be involved, whether it’s attending in-person or virtual events. Networking is invaluable, and you really get a pulse of the ebb and flow of children’s books and the market.

NEW VENTURES ON THE HORIZON: PUBLISHING HOUSES & SUBMISSIONS

If I remember correctly, January 2024 was the official announcement of your new position as Editor of Acquisitions at Blue Whale Press. Congratulations! How is that going? **Update for readers: Roseanne's official post for her position went out YESTERDAY- February 20th, 2024!**

So far, so good! Blue Whale is an imprint of Clear Fork Press, and Callie Lovvorn is the founder of both. From the very beginning, we had a similar vision for the imprint and are working to build a great front and back list.


What type of work does this position involve, and what kinds of stories are you/this publishing house looking to acquire?

I read submissions, and once acquired, I work with the authors on any edits to get it in the best shape for publication. We are looking to acquire STEAM and STEM chapter books, middle grade, and Hi-Lo. I’d love to see neuro-diversity characters who are part of the story, not the focus of the narrative. All kids should see themselves represented. I’d love a mini-Indiana Jones or a math whiz, as in the TV show NUMB3RS. I’m fascinated by cryptozoology, lost worlds, space, art history, and time travel (ie, Time & Again by Jack Finney or A Wrinkle in Time). We’re also excited to look for books that fill a niche of the lower YA genre. You can go to the Clear Fork or Blue Whale site or my MSWL.


Is your agency open to unsolicited submissions? If not, how can people submit?

We do accept unsolicited. There are gems out there. I know it! Please read and follow the submission guidelines on the website. We’ll be open at certain times of the year, so follow us on social media. **Note for readers- Blue Whale and Clear Fork websites are currently under maintenance during this relaunch time- please be patient. Once links are up and running correctly, I will post them here. **


Is Blue Whale Press a traditional publishing house or a paid-for self-publishing guided service and platform? And can you explain the difference between the two?

Blue Whale is a traditional publishing house, so we don’t offer advances but royalties from sales. The difference between a traditional house and a self-publishing or “vanity” press is that we don’t ask for any money upfront. The publisher gets paid when they sell books. 


Any manuscript no-nos or tips you’d like to share with our readers?

Please, please, know how to format your manuscript. Following the guidelines shows me you are familiar with the industry and are taking the time to present your work in its best form. The query letter I’m not so particular as long as it includes all the information somewhere in it. There is a HUGE collection of resources and links regarding submissions on my site. Feel free to stop by and take a look!

Please, please, know how to format your manuscript. Following the guidelines shows me you are familiar with the industry and are taking the time to present your work in its best form.

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

We've finally arrived at my FAVORITE part- the books! Can you tell us about your books and how they came to be?

Thank you so much for asking and for giving me an opportunity to highlight my work.

My kids and teaching littles are the inspiration for my children’s books. You just have to be present to see the unfiltered imagination that sparks ideas that, for us adults, have been tucked away. I’ll see a situation, and when I recognize an idea or theme, I ask those ‘what if ’ questions.  One ‘what if ’ question leads to another until a story forms. Then I flesh out the characters, themes, and layers.

ALICE is about a princess whose imagination gets her into a bit of trouble with the king, and when he says, “No more pretending,” Alice isn’t Alice, and the palace is not the same. It’s a celebration of the joy of imagination and being your authentic self.

THE WITCHES’ DANCE was a poem I wrote for my kids one Halloween. It is about the witches who come to the clearing on Halloween night to dance around the firelight for their festive ball. It’s written in fun rhyme, and I include activities and a link to a read aloud with sound effects from Smarty Pants Magazine.

LEGACY & LEGEND started as a nightmare I had one night. Literally. I wrote down that one scene and then built the story from that. I wove in elements I love like horror, paranormal, history, and Celtic lore. The back matter is extensive, referencing real locations, legends, and religion.


For your children’s books, how did the illustration process work? Explain. 

For THE WITCHES’ DANCE, I did the artwork. I was an art major and still work in various mediums. It was created with watercolor and collage.

For ALICE, I found Ashleigh Heyns from the publisher’s list of illustrators. It was a very collaborative process with the publisher and Ashleigh. Ashleigh is patient and super talented, and she was a joy to work with. Highly recommend working with her if you get the chance.


