I'm super excited to share the cover of my upcoming picture book, illustrated by Claire Zhang, releasing from Yeehoo Press this spring! The book is now available for pre-order and your support is greatly appreciated! I hope you'll add it to your home or school library. * * * * * * * * * And drum roll... Here it is!!!Illustrated by Claire Zhang (Yeehoo Press, 3/4/25) Sally Snake dreams of playing the piano. But there is one problem; snakes don't have fingers. Determined to succeed Sally slithers past obstacles and naysayers to prove that nothing is impossible when you dare to try. In a world filled with music and dreams, Sally, a snake with a fine ear for melody, dares to dream of becoming a pianist. But there's one big challenge—Sally has no fingers. Undeterred, Sally's heart swells with determination every time she sees a piano. When a golden opportunity arises in the form of the Musically Amazing Talent Show, Sally knows she must find a way to make her dream come true. Sally embarks on a journey to conquer the impossible, facing numerous setbacks and rejections. But her spirit remains unbroken. Through perseverance and a lot of creative thinking, Sally proves that nothing is impossible when you dare to try. Join Sally on her quest as she shows that no dream is too big, and no goal is unreachable. "Sally's Musical Tale" is an inspiring story of determination, creativity, and the magic of believing in oneself.
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Congratulations, Dana! I am thrilled that one of my workshops helped you reach this amazing milestone and a writer's dream! We love success stories, and we'd love to get the details on how it happened for you. So, I have a few questions for you... RJP: What was your situation before you signed up for the workshop? (Agented in the past, querying but not able to get a yes etc.) DT: I was looking for an agent after I had three polished manuscripts. I wasn’t getting a positive response. I joined a few of your workshops and had the opportunity to submit as a participant. What I found that these workshops have a limited number of participants, so chances of getting attention from the agent was good. RJP: What made you decide to sign up for this workshop? DT: Kristina was looking for underrepresented and diverse voice. She was also going to read a few First Pages. That encouraged me to sign up for the workshop. (RJP: Note to aspiring authors: make sure you follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter, so you don't miss out on future opportunities like that.) RJP: What was your experience as a workshop attendee? DT: The workshop was great! It was packed with the information that every author could use. Kristina read a few First Pages and shared her comments. She informed how to use active verbs and the difference between show and tell. She read my First Page and liked it. RJP: Walk us through the process from that moment, then getting the offer, and deciding to sign with Kristina... How did you feel? What did it mean to you reaching that goal? What are you excited about for the future and with this partnership? The process began like most, with Kristina asking to see more work. After reviewing them, she emailed to say she would love to schedule a call. I was super excited. Kristina and I met over Zoom and by the end of our meeting, I knew we’d make a great team. She is very kind and knowledgeable. I was impressed by her passion for her job and enthusiasm for my manuscript. Getting the opportunity to work with Kristina is an honor. Most of all I’m excited to be one step closer to seeing more of my books out in the world. RJP: What would you say to other writers who might be holding back? My biggest piece of advice would be to not query too soon. I learned it the hard way. Only one manuscript is not enough. Write at least 3-4 stories and polish them with the help of your critique partners. Most agents would like to see additional work before signing someone. And don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Whether it’s with time, energy, or money. It’s worth it. Thank you, Dana! Wishing you all the best on your publishing journey and more wonderful news in the near future! Visit our Agent & Editors' Workshop page here and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about future workshops!
Congratulations, Mary! We are now agent sisters, too! How exciting that you found your agent match through one of the workshops that I host, led by publishing professionals. I'd love to hear all the juicy details, and I'm sure my blog audience is curious to know more, too, so here are my questions for you... RJP: What was your situation before you signed up for the workshop? (Agented in the past, querying but not able to get a yes etc.) MVP: I lost my agent at the end of 2023 when he left the business, so I found myself back in the query trenches. When I came across your workshop, I was happy to see an above the slushpile submission opportunity paired with an agent who was speaking on topics that were of interest to me. RJP: What made you decide to sign up for this workshop? MVP: I write humor, so any time I see that an agent is offering insight on that topic my ears perk up. I was intrigued by the fact that Jackie was a new agent who might be building a list of clients. The timing of this particular workshop was perfect! I also liked the fact that there was a replay available, and the cost didn’t break the bank. RJP: How did you connect with me/found out about these workshops in the first place? MVP: I believe I saw it come across my social media. (RJP: Note to aspiring authors: make sure you follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter, so you don't miss out on future opportunities like that.) RJP: What was your experience as a workshop attendee? MVP: The workshop was terrific! It was well run, packed with great information, and personally gave me a really good sense of the exact manuscript I wanted to send to Jackie. I’m not new to kidlit and I’ve attended many workshops. Oftentimes information is repeated, but I found value in her fresh perspective and took lots of notes! RJP: Walk us through the process from that moment, then getting the offer, and deciding to sign with Jackie... How did you feel? What did it mean to you reaching that goal? What are you excited about for the future and with this partnership? MVP: The process began like most, with Jackie asking to see more work. We then went through revisions on some of my manuscripts. We talked a couple of times on the phone to make sure we were on the same page with the revisions. She gave me wonderful editorial feedback that elevated my work without drastically changing it. After offering representation she gave me time to think about it and follow up with outstanding queries. But in the end, I felt confident that Jackie was the right agent for me. I’m excited to get back on submission, and Jackie is working hard to establish herself in the industry. She is kind, diligent, and knowledgeable. Most of all I’m excited to be one step closer to seeing more of my books out in the world. And with the ups and downs we all feel as creators in the publishing industry, that’s a good feeling. RJP: What would you say to other writers who might be holding back? This can be a tough one. There are many reasons writers or artists might be holding back. So, take the time to back away a bit if you need to. This industry can be crushing. But it can also be beautiful and make dreams come true. Hold on to your dreams. Look for opportunities to nurture them. Surround yourself with people who understand. And don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Whether it’s with time, energy, money, habits, boundaries, (lots of snacks/coffee/tea!) …you’re worth it! Thank you, Mary! Wishing you all the best with this agent/author partnership, your submissions, and all of your projects! Looking forward to celebrating more of your success stories in the near future! Could You Be Our Next Success Story?Happy National Plant a Flower Day, everyone! Celebrating that, oh, do I have a treat for you today! I can't think of a better day to talk about a brand-new picture book titled JUST FLOWERS, and what a joy to get to chat with both the author and the illustrator! Here's the insight they share with my followers and a special giveaway... My questions for Erin Dealey, the author: R.J.P.: How did the idea for this book come? What inspired the story? E.D.: First of all, thank you for having us on your blog, Rosie, and for helping to spread the word about JUST FLOWERS. As for your question, I get ideas from everywhere, but this one came from an Instagram thread about #ayearinflowers. Not only were the flowers that people posted