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

Posted on May 20, 2026May 20, 2026 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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

FEATURE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What were the early stages like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What were some green flags you saw with your agent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long was it from book deal to publication?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What has kept you going?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much for joining us, Johanna.

Now it’s time for a giveaway!

GIVEAWAY

Johanna is offering ONE PRIZE FOR ONE WINNER!

PRIZE OPTIONS:

Prize 1: A non-rhyming, fiction PB critique

Prize 2: A 30-minute Zoom AMA.

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

Deadline to enter giveaway: 6/16/2026

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

ENTRY WINDOW: Once the Feature Interview is posted, you will have one month (roughly 30 days) to enter. The entry window for this feature interview giveaway will close once next month’s feature interview is posted. At that time, the next month’s feature interview giveaway window will open. Meaning, there will always be a giveaway opportunity.

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

Example: January Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window opens/begins. February Feature Interview is posted: January giveaway window closes/ends, and February giveaway window opens/begins.

Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.

Did you enjoy this interview?

Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.

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

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

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

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

BALANCING CULTURE WITH A WIDE READING AUDIENCE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY: FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH SOPE MARTINS, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT AUTHOR AND LITERARY BLOGGER, CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on March 18, 2026March 14, 2026 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Today I’m joined by the ever-so-talented, children’s book author, broadcaster, founder of The Kidlit Foundation, and my dear friend and critique partner, Sope Martins! During our conversation, we’ll discuss the agenting journey, finding your writing community, and balancing culture with a wide reading audience.

Sope, I am so excited to finally be welcoming you to the blog as a Feature Interview guest. Can you tell our readers where you’re joining us from today?

Hi Chelsea, I’ve been counting down to the day, so I’m very glad it’s finally here! I’m coming to you from Lagos, Nigeria.

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

From your newsletter and Instagram posts. It’s been fun reading the conversations and discovering amazing authors and their books through the series.

What do you write, and when did your writing journey begin?

I write picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels. My writing journey began about ten years ago with my first picture book, The Greatest Animal in the Jungle, which was published in Nigeria.

As you know, breaking into the publishing industry requires a great deal of patience and persistence. How were you able to stay the course?

This is such a good question because it is one thing to understand that publishing is slow, and another thing to live through it. What helped me through it all, and continues to help me, is doing other things.

When I send a manuscript to my agent, I set a reminder on my calendar to check in later, then I move on to something else. Sometimes that’s another manuscript. Sometimes it’s teaching a workshop or working on programmes through The Kid Lit Foundation. Now, instead of waiting anxiously, I get these lovely bursts of excitement whenever I see an email from my agent.

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced on this journey, and how have you successfully been able to overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the distance between the African children’s literature ecosystem and the global publishing industry. Many African writers are telling powerful stories, but access to publishing networks, mentorship, and industry knowledge can still be uneven depending on where you live.

That’s one of the reasons I care so much about building community and creating opportunities through The Kid Lit Foundation.

Let’s talk a bit about community. A writing community is an invaluable resource for writers to have. Can you share some of the ways that your writing community has helped you?

Oh, my days, where would we be without our community!

First mention has to go to our writing group, the Picture Book Society! We share manuscripts, news, opportunities, worries, and concerns, and encourage each other. We also meet regularly, which makes the writing life feel much less solitary.

I’ve also found wonderful community at conferences and festivals, and through my MFA programme. Writing might happen alone, but writing careers definitely need community.

Are there any writing contests/organizations/groups in particular that helped get you to where you are today? Explain.

Yes, several.

We Need Diverse Books has played a huge role in expanding the possibilities for writers from underrepresented communities. As a 2021 mentee, I got the opportunity to be mentored by the gracious and generous Erin Entrada Kelly. The editor-writer mentorship program from The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary connected me with Caitlyn Dloughy, editor extraordinaire and the editor of Hairstory.

Mindy Alyse Weiss’s PB Party contest was another important one. It is such a well-run event and creates wonderful opportunities for writers to connect with agents and editors. Being in the showcase got me into conversation with a number of agents. 12×12 gave me the gift of our writing group, and SCBWI has done too much in my writing life for me to even begin. They’ve got grants, conferences, community, and The Book, which has all the resources a budding writer could need.

-Such fantastic groups- thanks for sharing! (I have included quick links if anyone is curious about checking these out!)

What are some contests/groups/organizations you might recommend to other writers, and why?

All of the above, definitely. They are so well run and so supportive of writers. And for writers based in Africa, I would also recommend Suyi Davies Okungbowa’s Literary Laddership for Emerging African Authors. It is one of the most thoughtful mentorship initiatives I have seen for African writers. I tell all my African writing friends and acquaintances about this.

Speaking of writing organizations… tell us more about The Kid Lit Foundation. What is it, when did you found it, and who is it for?

The Kid Lit Foundation is a space for young readers and creatives across Africa. I founded it in 2024 after years of visiting schools and meeting children who loved stories but had limited access to books or storytelling opportunities.

Through the foundation, we connect children with authors, illustrators, editors, and other creatives through workshops, mentorship programmes, storytelling events, and literacy initiatives.

One of our biggest events is KidLit Fest, our annual literature and storytelling festival. We also run book drives and our Box Library initiative, which provides mini libraries in spaces where children might not otherwise have access to books.

What kind of response has your organization received from its community?

It’s been really good. We’ve had great feedback from children, teens, and their caregivers. A couple of our mentees have gone on to complete their manuscripts – one even got published!

We’ve also had a great response from schools. This year, we’re working to expand the scope of our mentorship programme so we can go from tens of participants to hundreds.

Can you tell us about your mentorship programs that you’ve participated in and some of the other writing-related festivities that you’ve been able to partake in?

I can confidently say that mentorship programs have gotten me to where I am today.

The WNDB mentorship programme paired me with Erin Entrada Kelly, who introduced me to my agent, Sara Crowe. The Word Editor-Writer mentorship paired me with Caitlyn Dloughy, who acquired Hairstory.

PB Party helped get my work in front of agents, and SCBWI conferences are always fun, informative, and a great way to meet people in the industry.

I also attend Nigeria-based workshops and festivals. They’re wonderful spaces for gathering with the writing community.

Let’s explore query letters. What did the querying process look like for you, and how long were you in this stage before finding your match?

My goodness, querying is an education in persistence.

For me, the process involved researching agents carefully, sending queries in batches, and constantly revising both the query letter and the manuscript based on feedback. I was one of the luckier ones – I spent about nine months querying before getting into the PB Party final showcase and getting my agent. And yes, querying is very much about luck and timing and opportunity as opposed to just talent. Because I have seen gloriously gifted writers spend years in the querying trenches.

It can feel daunting because you are asking someone to believe in a story that only exists in your imagination. But the right agent is out there looking for the exact story you are writing.

“…querying is an education in persistence…”
Sope Martins

“The right agent is out there looking for the exact story you are writing.”
Sope Martins

Do you have any tips on how a writer and/or illustrator can write a strong query letter?