Any last words you’d like to share with those reading today?

-	Comparison is the thief of joy. Everyone has a different path and their own timeline.
-	Keep writing. 
-	Not every story is a winner. Some are just practice, and that’s okay.
-	YOU CAN DO IT! You can!


Thanks so much for joining us today, Roseanne. Your interview answers were just terrific and I hope they can help others who read them today.

But that’s not all. We still have ONE final item left on the agenda. And that is THE GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

Roseanne is offering the following giveaway prize:

Critique, feedback, and one revision review for a non-rhyming picture book under 1,000 words OR an above-the-slush submission to Blue Whale at any time. (Please make sure the story is a fit for the imprint). View sample books HERE.

The winner can choose either one. Please put “Chelsea’s World of Books Blog” in the subject line.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of February 2024: Deadline: February 29th 2024 12PM CST

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

And that’s it!

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

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing their book or requesting it be purchased by your local library! Already own a copy? Consider leaving a brief review. Using the sponsored links below not only supports the author, but helps support this blog.

Roseanne Frank Books

Children’s Books

Adult Books – Under RB Frank

Chelsea DiCicco’s Book

Celebrate Malory’s 3-year book birthday by purchasing your copy of ADHD and Me today!

Connect with Roseanne

Website: rbfrank.com

Parents Love Picture Books

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AUGUST 2023 FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, JESS TOWNES, conducted by Chelsea dicicco

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

Author Bio   Jess Townes is the author of several picture books, including the forthcoming Sometimes I Cry. A lifelong storyteller, Jess has worked in public education, non-profit development, birth, and lactation services, as a freelance writer and actress, and currently works as a bookseller at Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri, but her favorite part of any job is the connections she builds with other people. She believes there is no better path to those connections than through our stories. Jess lives outside St. Louis with her husband, two teenagers, and two black cats.

Beginnings

It's time for another great FEATURE INTERVIEW. Today, we're welcoming guest Jess Townes to the blog. It’s such a pleasure to have you with us, Jess! I loved learning about your colorful and varied work experiences as a doula and advocate for Spanish speakers in the public school district as well as your history with nonprofit fundraising, among other cool things. So, tell me, what was the series of events that landed you here in the wonderful land of children’s book writing?
 
There's an expression about endings, I think it originated with Aristotle, that says they should be "surprising, but inevitable," and that's sort of how I feel about landing in the world of children's literature. I did not grow up wanting to become an author. I'm not sure it ever made my list of what I wanted to be when I grew up, and that list was long and varied, from journalist to Rockette to the first female Catholic priest (for the record, I wasn't even Catholic). Yet, I fell in love with children's books at a very young age and never fell out of love long past the age that our culture dictates I should have. I've always been a storyteller, and most of my work has involved advocacy for children, so in a way, though it was a surprise, it was perhaps inevitable that I eventually paired my love for story and my connection with children in this way. 

I saw on your author’s website that you memorized Richard Scarry’s illustrations. So, I’m guessing books played a large part in your young childhood. Can you tell us more about some of your favorite childhood book memories and how they influenced you then or maybe still influence you today? Books were a foundational part of my childhood. In early elementary school, I was completely obsessed with The Babysitters Club. I loved and admired all of them. Kristy's leadership, Claudia's artistic talent, Maryanne's empathy, and Stacey's ability to adapt to change. They felt like friends to me, and when I was going through difficult moments in my own life, I turned to them for comfort and consistency. As I got a little older, I discovered Judy Blume, and her books were a revelation. She wrote things that nobody talked about but everyone experienced, and reading them stripped away shame and self-doubt. I believe she shaped the future of children's literature through her vulnerability, and so many of the books I love and sell as a bookseller today might not have ever been published had she not paved the path for them. Another thing I wanted to talk with you about is your day job! I remember you mentioning that you work as a bookseller at an independent bookstore in St. Charles, Missouri (which is so cool)! It seems like a very fitting job for someone who enjoys reading and writing. I work in a library, and I love being surrounded by books and book lovers. I imagine you do too! Can you tell us a little more about the bookstore where you work and what it’s like working there? I love my job at Main Street Books! We are located on a historic cobblestone street in St. Charles, Missouri, where many of the buildings are over two hundred years old. It's a vibrant tourism location that hosts multiple festivals every year, from a floral festival in May to Halloween to Christmas. The street is charming, and you really get to know your neighbor merchants. We are a general interest bookstore, which means we have a little bit of everything, and our staff reads across all genres. I love getting to know our local readers as well as meet people from all over the country who are visiting. Working as a bookseller gives me a behind-the-scenes peek at the other side of publishing, which I find helpful in understanding the industry. And it's always so exciting when I get the chance to sell one of my writer friend's books!

