Big Kids Writing For Little Kids

#RisingStarsinKidLit Dez Sargeant-Blair

10/26/2020

To close out this crazy and unprecedented year, I wanted to take some time to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published, unagented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Meet Rising Star

Author-Illustrator Dez Sargeant-Blair

Dez Sargeant-Blair lives in Ontario, Canada with her really nice husband and one stubborn french bulldog. She also has one tall step-son (who's nice too, thank you very much!), and four silly, adventurous grandkids. Dez has been a professional storyteller for almost 30 years and enjoys telling her tales during school visits. She also facilitates writing, illustration, storytelling, and diversity workshops during her school visits. Making sure that adults get in on the fun, she performs one-woman shows for them about relationships, parenting, and life's odd moments. Dez is currently translating her imagination to book form, writing and illustrating picture books as well as middle-grade graphic novels. All with one very opinionated french bulldog watching her every move.

Dez is currently seeking agent representation.

Welcome, Dez! I'm so excited to have you here on the blog and learn more about your fun and fabulous stories and art! Your work is so multifaceted Readers are in for a treat! I also must say that your pup is adorable! Those eyes! I think I'd get very distracted having that cutie as my writing partner.
Alrighty, let's jump into it!

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Now you're asking! If I had to limit to three--Never Talk to Strangers by Irma Joyce (Early childhood favourite: I’ve been on the lookout for a bee playing a bass bassoon ever since), The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White, Absolutely anything by Jacqueline Woodson.
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Both
Where is your safe place? My imagination and anywhere the people I love are.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Both. I had a cat for 19 years & 8 months and now I have a five-year-old French Bulldog.
Early bird or night owl? Both. I only sleep 3.5 hours a day.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Persistence, Curiosity and Laughter.

AD: A bee playing a bassoon sounds wonderful, ha! I'll have to check that one out. I also love that your safe place is your imagination but I'm wondering how you function with only 3.5 hours of sleep?!? Oh my goodness! I think curiosity is key as well. I love to ask questions and learn, and I feel that has helped me continue on even when times get tough in this industry. There is always something new to learn and that motivates me to keep moving forward and growing.

AD: Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

DSB: I started this journey nearly 30 years ago as an accidental professional storyteller. I was asked by a friend to fill in for her story time session with a kindergarten class. I immediately said, "No." She asked again, and I said, “No” again. She promised that it would be fun. I hung up the phone and found myself standing in the school library with 18 pairs of beautiful, creative, intelligent eyes looking up at me. The librarian asked what book I wanted to read. I had no idea. So, I asked if I could just make up a story. The adventurous librarian cheerful said, "Sure." I sat down and before I knew it, I was telling a story. My friend was right; it was fun! The next week the librarian then went to a conference and spread the word about my storytelling ways. Hit fast forward, and I've now done hundreds of school visits in front of hundreds of thousands of kids, and I couldn't be happier. I love saying, "Let me see your beautiful, creative, intelligent eyes!" during whole school assemblies to get the kids' attention. There is nothing like having hundreds of eyes turning your way, no doubt in their mind that you're talking to them.

Last year, I decided that I wanted to introduce 3D animation into my school workshop programming. I took a hiatus from doing school visits last December, so I could learn about the fantastic world of animation. Then, the world went topsy turvy and well, our days haven't been the same. Realizing that I wouldn't be returning to doing whole school assemblies and divisional workshops any time soon. I thought that this would be a perfect time to jump fully (I had done the odd querying over the years) into the world of children's book publishing.

Presently, I am also a professional photographer. I capture weddings, families, and my absolute love is black and white fine art photography. I have a bespoke stationery line that is sold in retailers. Although it may seem like I do a lot of different things, it all stems from the art of storytelling.

AD: The beauty of happy accidents and taking chances. Good thing for that persistent friend! How fun about your new adventure into animation as well. I can definitely see hints of that in your own illustration style.