Research. Know what the agent you’re querying is looking for, see how your work fits that, how it is distinct from other stories like it, and write a letter around that. You don’t need bells and whistles. You just need to keep it clear and focused.

And most importantly, make sure your manuscript is as strong as possible. The query letter will open the door for you. Your manuscript is what gets you in.

-YES, to all of the above!

You’re currently agented, and not long ago, your debut picture book, Hairstory, was released with Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books in January 2026. (YAY!) But before we talk about that, I’d love to dig a little into how you got to this point in your publishing career. How and when did you connect with your agent?

I signed with my agent, Sara Crowe, shortly after the PB Party Finalist showcase. During my WNDB mentorship, Erin Entrada Kelly had very kindly introduced me to Sara, who is also her agent. At the time, Sara gave me really thoughtful notes on a middle grade manuscript and invited me to revise and resubmit.

What’s funny is that I hadn’t queried her with my picture books at all. She was looking for MG and YA, and I had only sent her that middle grade project.

Then PBParty happened. My picture book manuscript got some lovely responses from agents, and I had this stray thought: why not send it to Sara, too? Even though she wasn’t actively looking for picture books.

Lo and behold, she loved it and offered representation.

Was the manuscript that initially got you your agent the same one that got you your first book deal?

Interestingly enough, no, it wasn’t. The PB manuscript that got me representation was called Masquerade Dance. I didn’t have that much hope for Hairstory because the word on the street was that there were rather a lot of hair books out there, and publishing land didn’t need any more. But I guess you can’t believe everything you hear because Hairstory got snapped up by Caitlyn!

How did you know your agent was the right fit for you? Tell us some of the green flags.

I liked Sara’s energy straight away. That was the biggest green flag. I really liked that, though she didn’t sign me at first, she took time out to give me really detailed and constructive notes on my manuscript. When we had our conversation, I had a list of questions I had prepared, and she answered every one of them thoughtfully. She was prepared and had thought of how she would present me to editors. And she’s always open to communication. I can tell her what I need from her without worries.

What are some things that you’d say make a successful agent/author relationship?

Trust and communication for sure. You need to trust that you and your agent share the same vision for your work. And you need to know what you want and clearly communicate that.

For those who may be at the pre-agent stage and curious about post-representation, can you tell us about the next steps? What has your submission process been like since acquiring representation?

Once you sign with an agent, the next stage is often revision.

You and your agent may refine the manuscript before sending it out to editors. After that comes the submission process, which can involve multiple rounds of editors reading, discussing, and considering the book.

It requires patience, but it is also an exciting stage because your story is finally entering the publishing world.

What projects are you working on now, and what sparks your creative interest?

I’m working on my Moby Dick right now! It’s a YA novel, and it was the first idea for a book I ever had, but I knew I wasn’t ready to tackle it. Now I’m ready. It’s slow going, but it’s fun. I’m also working on a middle-grade novel in verse.

Many of your stories embrace parts of your heritage and culture. Hairstory is a great example of this. Can you tell us about how you were able to balance culture while writing for a wider reading audience? Explain.

Honestly, I don’t really think about balancing culture for a wider audience when I’m writing. I start with the characters and the world they live in, and I try to be truthful to that.

When I’m writing nonfiction, I usually begin with something that catches my attention. Then I start digging into why it fascinates me.

With Hairstory, for example, I kept thinking about how expressive Yoruba culture is and how much we love telling stories. If you’ve ever been to a Black salon, you know that hair time is sharing time. I found myself wondering where did that come from? So, that was my angle into writing about black hair.

What I’ve found is that when you write those things honestly, readers connect to the emotions inside the story. Even if the setting or traditions are unfamiliar, the feelings are not. The more specific you are, the richer the story becomes.

For other writers who may be passionate about sharing their personal roots and culture in their writing, do you have any tips on how they can do this while also connecting with a wider audience?

I think you have to write the specifics. Sometimes, you might want to make your writing more general because that feels like it will be more accessible to a wider audience. But, counterintuitively, it’s digging into the specifics. The more grounded your story is in real experiences, traditions, and emotional truth, the more readers will connect with it.

While we’re on this topic, now is a fantastic time to delve into more about Hairstory. Tell us about your book! What is it about?

Hairstory is really a celebration of Black hair and everything that comes with it. The creativity, the history, the pride, and the cultures behind it.

What was your inspiration for writing this story, and what message do you hope it will impart to readers?

Hair rituals were always a big part of growing up for me. I spent a lot of time at the hairdresser’s. We had different styles of hair for school and at home. Different cultures spawned different hairstyles, but they had the same motivations. I wanted to highlight that connectivity.

What kind of feedback have you received from readers?

It’s been great. I’ve been in conversation with authors, teachers, and parents. The feedback has been amazing, and one thing I’m so happy about is that Hairstory got to be out in time for Black History Month.

What have been some of your happiest publishing highlights?

Definitely Hairstory coming out! And it getting starred reviews!

What keeps you motivated to continue writing?

Curiosity. And the look in a child’s eyes when they’ve read my story and loved it.

Have there been any books/writers that/who have influenced or inspired your writing career?

So many. Enid Blyton, because that’s who I grew up reading, Mariama Ba, Chinua Achebe, Nina Bawden, Carole Boston Weatherford…the list goes on.

What words of wisdom would you like to offer readers today?

If you’re writing for children, you’re doing a wonderful thing. You’re doing a creative thing. You’re doing an inventive thing. You’re doing a hard thing. You’re doing a worthwhile thing. You’re doing a rewarding thing. You’re doing a frustrating thing. You’re doing a lot of things for the thing you love.

Beautiful way to end. And very true! And now, it’s time for a giveaway.

GIVEAWAY

This month, Sope is offering a picture book critique to one winner! Parameters: No rhyme. Fiction: under 800 words. Nonfiction: under 1,300 words.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.

Did you enjoy this interview?

Purchase ADHD and Me HERE

Purchase Hairstory HERE

Sope Martins is a Lagos-based children’s author, broadcaster, and founder of The Kid Lit Foundation. She writes books, runs a storytelling festival, and connects children with established authors, illustrators, and storytellers through mentorship programmes—despite the Lagos traffic trying to write her out of the plot!

Her happy place is helping African children find themselves on the page, right in the middle of epic adventures.

Sope’s the author of several picture books, including The Greatest Animal in the Jungle and The Adventures of Nosa the Superhero (Farafina Books), and has worked on international literacy campaigns from Lagos to Johannesburg. Her upcoming picture book, Hairstory (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 2026), is an ode to Black hair in all its beauty, strength, and sculptural glory—because hair, like story, is never just one thing.

https://www.sopemartins.com

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

Posted on January 21, 2026January 8, 2026 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

In today’s Feature Interview, I’m chatting with Cindy Williams Schrauben about growth mindset and the value of reading aloud. We’ll also discuss ways to put yourself out there as an author and share personal experiences of the author journey.