Books & Writing

When it comes to your own writing… do you ever host storytimes or book signings of your books where you work?

Yes, I launched both of my first books with a signing/storytime at Main Street Books. It's my bookish home, so it feels right to start there. 

Speaking of your books… let's talk more about those! I know you have Spellbound, which came out in January 2022; Groundhog Gets it Wrong, which came out in January 2023; and your next book, Sometimes I Cry, is coming out THIS Fall! Can you tell us about your newest book? 

Sometimes I Cry is definitely the most vulnerable of the books I've published so far. It's an exploration of all the different kinds of moments in life that can move us to tears, and as an easy crier myself, it hits very close to home. Growing up, I sometimes felt ashamed or embarrassed by how easily I cried (I'm that person that cries during commercials, for example), but once I had my own kids, it became important to me to model crying as a normal, healthy part of being human in a complex world. I started to notice the ways that boys, in particular, were discouraged from crying and wondered what our world would look like if men were able to access and express their full range of emotions in healthy ways. This book was born in my part from my desire to help create that world, and I really hope young readers see themselves on its pages. 

So now that we've wandered into the territory of one of my all-time favorite topics- books- I'd love to hear a little more in-depth of the behind-the-scenes of the creation of these stories. Can you share a little about how your books were born? What was the inspiration behind them?

Spellbound was inspired by my work as a doula. I had the privilege of watching many families welcome a new baby into their homes and the varied reactions of the existing children. While some became immediate caregivers, others took some time to adjust to a new sibling, and I wanted to honor that reality in a playful but honest way. Groundhog Gets It Wrong was inspired by a winter in my region where the groundhog called for an early spring, and it actually came true! It made me wonder how often this rodent gets it right, which got me thinking about making mistakes and the aftermath of those mistakes.

Book Publishing Territory & Timeline

I know I have a lot of readers who are at different stages of writing and publishing. Some are just starting out with finding a home in the writing community and joining their first critique groups. Others are already a part of the writing community and now have polished manuscripts that they are querying to find an agent. Some are now agented but don't yet have book deals. And others may be agented with multiple book deals. So, I like to ask questions that help give more information about each stage.
 I'll start with the beginner questions.

When you first started writing, can you tell us how/where you discovered your writing community? Were there any groups or things that helped, in particular?

There were two groups in particular that were an enormous help to me as a beginner children's writer - the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge and SCBWI. I met my first critique group through SCBWI, and they remain close friends and writing partners to this day. I attended workshops and conferences through SCBWI, eventually becoming a Co-RA of my local region. It's hard to imagine my publishing journey without this organization that I have learned so much from. Likewise, 12 x 12 continues to be a huge part of my writing life! The program helped me challenge myself to write drafts and practice craft on manuscripts that I knew would never be published, which for me, is an essential part of the process. But more importantly, I meet writers through this community that understand the ups and downs of the publishing journey and the specificity of picture book writing. I currently serve as a Critique Ninja for 12 x 12, and I am honored to give back to a community that has given me so much. 
 
From the time you first started swapping manuscripts and getting feedback on your work, how long did it take you to start querying agents, and what was that process like?

It took me a long time to be ready to swap manuscripts and seek feedback on my work. I wrote privately for a couple of years before even joining SCBWI and learning about critique groups. Once I did have those groups in place, I started querying agents about six months later and was fortunate to sign with my agent very quickly after that.
 
Once you started querying, how long did it take you to find your agent match?

I received an offer to revise and resubmit from my current agent within a month of querying agents, and I ended up signing with her a few months after that. 
 
Once you found your agent, how long did it take to get your first book deal?