gorgeous, but many included their Latin names and I found myself very entertained by those. I mean, I can’t say Ranunculus out loud without smiling. Can you? Or Galunthus? All I could think about was how fun these words would be in a read-aloud. Like I said ideas are everywhere. R.J.P.: That's fascinating, I'm glad you took that opportunity to create a wonderful story with such fun-to-pronounce Latin flower names, indeed! Please share the journey from writing your first draft to the polished manuscript going out on submission to getting the offer... Did you do many revisions? Were there any challenges along the way? How long did it take to find a publishing home for this book and how did you get the news? E.D.: This manuscript had at least five revisions, some of which I took to my critique group, The PBJs. Shout out to my CPs Patirica Newman, Bitsy Kemper, and Lori Mortensen. Before they saw it, however, the first challenge was figuring out how to incorporate the Latin names (and which ones to choose) without seeming didactic. Then there’s the fact that I am NOT a Botanist— or close to it. Do not ask me to name all the wildflowers on a hike. But the topic intrigued me, and it was fun to dig in. (Pardon the pun.) R.J.P.: Love the pun! And reading the story, you could've fooled me for sure... I definitely thought you at least had a green thumb if not a full-blown botany passion. So, after the book was acquired, did you go through additional rounds of revisions with your editor? If so, how did the story change? E.D.: Yes, there were definitely revisions once Sleeping Bear acquired it. We narrowed the seasonal focus to almost Spring/early summer, so that meant changing a few plants & flowers to fit the growing season. And the main character had several different names in early drafts before we settled on IZZY. Also, in early drafts a local TV news team showed up. Switching to the Green Thumb Award (no spoilers) was my editor, Sarah Rockett’s suggestion. R.J.P.: What was your reaction when you found that that you’ve been paired with #1 NYT bestselling illustrator Kate Cosgrove? E.D.: Oh, my goodness, I saw Kate’s early illustrations and was blown away by Kate’s style and palette before her book A DAY WITH NO WORDS (written by Tiffany Hammond / Wheat Penny Press) hit the NYT Bestseller list—and deservedly so. Seriously, my jaw dropped when I saw the spread of Izzy and Mom. R.J.P.: It's beautiful! I learned from your interview with Kate on your blog what her favorite spread to illustrate in the book was and her personal inspiration behind it. I’d love to know what your favorite spread of art is and why? E.D.: I’m serious when I say that each spread is absolutely magical, from the palette to the details she chose. But the one with Izzy’s mom took my breath away. And knowing that her memories of her grandma were the inspiration for that scene really explains why you feel so much love on that page. It’s truly palpable. R.J.P.: Yes, I can see that, too! What do you hope kids get away from your story after reading JUST FLOWERS? E.D.: It would be super cool if Izzy inspires others to share random acts of kindness. I’d also love to hear that Izzy’s love of all things botanical has inspired others, and perhaps there are a few more Monarch migration stations in the world. Last but not least, I hope it’s a fun read-aloud, and receives endless “read-it-again” requests. R.J.P.: And my final question is, what’s next for you? Are you working on any new projects you can share with us? Any upcoming books in the pipeline? What are you looking forward to? I recently signed a new contract that’s one of those can’t-talk-about-it-yet things right now. You know what I mean. This one began during the pandemic and went through so many revisions, it’s barely recognizable from the first drafts. (Never give up, friends!) I’ve worked with the wonderful illustrator on several other books (That’s a clue!) so I’m very thrilled to be moving forward with this. Ooh, how intriguing! I can't wait to find out more. And yes, I totally get both the "can't-talk-about-it-yet" and the "so many revisions" scenario to the point where the manuscript is barely recognizable. Thank you, Erin, for being a returning guest and for giving my readers a behind-the-scenes look at JUST FLOWERS. I wish you all the best with the book, your upcoming project, and all future ones, too! My questions for Kate Cosgrove, the illustrator: R.J.P.: Kate, what made you jump on board to illustrate this story? What did you think when you first read the manuscript? What grabbed you? K.C.: They totally had me hooked at “Sleeping Bear Press wants you to illustrate a book.” I’m from Michigan and have loved Sleeping Bear books since I was a kid. Then I received the manuscript…I had a HUGE immediate crush on the story. Izzy is such a sweet character, and the way they spread love and inclusion through discarded wildflowers is so beautiful. And just so we don’t get too sappy, the big ol’ grump of a neighbor balances everything out in very funny way. R.J.P.: Did you have any communication with Erin during the process of creating the art? K.C.: Erin connected with me a little on social media, but we didn’t discuss our book until after the editors and art directors approved everything. R.J.P.: What is your favorite sentence from the book and why? K.C.: I love the very first sentence and the way it hooks you right in the brain…That very specific sensation of being chilled by winter, bored in a way only a kid can be, and the excitement of suddenly having the monotony broken by a new neighbor to spy on… not that I would EVER be that nosy… “One blustery brr day, in a dreary dull town, a new neighbor moved in next door.” R.J.P.: Would you share your research process, if any, in preparation to illustrate all the flowers? What was your favorite flower to illustrate in the book? K.C.: This story has specific flower breeds by scientific name, so I researched all of them carefully. I did a ton of drawing just flowers (ha!) before I even got to the sketching stage. The roses were so fun to draw… And smash the different colors on top of each other to show their folds and petals. I still find myself doodling roses for fun, even after the completion of the art. R.J.P.: I love that! What do you hope the takeaway from the book is when kids read it? K.C." It would be amazing if it helped nature compete a little with screentime… encouraging kids to go outside, poke around in the dirt, smell the flowers, and notice butterflies in our world. R.J.P.: I totally agree! Please share two things that are on your bucket list, either personally or professionally. K.C.: I dream of being invited to participate in the Bath Children's Literature Festival, but even just to attend would be so cool! I love scary movies… and would love to illustrate a creepy kidlit story. R.J.P.: I hope you get to do that in the near future, Kate! Okay, so what’s next for you? Any projects in the pipeline that you can share about? What are you excited about and looking forward to? I’m working on a couple more nonfiction science books for kids through Holliday House. A Tree Is A Community by David L. Harrison releases this fall. Thank you both, Erin and Kate! It was wonderful to chat about your book and get the scoop on the journey of this story. Wishing you the best of success and looking forward to what's next. Erin Dealey is a screenwriter, playwright, blogger, and award-winning children’s author of 20+ picture books & board books (so far), including the newest, JUST FLOWERS (Illus. Kate Cosgrove /Sleeping Bear), the award-winning DEAR EARTH…From Your Friends in Room 5 (Harper Collins/ Illus. Luisa Uribe), SNOW GLOBE WISHES (Illus. Claire Shorrock / Sleeping Bear—an Anna Dewdney Read Together honor book; and silly PETER EASTER FROG (Simon & Schuster, Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/ Illus. G. Brian Karas). Dealey's original career goal was Olympic Gold Medal tetherball player. When that didn't pan out, she became a teacher, theater director, actor, mom, and author--and welcomes any opportunity to visit schools around the world. She lives in northern California with her husband. You can find her online at erindealey.com and on TwitterX @ErinDealey & Instagram @ErinDealey. Connect with Erin: Web site: http://erindealey.com/ Blog: Book Birthdays, Kidlit Interviews, Classroom Blog Takeovers http://erindealey.com/blog/ Insta: @erindealey https://www.instagram.com/erindealey/ TwitterX: @ErinDealey https://twitter.com/ErinDealey Pinterest: @erindealey https://www.pinterest.com/erindealey/ FB: Erin Dealey https://www.facebook.com/erin.dealey Kate Cosgrove is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond. This book juried into The Original Art 43rd Annual Exhibition in NYC. Cosgrove’s other notable picture books include And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and a Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honors book. The Dirt Book, Poems About Animals that Live Beneath Our Feet, which juried into The Original Art 41st Annual Exhibition in NYC, and is a 2024 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee. She’s usually hiding in her probably-haunted studio, with pencil- smudged fingers and a smelly dog named Stanley. Connect with Kate: www.katecosgrove.com Instagram @k8cosgrove Twitter @k8_cosgrove Bluesky @k8cosgrove.bsky.social Order your copy of JUST FLOWERS here. G I V E A W A Y! ! ! Comment for a chance to win your choice of either a signed copy of the book (U.S. only) or a picture book critique by Erin Dealey. And the winner is . . . Lori Tecler! Congratulations!!! Hello, everyone, and welcome back to KidLit Oasis! This is the last post of the year and I'm so excited to chat with a returning guest about her new book! Welcome back, Lauren! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis! It must mean you liked my hospitality the first time ;) but it also means you have a new book that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations! So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how is this book special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to previous ones? Is there an interesting behind-the-scenes about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out? LHK: I loved your hospitality and am excited to be back. Thank you for having me! This book is dear to my heart because although I wrote this to help children (and adults) process grief—especially my children—it really helped me process my own grief. From the jewelry box to the cucumber hiccups, pieces of my family are sprinkled throughout the book, which makes it extra special. And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)? Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring the books into the world? LHK: Honestly, the thing that surprised me the most about the process for this book was how smoothly everything went. Working with Andrea Hall and the whole team at Beaming Books was wonderful. When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction? LHK: I was THRILLED when Nanette Regan accepted the project. Her resonant and lively style felt perfect for this book. I was floored when I saw the art for the first time. And I LOVED how she incorporated butterflies throughout. It truly feels like the butterflies represent our loved ones. What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us? LHK: I am hoping to grow my ghostwriting and developmental editing work. I LOVE helping creators bring their projects to life. I also hope to finish revisions on my YA. It is an important book to me and I’d love to share it with the world. I’d also love to make sure I’m holding space for my own writing. It is tricky to balance the ghostwriting and developmental editing with my own writing. What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers? LHK: I am ECSTATIC to announce my next book, Hope Rode with Union Square Kids. It will be out in Spring 2025 and is, in essence, a love letter to librarians. It highlights the incredible tenacity and kindness of the librarians who rode for the Packhorse Library Project (a program established under the Works Progress Administration and spearheaded by Eleanor Roosevelt) in the 1930s. It is a nonfiction picture book and has been such a passion project for me. I have another soon-to-be-announced picture book coming out in 2025 as well. About Lauren Lauren H. Kerstein is an author, psychotherapist, developmental editor, and ghost writer. She is represented by Deborah Warren with East/West Literary Agency. Her writing goals are simple. Embrace feedback. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. www.LaurenKerstein.net X: @LaurenKerstein IG: @LaurenKerstein Click on the cover to order your copy of Remembering Sundays with Grandpa G I V E A W A Y! ! !
Comment below for a chance to win one of the two prizes that Lauren is so generously providing for my blog readers. Let us know which prize you prefer. 1. A signed copy of her book plus swag (U.S. only) 2. A picture book Zoom critique And the winners are... Joyce Uglow wins the book, and Kristin Coco wins the critique! Congratulations to you both! Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Kidlt Oasis Chitchat series! This is a place to get some literary recharge, inspiration, and goodies, too! I have two wonderful guests today -- an author and an illustrator duo -- and we're chatting about their new picture book, The Loud Librarian. Plus, there's a giveaway! Let's get into it, please welcome Jenna and Erika! Jenna, please tell us how the idea for this book came about. Walk us through the writing and revising process – how many drafts, how long it took to complete it, when did you share with your agent etc. JB: I was brainstorming ideas one day and the thought occurred to me that it could be funny if a very loud student (so loud she could be heard in space!) was picked to be the student-librarian. But the rest of the story took shape through lots and lots of revisions. I wish I could share an exact number of drafts, but the truth is, I don’t even know how many! I worked on this story over the course of two years, so it was revisited and revised many (many!) times over. I hear you, Jenna, I can totally relate! Let’s talk about the submission process for this project. How long did it take from submission to offer? How did you get the news? Where were you at that moment? Can you give us the juicy details around that? JB: This story has a lovely publication story. I applied for a mentorship through #PBChat, founded by Justin Colón, and was incredibly lucky to be picked by the wonderful Lindsay Leslie. Lindsay donated her time and talent to mentor me and to help make this and other stories submission ready. Lindsay taught me so much about storytelling and I am so grateful to her for believing in this story. At the mentorship showcase, The Loud Librarian was requested by several editors and an offer was made by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster. It was an absolute dream come true! When I saw the offer, I was home with my husband and my heart stopped. My husband was on a call, so I frantically pointed to my computer and jumped up and down until he logged off. We both cried happy tears. Then I called my parents and soon after, I called Lindsay to tell her the news! Wow, what an incredible story to publication! When did you find out who the illustrator was and what were your thoughts about the pairing? JB: Our editor Kristie Choi sent me Erika’s fabulous portfolio and asked for my thoughts. I had a look around and knew right away that Erika could capture the joy and curiosity of our main character, Penelope. Penelope’s loud and excitable energy was the only aspect of the story I was really thinking about at the time, and I had a wonderful feeling that Erika was the perfect pairing for the job! Erika, what did you think of the story when you were approached about illustrating it? What attracted you to the book? Why did you decide to get on board? EJ. I love it because it was the type of story I might have liked to write, but I didn’t think of it. In other words, it was my vibe (humorous, quirky character and just lots of unexpected fun) and it was being presented by a great publisher and editorial team, so I said yes. I could also relate to the main character’s passion for books. As a child I loved reading books and spending time in libraries, bookmobiles and bookstores as a little girl. So, I knew I could tap into that enthusiasm and add to this story. Finally, I felt the story stretched me and my imagination about what was possible in a picture book in really positive ways. That's amazing -- I love the way you connected to the story! Were there any challenges in the process of telling the visual story? I know that the author and the illustrator are typically not in direct contact. Was that the case with this project? Or did you have any communication with Jenna while working on the illustrations? EJ. We did not have contact during the illustration process. Jenna did have a chance to give feedback after the first round of sketches and again when the final art was turned in, but that was all communicated via our editor, Kristie Choi and the art director, Karyn Lee. Jenna, when did you first see what your main character looked like? What was it like compared to the image that you had in your mind perhaps? JB: When the “first look” for Penelope was sent, it was such a special moment. Being able to see