Cindy, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Feature Interview guest series. Could you tell us where you’re joining us from today?

Hi Chelsea. Thanks for having me. West Michigan.

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

I follow you online and admire your content.

Could you tell us what kind of books you write? (Age group and genre).

I have written books for children, including picture books and a middle-grade novel, which is in the works. I will also be venturing into the adult novelty book market soon.

When did you first begin your writing journey, and what did those beginning stages look like for you?

I jumped into the journey with both feet when my daughters left for college. It was time to challenge myself. It took nearly 8 years of studying, attending conferences and classes, and penning several manuscripts before I was able to realize my life-long dream of publishing a picture book.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your author journey, and how were you able to stay the course?

The challenges were many, but I think the hardest part was believing in myself enough to ‘stay the course’ as you say. The key for me was getting involved in the kidlit community – joining critique groups, reading about other authors’ journeys, entering contests and challenges, etc. These connections gave me courage and helped me to manage my expectations.

What have been some of your greatest joys and highlights in publishing?

There are so many – receiving a book deal, seeing the illustrations for the first time, getting a starred review from Kirkus, etc. I am also looking forward to an upcoming visit to a children’s hospital to read to some brave kids. I also love encouraging aspiring authors, but the best part continues to be sharing my love for books with kids.

When would you say it’s “too late” to pursue publishing?

Never! My first book was published just after my 63rd birthday, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.

Why would you say it’s beneficial as an author to put yourself out there? And what are some different ways/examples of doing this?

It can be exhausting, but publishing a book isn’t enough if no one sees it. Interviews such as this, blog tours, giveaways, social media posts, in-person events, etc all help with visibility. It is hard, though, because there needs to be a balance between self-promotion and providing valuable content. I try to follow the 80/20 Rule – 80% content for authors or parents/teachers (such as the social media post below) and 20% book promotion. For content, I have chosen to concentrate on the topics of Growth Mindset and Social-Emotional Learning.

What kind of author events have you been a part of locally or otherwise, and how did you go about setting up these events? Did your publisher/marketing team reach out? Did you reach out? Was contact made via phone/email,/in-person?

I attend and/or organize events on a regular basis, ranging from book festivals, bookstore signings, school visits, launch parties, local media appearances, podcasts, etc. I was responsible for setting up most of these on my own (usually via email). I have three tips. First – go where the kids are instead of hoping they will come to you. I held the launch event for my first book, THIS COULD BE YOU, at a children’s museum on a busy Saturday. Over a hundred kids were already visiting the museum that day, so my audience was ready-made. That leads to tip number two – just ask! The museum was a dream location, and I never expected it to come to fruition, but the staff was excited to bring a unique opportunity to their visitors. The third tip is this– don’t be discouraged when you plan an event, and no one shows. It has happened to all of us. Evaluate the situation and improve your processes for next time. I also encourage other authors to think beyond your book in order to offer great programs for your community. I recently partnered with a local elementary school to break a Kid’s World Record entitled “The Most Children Sharing Handmade Hearts.” Though this event matched the theme of my second book, HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, the day was about celebrating kindness rather than the book specifically. It was great fun and happened just because I asked (Tip #2, again.)

We’d love to hear about some of your author events and experiences and see some photos if you would like to share a few!

When reading over your bio, I loved how you described your books as being books to “inspire kids to live their best lives.” Could you elaborate on what this means to you?

Sure! Encouraging kids to love books and reading is, of course, a big part of my journey, but it goes further. Both of my books have a social-emotional learning foundation. I am a firm believer that books can provide learning opportunities without being preachy. HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART applauds kindness and sharing, while THIS COULD BE YOU empowers children with a growth mindset by persuading them to believe in themselves.

Let’s talk a little bit about growth mindset for home and in the classroom. In your application, you expressed your passion for empowering parents and children with a growth mindset and inspiring them to learn from each other as they go. Can you talk a little bit more about how you do this?

Growth Mindset is a term coined by Dr. Carol Dweck from Stanford University. Her research shows us that we can develop our abilities through dedication and hard work and that failure helps us to learn and improve. I love to talk with kids about famous people who have achieved great things after facing years of defeat. By understanding the power of a growth mindset, adults can make a huge difference in the lives of children. It is often as simple as changing our vocabulary. For example, “I can’t do it” vs. “It didn’t work, yet, but I’m still trying.”

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

I know you also have a collection of growth mindset activities and educator guides. I’d love to add a link to those for readers to have access to on Teacher Corner as well!

LINK TO READER GUIDES.

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

THIS COULD BE YOU:

Click to access TCBY-Readers-Guide.pdf

While we’re on the classroom side of things, could you talk a little bit about reading aloud and its value?

There is a great deal of research out there to support the value of reading to kids. The advantages range from improving a child’s own reading abilities and listening skills, expanding their vocabularies and language skills, to fostering bonds. A statistic that always amazes me is this one from the Child Mind Institute: “… young children whose parents read to them daily have been exposed to at least 290,000 more words by the time they enter kindergarten than kids who aren’t read to regularly. And depending on how much daily reading time kids get, that number can go up to over a million words.”

Now, for our writers out there, could you tell us a little bit about mentor texts? What are they? How do you use them? How can they be helpful?

Mentor texts are valuable for writers in a number of ways, ranging from learning about the industry and what is being published to honing our own craft and revising. There is nothing more helpful, in my mind, than reading the work of other children’s book authors and asking, what works? What doesn’t? Why? And how can I apply that to my own work?

Is there any particular book/author that inspires/inspired you to write?

I have always been enamored by rhymers like Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. I love to write in rhyme – it’s like a puzzle.

What advice would you like to offer writers who are just beginning their publishing journey?

Don’t give up. The journey can be long and hard, but it is worth every moment. I have a YouTube Podcast to encourage authors. You can take a look here: https://www.youtube.com/@Cindy-Williams-Schrauben

Thank you so much for joining us today, Cindy! And now it’s time for our FIRST giveaway pool of the year.

GIVEAWAY
This month, Cindy is offering an AMA Zoom. (two winners)

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
LIKE AND SHARE this article to X and/or Instagram and mention my handle X @chellysbooks / Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks. If you don’t have X or Instagram, you can enter the giveaway by LIKING and COMMENTING at the bottom of the interview.
ENTRY WINDOW: Once the Feature Interview is posted, you will have one month (roughly 30 days) to enter. The entry window for this feature interview giveaway will close once next month’s feature interview is posted. At that time, the next month’s feature interview giveaway window will open. Meaning, there will always be a giveaway opportunity.

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

Questions? Visit the FAQ page or drop a comment below.

Did you enjoy this interview?
Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing a copy of one of their books or by requesting it be purchased by your local school or library! Using the sponsored links below to purchase also helps support this blog.