Much longer! I was with my agent about a year and a half before we had our first offer. We had a couple of other manuscripts go through acquisitions more than once, so I got a lot of experience in getting oh-so-close to a deal but not quite crossing the finish line. This is a part of the process even after multiple book deals. Each time on submission is like starting over.

Discouragements, Set-backs, Words of Wisdom

We've gone over the timeline. Now let's talk a little bit about the in-betweens.
Were there any points throughout your publishing career that you felt discouraged? If so, what/who helped you overcome it?

Yes, of course. So much of publishing is outside our control, and keep in mind that my own publishing timeline fell in the middle of a global pandemic. There has been near constant uncertainty about everything from shipping to supply chains, sales, a changing market, the fate of brick-and-mortar bookstores, book challenges, and bans, the future of AI, etc. I try to remind myself that I can only impact so much. The things inside my control are the stories I write and, to a smaller extent, the ways I share my work in the world. I try to focus on what I can control, as well as the joy I find in the craft of telling a story, instead of the many things outside my control. 
 
What were some of the struggles you faced during your writing career?

Because writing is not my full-time job, it can be a struggle to give my stories the space and time they need to grow into what they could be. Balancing work, family, health challenges, volunteering, and the many things life throws at us with an extra job like writing can be a lot. Sometimes, writing is able to take the front seat and other times, it has to wait patiently in the background. I miss being away from my stories in those seasons, but I trust that something new will always be waiting. I think a lot about this advice from Stephen King -  "Put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn't in the middle of the room. Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around." 


Are things all breezy and easy now? Explain.

If you've read this far, you probably already know my answer to this! Of course not, but I don't expect there will ever be a season in my writing career where all things are breezy and easy. This is an ever-changing industry with new challenges every day. The best we can do is honor our craft and adjust the best we can. We can remind ourselves of why we write in the first place and follow that "why" as long as it makes sense to you and your life.

 
Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known earlier on that you think might be helpful for other writers?

This is a hard question because what motivates one person can discourage someone else. I like data. I like understanding the reality of the publishing industry. For me, working as a bookseller has opened my eyes to the absolute miracle it is to get a single book published, ever, much less have that book find a lasting place on the shelf. I know the numbers, I know the odds, and for me, this helps me understand why it is that so many beautifully crafted stories have a hard time finding a publishing home. Recognizing that this is out of my control is freeing to me as a writer and artist. But I always hesitate to share those numbers in a concrete fashion because I've seen it have the opposite impact on others.
 
Anything else you'd like to share?

I want to thank everyone who has ever shared one of my books with young readers. So much of this process, in the beginning, involves other adults reading your work, but there is something so deeply gratifying about the moment you finally get to share your book with kids. Their reactions, connections, and responses to my work have been the best part of this journey, so thank you to all of you who help make that happen.

Fun questions:

Favorite book(s)- and why? (I'll allow up to 5 because I know choosing favorites is hard).

Impossible! I'm a bookseller! How could you do this to me? ;) How about instead, I name five picture books from recent years that I've loved sharing with young readers?

After the Fall by Dan Santat
Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl
The Vamos! books by Raul the Third
The Longestletsgoboy by Derick Wilder and Catia Chien
Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins and Daniel Miyares

Favorite color?

Green
 
Favorite place, real or imagined?

Grand Teton National Park
 
Favorite quote?
 
"Instructions for living a life. 
Pay attention. 
Be astonished. 
Tell about it." 
― Mary Oliver 

Thank you, Jess for joing us today. And now it's time for...

THE GIVEAWAY PRIZE

This month, Jess is offering multiple-choice prizes.
A signed book of your choice! Or, if you’re a teacher or librarian, a 30-minute zoom call with classroom/patrons. (This could be a fun storytime idea!)

QUESTIONS-ANSWERS

How do I enter the giveaway?

Simply like August’s Feature Interview post (the one you’re reading now) and subscribe to the blog. And that’s it! You’re entered.

How long will I have to enter the giveaway?
The entire month of August 2023
Deadline: August 31st

Already subscribed? Awesome! You’re halfway there!

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

GROUNDHOG GETS IT WRONG 
SOMETIMES I CRY
SPELLBOUND

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

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

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

The beginning to publishing:

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

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


When and how did your professional journey toward publishing begin? 

