Chitchat with Debut Author Emily Matheis plus a Double Giveaway!

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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!
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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.
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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

Craft kit.
Take a look at the Google Survey for what consumers preferred HERE

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

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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.

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Connect with Emily:

Website: www.emilymatheis.com
Instagram: @emilymatheisauthor 
TikTok: @emilymatheisauthor 
Twitter: @emilymahdice 

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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