ADHD and Me Purchase Link

This Could Be You Purchase Link

Hank’s Change of Heart Purchase Link

AUTHOR BIO + HEADSHOT + WEBSITE

Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in West Michigan, where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading on the beach, or eating ice cream… ideally all at once. Her books, THIS COULD BE YOU (starred review from Kirkus) and HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, inspire kids to live their best lives. You can connect with Cindy at http://www.cindyschrauben.com.

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

Posted on November 19, 2025December 13, 2025 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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

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

Saint Augustine, Florida.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book stores:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See what Jennifer has to offer on TEACHER CORNER!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.

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

Posted on October 15, 2025December 13, 2025 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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

FEATURE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now it’s time for a GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

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

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

DEADLINE TO ENTER: LAST DAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:59 PM CST.

Did you enjoy this interview?

Purchase a copy of ADHD and Me HERE

Purchase Maybe Just Ask Me HERE

Find more of Katie’s books on her website!

AUTHOR BIO + HEADSHOT + WEBSITE

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

Connect: Instagram:kdmazart X:kdmaz

FB:Katie Mazeika

Website: http://www.katiemazeika.com

MARCH 19TH, 2025, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH FUNNY CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR BRITTANY POMALES, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on March 19, 2025December 11, 2025 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 book author Brittany Pomales. We’ll be sharing funny stories and delving into the key ingredients for mastering humor in picture books. What makes a funny manuscript stand out in a crowded marketplace? And how can you make readers laugh out loud while also weaving in other hooks and themes? We’ll explore the answers!

But before we do… here are a few things to know about feature interviews.

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

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

Every month, I collaborate with industry professionals—authors, illustrators, editors, and agents— many of whom were or currently are also educators and librarians, to discuss all things publishing.

What can these interviews offer YOU?

These interviews give readers an up-close and personal look at the world of publishing from an array of different perspectives on every side of the desk and offer insight into tips, resources, and advice on how to:

stay current with market trends
hook an agent or editor
find writing community & other resources
discover workshops, contests, and other events
figure out which path of publication is right for you
know if your agent is a good match

And more!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month! *If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of the interview for instructions.*

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

Brittany, we’re thrilled to have you here. Really and truly. First thing first- where can we find you on a map? Doesn’t have to be the exact location- just a ballpark.

Absolutely a pleasure to be on your blog, Chelsea! You can find me in the very dry, very hot state of Arizona. Send water.

How long have you been writing, and when did your love for writing first begin?

I don’t recall the early years but I vividly remember entering a writing contest in the sixth grade and being offended by the certificate of participation. I was sure I was going to win. I didn’t even get an honorable mention. In hindsight, it wasn’t a great story. Don’t tell younger me I said that.

Have you always been a big reader? And what are some of the books/authors that have been most influential to you as a writer?

A mega-reader. As a child, my local newspaper interviewed a few kids at the local library and I took it as my soapbox to complain about how the next book in the Series of Unfortunate Events series was always checked out. It changed nothing. You would think they would have purchased some extra copies.

-That’s too funny! I love the picture.

Speaking of books… As you stated in your application for the feature interview lineup, “There are a lot of women writers in kidlit community who feel disheartened when trying to publish funny books. Humor is so subjective!” And I think everyone who has ever dabbled in writing (and querying/submitting) humor manuscripts can wholeheartedly agree. So tell us… what’s the secret sauce to writing funny books?

I watch a lot of Gordon Ramsey and the secret to a good sauce involves quality ingredients but also a layering of flavor. And it is easy to underestimate the impact of the proper amount of salt and acidity. The same applies to writing funny books. Like knowing how far to take a joke. With picture books, it’s easy to leave a scene too early or not drive deep enough in a scene to keep your word count down. But nine out of ten times—a statistic I just made up—there is an opportunity to up the humor by adding that extra beat.

Okay, so now, you have a hilarious concept. Seriously, everyone’s laughing about it. Now what? Let’s talk about the process of making manuscripts shine. What tips would you give to a writer who’s looking to conquer their craft?

Writing funny looks easy, but it is far from it. That’s why I created Kidlit Haha Week, a week-long dive into writing and illustrating funny books for children from April 1st – April 5th. Every day, you’ll find a new blog post written by a funny author, editor, or illustrator on my website Brittanypomales.com that dives into the nitty-gritty of writing funny. For FREE!

My best tip would be to join us. No pressure to attend live. Read along whenever you can. This is its second year. The goal is to eventually have an archive of content funny writers can use whenever they need it.

-Such a fantastic resource for humor writers! Thank you for sharing!

“Writing funny looks easy, but it is far from it. That’s why I created Kidlit Haha Week, a week-long dive into writing and illustrating funny books for children.” – Brittany Pomales

What helped you to master your craft of humor? Explain.

I watched a lot of Abbott and Costello with my dad as a kid. This helped me learn to think funny. And I Love Lucy is my true north when it comes to humor. But what helped me most to apply that to my writing was my mentorship with Dev Petty through Pbchat. She helped me achieve the layered flavor of humor—if I may continue the metaphor—in my manuscripts.

When writing humor, how do you balance the funny with other hooks and themes? If you have any examples of other books that you think do this well, we’d love to hear them!

Sometimes a story idea is really just a joke. And when trying to add layers hooks and themes can feel forced. I think the best way to achieve balance is to try and plot out your joke and hook/theme before sitting down to write. I know. I’m a pantser. But it will help make sure there really is more to the story to avoid it feeling one note and it will save you time later down the road.

Hornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit, written by Josh Crute and illustrated by Jenn Harney, is a great example of balancing humor with the hook of using wacky words. The wordplay is so integral to the story that nothing feels gimmicky or forced. That was a challenge I had when writing IT STARTED WITH A P since I heavily use words that begin with the letter P throughout.

-I love the book recommendation! And such great advice!

Were there any resources that you remember being super valuable in your writing journey? It could be a group/organization/contest/etc. We’re all ears! (Corny, I know.)

PBChat, which is no longer, was by far the most valuable resource for me. Justin Colon hosted weekly chats that ultimately turned into a three month mentorship. He ran them both for free for several years.

The chats started just as I began to learn the craft. It helped me find community and provided me with information faster than I could figure out what I needed to ask. And I absorbed it all. Or at least tried, too. Then, in its third year of the mentorship program, I was selected as a mentee.

Although readers can no longer benefit from PBChat, in its absence, the PB Rising Stars mentorship was formed, so there are still free resources out there.

-Yes! PB Rising Stars is another great resource for sure!!

Okay, we’ve found our support system of other writers/groups/critique partners, we’ve mastered our craft of writing funny, and we have a killer concept and several great hooks. Now the question is, how do we get an agent/editor to love this book as much as we and our critique group does?!

There is nothing you can do to make someone love your book. Although, wouldn’t it be nice? It can be the funniest fart book ever written, but if someone doesn’t like potty humor, it will never land. The goal becomes to find the person who does love potty humor and can appreciate your funny fart book. And the best way to do this is to search high and low. Submit, submit again, and then submit some more. Which is frustrating and exhausting. So take a break, vent to your critique group, and then hit submit, yup, again.