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

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

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

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

Road Bumps, Tips, Encouragement:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Books, inspiration, and illustration:

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

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

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

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


What was your inspiration behind these stories? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

Connect with Aya Khalil

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

Now it’s time to talk prizes…

For the month of July, anyone who:

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

It’s that simple.

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

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

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

Thanks for reading!

Speaking of readers…

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

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

MY SPRING FLING KIDLIT 2023 ENTRY: WAKE UP, WORLD! IT’S SPRING! BY CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts 
First off, I'd like to thank the fabulous hosts, fellow librarian and kidlit Author Ciara O'Neal and Literary Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez for yet another amazing Kidlit opportunity to not only showcase our work but to just have fun with our community! 

This has been such a terrific way to make friends, build relationships, and overall branch out with other writers.  I speak for myself and my critique group partners when I say, we are all so grateful for events like these that help make this line of work even more enjoyable. 

For most of us, writing can be very solitary work so fun events like these really add a breath of fresh air and get our creative juices flowing.

If you're not familiar with what the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest is, no worries! I'll be sure to include all the rules and details below.

So, what IS Spring Fling Kidlit?

Your challenge, should you accept it, is simple.
Find a gif and write a spring-inspired story. That's it!

Here are the official rules from Ciara's website:

1. Your story should be geared towards kids ages 12 or under.

2. Choose a gif to inspire your story. be sure to share where you found your wonderful gif. (The website or if you created it yourself!)
​
3. All gifs should be child appropriate and in no way be derogatory towards any faith, race, etc.

4. Now for the dreaded word count! You have 150 words. That’s it! No more but less is always welcome.
(Your title is not included in the word count.)

5. No illustration notes pretty please.

6. Your gif should be the only visual with your story.

7. The Spring Fling contest officially begins on Saturday April 1st and closes April 3rd, post your gif and story on your blog.

8. On April 1st, we will post a google form on this blog. (You can use the quicklink above titled "official rules" to get to the blog post.) Fill out the form, paste your blog website and story, and you my friend, will be entered!

9. Deadline for posting your story or the link to your story is April 3rd at 11:59pm CST.

10. Only one entry per contestant is permitted.


****If you don't have a blog, no worries, you can put your whole story on the google form. The form will open on April 1st. If you want others to read it too, feel free to post your story in the comments with the link to your gif.***

And that's it!

Now... the moment we've been waiting for; my entry for this year's 2023 Spring Kidlit Contest. This year I wanted to write a story that incorporated not only spring but sharing it with a beloved friend and who better to splash in puddles with than your dog?! So, without further ado, I give you my entry: WAKE UP, WORLD! IT'S SPRING!


Title: Wake up, World! It's Spring!
Written by: Chelsea DiCicco
Word Count: 121

Dewdrops dance on dainty petals.
Tweets and twitters fill the air.
This can only mean one thing…
“WAKE UP, WORLD! IT’S SPRING!”

Padding paws and racing feet.
Hurry, scurry; we can’t wait!
Nature’s calling- here we come!
“WAKE UP, WORLD! IT’S SPRING!”

Butterflies outstretch their wings.
Bees are buzzing off to work.
Mower’s roar, and flowers bloom.
"WAKE UP, WORLD! IT'S SPRING!"

Showers sprinkle in the sun.
Puddles are for everyone!
Happy slappy splashy feet.
"WAKE UP, WORLD! IT'S SPRING!"

Wagging tails and cheerful eyes.
Dirty paws and sun-kissed skin.
Shaking, quaking, laughs and barks.
"WAKE UP, WORLD! IT'S SPRING!"

Hoots and chatters fill the night.
Evening stars pierce the sky.
Look! There goes a firefly.
"Rest up, world. It's Spring."

This GIF was created by Chelsea DiCicco (me) on Canva for the purpose of being used for my 2023 entry for the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest.
Wake up, World! It's Spring! GIF by Chelsea DiCicco
Wake up, World! It’s Spring! by CHELSEA DICICCO

A summary of my writing year in 2022

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts 
Wow, wow, wow. What a year! I made a few posts on my social media accounts, but I wanted to share them here on my blog for anyone who may have missed the updates.
Here goes...
Whew.  So that was my "sappy and a little cheesy" post. At the beginning of 2022, I decided I wanted to make a collage to help remember the journey. I think sometimes as writers we can feel a little bogged down or lost at times. Rejections can be disheartening. Waiting can be difficult. And let's face it, we all feel discouraged sometimes. So, I wanted to make sure that this year I wrote down all my accomplishments and saved them. That way, whenever I was having a day that I was dealing with imposter syndrome, I could go and look at my list of happy moments and achievements. Every step counts!