Penelope for the first time after imagining her so long in my own imagination was absolutely wonderful. Erika perfectly captured her energy and spirit and I think I even said out loud: “there she is!” Erika, what was your favorite spread to illustrate and why? EJ: The spread where Penelope is in the library, ready to start her job as student-librarian. She is looking eagerly at Ms. Berry while two of the classmates are staring at Penelope. They are anticipating that it's going to be an “interesting” day. I love it because it captures the warmth between Penelope and Ms. Berry, and a bit of humor from her nosy classmates. Jenna, what was your favorite spread when you saw the complete dummy and why? This is a hard question! But if I had to pick, I think the scenes with the astronauts are my favorite. I love how seriously the characters take Penelope, and I think the visual of how far away they are perfectly captures how loud our little Penelope is! This question is for both of you. What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What do you wish for this story to accomplish in the hands of children? JB: What a lovely question! I hope little readers laugh out LOUD and want to read this story over and over. And I hope they realize they don’t need to change who they are to fit in. They can make their own space to showcase all the wonderful aspects of their personalities. EJ: I hope children take away that whoever you are inherently, in other words whatever quirks, likes dislikes, you are born with… you don’t have to change to be like everyone else. You will in time find your purpose, your place. Just how you are - you will shine. My final question is for both of you again. What’s next for you? What coming up, what are you working on, any new projects we should be on the lookout for, any upcoming events you’d like to share around the launch? JB: I do have a new project in the works, but it hasn’t been announced yet so I’m afraid I can’t share more information. I’m excited to do so when I can! EJ: My next book, Black Girls: A Celebration of You (Harper Collins) will be released on September 26 of this year. Dominique Furukuwa wrote this love letter to black girls and got illustrate it! I am also working on my author/illustrator debut, Zara in The Middle, which will be published by Harper Collins - date TBA. Thank you, Jenna and Erika, it was a pleasure chatting with you! I wish you all the best with the book and your future projects. Jenna, I'll be on the lookout for that announcement, and Erika, I look forward to your upcoming release and to seeing you again around Dallas! Dear readers, see below on how you can enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of The Loud Librarian. Also, make sure you connect with Jenna and Erika. Order your copy HERE or click on the cover! Jenna Beatrice is a children’s author, lawyer, and mom. She began her legal career as a lawyer for children before becoming a litigator and a trustee of a children’s advocacy center. As an author, Jenna now shares the joy of reading with young children. Jenna lives in northern New Jersey with her husband and their young son. The Loud Librarian (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster) is her debut picture book. To learn more about Jenna, please visit her at jennabeatrice.com. SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @jbeatricebooks Instagram: @jennabeatricebooks Erika enjoys creating quirky characters and stories that affirm and celebrate cultures. Her creative mission is to show every child they are worthy of good and deserve positive representations of themselves in literature. She loves working in mixed media and collage because it reminds her of time spent with her mom, who helped make sure all of her school projects had that special artistic shine. She grew up in St. Louis and now lives in the Dallas area with her husband and three daughters. To learn more about Erika, please visit her at erikalynnejones.com. Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/erikalynnejones/ https://twitter.com/ErikaLynneJones G I V E A W A Y! Post a comment below for a chance to win a copy of The Loud Librarian Hello, writers, artists, readers, educators, parents.... and all! Thank you for being here! Remember, this is a place to refresh your mind, recharge your spirit, and get literary inspired! And what a double treat I have for you on KidLit Oasis this week! I am so excited to be talking with a pair of creators, author Beth Anderson and Illustrator Anne Lambelet, and their amazing newly released picture book, CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER. Welcome, Beth and Anne! I can't wait to hear about your collaboration and all the juicy details, the behind-the-scenes in the creation of this book, and the wisdom you have to share with my readers. I know we will all be inspired and enriched by your journey with this book. Beth, please tell us how the idea for this story came about? Walk us through the writing and revising process – how many drafts, how long it took to complete it, when did you share with your agent etc. BA: I had come across Deborah Sampson in the past but wasn’t grabbed by what little I knew about her. Then in 2019, an article appeared about a diary that was found with a reference to Sampson’s failed attempt at enlisting. This caught my attention, because primary source discoveries do that, and suddenly I considered her challenges. It was clearly a story that needed to be told, but I didn’t have any idea of how to tell it… and I wasn’t hooked emotionally. I started researching in the summer of 2019. After only one draft in October 2019, I was totally stuck. I focused on Sampson as a mystery, inviting the reader to imagine with me and question the various aspects of her story—because the research raised so many questions due to a lot of misinformation. But it was distant and really didn’t work. In January 2020 I prepared for the release of LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, a series of school visits, a conference, and a trip to NYC. Then Covid hit. For a while, I couldn’t get words on the page. At the end of April, I picked up the Sampson manuscript and tried again. I needed to work on something. The research became a lesson in historical detective work and required me to search farther and wider. After lots more digging, I began to find the person. And then, I was hooked. After about 15 revisions, I shared it with my agent. (But really, it was still not ready.) Let’s hear about the submission process. How long did it take from submission to offer? How did you get the news? Where were you at that moment? Can you give us the juicy details around that? BA: We did an exclusive submission in July 2020 to Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek. I’d worked with her on five other books. Because it only went to one editor, it played out a bit differently than usual. It was basically an R&R&R&R&R&R. I took it through 8-10 more revisions, sharing a few along the way with the editor, before receiving an offer in October. And then, of course, a few more revisions under contract. I had shifted how I attacked a draft with this story, and I think it resulted in more pre-writing and fewer revisions initially, though it still ended up close to my usual 30. As we all were adjusting to a new normal, this manuscript just happened differently. I was mentally a bit clogged in that first year of the pandemic, and publishing seemed to slow. But the editor’s interest kept me going. So many challenges with this story! When did you find out who the illustrator was and what were your thoughts about the pairing? BA: I always ask my agent, Stephanie Fretwell-Hill about illustrators, and share our thoughts when the editor asks about my vision. Anne is also one of Stephanie’s clients, and her name came up immediately. Her style seemed a great fit, and I loved her work. And so did the editor! Anne, what did you think of the story when you were approached about illustrating it? What attracted you to the book? Why did you decide to get on board? AL: I was immediately excited by the manuscript! I love empowering stories about strong, female characters, and it was even more exciting knowing that Deborah Sampson was a real — but mostly unknown— historical figure. The book felt like an opportunity to shed some light on a woman who deserved more widespread attention and admiration. I also live in Philadelphia, a city bursting with revolutionary war-era history that I’ve developed a lot of pride in, so I was also very excited to create art for that time period. Were there any challenges in the process of telling Deborah’s story in the art? Did you collaborate with Beth while working on the illustrations? AL: I’d say the biggest challenge for me was making sure that everything was completely historically accurate. Illustrating a book can often feel like directing a film. You have the script, but in every image, you need to design costumes, dress sets, furnish props, cast actors. There are so many small details to consider, and, with non-fiction, that takes a lot of research. It’s crucial that each choice be correct for the time period, whether it be as important as the color of a military uniform or as seemingly insignificant as what side dish is sitting out on a dining table. Though our editor served as a go-between for Beth and me, there was a lot of back and forth between us — as well as an additional historical expert — to make sure that I was depicting this era just right. Beth, when did you first see what Deborah’s character looked like in sketches? What was it like compared to the image that you had in your mind perhaps? BA: I saw the first dummy in April 2021. Amazing! The only historical images of Deborah Sampson are crudely done and not flattering—no photographs exist. Consequently, I didn’t have a detailed image in my mind, just someone likeable and, I guess, average. Anne’s rendering nailed it—a rather plain woman, yet both strong and vulnerable, that lets the reader think she could be anyone and makes her ability to pass as a man believable. Anne, what was your favorite spread to illustrate and why? AL: There were several spreads that I really enjoyed working on, but my favorite was probably the battle scene where Deborah gets shot in the leg. The text on the spread was charged with so much urgency and energy that, even on the first read-through of the manuscript, images for that particular excerpt were already popping into my head. I loved piecing together all the little vignettes so that the reader’s eye flows across the spread through Beth’s words, hopefully evoking the same movement and action. Plus, I love drawing trees, so it also felt fun and spontaneous letting those hints of landscape fill in the background. Beth, what was your favorite spread when you saw the complete dummy and why? BA: The opening spread is my favorite. Initially, it was on one page, when it was expanded to the full spread, and when I saw it in color….WOW!! The depth of the art that I already felt beautifully introduced us to Deborah and the idea that she was sort of “uncontainable” was amazing. The opening text poses a large, complicated question—what makes us who we are? I had to introduce the reader to this child and the context of the time in as few words as possible, but words that would make you want to turn the page. I couldn’t even imagine how an illustrator would support that big, complicated idea. Anne’s art so perfectly brings the idea home, lets us see this child, and immerses us in emotion. There is SO MUCH in that spread! It gives me goosebumps! This question is for both of you, Beth, and Anne. What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What do you wish for this story to accomplish in the hands of children? BA: With all the stories I tell, I hope kids will widen their view of the world just a bit and see that everyone is a part of history. This is so much what Sampson’s story is about. How she wanted more than she was handed, saw herself as capable, and pushed past gender roles. And mostly how she turned challenges into chances. I want kids to see possibility in their own lives and know they are capable beings. AL: I hope that readers see the importance of staying strong no matter the obstacles, of believing in yourself even if the rest of society seems against you, and, finally, that gender does not define a person’s capacity for dedication, hard work, bravery and perseverance. My final question is for both of you again. What’s next for you? What coming up, what are you working on, any new projects we should be on the lookout for, any upcoming events you’d like to share around the launch? BA: Anne and I “met” with Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins, CO, for a virtual chat on Facebook Live to celebrate our launch. If you missed it, please look for the link to the recording on my website. It’s truly special for an author and illustrator to get an opportunity to discuss a book and ask all the questions they wondered about in the process of creating it. I’m very excited about THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE which releases in fall 2023. The illustrations by Jeremy Holmes are fabulous! I’m awaiting the final art and just know it will blow me over. There’s nothing I love more than a story with history, humor, AND science! HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: KATE WARNE AND THE RACE TO SAVE PRESIDENT LINCOLN is currently with illustrator Sally Wern Comport. I can’t wait to see the sketches! And I’m working on final revisions for a story, as yet unannounced, about another amazing young woman. My desk is currently covered with articles and timelines and notes and books on my next WIP as I eke out a first draft, the hardest part for me. AL: I’m currently illustrating a non-fiction picture book by Penny Parker Klostermann about another strong, female, historical figure named Nan Songer. She raised spiders during WWII and harvested their silk which she then sold to the US military for use in gun sights. I am also very excited to announce that I’m currently beginning work on my first graphic novel for which I am both the author and the illustrator. This book is a non-fiction tour of the amazing abilities of cephalopods, and the readers’ guide on the tour is an adorable dumbo octopus named Grimpy. My biggest upcoming project however is that, in November, I’ll become a mom for the first time! With a baby arriving so soon, publication dates for the Nan Songer book and the octopus graphic novel aren’t until 2025. Huge congrats on all fronts, Anne! Doesn't get more exciting than that!! And wow, Beth, you are on fire for sure! I can't wait to see all those books, too! Thank you both for being my guests on KidLit Oasis -- it was such a pleasure chatting with you, and I wish you many more successes, lots of joy in everything you do, and tons of creative bliss! Order your copy of Cloaked in Courage HERE Educator Guide: cloaked-in-courage_educatordiscussion-guide.pdf About Beth Anderson Beth Anderson, a former educator, has always marveled at the power of books. With linguistics and reading degrees, a fascination with language, and a penchant for untold tales, she strives for accidental learning in the midst of a great story. Beth lives in Loveland, Colorado where she laughs, ponders, and questions; and hopes to inspire kids to do the same. She’s the award-winning author of CLOAKED IN COURAGE, FRANZ’S PHANTASMAGORICAL MACHINE, REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT, TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE, “SMELLY” KELLY AND HIS SUPER SENSES, LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT!, and AN INCONVENIENT ALPHABET. Beth has more historical picture books on the way. About Anne LambeletAnne Lambelet earned her bachelor’s degree in illustration from the University of the Arts in 2014. After graduating she immediately dove into her career as a freelance illustrator working with clients such as HarperCollins, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Owlcrate. Her first author-illustrated picture book, Maria the Matador, was published in 2019, and she’s been both writing and illustrating books for young readers ever since. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, her adorable dog, Eevee, her obese (but also adorable) cat Fitzgerald, and, very soon, a brand new baby. She is currently represented by Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of Red Fox Literary. Connect with Anne: Website: http://www.annelambelet.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annelambelet/ G I V E A W A Y! ! ! Leave a comment on this post to be entered in the drawing for a chance to win a copy of CLOAKED IN COURAGE. Good luck! Welcome, Michelle! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication. Thank you, Rosie, for welcoming me to your Chitchat series on KidLit Oasis. It’s so valuable for writers, pre-published or multi-published, to read about journeys to publication because they are each so unique! Every creative should keep in mind that each person’s path contains bumps and turns, but also joys and celebrations. Here are a few highlights of mine… I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a child. Being an author was my dream ever since my third-grade teacher assigned us to write and illustrate our own picture books. The PTA moms made our stories into real books from donated fabric and cereal boxes. I will never forget holding that book in my hands! Fast forward thirty years, I reconsidered that dream while living in Belgium. During my graduate and teaching years in the States, I had written, published, and won recognition for my adult poetry. But having children sparked once again my dream of publishing a picture book. I spent years writing bedtime stories and then years revising those stories. While querying, I was often told that they were “too quiet.” So, I wrote some “less quiet” stories, two of which were published as early readers. I also wrote a couple middle grade manuscripts. I eventually queried an agent with a middle grade novel, who then asked to see any picture books manuscripts I had. I sent her a few. And in the end, this agent, Essie White of Storm Literary Agency, signed me as a client because she loved my quieter, more literary stories. It may have taken more years than I could have ever anticipated for Teddy Let’s Go! to be published, but it did find the perfect publishing home at Enchanted Lion Books. I am so thrilled that readers everywhere will be able to meet Teddy on December 6, 2022. Would you walk us through the experience of getting the news of your publishing offer? How long after submission did it happen? Were you aware that it went to acquisitions or was it a surprise? How did you get the news (email, phone call, text) and where were you/what were you doing when that happened? What was your immediate reaction? Who was the first person you shared the news with? I'm always curious about how other authors experienced this particular moment of "The News" so, please give us all the juicy details! :) Teddy Let’s Go! went on submission in Spring 2016. And then one afternoon in Fall 2018, I was writing in my office when an email popped up from my agent. I read it several times to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood! Claudia Zoe Bedrick at Enchanted Lion Books wanted to publish Teddy Let’s Go! and Nahid Kazemi was already on board to illustrate it! Almost immediately after responding to Essie, I sent an email to my husband, and I couldn’t wait to pick up my daughters from school! But other than them, no one could know. Because Claudia is the publisher at ELB, the manuscript didn’t go to an acquisitions meeting. But paperwork and contracts take time. So, I didn’t sign a contract until the following Spring 2019. The deal was finally listed in Publisher’s Weekly, and I could share the news with everyone… What a hard secret to keep! What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated? The most challenging aspect of publishing is the business side because so much is out of the author’s control. All we can do, as writers or illustrators, is to keep learning, growing, and producing our best work. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to know what trends will be in the marketplace. As writers, we can’t, nor should we, control how quickly illustrations get done. Although publishing is a slow process, there are many rewards along the way: crafting the perfect phrase or metaphor, meeting a fellow creative that becomes a dear friend, having the opportunity to learn from more experienced authors, finally connecting with the dream agent, … and then of course getting that email and phone call to talk about the publisher who wants your work. I feel very privileged to be able to know and work with Claudia and the team at Enchanted Lion. I’ve admired their books for years! It’s greatly satisfying to be publishing Teddy Let’s Go! with ELB. What helps me stay motivated is the craft of writing. I really enjoy it! I love putting myself in my characters’ shoes, joining them on adventures, discovering their lives (fiction and NF), and imagining the readers who might need their stories. Another motivation is hearing about other people’s creative journeys. We’re all in this together no matter how different our paths are. Particularly in the kid lit community, the camaraderie and encouragements I’ve received along the way have been invaluable. Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like? When I have a new idea for a picture book, I write it all down without stopping to edit. It’s often a long mess of words. But then I get to edit, and I enjoy editing. I see the first draft as a blob of clay or chunk of stone that needs sculpted and chipped away. I find that fun. However, when writing a novel, I’ll write as much as I can in a day. When I go back to it, I reread what I’ve written, edit a bit, and then continue writing. Usually about five to ten chapters in, I’ll have a really good idea of my characters, setting, and what I want to happen. At that point, I write a rough outline before going any further with the manuscript. No matter the manuscript, I’ll revise until I can’t see where else I can improve it. This is when I share it with critique partners. When no one has any other suggestions that can improve the work, I’ll do another read-through and send it to Essie. She gives wonderful feedback. So, I consider her comments and make necessary changes. Looking back, what do you consider your biggest publishing career accomplishment so far? What are some of the things you'd like to accomplish in the next year from now? My biggest accomplishment is not quitting. At least for a year before signing with Storm Literary, I would ask myself monthly, “When do I stop?” And then someone, a critique partner, another writer, or feedback from webinar or conference would say just what I needed to hear to go one more month. To anyone reading this who is nodding their head, relating to the doubts, let this be your “don’t stop” message. If you’re reading this, you care enough about your craft and your audience to keep going. What I’d like to accomplish in the next year from now is to polish my MG verse novel and have it ready for submission (hopefully in the next few months). I also have a new idea for a picture book in verse I would like to explore. What is your vision for this book? What kind of impact do you hope it would have on readers? I envision my book being shared with grandparents, parents, children, and siblings at home, in school, and at library readings. I hope it reaches an audience who appreciates it and that it brings them joy. I hope the story touches readers’ hearts and helps them feel loved and know they have a lot of love to give as well. So, what's coming up next for you? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers? Teddy Let’s Go! releases December 6, but I’m having a special pre-launch event at my local bookstore, Park Road Books in Charlotte, NC on November 19. My December calendar is filling up with local events, but I am looking forward to travel and virtual events in the new year as well. For a signed copy, please order from my local bookstore and mention that you’d like it signed in the comment section at checkout: Park Road Books Michelle Nott is a dual-nationality author who finds inspiration in her family, her travels, and particularly in American and French literature, culture, and art. Born in the United States, Michelle has also lived in France and in Belgium. Michelle taught French (pre-K, elementary, high school, and college) and Creative Writing (high school) before focusing her attention on writing for children. She finds crafting picture books an ideal way to combine her love and respect for children, language, and fine art. She strives to share this passion with readers of all ages. Teddy Let’s Go! is Michelle’s third book for children and her debut picture book. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and their rescue dog. G I V E A W A Y! ! ! One lucky winner will receive a fiction picture book critique from Michelle! Just comment on this post by 11/28/22 to be entered in the drawing. Hello, KidLit Oasis fans, friends, and new visitors! I am so excited to be chatting with my guest today, because I've known her for quite a while now, and we've been through a lot together, have become friends, critiques partners, and agent-sisters (again!). So, it's a real pleasure to feature her picture book debut, to celebrate her publishing-dream-come-true and to have her share her path leading up to this moment, so that her story inspires many aspiring authors out there, too. And without further ado.... Welcome, Emily! How awesome is it that you're here, and we get to share your book joy with the world?! You're also giving my readers the scoop and I can't wait for everyone to hear about what it's been like for you being a writer, how you got started, and what events led to the birth of this book-baby. So, please briefly describe your journey to publication. A: My first introduction to writing came in second grade with Mrs. Lavender in Young Author’s Club. I wrote several titles like The Silly Crocdeil [sic] and captivating stories like The Wagon that are, sadly, not likely to be published. Ha! My love for writing reignited as an adult after moving to the third state in six years, and I needed an outlet. From there, I joined SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) to help make friends and have a hobby just for myself. Several incredible critique partners, three agents, and too-many-rejections-to-count later, my debut picture book is being published on February 22, 2023! Q: Would you walk us through the experience of getting the news of your publishing offer? How long after submission did it happen? Were you aware that it went to acquisitions or was it a surprise? How did you get the news (email, phone call, text) and where were you/what were you doing when that happened? What was your immediate reaction? Who was the first person you shared the news with? I'm always curious about how other authors experienced this particular moment of "The News" so, please give us all the juicy details! :) It was the most average, nothing-going-on evening. I happened to be visiting my parents, and we were sitting on the sofa with the TV on in the background while we all scrolled our devices. It's true what they say that often the most extraordinary moments often occur when we least expect them. An email popped up from Molly, my editor at Yeehoo Press, and I [reluctantly] opened it, thinking it would be yet another rejection. But it wasn't. My breath hitched. I stood. I mumbled, "Oh my gosh..." My parents and husband looked up at me, and didn't say anything, waiting for me to say what I was reading on my phone (probably it was something from a news article or social media!). I said, "I'm going to be published." Just like that. That simple, that still, that dream-affirming, that life-changing. Then the tears flowed, the congratulations poured out, and it was all celebration after that! It took about two months from when I pitched to them, and they made an offer. It was very fast for industry standards and a complete surprise! I had no idea it had gone to acquisitions. Q: What do you find most challenging in this business, either on the creative or publishing side of things? What do you find most rewarding? What helps you stay motivated? A: Most challenging has to be the waiting. I used to say the rejections, but rejections at least mean someone is reading and responding to what’s being written. There’s progress in rejections. But waiting for any kind of response can feel like a silent torture of sorts—is it any good? Is it garbage? Did my edits make a difference? The mind can make up all kinds of scenarios to explain the industry silence, and needless to say, we’re often our harshest critics. 😊 Most rewarding are the friendships made along the way. There’s something innately bonding powering through the sludge of rejections with others by your side and going on a journey of indescribably bad odds together. We’re tethered together when we weather the publishing storms as critique groups, agent-siblings, and overall writing besties and soldier on anyway. When one of us makes it, it motivates the rest of to not give up. To stay motivated? I write almost every day. It doesn’t have to be a high word count, or several chapters revised. Sometimes it’s new concepts or even a stream of consciousness on walks in my Notes app. After over 25 picture books and four completed novels, I love the feeling of “having just written” as Robert Hass once described as the only tolerable state of writing. Ha! I’m not sure it’s the only tolerable part, but the act of creating something from nothing—and to know there’s power in the statement, something transformative that may connect me with a reader—is a sublime. Art by Albert Arrayas Q: Could you share any craft tools or techniques that you find most helpful to you when working on a project? What does your revision process look like? A: When writing novels, I wish I could say I’m a “panster” meaning I write by the seat of my pants. 😊 The creative juices just flow from my fingertips, and I’m lost to the writing. But that’s not me! I’m a “plotter” meaning I outline the heck out of my stuff. I have Excel sheets with chapter outlines, plot points, character details (cars they drive, hair and eye color, personality quarks, etc.) and I’m meticulous in my outlining. Novel writing is an exercise in gradually swelling core concept, sanding down rough-edged plot points to make a well-rounded story arc. For picture book writing, it’s about trusting your audience (those little readers who are wise beyond their years!). Instead of focusing on what I want to tell young people, I think about how I want to be a part of their experience. We’re all just young people in bigger bodies, so what are the elements of empathy in all experience that are longing to be shared? I’m always looking for those. Humor helps. 😊 My best advice for anyone looking for tips and tricks to get started or improve their craft is to read-read-read and read some more. Study it. Break it down. Reading is a masterclass in writing. There is always something you can learn from someone else who’s been there before. Q: What do you consider your biggest publishing career accomplishment so far? On the flip side, what are some of the things you'd like to accomplish in the next year from now? A: I’m proud to be a two-time, award-winning picture book writer from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in two different writing contests I entered. It’s a tremendous privilege to be acknowledged by professionals (agents, editors, and fellow authors) who evaluate entries. This year I was also shortlisted in the Maggie Award, the annual Romance Writers of America, Georgia Chapter contest, for the best Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance category. I’ll be attending a Gala in October where the winner will be announced. I can’t wait! My goals for the coming year include more publishing deals (obviously!) and breaking into the adult fiction market with my romance novels. I’d love to see my debut picture book, Opal’s Springtime Birdhouse, hit the bestseller lists too! Art by Albert Arrayas Q: What is your vision for this book? What kind of impact do you hope it would have on readers? A: I hope Opal’s Springtime Birdhouse, my debut coming out in February, ignites a renewed interest in woodworking and carpentry for girls. Power tools, building, craftsmanship, etc. as an angle of STEM that’s often overlooked. Somebody’s got to build the bookshelves that hold all the books! Might as well be the readers themselves. 😊 Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any new releases, exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers? A: The preorders have started for Opal’s Springtime Birdhouse, and I’m looking for author visits! My publisher, Yeehoo Press, is also creating birdhouse craft kits to go along with the book’s release for added engagement and turning reading into application. It’s been such a pleasure working with Yeehoo Press with all their expertise and engagement. Hopefully I’ll get to share with you good news about my other works my agent, Jennifer Herrington, and I have on submission in the coming months. Fingers crossed! Art by Albert Arrayas I am sooo keeping my fingers crossed for you about all of it-- the Gala in October (I want to hear all about it and see the pictures of you winning the award!), for Opal hitting the bestsellers' list, and for a new book contract! Thanks for being a guest, I had a great time chatting, and I hope my readers enjoyed learning more about you and that they'll share Opal's Springtime Birdhouse with the young kids in their lives. Let's plan for you to come back with your next book soon, okay? All the best with the launch and beyond! Congratulations again, Emily! Click on the book cover to pre-order your copy About Emily Emily Matheis is a two-time, award-winning picture book author through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and romance writer shortlisted for the Maggie Award. She writes books for both children and adults with women and girls in intelligent, adaptable, and exemplifying roles that surpass the bounds of gender stereotypes. Connect with Emily: Website: www.emilymatheis.com Instagram: @emilymatheisauthor TikTok: @emilymatheisauthor Twitter: @emilymahdice G I V E A W A Y! ! ! Leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win either a picture book critique or a copy of Opal's Springtime Birdhouse. Two random winners will be selected. Steena Hernandez (a copy of the book) Lynn McCracken (PB critique) C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! ! In other news...