-The perfect advice. YES!!!

“There is nothing you can do to make someone love your book. The goal becomes to find the person who can appreciate your book. And the best way to do this is to search high and low. Submit, submit again, and then submit some more.” – Brittany Pomales

Can you talk to us a little bit about your querying/submission journey and how you ended up with your current agent and book deal? We’d love to hear the behind-the-scenes!

I was in the trenches for about five years before connecting with Stefanie. Like most of us, I jumped in too soon. But after a few years of hard work, I was a part of both the Pbchat showcase and PBparty showcase but ultimately found my agent through cold querying.

I queried Beth at Ladderbird because she represented a writer I knew. I was notified through Query Tracker that she forwarded my submission to Stefanie. I didn’t know much about her, so I did some googling. Her manuscript wishlist didn’t mention humor at all, so I wasn’t sure whether to get my hopes up. But Beth had to know something I didn’t if she forwarded her something that wasn’t on her MSWL.

Stefanie asked to read more, then we set up the call, and her offer came shortly after. I signed with Stefanie in July of 2022 as only a picture book writer. I know it can get discouraging when a lot of agents ask for author-illustrators or a writer who writes for multiple audiences but it does still happen!

We did a final polish on IT STARTED WITH A P. It had already been edited so much. And we went out with it in September. We had an offer by the end of October. And though that book sold quickly—about seven weeks—nothing else in my career has moved that fast.

-Wow! This is so great. I love hearing how agent/author matches are made.

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

The unknown is so hard for me. I excelled at school because there were syllabi and ways to measure how you were doing. In corporate jobs, there are benchmarks to meet for raises and promotions. Pursuing publication is like reading tea leaves. You try your best to interpret what’s in front of you, but you have no idea. Throwing spaghetti at the wall, as most of us say.

As a strategist—it’s my personality type—it is so tough for me not to know. So, I focus on the small areas where I can strategize. Like creating sublists with my agent or deciding on how many books to send out on sub each year.

For writers who may be passionate about writing funny books for kids and who may have been querying to no avail for a number of months, or even years, with no bites, what words of comfort and/or advice would you like to share with them?

Hearing no so often makes you wonder if you’re good enough. You are! If you’re going crazy. A little bit. And whether it’s all worth it. Maybe.

Asking yourself these questions occasionally is normal but if you’re asking them almost daily please take a break. I assure you publishing will still be here if and when you’re ready.

Let’s talk marketing! Writing a funny picture book that sells. How have you been able to incorporate marketing into your publishing journey as a debut picture book author?

The best part of a long journey is being able to watch those who are ahead of you. Why reinvent the wheel right?

Everything from website designs to blog tours. I watched what other funny authors did to promote their books. What did I like? What didn’t I like? As both an author and a reader.

This allowed me to get into the mindset of marketing my book and break it down into bite-sized chunks. Which made it far feel less scary when my time finally came.

-Such a great attitude! And smart idea. Learning from others is so helpful!

What are a few key things you’ve been able to do to help promote/market your book?

This is going to sound obvious, but talk about the book. That includes sending cold emails to bookstores/bloggers/podcasters/bookstagrammers. Which feels scary but I’ve heard ‘no’ so many times throughout this journey that, honestly, a few more wouldn’t hurt. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many people say yes.

They say trial and error and experience make the best teachers. With that in mind, what are some things you’ve learned along the way?

I learned what kind of writer I am, along with my strengths and weaknesses. I wish it didn’t take so long—about fifteen years. Most of that time was figuring out I wasn’t a novelist. All the years I tried, I didn’t finish one novel. After I figured out I was better suited for short-form, it still took me years to land on funny picture books.

Speaking of learning along the way. If you could go back in time, what’s something you wish you had known about publishing sooner? And why?

The business of it. I’m still learning since I am just debuting, but I feel like I would have handled my early years a little differently had I known. But I mean, we all jump into it a little naively. We just want to share our stories with the world, but there is so much more to it.

Okay, now we’ve reached the book portion. Tell us about your book! What’s it about? What was its inspiration? And what do you hope readers will get from reading it?

On the night before his birthday, King Liam has a dream that his birthday will be ruined. But upon waking, he can’t remember what ruins it except that it started with the letter p. Naturally, in a mad dash effort to stop this pesky P, he orders Cedric, his royal advisor, to rid the palace of Ps.

The idea began with the phrase ‘The Land of Nothing’. It led me to question how a land that once had many somethings would end up as a land with nothing. Underneath all the humor, it became a story about letting anxious thoughts ruin your day. Something I’ve personally struggled with.

Mostly, I hope readers—young and old—can laugh at the outlandish measures King Liam takes in his effort to save his birthday. For those who need it, I hope they resonate with the message that all that worrying didn’t help King Liam in the slightest.

Speaking of readers… what has the reaction been from readers?

I wondered how the younger readers in the 4 – 8-year-old range would react to it. I use some pretty big words. (perplexed, preposterous, etc.) But it seems the younger kids love hearing all the p words, and the older kids enjoy trying to figure out what the problematic p is. And, of course, readers of all ages love the illustrations.

Have you been able to do any author events? If so, when/where? And pics, please!

Not yet, but soon! I have a book launch scheduled at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday, April 12t,h and I cannot wait. In addition to a storytime, kids will be able to decorate their own crowns. I even have a six-foot inflatable letter P.

What have the highlights of your author journey been so far?

Every step of making the book. From the first sketches to physically hold the book. They have all been ‘is this real’ moments for me.

Next up on the highlight reel is seeing children enjoy it. Eventually, by my own children—who are a bit too young at the present.

What’s one piece of wisdom that you’d like to share with other creators?

Publishing is a bit like the comedy TV show Whose Line is it Anyway, where everything is made up, and the points don’t matter.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Brittany.

But that’s not all…

We have one more item on the agenda.

And that is THE GIVEAWAY PRIZE.

GIVEAWAY

For the month of March, Brittany is offering 1 winner a choice of a humor PB critique (prose or rhyming, up to 750 WORDS) OR a signed copy of IT STARTED WITH A P (US Only.)

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment on this post! That’s it.

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

Want extra entries? Share and tag this blog post on X @chellysbooks or Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks, and I’ll add your additional entry to the giveaway pool.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: last day of the month (March 2025) at midnight CST.

FAQ:

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

Did you enjoy this interview?

Purchase IT STARTED WITH A P

Purchase ADHD AND ME

Brittany Pomales wrote It Started With a P. Unless you didn’t find it funny; in that case, someone else wrote it. When she isn’t writing books, Brittany is often playing with, singing to, and or reading to her son and daughter along with her husband and dog in their Arizona home. She has celebrated over thirty birthdays. Thankfully, none have resulted in a celebration crisis–yet!

www.brittanypomales.com Twitter/X – @brittanypomales IG – @brittanypomale Bluesky – @brittanypomales.bsky.social

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

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

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.