So, if you are a writer, pre-published or currently published, I encourage you to do the same! This made me feel so good and I wanted to share it with you. 

Also, if you have done something like this or have a positive comment or achievement you reached this year, I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Feel free to link your website or social media as well so that others can take a peek. 

I think the one thing that has truly benefited me more than anything this entire year is finding my writing community and fully emersing myself in it. It makes such a difference to have friends who can encourage you and understand what you're going through on this journey. We all learn and grow from eachother, so please please share anything you'd like below! I would love to hear from you.

P.S. Another thing I did this year that I heard from another writer in a conference, and I loved the idea so much, was I got myself a jar and labeled it "positive comments" and every time someone told me something positive about my writing, I wrote it down and placed it in the jar. That helped pick me up and motivate me so much throughout the year! If you can, I suggest doing this too!


And now, without further ado, *drum rolllllllll* Chelsea's 2022 stats and inspirational photo collage of tiny victories!

My 2022 stats:
Groups joined: 6
Conferences/workshops/webinars attended: 9
Events participated in: 21
Books written: 28
Revisions made: 63
Critiques given: 64
Submissions/queries sent: 55
Wonderful connections made: too many to count!
#writingcommunity #2022 #progress #endofyear

January-Februar

March-April

may-june

july-august

september-october

november-december

Moral of the story: "It's not the destination, it's the journey."

Enjoy your journey! Celebrate every small victory! Learn from every small setback.


And KEEP. ON. WRITING!

ARE YOU NEW TO WRITING?

If you are new to writing and looking for some great places to start making connections and building your craft, here is a list of just a *few* groups & events I recommend looking into.

Events & Contests

Zidlit Zombie Week
Fall Writing Frenzy
Storystorm
KidLitPit 
Kidlit411 

Groups & Community

Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Challenge (membership fee)
SCBWI (membership fee)
IBPA (membership fee)
Storyteller Academy (membership fee)
Children's Book Academy (membership fee)

Remember, you don't have to join every group and participating doesn't always cost money. You can be a writer on a budget. Just make sure you stay active and find your community! Personally, my favorite group has been Julie Hedlund's 12x12 group. It's PACKED with resources, webinars, videoes, links to upcoming events *many contests that are free* and it's a great community! And it's where I met my amazing critique partners, who have been invaluable to my growth!

By the way... one of my amazing critique partners, Terri Clemmons, has her debut picture book coming out in Spring of 2024, Mara Hears in Style. You can find out more on her website.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this helpful! Don't forget to share your positive achievements below. Or, just some goals you might have for 2023!

#FallWritingFrenzy 2022 entry link: Buddy Bones Bubbleless Bath by Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in View all blog posts
It's October... and you know what that means! Another Fall Writing Frenzy Contest is here!

You’re looking at a #FallWritingFrenzy participant!

Hey writing pals! 


Fall is finally here! Time to break out all the candles and cozy blankets. And you know what else it means? Fall Writing Frenzy is here!


This is my first year participating in the Fall Writing Frenzy, and I'm thrilled to share my entry for 2022: BUDDY BONES BUBBLELESS BATH. 



But before we jump into the story, I'd like to thank our very gracious hosts Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis, as well as this year's guest judge, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris. 



So far, I've had a blast reading other peoples stories and sharing in the fun on Instagram and Twitter. If this is your first time participating, the rules are very simple. 



    

  1. Choose a picture.
    2. 



  2. Write a kidlit story (anywhere from board book to YA, 200 words or less.)
    3. 



  3. Post it on your blog and make sure to fill out the entry form.
    4. 



  4. Share, share, share! 
    5. 




For further questions, please check out the official FallWritingFrenzy2022Rules.


Remember: the goal is "to create connections and help writers grow!" So, have fun! 


Below you will find my entry.


