Tag: writing community

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

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

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

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

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

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

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

Here are a few examples of topics:

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

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

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

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

THE BEGINNING: WHY? WHEN? HOW?

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

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

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


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

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


Do you think one benefits the other? Explain.

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


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

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

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

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

WRITING ACROSS GENRES

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Don’t use Comic Sans. For anything.

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

WRITING BLOGS, WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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

So well put!

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

NEW VENTURES ON THE HORIZON: PUBLISHING HOUSES & SUBMISSIONS

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

GIVEAWAY PRIZE

Roseanne is offering the following giveaway prize:

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

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

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

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

And that’s it!

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

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

Roseanne Frank Books

Children’s Books

Adult Books – Under RB Frank

Chelsea DiCicco’s Book

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

Connect with Roseanne

Website: rbfrank.com

Parents Love Picture Books

X (Twitter) @writingoutloud2

Instagram – @writingoutloud

Facebook – RBFrank

JANUARY 3RD, 2024, FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR DEBRA KEMPF SHUMAKER, CONDUCTED BY KIDLIT WRITER, BLOGGER & LIBRARIAN CHELSEA DICICCO

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

Hello, writing friends, and welcome back to Chelsea’s World of Books blog. Can you believe we’re in the new year ALREADY? And to get things started, we’re diving into 2024 with a very special guest; Children’s Book Author of one of our favorites, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, Debra Shumaker!

But before we get started… just in case this is your first time here, let me tell you a little about what makes segments special.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT FEATURE INTERVIEWS?

Feature Interviews are an INVALUABLE resource for kidlit writers and illustrators at every stage of their publishing journey. Not only are they a great way to stay current on market trends and learn more about the industry’s ins and outs, but they also give readers an up close & personal look at the world of publication from the perspectives of a diverse collection of creators.

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

Here are a few examples of topics:

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

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

Debra Kempf Shumaker started reading at the age of four and hasn’t stopped since. She grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin but now writes fiction and nonfiction picture books from the suburbs of Northern Virginia. She is the author of the nonfiction rhyming FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, and PECULIAR PRIMATES (Running Press Kids, 2021 & 2022), a social-emotional learning book, TELL SOMEONE (Albert Whitman, 2021), and the upcoming WIND IS (Kids Can Press, 2024). Debra is also the co-host of #PBPitch, a Twitter pitch party for picture books held every February, June, and October. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and watching Jeopardy. Visit her online at www.debrashumaker.com, on Twitter at @ShumakerDebra, and on Instagram at @debrakshumaker.

THE SPARK THAT STARTED IT ALL

Debra, I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find your name among the many stuffed in my submissions box for the 2024 Feature Interview lineup. Being a librarian and kidlit writer myself, I’ve had and witnessed many delightful read-alouds of your stories. Something that I love about your writing style is how you blend education with fun- and, to top it all off, you incorporate rhyme! Which is something that I think only the real wizardly kidlit writers of the world can successfully tame. But before I go off on a tangent on your books (I promise we’ll circle back to it), I’d love to start our conversation today by asking how you landed in the world of children’s publishing. What was “the spark that started it all?”

First, thank you so much for your kind words! I love hearing that read-alouds with my books are delightful! As far as “the spark,” as many writers can relate, I’ve always loved reading and had the “some day” dream of writing a novel. When I married and had kids, I took a step back from my corporate job and became a stay-at-home Mom. I took the kids to the library several times a week, checking out dozens of picture books. And I was floored. I didn’t remember picture books like those when I was a kid. And I fell in love with picture books. I decided that I was going to figure out how to be a part of the picture book creation. My kids are in their upper teens and twenties now, so it took a while, but I figured it out!

Can you tell us a little bit about what kinds of stories you write and why you write them?

