Rosie J. Pova Children's Author
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Chitchat with Author Kelly Jordan

4/21/2020

31 Comments

 
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Hello, dear readers!

Welcome back to the Oasis ― it's great to have you here! As you probably already know, this is the place to refresh your spirits, recharge your creativity, and get a literary mood boost! How great is that?! 

Now, once again, stretch your smiles wide and get comfy and cozy for a lovely chitchat because today we have another awesome creative on the KidLit Oasis series... Children's author Kelly Jordan is here to share some wisdom, insight, and inspiration with us! Plus, there's a giveaway -- hooray!

Welcome, Kelly! Thank you for joining us on the blog. Please briefly describe your journey to publication.

A: I initially wrote the manuscript for The Little Blue Cottage as an exercise in Laurel Snyder’s picture book class offered through Decatur Writers Studio in early 2016. The assignment was to write a story drawn from our own personal experiences. When I thought about the places and moments that meant the most to me in childhood (and as an adult!), my dad’s bay cottage came to mind. My brother, dad, and I always have referred to it as “Blackwater” for the dark color of the water in East Bay, Florida. It’s a simple place, but one where time tends to slow down. When I think of Blackwater, it’s inextricably linked to the love I feel for my dad, as well as boat rides, skiing, seeing pods of dolphins, and long afternoons swimming. To me, it has always been a place that represents simplicity, beauty, pure joy, and magic.

After writing the initial draft, I spent two years revising and shelving the story. I felt like there was something there, but it didn’t quite fit the “quirky, funny” picture books that it seemed everyone was looking for. So, I held off on pitching it to any agents or publishers.

During #PBPitch in 2018, I Tweeted a pitch of The Little Blue Cottage and Charlotte Wenger, former editor at Page Street Kids liked it! Since I got a “like” from her, it was an open invitation to submit to Charlotte. So, I did! She and I sent the draft back and forth for various revisions, then, in August 2018, she sent me a publishing contract. I didn’t stop smiling for weeks! Through the process, I was also able to find my amazing agent, Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of Red Fox Literary! 
 
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: I’d say the most challenging aspects of both writing and publishing are patience and perseverance. You’re going to receive a ton of rejections and it hurts every time. But, you get tough! And, it’s important to remember that when you get rejected, it’s nothing personal. At the end of the day, publishing is a business. So, I always do my best to keep perspective and to take those rejections as opportunities to practice and learn. I also allow myself to feel disappointed and sad. When you work hard on something, it’s ok to let yourself feel! The important thing is to move on and keep pursuing your dreams!

The most rewarding aspects of writing are the sense of accomplishment I feel when the words and story finally come together and I get to hear from another person (be it my husband, a critique partner, or my agent), “I love this so much!” To have your words evoke emotion from another person or to transport someone is such an amazing feeling!
I’m a huge reader and I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I also find that when I’m my happiest, I’m writing! So, those two things keep me motivated, as well as the cheerleading I receive from my critique partners.

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: My critique partners are by and large the most helpful and valuable part of my revising process. These people are all incredibly insightful and honest in their feedback. I typically let a new draft sit for a few days or weeks—until I have a bit of separation from the work. Then, I work on revising the draft until the language and the heart are at a place where I’d like them to be. At that point, I print the story, read it out loud, and record myself reading it, which helps me hear awkward phrasings or unnecessary words. Then, if I really love the story, my husband reads it. After that, my critique partners review it and I make revisions that feel right based on their feedback. Finally, when it’s clean and as good as I can get it, I send it to my agent!
 
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: My debut picture book, The Little Blue Cottage, illustrated by the fabulous Jessica Courtney-Tickle will be released by Page Street Kids May 12, 2020. Depending on whether we will still be social distancing or not, I’ll either do in-store events and school events throughout the Southeast or several virtual events to promote the book. Please check my website for updates and to order the book!

My second book, Chase the Moon, Tiny Turtle: A Hatchling’s Daring Race to the Sea, illustrated by Sally Walker, will also be published by Page Street Kids March 2, 2021.

​Thank you, Kelly, it was a pleasure chatting with you, and congratulations on the Kirkus starred review! I couldn't agree more about the most rewarding aspects of writing you talked about -- "the sense of accomplishment when the words and story finally come together" and also "to have your words evoke emotion from another person." That's how I feel, too!

Wishing you all the best with this book and all future projects!