Happy fall writing everyone!xo,Chelsea

BUDDY BONES BUBBLELESS BATH _ CHELSEA DICICCO _ FALL WRITING FRENZY 2022–

Photo Credit: Halloween- Credit: Samantha Hurley / Burst

My 2022 Fall Writing Frenzy Entry
BUDDY BONES BUBBLELESS BATH (199 word count)
A picture book by Chelsea DiCicco


It was a dry, dusty day on the ranch, and Buddy Bones was getting ready to take a bath. 
“Nothing like a cool bubble bath on a hot day,” he said cheerfully.
But, just as Buddy got into the tub…
“Oh no! We’re out of bubbles!”
A bubbleless bath? Pass!
But the sun was blistering.
So, Buddy stayed in the tub. But he wasn’t happy.
A little while later, Buddy was still grumbling when a bird flew by.
“Morning, neighbor.”
“Morning,” Buddy mumbled.
“What you up to this morning?”
“I’m taking a bath,” said Buddy, hoping the bird would go away.
But he didn’t.
“I’ve just come from the store. Today is dishwashing day, and I was out of soap.”
“Oh,” Buddy said understandingly. “I ran out of bubbles.” He pointed to the clear bathwater.
“A bubbleless bath!” chirped the Bird. “Pass!”
Buddy agreed.
“I know!” said the bird suddenly. “What if we made bubbles?”
Before Buddy could respond, the bird was already pouring a glob of blue liquid into the water. 
“Now, splash around.”
Buddy splashed and thrashed… until-
“Bubbles!” he cried.
“Nothing like a cool bubble bath on a hot day,” Buddy said, sinking into the bathtub.

How to Write Picture Books – AND STAY SANE!

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in Resources for Writers & Illustrators, View all blog posts

06.17.2022

Chelsea DiCicco

Going from this

“AAHHHH!”

to this

“Aaaah.”

I think there’s a lot that can be said for people who are on the picture book path and have been for a while. Navigating the picture book world is like travelling down a road of potholes, and signs pointing in every direction. There are a million different routes your can take. And it can be intimidating, overwhelming, scary, and tiring. Sometimes, it feels like we’re drowning in endless options and crippling self-doubt! Fortunately, we aren’t quitters!

Navigating the picture book world is like travelling down a road of potholes, and signs pointing in every direction!

How do I know this? Because the hurdles upon hurdles, the always-changing pace, the fickle as a pickle market, and the unpredictability of times haven’t deterred us from continuing down this road. Some say madness. I prefer passionate. And really, to be successful in the ways that count, you have to be passionate about what you’re doing. What do I mean by successful in ways that count? Well, that really depends on how you view success. What does success mean to you? Money? Power? Freedom? Recognition? Whatever it is, you must have passion to reach it. And I’m convinced there isn’t a single picture book writer out there, who has been at this for years, that doesn’t have that passion. And guess what. Good news! Passion is KEY!

But, passion with no outlets can be exhausting. So, I ask you, how do you write picture books and stay sane? I think it’s imperative that when doing something that you love, at your full 100%, you must also be able to balance that with time to unwind. Because going at 100% nonstop, can be draining. Eventually, you will overload. And when that time comes, you must be willing to walk away. Because, just like a car’s engine needs to be parked and rested, so does your engine. But, what if you refuse to stop? Well… you might just end up like this car. Overheated!

Just like a car’s engine needs to be parked and rested, so does your engine.

But hopefully you won’t let things get this far. So, how can you avoid the overheating point? Well, a few things I find that help are setting boundaries and knowing my personal limits. These are both CRUCIAL for maintaining sanity- and avoiding overheating! (Oh, and caffeine. Did I mention that already?) But, seriously. Boundaries and limits!

BOUNDARIES

Set boundaries for yourself.

So, my writing boundaries. Firstly, I have a writing office. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you write in a basement, during free time at work, on lunch breaks. Maybe you write when your kids are asleep, when you’re husband is working, when your roommate is out of the house. Or maybe you write from a hammock. If you do, props to you; it sounds like you’re living your best life! Whatever the situation, having a space that is yours, and yours only, is a good boundary to have. If you don’t have a designated spot- find one. It could be a closet, outside under a tree, on a speedboat with Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron- it doesn’t matter- but find one.