I write both fiction and nonfiction picture books. So far, I’ve had more success with my nonfiction books. But I write whatever strikes my fancy. Many ideas come from some random fact that I read about or some emotions I’m feeling—wonder, joy, fear, sadness, or a complicated mixture—and want to write a story to give a place for kids to either find that wonder or explore their complicated feelings, too. And sometimes, I write a story because an editor asked for a specific story. 

I understand that you grew up on a small farm with eight siblings, and you’ve always loved reading. Can you tell us a little more about your childhood experiences with books and maybe share some of your favorites?

Growing up, as I did, we didn’t have a lot of money. But my Dad loved reading, so somehow, we always had books in our house, mostly from rummage sales or from people who knew we had a big family and wanted to pass down books from their family. I also loved Library Day and Scholastic Book Fairs. I don’t remember reading too many picture books, but I remember reading lots of easy readers. My favorite were Disney Encyclopedias. I spent hours and hours reading those!

I mentioned before that I’m a librarian… and I noticed on your website that your favorite day of each week as a young girl was “library day” at school. Which makes me so happy- mine was too! Can you tell us a little bit about the magic you experienced as a young girl in the library and what memories stand out most to you to this day?

As I mentioned, money was tight. Also, there were no bookstores nearby. I depended on Library Day during the school year and the Book Mobile (that we would bike to in the summer) to have new books to read. I remember the awe of walking up and down the bookshelves and picking as many as I could fit in my arms. I loved horses and probably read every horse book the library and Book Mobile had.

Now we’ve talked about the past… let’s fast-forward a little. Before becoming a children’s book author, what was life like? What kind of work did you do? And what were the events that led to the switch to writing as a career?

My first career out of college was as a Registered Dietitian for a nursing home. I eventually moved on to training healthcare software to staff in nursing homes, then staff development training for a healthcare software company. Not publishing-related at all. But sometimes, I took writing classes at community colleges because I dreamed of writing a novel someday. After having kids, becoming a stay-at-home Mom, and taking my boys to the library, the spark was ignited, as I noted in the first question. It took me a few years to call myself a writer, and a lot more years to finally get that byline in a magazine, and many more years before getting my name on a book!

THE PROCESS: QUERYING AGENTS/SUBMITTING TO PUBLISHING HOUSES

What was the publishing process like for you? Can you share a little about your experience with querying agents? When did you begin your publishing journey? When/how did you find your agent agent/agency match? 

The publishing process was very long. I started writing for kids in 2007, but with three boys in 3 ½ years, very sporadically. Once they started school, I started being more intentional in finding time to write. At first I wrote both picture books and magazine articles and did find success with a few articles in Boys’ Quest, Fun for Kidz, and Spider. By 2011, I had joined SCBWI and started seriously submitting picture books to editors then agents. Participating in challenges like PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) and 12 x 12 greatly improved my writing and my understanding of publishing. Around 2015, I finally started getting champagne rejections and requests for R&Rs (revise and resubmits), but didn’t connect with an agent until 2017. That was Natascha Morris with BookEnds Literary. I submitted one of my fiction stories to her through the normal query process. She loved it and asked for a few more, then offered representation. (After she sold my first two books, she did leave BookEnds. I am now repped by James McGowan with BookEnds.)

Once you signed with your agent/agency, what was the submission process like? 

The benefit to having an agent is to have the doors to bigger publishers open up. But having an agent also meant that every story I wrote did not necessarily go on sub. She had to feel confident in it, too. But I loved being able to put all my focus on my writing instead of researching agents or houses that took unsolicited subs.

How long did it take to receive your first book deal?

I first signed with Natascha in July of 2017. After a few revisions, she subbed that first story widely. I had several R&Rs, and it went to acquisitions to around 4 or 5 houses, but we never sold that book. It was 18 months and four other manuscript submissions later before we finally found an editor who gave me a YES. And that was for FREAKY, FUNKY FISH in January of 2019.

RESOURCES & WORDS OF ADVICE

The beginning stages of the writing journey is a very tender time. It’s a time for learning and growth. Like everything in life, real growth comes through patience and trial and error. And it can be difficult. Rejections sting. Waiting is hard. But, the further along you go, the stronger you get and the more you learn. What has been your biggest challenge in the kidlit publishing arena, and how have you been able to overcome it?