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Readers, please support our featured authors/illustrators any way you could: by following them on Twitter and Instagram, requesting their books through your local library, posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course, purchasing their books from your local indie bookstore.

I hope you enjoyed this post and will be back soon. Shares on social media are also appreciated, thank you!



                                    G I V E A W A Y!!!

Kelly is giving away one picture book critique! 
Comment on this post to be entered. The winner will be announced next week. 

Connect with Kelly Jordan:

Website: kellyjordan.com

Instagram: @kellyjordanwrites
Kelly Jordan is a children’s book author represented by Stephanie Fretwell-Hill of Red Fox Literary. Her Kirkus-starred debut picture book, THE LITTLE BLUE COTTAGE, will be released by Page Street Kids May 12, 2020, followed by CHASE THE MOON, TINY TURTLE: A HATCHLING’S DARING RACE FROM LAND TO SEA (also by Page Street Kids) March 4, 2021. She is a member of both SCBWI and 12x12, and is actively involved in the Atlanta writing community. A lifelong lover of words, Jordan is also a freelance writer and editor, whose articles have appeared in such publications as Atlanta magazine, Georgia Travel Guide, Redbook, Southern Living, Paste, Darling, and Flavors. Jordan is a Gulf Coast native and a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism. She is currently enrolled in Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Communication program. She lives in Decatur, Georgia, with her husband, cat, and dog. ​
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If you'd like to support my work, consider ordering any of my books while also supporting your local indie bookstores. (Click on the image to order.) Thanks!

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And the giveaway winner of Heather Macht's PB critique and copy of her book is...
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Jackie!!!
​Congrats, Jackie! We'll be in touch soon...
31 Comments
Gabrielle
4/21/2020 09:31:07 pm

This was a fantastic interview! The timing was perfect as it helped lift me out of a slump.
Thanks so much!

Reply
Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 02:49:21 pm

Gabrielle,
I'm so happy this interview helped to inspire you and to raise your spirits a bit. It's been tough for me to keep a positive attitude throughout the pandemic and I've found that listening to podcasts and reading about writing tend to make me happier too. I'm glad to connect with others through Rosie's wonderful blog. Thank you for the comment and please take care.

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Anneliese Schultz link
4/21/2020 10:18:54 pm

Having happily attended several of Laurel Snyder's sessions at a Colorado SCBWI workshop, I can see how working with her could lead to a successful book! I'm still revising a PB manuscript my son and I had started just before I met her. "The Little Blue Cottage" looks so intriguing, and is now on my list. Thanks for this heartening interview.

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 02:51:53 pm

Laurel is such a wonderful teacher and human. I feel so fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to take one of her classes. I'm so glad you were able to attend a few of her sessions as well! Take your time on revising. The Little Blue Cottage went through AT LEAST 25 different revisions, some of them drastic. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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Sara Ackerman
4/21/2020 10:40:52 pm

Congratulations, Jackie! The cover looks adorable!

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Rachel Backland
4/22/2020 06:39:46 am

Great article, very informative thank you! 🙌🏻 To patience and carrying on! Would love a critique, I’ve only ever had one and it helped me so much xoxo

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 02:55:52 pm

Rachel,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for the feedback! I can't say that I'm always patient. Sometimes things are frustrating and I've had to shelve a LOT of stories that ended up being duds, but, I know that no one is going to make this happen for me. So, I've got to keep going and so do you! Critiques are wonderful. I am completely dependent on my critique partners at this point and don't show ANYTHING to my agent until a story has gone through them (and been torn apart) multiple times first. Do you have a critique group? SCBWI is a good place for finding one. You can utilize their online forum and connect with others. There might be others who have posted on this blog who are seeking critique partners as well...

Reply
Susan Hughes link
4/22/2020 07:33:21 am

I enjoyed reading this interview with Kelly Jordan. Thanks, Rosie!

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 02:56:23 pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Susan! Thanks for reading and commenting!

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Kari Ann Gonzalez link
4/22/2020 07:40:44 am

Kelly and Rosie, thank you for the wonderful post. As an I age Ted author it is alway nice to read about the path to publication and finding an agent. I can’t wait to read The Little Blue Cottage.

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 03:08:30 pm

Hi Kari,

I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the interview and that you found this helpful. Sometimes it can feel discouraging when it looks like everyone else is getting agented or published (I've definitely been there). I'm glad that this post had a positive effect for you! Keep writing and trying. I really believe that persistence pays off.