Here's an opportunity to have your picture book critiqued by Yeehoo Editor Helen Wu or Context Literary Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez AND also attend a transformational Picture Book Writers' Retreat this fall! Check out this spectacular in-person event and all the details HERE Welcome back, Patricia Newman! Thank you for returning to the KidLit Oasis as my guest—which means you liked my hospitality the first time ☺, but it also means you have a new book coming out that you'll be sharing with our readers! Congratulations! So, first, let me ask you this: I know that every book is special to its author in a particular way—how is this book special to you? Dear to your heart in a different way? What was the experience like, compared to previous ones? A: Hi, Rosie. Thanks for that warm welcome. Like most of my books, A RIVER’S GIFTS happened by accident. In the fall of 2018, my husband was chatting with a colleague about what her college-aged triplets did over the summer. She mentioned that Theo, one of the triplets, worked on the Elwha River Restoration in Washington. Engineers had just breached two dams to drain Lake Aldwell above the one-hundred-year-old Elwha Dam and Lake Mills above the eighty-five-year-old Glines Canyon Dam. Theo helped replant the barren lakebed with native seeds and seedlings, one member of a small army of botanists and volunteers who would go on to plant 400,000 plants on 800 acres of lakebed over seven years. After hearing about this amazing effort, my husband came home and said here’s your next book. His instincts are good after living with me for thirty-eight years, so, I started digging. Every fascinating piece of information I found led to more questions, which led to more digging. I gravitate toward these complex environmental stories with several stakeholders. For A RIVER’S GIFTS, I worked with a scientist at the Olympic National Park and several different members of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, aka The Strong People. I loved that the Elwha’s story focuses on environmental justice and our connection to nature. The river’s restoration was a community effort characterized by hope and renewal. One reviewer called A RIVER’S GIFTS an example of rewilding, and I completely agree. Is there an interesting behind-the-scenes about the idea for the story, its creation, an unusual journey to publication perhaps? What stands out? A: One particularly thorny question we had was: Did The Strong People build weirs across the Elwha to trap fish? Sources at the National Park said probably not because the Elwha is a fast-moving river, but tribal sources said the weirs were likely. A tribal librarian found the proof for me, but to complicate matters, that proof was not scheduled to be publicly released until after A RIVER’S GIFTS was published. I had a decision to make. I went with the tribe’s traditional knowledge, knowing that someday verifiable documents would also be available to support the tribal wisdom. Q: And to piggyback on the questions above, did anything surprise you with this book or the publisher's approach (whether it was the same publisher or a new one)? Did you learn anything new? Was it harder or easier to bring the book into the world? A: I always learn a ton of new stuff when writing a book. I LOVE research and I think that’s the main reason I write nonfiction. As I mentioned, nature is a particular interest of mine because most of us don’t understand our connections to nature and how it supports us. Whenever I find a story that highlights CONNECTION, I need to know more. If you are familiar with Planet Ocean, Sea Otter Heroes, Eavesdropping on Elephants, Zoo Scientists to the Rescue or Plastic, Ahoy!, you know those books are for middle-grade readers and illustrated with photos. With A RIVER’S GIFTS, I proposed something brand new to my editor, Carol Hinz at Millbrook Press/Lerner. I knew this book needed to be illustrated because the story begins thousands of years ago when the Elwha River first formed. I also proposed a 48-page picture book format, which is much longer than the standard 32-page picture book. Add to those changes, a completely new, lyrical writing style to mimic the river’s flow that Carol had never seen from me before. I admit I took a calculated risk, but I wrote my proposal to show why the book needed these elements, which I hoped justified the extra production expense. Q: When did you find out who the illustrator was for the project and were you asked for an input? What was it like working with the illustrator for this book? When did you first see the art and what was your reaction? A: Yes, definitely. Carol proposed Natasha Donovan as the illustrator right from the start. I immediately knew she was right for the project. Natasha is Métis and lives near the Elwha River, so the Pacific Northwest flora and fauna are in her blood. The cover image of her website shows young salmon in a river habitat! I first saw sketches from Natasha. Sketches with bold dark lines but no color. Even in her sketches Natasha recreated the rough and tumble of the river. I was hooked, but when she added color, I fell in love with the spreads. They perfectly capture the movement and beauty of the Elwha River and its importance to The Strong People’s culture, livelihood, and spirituality. Q: What do you hope to accomplish within the next 2-3 years? Any specific goals or aspirations—personal or writing related—that you could share with us? A: I want to keep showing up for nature, finding hidden connections to help readers appreciate and understand why the environment is worth saving. Q: What's coming up for you next? Please tell us about any other exciting news, upcoming events or anything else you'd like to share with our readers? A: I have proposals written for two other amazing nature stories, so cross your fingers that editors like them! In my immediate future I will be presenting a one-hour webinar for Writing Blueprints on creating a nonfiction children’s book proposal. After that I am traveling to Georgia to speak to preservice teachers about the wonders of nonfiction: the components of today’s nonfiction and how to use it in the classroom to teach writing and to support content area instruction. Critically acclaimed author of nonfiction books for children and recipient of a Sibert Honor, Patricia Newman empowers her readers to seek connections to the real world and to use their imaginations to act on behalf of their communities. Using social and environmental injustice as inspiration for books, Patricia frequently speaks to adults and children share how we can affect change. |
About Rosie J. PovaRosie J. Pova is a multi-published, award-winning children's author and kid lit Writing Coach. She's the creator of Picture Book Mastery System™ that is proven to help emerging children's writers advance their career and get closer to their publishing goals.
Rosie's latest picture book, Sunday Rain, was featured in The New York Times and recommended by Parents magazine. Her upcoming picture book, The School of Failure: A Story About Success will be released in the spring of 2022 in both China and the USA. Rosie also loves to visit schools and her interactive workshops empower students to unleash their creativity and grow in confidence through reading, writing, and creating. Teachers and librarians love Rosie for her bubbly, upbeat personality which captures students' attention, encourages them to think creatively, and motivates them to pursue big dreams. She has been featured on TV, radio, podcasts, and print media, and also speaks on women's and moms’ topics, sharing her journey from a Bulgarian immigrant to a published author. Find out more about Rosie's online courses, mentorships, and her work by visiting her website: RosieJPova.com Check out her Critique Services here, her Workshops here, and her school visits page here. Rosie is represented by Jackie Kruzie of Focused Artists. Twitter: @RosiePOV Archives
July 2024
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