Rejection is hard. The one thing writers can’t control is agents or editors deciding to take on your book. One thing I could control was to continue to work on my craft and to continue to write and submit. I continually reminded myself that agents and editors were rejecting my stories, not me personally. 

If you could share a piece of advice with newly aspiring authors or illustrators, what would it be?

I tell every aspiring picture book author to type up the text of picture books they love. (And that have been published in the last few years.) It’s the best way to get a feel for voice, pacing, page turns, and so much more. By doing this, it will become more innate when they write. Plus, if the book they are typing up has both an author and an illustrator, aspiring authors can get a better idea of how the manuscript looked when it was bought as a text-only document. Odds are, there was a lot of room left for the illustrator. I’ve typed up more than 300 books since 2015, and I continue to do so on a regular basis. My first drafts have improved so much because of this exercise.

Speaking of words of advice… let’s talk a little bit about writing community and resources. What are some of the best resources you were able to find when you started down the road to kidlit publishing?

In my first few years of writing, I didn’t know where to get ideas. I only had two manuscripts that I worked on over and over again. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month) which has now morphed into StoryStorm that happens every January. It trained my brain to always be on alert for ideas, and now I have more than I can handle. Shortly after my first PiBoIdMo, I found Julie Hedlund’s 12x12. This was back when there weren’t agent submission opportunities and “levels”, just a community of writers attempting to write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months. Being a part of that community was priceless. The KidLit411 website is an amazing resource for KidLit writers.

Since we’re discussing helpful resources, I’d like to add the importance of having a strong writing community. Making connections is one of the best things a new writer or illustrator can do. Not only do you learn from each other… but you’re able to support and lift one another up. You can share and celebrate good news- and share and comfort hard news. It’s crucial for your mental health as a creator to have your clan of supporters around you- who both understand what it’s like and appreciate your continued efforts. Where are some places you’d recommend going to find that “kidlit community”?

Besides StoryStorm and 12x12, I love the KidLit411 Community on Facebook. Facebook has many great writing groups for community. But I also highly recommend finding a critique group, or two, or three, either in-person or online. I belong to four! The KidLit 411 website offers a place to find critique partners. And join SCBWI. When you join the national organization, you will get placed in a regional chapter. Conferences are an amazing way to meet fellow creators. Attending my regional conference is how I found my in-person critique group.

Another thing I think can really help to keep a creator’s creative juices flowing and inspired is participating in kidlit events. There are so many great contests out there! One of them is one that you co-host. Can you tell us a little bit about how you started #PBPitch events on Twitter/X, what they are, and what their intended purpose is?

Ah, #PBPitch. I’m so proud of it. It started back in 2015. I had just joined Twitter because in various KidLit groups on Facebook, I kept hearing about #PitMad, which was a pitch party for books for all ages. (For pitch parties, creators post a pitch for a completed manuscript with the corresponding hashtag, and if an agent or editor “hearts” it, it’s an invitation to submit the manuscript.) In March 2015, I participated in my first #PitMad, and there seemed to be very little love for picture books that day. Mandy Yates posted in one of the FB groups that someone should start one for just picture books. I responded that I had no idea what I was doing but would help. As did PJ McIlvaine. And before we knew it, the three of us created #PBPitch and hosted our first one a few months later. We had no idea if anyone would tweet or if any agent or editor would stop by, but they did! We’ve held it three times a year ever since. Each one has resulted in at least one successful agent match or book deal. We have numerous success stories on our website (pbpitch.weebly.com), and I’m sure many more have happened that we just aren’t aware of.

PREPPING FOR DEBUT AUTHOR BOOK LAUNCH: ORGANIZING VISITS/EVENTS: SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, BOOK SIGNINGS

Okay, so now we have an agent, a book deal, and a launch date. Yay! Now what? Now it’s time to SELL the book. Can you tell us about your experience in preparing for your debut book launch and creating your author brand? What worked best? What didn’t? And why?

My debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH, came out in May 2021 when the world was still largely shut down due to the pandemic. I was able to have a launch outside of my local indie, Scrawl Books, but the weather was quite windy and chilly and sparsely attended. However, in getting ready for my debut, I joined a co-marketing group called PB Debut Troupe 21. Fourteen of us creators had debuts coming out that year, and we shared our joy, commiserated in the frustrations, helped boost each other’s books on social media, and wrote reviews. I’m still good friends with those creators. I highly recommend debuts join or create a co-marketing group!

A great way to boost your brand and share your story with others is by hosting author visits. Can you tell us about some of the visits you’ve hosted? How do you conduct your author visits? How long are they? Do you charge an author fee? Are you the one organizing them, or is it your agent/publisher? If you’re the one organizing, how do you go about reaching out about scheduling your visit? 

Occasionally, a bookstore has reached out to my publisher for an author event, but that’s only been once or twice. So, 99% of the time, I am doing the outreach to bookstores, schools, and libraries. For readings at bookstores, I do not charge a fee, but for programs at libraries and schools, I do. For Author Visits at schools, I do 3 - 4 presentations in one day–I don’t only read my book and talk about being an author, I have presentations connected to curriculum. To promote my Author Visits, I’ve attended my state’s librarian conferences to connect with librarians. I’ve also sent out postcards to local schools. I did about six visits last year and loved them, and hope to do more!

What has been the response to the author visits? What has been your favorite part? What has been their favorite part?

My favorite part is being with the kids and exciting them about writing, reading, and science. Hearing them laugh about the facts in my book is priceless. And seeing their eyes light up because they are meeting a real, live author just warms my heart. Their favorite part is probably getting out of regular class, LOL. But I do think many of them love meeting someone who wrote the words in a book they read or heard.
Fox Mill Elementary School in Herndon, VA.
Marumsco Elementary in Woodbridge, VA. 

THE BOOKS! RHYME, EDUCATION & HEART

Okay, I promised we’d circle back- and here we are. We’ve finally arrived at my favorite part of the interview- THE BOOKS! 

As I mentioned earlier, I’m a big fan of your stories. I love learning, and your books FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, and PECULIAR PRIMATES are such inventive ways to spread knowledge. And your story TELL SOMEONE is just beautiful. But, enough about how much I love your work. I’d love to hear from YOU about each of your books. We touched on the types of books you write and why briefly earlier, but now I want to dig a little deeper. How did each of your stories come to be? What was the inspiration behind them? And what do you hope each story will give your reader?

For my debut, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I have to thank my first agent. I had been writing picture book biographies that just weren’t selling. She encouraged me to try something different. Since I love all nonfiction, I decided to try my hand at a science-y picture book and read some rhyming ones about bugs, water, squirrels, etc. I challenged myself to write one about a different animal. I recalled some research I had done about fish for a different fiction manuscript I wrote and remembered how strange some fish were. And wa-la, an idea was born.

For TELL SOMEONE, an editor asked my first agent if she had a writer who would like to try writing a story encouraging kids to talk about their feelings since Albert Whitman wanted to have one on their list. Natascha asked me. My gut reaction was “No,” as I had never written anything “on assignment,” but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and said I would try. A few months later, I had a contract. 

After we were in the final stages of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I decided to write a companion book about birds, which I titled BIZARRE BIRDS. Running Press Kids felt there were too many picture books about birds and asked if I’d be interested in writing one about primates, so I did!

For my science books, I hope kids are fascinated by the diversity of our world and are inspired to do what they can to preserve it. For TELL SOMEONE, I hope kids are encouraged to talk about their feelings in both good times and hard times. Mental health is important.