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author-illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

DSB: I've always written stories. Thanks to my dear Momsie, I still have some of the stories that I wrote in grades 5-8. Looking at the favourable reviews that my teachers gave me, it's not surprising that I've had a love of writing. Boy, did I have a wild imagination back then. ;) Yes, I've apologized to my mother for what must have been quite the memorable task of raising me.

I wanted to be a journalist and was still headed that way when my storytelling ways demanded that I change course. A hero of mine is a Black journalist by the name of Ed Bradley. Mr. Bradley entered my world every Sunday night via 60 minutes. I started watching him when I was 9 years old. I loved his interviewing style, he would talk to fascinating people, and I would wonder about why they did/didn't do something. The next thing I knew, Mr Bradley was asking them 'my question!' Not only that, he would often end up laughing with his guest.

Watching a Black man on television interviewing such an array of interesting people and clearly loving what he was doing, helped me see that was a possible career path for me. In my high school yearbook under ambition, I wrote: To replace Ed Bradley or marry him. LOL I can't tell you the number of kids who came up to me and asked, "Who in the world is Ed Bradley?" I happily educated them. Unfortunately, Mr. Bradley passed away a few years ago. One of the gifts I feel the universe gave me was during a televised tribute to him, they included him saying, "I consider myself to be a storyteller, first." My mother called and said, “Did you hear that?”

AD: I love browsing through old art or writing that my Mom kept. It's continues to remind me that I'm on the right path. I love how you describe your hero Ed Bradley and how he inspired and validated your career as a storyteller. To me, your story also highlights the importance of visibility in mainstream American culture. Our mainstream media needs to mirror our nation's diverse demographics. If you never saw Ed Bradley on television, you may never have thought that career path was possible for you. Visibility matters and your story is a perfect example of that! Thank you for sharing.

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing/art? Favorite genres you like to write in or favorite art materials/techniques?

DSB: Representation has always mattered to me. The story that I made up that started my career is called "Did God Run Out of Paint?" which is a tale that explores why people are different colours from one another. Since then, I 've facilitated a diversity workshop in schools. I believe it's essential to instill a sense of self-worth in kids and that a big part of that is encouraging them to see the worth in others. It's one thing to tell a child that they matter, it will be life-changing to them to show it. In the kidlit world, it is said that to have a successful book you "Don't tell, show." That lesson goes well beyond the kidlit world.

The other theme that I focus on when writing is humour. It has to have laughter in it somewhere. I love writing humour, mystery, and magical realism.

When illustrating picture books: I use mixed media and Photoshop. My art always starts with a pencil sketch. I then play around creating acrylic, pastels, collages, watercolour, inks, pencil textures. These textures are then scanned into Photoshop, where I finalize the illustrations. At times I also like to fully illustrate my stories without using the computer.

For graphic novels: I use pencil sketches first and then into Photoshop for inking and colour. I add textures to the mock-up covers only.

AD: Yes! As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words! I love the concept of the book you described above. It reminds me of a lesson I do with my high school art students where we paint hand portraits. The lesson is mainly about identity and the things that make us who we are, but I weave painting skin tones into the lesson as well. I completely agree, when you give kids the opportunity to share, create, and voice the things about them that are unique and special, such as their background or interests, you are showing them that you care. And, at the same time, other kids get to learn about their classmates, which creates a sense of understanding, connection, and community. It's win-win! I LOVE all the different textures in your art and was wondering about your materials. So fun to learn about the mixed media techniques you use! I also loved checking out your sketches on your website. It's fun to see these loose drawings and get a peek into what your pencil sketches look like. Be sure to check out Dez's sketchbook drawings HERE!

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

DSB: Before this year, I didn't really write any of my stories down. A story would pop into my head, and I'd perform it. For me, revising happens in the telling. Well, I quickly found out that this is a very different approach from how the publishing world works! At first, I found the idea of writing revisions tough to understand.

Then, I had a lightbulb moment. I decided to approach it like I approach my performances. One thing that I'm known for is that I can create an on-the-spot improvised story using 10 words from the audience. I love the challenge of doing this. It keeps me on my toes because I have to make sure that no one can guess the ending. That's harder to do with hundreds of people listening in.