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Alexia Andoni
4/22/2020 07:53:17 am

Congratulations! I look forward to reading The Little Blue Cottage!

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 03:08:59 pm

Thanks Alexia! I hope you enjoy the book!

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Wendy Passantino
4/22/2020 09:02:12 am

This story is so inspiring to me as a new writer. It was so fun to learn of your journey. I’m hoping this happens for my book some day. Thank you!

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 03:10:19 pm

Wendy,

I'm delighted to hear that this inspired you! I definitely think that if you keep writing, getting your work critiqued by readers you trust, editing, honing your craft, and READING, you can do it! Just don't give up!

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Rosie J. Pova link
5/1/2020 11:58:37 am

Wendy, you are the winner of Kelly's picture book critique! Congratulations! Check your inbox for an email from me connecting you with Kelly :)

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Sheila
4/22/2020 09:47:57 am

Your book looks lovely and I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 03:11:05 pm

Thanks so much Sheila. Jessica Courtney-Tickle illustrated this book so beautifully. I'm so happy with the final product. I hope you enjoy it too!

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Kathy Hjermstad
4/22/2020 10:13:02 am

Your response about patience and perseverance really hit home. I was about to give up, but now will keep soldiering on. Thanks!

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 03:13:53 pm

Kathy,

Please don't give up! Take breaks for sure. Be mad and frustrated and over it. But when you feel those things brimming, distract yourself with something else. Binge on Ozark. Get into a workout craze. Read a few novels totally outside of the genre you write. Just live for a little while. Then, get back to it! People are going to reject you and it will gut punch you every time. But, rejections force you to improve and one day, to publish. You can do it!

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Janet Frenck Sheets
4/22/2020 03:24:29 pm

Now I want a little blue cottage where I can watch pods of dolphins! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

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Kelly Jordan link
4/22/2020 04:12:46 pm

I'm very much missing my family's bay cottage right now. I'm practicing social distancing in Atlanta which is way too far from dolphins than I'd like. But, I'm happy to have friends nearby and a nice neighborhood with walking trails. Most of all, I'm grateful that I'm healthy right now and that I have a home. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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Mia Geiger
4/22/2020 03:58:56 pm

Thank you for sharing this inspiring post about your process and journey to publication. Your book looks wonderful!

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Kelly Jordan link
4/23/2020 03:11:27 pm

Thanks for reading and for your kind words, Mia. I'm happy you enjoyed the post!

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Natalie
4/23/2020 03:21:40 pm

I need a lot of patience with not just writing but with everything going on now. Thank you for your insight!

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Rita
4/24/2020 01:09:54 pm

I love that you wrote a story from your heart, instead of writing to market trends. I think it's true that if you stick it out long enough, the market will come around to you. Congratulations! :)

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Candace Spizzirri
4/25/2020 08:21:05 am

Thanks Kelly and Rosie. I loved the interview! And congratulations, Kelly on your debut, Little Blue Cottage. I look forward to reading it. Be safe everyone.

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Kaitlyn Sanchez
4/28/2020 05:31:50 am

Omg this book is beyond stunning, the cover itself pulled me, thank you so much for not giving up on
this book, and found the best partner to help you get it published. I can't wait to get a copy and what a lovely interview, Rosie, thanks so much for introducing me to another brilliant author!

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Agatha Rodi link
4/28/2020 06:20:02 am

Thank you, Kelly for sharing your journey as a writer, It is so crucial to keep trying and learning while hone the craft and rewrite the ms. Amazing suggestions to handle the writing process. Thanks one more time! Greetings to you from Greece!

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Sally Rae Winchell
5/4/2020 06:04:09 pm

Your dedication and persistence is inspiring. I am anxious to order my own copy of the Little Blue Cottage from Little Shop of Stories today!

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Catherine Zampier
5/28/2020 05:45:40 am

Enjoyed your interview, and your book looks delightful. Can’t wait to read it. I’m still figuring out the children’s PB world especially on social media. I stumbled across The Little Blue Cottage looking for comp titles for my unpublished book on life growing up for a young girl in the 1940s. You are doing a great job scheduling virtual events during this time of social distancing. I admire your work!

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    About Rosie J. Pova

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    Rosie 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
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