There’s a fun musicality that you use in your writing that truly puts the “fun” into “fun facts,” and at the same time, it’s funny. Heart, humor, and education are my favorite combination. And, somehow, you managed to add RHYME into the mix?! Possibly proving that you’re a magician? (Are you a magician?) Can you tell us what inspired you to write your stories in rhyme and what that process looked/felt like?

I love rhyme. My first publication ever was a rhyming poem about a snail who ate a nail in my 3rd-grade newsletter. I frequently wrote “odes” for various occasions growing up, for fun, so I think my debut was destined to rhyme, LOL. When I started writing picture books, I wrote several fiction/concept stories that rhymed but never sold. Some books seem to work better in rhyme, and for both the fish and primates books, I felt rhyme gave them another hook vs. just a list of strange animal adaptations. It’s a lot of work but so much fun, like setting a puzzle. 

Did you have anyone try to discourage you from writing in rhyme- and if so, how did you respond?

No, no one discouraged me. I understand meter and know that rhyme is more than just counting syllables and using rhyming words at the end of two lines, so as I revise, I know the rhyme will read smoothly. I won’t quit until it does.

Okay, we’ve talked about rhyme. Now, let’s talk about illustration. Can you tell us about how you ended up with your illustrators and what your first thoughts were? 

For Freaky Funky Fish & Peculiar Primates- Claire Powell 
Tell Someone- Tristan Yuvienco

For both publishers, as is typical in traditional publishing, Running Press Kids and Albert Whitman found the illustrators. For Albert Whitman, the editor and art director, paired my text with Tristan’s art for the pitch at the acquisitions meeting, which was different from Running Press Kids. With them, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH was acquired first, then it took over ten months for them to find an illustrator.

I was absolutely thrilled with both Claire and Tristan once they were selected. Their portfolios were amazing.

Did you envision your characters and stories in a similar way to how they were illustrated?

For FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, I really didn’t have any vision in my head as I had seen so many photos of the fish as I was researching and writing it that I didn’t really give a thought to how they would look illustrated. But seeing Claire’s sketches for the first time was amazing—I loved the personalities she gave all the various fish!

For TELL SOMEONE, I hoped the art would depict various and diverse kids in the different scenarios, so Tristan’s art was in line with what I envisioned. But I was still amazed. His art is so sweet, I want to hug each child in that book.

Do you have a favorite spread from each book? 

While I love so much about the illustrations in all three books, my favorite spread in FREAKY, FUNKY FISH is the one with the hammerhead shark and parrotfish. I love Claire’s colors and humor. 

For PECULIAR PRIMATES, I love the nighttime scenes–the various primates are so adorable and huggable in that spread! 

For TELL SOMEONE, my favorite page is the girl on the first day of school. Tristan’s perspective on this page really emphasizes the girl’s nervousness.
And… you have a new book coming out this Fall. Can you tell us a little bit about that one?

Yes, I do, and I’m so excited about it! WIND IS A DANCE, illustrated by the fabulous Josée Bisaillon, comes out with Kids Can Press on October 1, 2024. This book is a lyrical ode to the wind. I use metaphors to describe various winds we experience—from a ruffling, fluffing breeze to a rumbling, tumbling derecho. I’ve recently seen the colored sketches, and Josée’s art is SO stunning. I cannot wait for the world to see it!

If you could send your past self any piece of writerly advice, what would it be?

Be prepared for the long haul. Getting published is so, so hard, but absolutely worth it. 

What’s one last message/piece of advice you’d like to impart to your readers?

If you are a writer and you want to be published, don’t give up. It may take more than 10 years, like it did for me. Work hard on craft and write new stories. Every manuscript you write will likely not get published. I wrote dozens of first drafts and about fifteen polished picture books before my first one was acquired. But I learned something from each manuscript I wrote, not one was a wasted effort.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Debra.

But we’re not quite finished. There’s still one last item on the agenda. And that is… the GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY

Debra Shumaker is offering the following giveaway prize.

“A signed copy of one of my three books!”