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

Posted on February 19, 2025December 11, 2025 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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

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

You might be wondering…

WHAT ARE THEY?

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

HOW CAN THEY HELP ME?

Let me shed some light…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My first event at Herringbone Books in Redmond, Oregon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

That’s it!

Want extra entries? Share and tag on X @chellysbooks or Instagram @chelseasworldofbooks, and I’ll add your additional entry to the giveaway pool.

DEADLINE TO ENTER: THE LAST DAY OF THE FEBRUARY 2025 BY 11:59 PM CST

Did you enjoy this interview?

Purchase ADHD and Me HERE

Purchase Angel and the Paper Trail HERE

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

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

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

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.

CanvasRebel Magazine, Interview with Kidlit Author, blogger, Entrepreneur- Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Guest Blogs & Interviews, My Writing Journey, View all blog posts

As a creative entrepreneur, it’s my belief that shared experiences are part of the cornerstone for continued growth and success. Having the mindset that you can learn from anyone or any experience opens the door to limitless opportunities and helps you stay a forever student. Which is why I’m so passionate about sharing people’s stories!

If you’re a regular on my blog, you’re probably familiar with the Feature Interview segment, which features guests from all around the world sharing their literary journeys. Hosting these guests on my blog every month brings me such joy because I know that somewhere out there, it’s helping someone else grow!

Normally, I spend my time happily on the side of the host, but at the beginning of January 2025, I was approached by Sarah Garcia, a member of the editorial team of CanvasRebel Magazine, and invited to the other side as one of their interview guests. If you’re unfamiliar with CanvasRebel, they’re a fabulous organization whose mission is “to create a space for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling.” Which, for me, as a writer and literary blogger, is right up my alley. So, I immediately, without hesitation, said YES!

Our interview went live on January 20th, 2025, in their ‘Stories and Insights.’ During the course of our interview together, we talked about what it takes to be successful, shared writing resources, and discussed resilience in the face of difficulty. READ MORE…

DECEMBER 18TH, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH AWARD-WINNING ALASKAN CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR BROOKE HARTMAN, CONDUCTED BY CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITER, BLOGGER, AND FORMER LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

Posted on December 18, 2024December 18, 2024 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

Today, I’m talking with Alaskan mom and award-winning author of fun books for kids, Brooke Hartman. In addition to writing books for kids, Brooke also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Writing and Publishing for Alaska Pacific University and as a board member (Treasurer & Conference Committee) for the Alaska Writers Guild.

We’ll be discussing behind-the-scenes publishing and answering questions like how to know WHEN a story is ready to start querying/submitting to an agent/editor, how to handle rejection, and when to know it’s time to shelve a project.

And sharing tips on how to balance motherhood with writing.

But before we jump into our interview… 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!

INTRODUCTIONS + BEGINNING STAGES OF PUBLISHING

Brooke, it’s so nice to have you on the blog with us today for our last feature interview of 2024. I hope your year has been amazing. Before we get into the meat of our interview, tell us, where are you from, and what do you write?

Hello, Chelsea! I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and despite multiple escape attempts, I still live here today. Don’t get me wrong, this state is BREATHTAKING, and a visit should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. But after seven months of snow, even my die-hard Alaskan husband gets cabin fever.

And are you currently agented? If so, by who, and what agency?

I’m agented by the talented and wonderful Sera Rivers of Speilberg Literacy.

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing. When did you start seriously pursuing publication, and what was that early journey like?

Like many authors, I started writing as a young kiddo, always scribbling poems or turning essay assignments into stories (often to my teacher’s chagrin). Then, in my early twenties, I came up with a story idea for a young adult fantasy novel and hit that laptop HARD. Over the next decade, I edited that manuscript probably half a dozen times and even had an agent for it at one point! But if there’s anything I’ve learned in the publishing industry, it’s that writing has to land at the exact right moment at the exact right time, and we never can tell when that time and place may be. When my first kiddo was born in 2012, my creative writing juices started forming into new picture book popsicle shapes, so I turned my pen (er, laptop) toward that format… and loved it! My first picture book came out in 2019, and this last year, I released my seventh and eighth books. That YA fantasy might still be simmering on my laptop somewhere, but It still led me on quite the publishing journey nonetheless!

Were there any writing organizations, groups, or something else that helped you in those early stages of your publishing?

If you aren’t a member of SCBWI, stop reading this right now and go join (don’t worry, you can come back and read the rest of this later). Attending conferences, reading The Book from cover to cover multiple times, and being an active member of local SCBWI critique groups and events were essential to my path to publication. I also joined a local writing organization, the Alaska Writers Guild, which teams up with our local chapter of SCBWI for an annual conference. The editors, agents, and other publishing professionals I’ve had the chance to interact with and receive writing feedback from have been invaluable.

You mentioned that you’re a mom. And as pretty much everyone knows, being a mom is basically already a FULL-TIME job. What has your experience been like writing for kids while raising them? And how have you been able to balance your publishing career with motherhood?

I’m a mom of two semi-young kiddos and have a day job in behavioral health, so squeezing in writing time isn’t easy. But I’ve found that if I don’t find time to write, I become a very grouchy person! To help me focus on writing, I go to my nearby Starbucks, where I basically have my own table at this point. At the coffee shop, no dogs need to be walked, no laundry needs to be folded, and no closets need organizing. Leaving all the distractions of home behind really helps force me to open that laptop and write!

I’m sure there are some moms out there (hopefully reading this blog article today) with wonderful story ideas in their heads, and maybe even written down, who might be a bit hesitant to make the jump into publishing. For any of those moms reading this article, what advice would you like to share with them?

As moms, we can have ALL the ideas and NONE of the time! We’re already so stretched thin with kids’, kid activities, making dinner and all the lunches, and sometimes the requirements of a day job that finding time to even think about thinking about writing seems tough. I’ve found that looking over my weekly schedule and trying to pinpoint (and create) those little nuggets of time to write and then sticking to those times helps a lot. For instance, if I already have an appointment or work event on Tuesday, I try to cram my grocery shopping and anything else on that day, which leaves Monday and maybe Wednesday for more of an open time to write.

“…if there’s anything I’ve learned in the publishing industry, it’s that writing has to land at the exact right moment at the exact right time, and we never can tell when that time and place may be.” – Brooke Hartman

“At the coffee shop, no dogs need to be walked, no laundry needs to be folded, and no closets need organizing. Leaving all the distractions of home behind really helps force me to open that laptop and write!” – Brooke Hartman

BEHIND THE SCENES OF PUBLISHING: HOW TO KNOW WHEN A STORY IS READY + HANDLING REJECTION + SHELVING PROJECTS

“…projects might go to sleep for a while or even go into hibernation, but they’re never officially “dead”!” – Brooke Hartman

Okay, so we talked a little about the beginning stages of publishing. Now, let’s talk about some of those nitty-gritty details. One thing that many early writers struggle with is knowing “when” a story is really ready. How do you know when a story is truly ready to query/submit to an agent/editor?