Have a space that is yours!

Having a space to your own is not to say that you can’t write elsewhere. What it does, however, is give you a designated area to create. Which can be increasingly helpful to your sanity. And next, making sure that you know your limits.

LIMITS

Know your limits!

What are your limits? What does that even mean? I’m not talking about speed limits. Although sometimes speed comes into play. But that’s a different topic. I’m talking about knowing yourself. If you’re pushing yourself to a point that you are no longer enjoying your work- that’s not working within your limits. Writing should never be a place of confined, mandatory restriction. It should be a happy place of creative freedom. If you are demanding too much out of yourself and pushing your limits to a point of frustration, not only are you going to be unhappy but guess what- your writing will suffer. Yeah. You heard me right. Your writing will suffer! There’s a scene in Toy Story 2 where Woody is getting fixed up by Geri, an antique cleaner. And if you haven’t already seen this and aren’t interested in watching the full movie, I highly recommend watching it HERE because it is just *chef’s kiss* GOLD.

“You can’t rush art!”

Geri is taking his time, situating himself with his tools that he’s about to use to clean and fix Woody.

Al says to Geri, “So, uh, how long is this going take?”

And Geri says, with a wag of the finger, “You can’t rush art!”

There’s a lot of truth in this statement. When you push yourself to write in an unnatural or uncomfortable state, the work is never your best. So, remember to be kind to yourself. Give yourself the time and space you need to find your creative rhythm. And once your mojo kicks in, write, write, write!

But, what if you can’t write? You feel zero inspiration. You’re tired. You’re staring at the page, and nothing is coming to you. CHANGE THE SCENERY. Taking a walk, doing some light exercise, or getting lost in a favorite binge tv-show can help give your brain a break. Again- forcing yourself to be creative isn’t how it works. Creativity is a natural thing that comes at its own pace. But how can you encourage creativity?

Read, read, read. Reading stimulates our natural curiosity and encourages creative brain flow! Read books in your genre that are new in the market. Go to the library. Bring a notebook with you! Jot down ideas you like. Ask yourself, “Why do I like this? What about it stands out?” And brainstorm how you could implement things into your own writing. Ideas are contagious. When we let others in, it inspires our own.

So, what am I rambling about anyway? Well, this morning, I read a fellow writer’s new blog post and walked away saying, “Ah, that was encouraging.” And do you know what my next thought was? “I want to encourage someone!” IDEAS ARE CONTAGIOUS- INSPIRATION FOLLOWS. And that’s really what it’s all about.

Now, encouragement. Why do writer’s need encouragement? Well, everyone needs encouragement from time to time. It’s healthy and natural to both give and receive encouragement. But, why might a writer need encouragement more than some? Well, being in the writing business, unlike other jobs in an office where you’re surrounded by co-workers and smiling faces, for a writer, it can often be a solitary affair. So, encouragement comes in handy. Having your writing community in your corner, your supporters, your critique partners, your friends, your family, your “fans” can help you get by and make it to that next milestone.

Speaking of milestones, here we go.

What are your goals?

What milestones do you hope to achieve?

And have you been able to?

If so, congratulations! If not, don’t fret. Just continue down the road until you get there, and sooner or later, I have faith you will. I believe in you- you should too! And sometimes, it can be tough. The waiting. The pushing. The hope. The letdowns. When I find myself losing courage, I like to think of Jane Eyre.

“Renewing then my courage, and gathering my feeble remains of strength, I pushed on.” -Charlotte Bronte

Remember,

“Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.” – Albert Einstein

And another one of my favorites…

“You never fail until you stop trying.”

Cliché, perhaps. But that doesn’t make the statements any less true! There is, after all, a reason that clichés exist! So, this is my brief cheerleader speech for today. If you’re writing picture books, or NOT pictures books- it could be anything- DON’T GIVE UP!

So, in conclusion to my ramble, I just want to remind you that you are loved, and awesome, and incredible, and most likely a total 10, the whole shebang, the greatest thing since sliced bread, the apple of someone’s eye, all that and a bag of chips. Remember, to stay sane in the writing world, 1. Give yourself boundaries. And 2. Know your limits!

Love you all!

XO,

CHELSEA RADOJCIC-DICICCO