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

During the month of January 2024:

  1. Subscribe to the blog
  2. Like this blog post
  3. Leave a comment below letting me know you’ve done 1-2. (If the guest is offering more than one prize, please specify which you’d like in the comments below.)

And that’s it!

FAQ: What if I was already subscribed to the blog? Does that mean I won’t qualify for the Prize Giveaway? Not at all! If you subscribed PRIOR to this month, all you’ll need to do is LIKE this Feature Interview and leave your comment below this post.

Did you enjoy this interview? Thank the author & host by purchasing or reviewing one of their books! Using the sponsored links below also helps support this blog.

Debra Kempf Shumaker’s Books

Peculiar Primates

Tell Someone

Freaky Funky Fish

Wind is a Dance (not yet available for pre-order)

Chelsea DiCicco’s Book

ADHD and Me

Connect with Debra Shumaker

Visit her website: www.debrashumaker.com

Visit her Twitter/X: @ShumakerDebra

Visit her Instagram: @debrakshumaker

Visit her Bluesky: @debrakshumaker

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

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

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

Beginnings

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

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

Books & Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Publishing Territory & Timeline

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discouragements, Set-backs, Words of Wisdom

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

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

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


Are things all breezy and easy now? Explain.

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

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

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

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

Fun questions:

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

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

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

Favorite color?

Green
 
Favorite place, real or imagined?

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

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

THE GIVEAWAY PRIZE

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

QUESTIONS-ANSWERS

How do I enter the giveaway?

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

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

Already subscribed? Awesome! You’re halfway there!

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

GROUNDHOG GETS IT WRONG 
SOMETIMES I CRY
SPELLBOUND

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

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

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

The beginning to publishing:

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

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


When and how did your professional journey toward publishing begin? 

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

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

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

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

Road Bumps, Tips, Encouragement:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Books, inspiration, and illustration:

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

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

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

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


What was your inspiration behind these stories? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

Connect with Aya Khalil

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

Now it’s time to talk prizes…

For the month of July, anyone who:

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

It’s that simple.

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

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

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

Thanks for reading!

Speaking of readers…

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

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

Barnes & Noble Book Signing in Bowling Green KY, With Children’s Author & Librarian, Chelsea DiCicco

Posted on by Chelsea’s World of Books in My Writing Journey, View all blog posts 
Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to announce I'll be visiting the Bowling Green Barnes and Noble, located at 1680 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, Ky 42104 on Saturday, July 8th from 1 PM- 4 PM, for an author book signing. If you live locally and would like to stop by, I'd love to connect with you! 

In addition to the book signing, I'll be bringing all sorts of fun giveaway prizes, freebies, and goody bags. 

Freebies:
💙 lollipops 
💙 word searches/spot the difference worksheets 
💙 lesson plans grades k-3rd 
💙 family resource packets with websites, book recommendations, and tips for neurodiverse families.

NO PURCHASES REQUIRED


Goody Bundles:
💜 Semigloss laminated bookmark 
💜 Free author autograph 
💜 Special edition "believe in yourself" stickers 
💜 Special release ADHD AND ME coloring book 
💜 Packet of crayons 

FREE WITH THE PURCHASE OF BOOK ADHD AND ME, DAY OF SIGNING, AT BARNES AND NOBLE. SIMPLY BRING YOUR RECEIPT TO THE SIGNING TABLE TO CLAIM YOUR GOODY BUNDLE!

Prize Drawing:
Interested in winning prizes? Post a review of ADHD AND ME to Barnes & Noble website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adhd-and-me-chelsea-dicicco/1143058981?ean=9780997933413 (AND/OR post a picture of the book, ADHD AND ME to your Instagram, tagging @chelseasworldofbooks account), the day of the signing and claim your prize drawing slip from the signing table! The winner will be selected at random from the first 10 participants!

Please note: if your Instagram account is set to private, tagging will not work, so make sure to leave a review of the book to claim your drawing slip for a chance to win the giveaway prize!