The truth is… I have no clue when a story is ready! Sometimes, I think a story might need more work, and my critique group/agent/editor LOVE it. Other times, I wrestle with a project dozens of times, and still they find some issue with it. My only tactic that seems to work is to have my critique group go through any new project at least twice, once for the big issues and once again to make sure I fixed those big issues and for the little tweaks I’ might have missed. Then I send it to my agent and say, what do you think? If she gives it the thumbs up, then off it goes on its submission quest. What happens next is only a combination of luck, magic, held breaths, and wishing on 11:11s.

Speaking of agents and editors, any writer in the traditional world of writing knows that rejection is a part of the process and it’s just a reality of publishing. Everybody faces rejection at one point or the other, and often, more often than not. But writers aren’t the only ones facing rejection. Agents are, too. And it stings every time. But, as you continue growing as a writer, each sting becomes a little less painful because you’ve adapted that thicker skin (which you really need to have) of endurance. That being said… for newer writers, those rejections can REALLY sting. How were you able to cope with rejection in your early stages of publishing?

This is my best advice for rejection (and if any readers take one thing away from this interview, I hope it’s this): always, always, always be working on more than one project at once. If you’re hedging all your bets on a single lonely picture book text to fulfill all your writerly hopes and dreams, I’m not saying you’ll automatically be rejected, but if you are, having at least two or three other projects in the works will help lessen that sting a LOT. I think of publishing as a game of darts; over time, writers get better at hitting the bullseye. But if you can throw multiple darts at once, that only ups the odds and makes it less painful if we miss the mark.

Such good advice! And so true.

For any new writers who may be reading this today, who may currently or recently have been facing rejection and fighting discouragement, what words of wisdom or comfort would you like to share with them?

In the immortal words of Jason Nesmith from Galaxy Quest, “Never give up, never surrender!” Just keep writing, getting feedback, and submitting. Write something new. Dust off something old. Get feedback anywhere and when you can. But also try to be savvy about how you’re submitting and when; if you keep getting the same feedback from peers or professionals, maybe it’s time to listen to them and give that angle a try. You can always save your first version and go back to it if that’s the one that speaks to your heart!

Oh my goodness. My dad would be cheering right now. Galaxy Quest is his favaorite movie, and he used to say this line all the time when I was a kid. Fun fact: he still says it now that I'm an adult too. Also, what terrific advice. Yes!

Now, let’s go in a different direction. Seasoned writers know that not all projects, realistically, will or can be published. Which means that sometimes, we have to shelve projects. And shelving a project doesn’t necessarily mean that it will never see the light of day. Sometimes, it means that it’s a project that isn’t right for today’s marketing climate… but it could be just right for tomorrow’s. And this is a tricky thing because so much of it is reliant on chance and unknown factors. What would you say is an indicator that it’s time to shelve a project? When do you know it’s time?

Man, I have too many shelved projects to count! To date, I have at least three or four projects that have gone on submission, and years later… crickets. But honestly, I don’t think a project is ever really shelved. You just never know when an agent or editor will say, Gosh I really wish I had a project about X. And they just named YOUR project! Case in point, the very first picture book I ever wrote back in 2012 is now on R&R with an editor. So, projects might go to sleep for a while or even go into hibernation, but they’re never officially “dead”!

I love that. What a great way of looking at it!

“This is my best advice for rejection (and if any readers take one thing away from this interview, I hope it’s this): always, always, always be working on more than one project at once.” – Brooke Hartman

“… I think of publishing as a game of darts; over time, writers get better at hitting the bullseye. But if you can throw multiple darts at once, that only ups the odds and makes it less painful if we miss the mark.” – Brooke Hartman

OVERCOMING ROAD BUMPS + EMBRACING THE JOURNEY + HIGHLIGHTS

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

This interview isn’t long enough to list all the challenges and speedbumps on my publishing journey. We’d need our own podcast just for that! But some of the biggest ones have been when two of my picture books that were contracted and almost complete (illustrated and everything!) suddenly found themselves without a publisher. One had to do with COVID (curse you, COVID!), and the other had to do with a sudden publisher buyout.

*GASP* I can only imagine what you must have been feeling!

At both times, I felt gutted. I’d been so close to holding those books in my hands, only to have them swiped away at the last second. But guess what? Like the near-final Bluey episode, The Sign, you never know how bad luck can turn into good luck. As it turns out, both of those projects found new homes with absolutely wonderful publishers (one of which I’ll be releasing my third book with next year!)

For those who may be facing similar challenges now, what words of wisdom would you like to offer?

While rejection can be devastating, you never know what it will lead to in the future. Keep an open mind and look forward!

Beatiful words of wisdom!

Okay, we've touched on the struggles. Now, let's talk about the wins. What have been some of your publishing highlights- this can be ANYTHING?!

Oh wow, I don’t know how I can narrow these down! Just seeing a book published is such a highlight. Only six or seven years ago, after writing with the intent to traditionally publish for over fifteen years, I was still wondering whether I’d ever be a published author. Now, I have eight books out and five more publishing in the next couple of years. But some of my real highlights have been seeing kiddos and parents at book events, and the mom or dad stops and exclaims, “Oh my gosh, this is YOUR book? It’s our son’s/daughter’s favorite; they read it every night!” There’s honestly no greater reward in publishing than that.

Speaking of highlights… let’s talk about visits!

“While rejection can be devastating, you never know what it will lead to in the future. Keep an open mind and look forward!” – Brooke Hartman

AUTHOR VISITS

We’d love to hear about some of your author visits. Where have you visited? When? And what kind of feedback did you receive?

I do a lot of author visits here in Alaska, and they’re always full of new surprises. You never know what kids are going to ask, though I’m still trying new responses for the inevitable question of “How old are you?” Here’s what I’ve got so far:
- I’m “Mom” years old
- I was born before you were.
- I was born before the internet was invented (this usually results in a few gasps from the audience)
- I lost count! How old do you think I am?
I’m open to other suggestions if anyone has them!

For writers who are either newly published or soon to be, who may have questions about navigating author visits, could you tell us a little bit about how you handle your visits? Do you schedule them? If not you, is it the publisher? Do bookstores/libraries/schools reach out to you directly, or do you reach out to them, or is it a bit of both? Etc.

I schedule all my author visits. My schedule is so insane between kid activities, work events, and writing needs that I can’t even imagine anyone else trying to schedule these for me. But I do have a fun event coming up in February of 2025 with Bookelicious, a nationwide live virtual author visit (and you get five free books to boot)! It’s such a great opportunity for remote schools that don’t often get the opportunity to host a children’s book author in person or for schools that aren’t near where an author of interest may live. If you’re an educator, I highly suggest looking into Bookelicious’ upcoming author events; they’re spectacular!

That sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing that resource for our teachers out there (and maybe librarians too!)

Another GREAT thing for authors to know is that - your time is valuable. And while yes, you can definitely offer to do free events (especially for smaller, local community places, like perhaps your local library, or independent book store, which may not have as much funding), there’s also nothing wrong with getting paid for your time and services, especially when it involves some sort of commute. I saw that you have your Author Visit Rates listed on your website, which I think is such a fantastic thing for authors to do and be aware of doing. In reading this, it led me to a few other questions. For these visits, how does the pay side of things work? Are you paid upfront in full? Or is there a good-faith deposit made prior and the rest upon completion of the event? Are there extra fees/charges that need to be applied if you have to travel somewhere? Or do you only offer local and/or virtual visits? If you could share a little bit more about these details, that would be great.

I feel like having my author rates on my website helps avoid a lot of tough conversations, but in general, if a venue is reaching out to me to do an event, usually the idea is that they’ll be paying me based on my advertised rates. If I’m reaching out to them (say a bookstore or library to do a book launch event), then no fee is involved–the idea is that they’re helping spread the word about my new book while I help them with their Saturday storytime and craft hour, or something similar. If a fee is involved, I now always do a contract and/or invoice, depending on what sort of event it is. The total amount and when the fee is due is always listed on there somewhere. As for when it’s due, I usually have the payment due at or around the time of an event, keeping in mind that for school district-related events, they usually have to wait for the event to conclude before a check is cut.

OKAY. Now it’s time for BOOKS.

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

Your motto is that you write “fun books.” We’d love to hear more! Could you tell us about some of your stories and their inspirations?

I have a couple of rules I try to follow when writing all of my books:
1)	The story has to be fun and catchy, with perhaps a little nugget of learning or a heaping spoonful of nonfiction hidden in plain sight. For a lot of these, adding back matter really helps. It allows me to have fun with the story knowing all of the more nitty gritty nonfiction can be added at the end.
2)	The final book has to be something my husband would pull off the shelf to read to our kids. As far as picture books are concerned, he is the toughest critic I know and sets the bar high, but I strive to meet it every time! 

What do you hope your readers will come away with after reading one of your books?

First and foremost, I want them to have enjoyed the story, and maybe laugh a little. If they learned something in the process, even better!

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

Just this: so often, I’m approached by others who have written a story and want to know “how to get it published.” I give them much of the same advice I’ve given in this interview, but in the end, no two paths to publication are the same. Each individual has to find their own way for their own stories. It just takes dedication, research, time, and of course… writing!

Thank you so much for joining us today, Brooke.

But don’t go anywhere just yet because now it’s time for the PRIZE GIVEAWAY.

GIVEAWAY: For the month of December 2024, Brooke Hartman will be offering the following prize(s) to X winner(s).

Two winners will receive their choice of one of my books personalized and shipped to whoever they want!

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:

Did you enjoy this interview?

Purchase ADHD And Me HERE

Purchase the Littlest Airplane HERE

Purchase All Aboard the Alaska Train HERE

Purchase Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend HERE

Purchase Pega Sisters Go To Camp HERE

Purchase Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets HERE

Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom and award-winning author of fun books for kids. Her debut picture book, Dream Flights on Arctic Nights (West Margin Press, 2019) received a starred review from Kirkus and was a Children’s Bookshelf best book of the year; and her 2020 release, Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets, the Woman Behind the First Animated Feature Film (2020, Page Street Kids) was a Poetry and Prose First Edition Book Selection. In spring 2022, she released The Littlest Airplane (April 2022, West Margin Press), which was selected for a 2023/2024 Alaska Battle Book, and Pega Sisters Go to Camp (May 2022, Page Street Kids). This last year, she released Klyde the Kraken Wants a Friend (April 2023, Hazy Dell Press) and Watch Out for the Lion (February 2023, Page Street Kids), which received a starred review from School Library Journal. Brooke has two more titles releasing in 2024: Little Narwhal Lost, a True Tale of Found Family (January 2023, Turner Publishing); and All Aboard the Alaska Train (March 2024, Red Comet Press). She will be releasing two additional titles with Sourcebooks eXplore in 2025 and 2026. Brooke also serves as an adjunct instructor of writing and publishing for Alaska Pacific University and is a member of the board of directors for the Alaska Writers Guild. When she isn’t writing, you can find her flying, fishing, and having fun with her family, enjoying all the magic life has to offer. Follow her adventures at www.BrookeAHartman.com or on social media @BrookesBooksAK.

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.

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

Posted on November 20, 2024November 20, 2024 by Chelsea’s World of Books in Feature Interview Series, View all blog posts

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

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

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

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

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!

AND… if that’s not enough, every guest offers at least one giveaway prize—sometimes more. This means you have multiple opportunities to win prizes every month!

*If you’re interested in entering the giveaway, POST A COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS FEATURE INTERVIEW! Want extra entries? Share a link to this article on X or IG and tag X @chellys books or IG @chelseasworldofbooks so I can add your extra entries!

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

INTRODUCTIONS AND BEGINNINGS: WHEN, WHY, HOW?

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

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

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

Writing for children is my happy place, reminding me how I loved reading Beverly Cleary books, Munro Leaf’s Story of Ferdinand, and countless other books that took me to faraway worlds with people having different experiences.
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I know you mentioned that your journey to publishing started later in life - at age 69 - which is just incredible! Your journey is definitely a testament to the statement, “It’s never too late to start something new!” I’d love to hear a little bit about what kind of work you were in prior to your career in publishing- and what influence your earlier acts played - if any - in your decision to enter kidlit publishing?

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

-How cool!-

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

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

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

My kidlit publishing journey began when I made one of my best decisions ever – to take a class from Maxine Rose Schur, a wonderful writer, teacher, and now friend.
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PUBLISHING ROUTES: TRADITIONAL? INDEPENDENT? AGENT? NO AGENT? CONTRACTS + BOOK DEALS + MORE

What made you choose traditional publishing over independent publishing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As someone trained as a lawyer, I’m not intimidated by reading a contract. But I urge people without that training to get legal advice. The Authors’ Guild will give contract advice to members, and while I haven’t used that service, I think it would be worth the price of membership.

-Another fantastic tidbit of helpful information for our readers- thanks for sharing this resource, Stephanie!-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-100% AGREE!-

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

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

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

-These are all wonderful highlights!-

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

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

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

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

-Thanks for sharing!-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHARING RESOURCES: CONTESTS + WRITING GROUPS

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

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

-How awesome! I bet that was exciting!-

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

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

THE BOOKS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exactly! There is something freeing about setting that timer.

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY

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

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

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

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

That’s it!

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

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

FAQ:

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AUTHOR + HOST BOOK LINKS AND IMAGES

PURCHASE Brave in the Water

PURCHASE Treasure Hunt

PURCHASE Breath by Breath

PURCHASE Miri’s Moving Day

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AUTHOR BIO + CONNECT

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

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

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.

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Tag: writing community

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