Well, I now approach revising that way. I've only got X amount of words, and I have to surprise my reader with the ending, but it still has to make sense.

AD: Wow! That's quite the talent! Maybe you have a career in improv as well! That's pretty cool that you were able to take those skills and translate them into your revision process. I'm always looking for new techniques for revision. Maybe I need to give this one a try :)

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well. With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing/illustration journey?

DSB: My biggest accomplishment has been being able to make kids laugh. I laugh every day. Even during some of the darkest times in my life (I mean not a star is seen in the sky dark), I was still able to hold onto the faint memory of joy. I think that's really important. Especially now, as we all (adults and especially kids) are going through a time of complete uncertainty. There is power in laughter. Funny enough, my grandkids (all four!) will tell you that I can be quite serious when Need Be! But--after that, it's a return to laughter.

What I'm most proud of is developing programming that has effectively helped kids to celebrate people's differences while embracing our similarities. I grew up hearing my mother use the phrase 'God-given talent.' Thinking back to my first story, 'Did God Run Out of Paint?', there is no question in my mind that I am doing exactly what I'm meant to do. There's also no question that I should continuously be laughing while doing it!

AD: Wohooo! Kids can be a tough audience so kudos to you for making them laugh. Laughter is such an important part of life and so powerful as you said. Thank you for the work you've done to help kids celebrate differences and embrace our similarities. I'm sure your programs have positively impacted many, many children and in ways you may never even know.

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author/illustrator? What makes your art/writing unique to you?

DSB: I think my writing and illustrating has really benefited by my being a storyteller first. I've spent decades painting a picture for others of what was in my mind. So now, the ideas seem to come quickly. Although not always complete, I've got a good sense of where it's going. I believe that's the secret of being a good storyteller. You've got to take your listeners on a journey, make sure you don't leave anyone behind, leave them wondering where you're going to next and be happy upon arrival.
Time management is also a strength of mine. Then again, maybe I only sleep 3.5 hours because that's all the time I have for it. LOL

AD: What inspires your work?

DSB: Kids, overheard moments of conversations are a big inspiration, writers and illustrators, art, tv shows, and movies.

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

DSB: When performing, I am usually in my car before sunrise headed to a school visit in another city. Now, I'm sitting in my home writing/illustrating at 4 a.m. I take mini-breaks and hop onto Twitter to see what's happening across the pond. (The UK's 5 hours ahead). These mini-breaks help me 'get away from my work' for a bit. I also read online newspapers and publishing blogs and book reviews. Although, I have to be careful picking up an actual book when I'm working in case it's a real page-turner!

I'm currently working on two middle-grade graphic novel projects. So I've been dividing my time between scriptwriting and illustrating. I love the world-building opportunities in graphic novels. Because I always told my stories, they naturally have been picture book-length. (I perform a hour-long assembly of 3 tales and one on-the-spot improvised story.)

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author-illustrator?

DSB: Settle in, this is a long list of awesomeness!

Something helpful is my author/illustrator critique group. We formed this past July, and I can't recommend critique groups enough. They are a group of excellent writers and illustrators who are so inspiring. They also offer a new perspective on my stories, which has been insightful.

If you're a Black writer or illustrator, another fantastic group is #BlackCreatorsIn KidLit. This is a group that as Antwan states 'aims to bridge the gap between publishing professionals and Black creators (authors and illustrators).' It was founded by Antwan Eady and Winsome Bingham. They've built a team of creatives that are helping uplift other Black creators who are interested in the publishing industry. The amount of support and talent in virtual meetings is evident. Also, they offer workshops and have critique groups to help creatives develop their craft. It's exciting to see the amazing books that are going to be in the hands of many lucky kids!

If you're interested in writing/illustrating comics or graphic novels. Something to file under #timewellspent is Kids Comics Unite. Which was founded by Janna Morishima. This network of creatives is absolutely incredible. Not only do they have a passion for the craft of sequential storytelling, but they are also natural teachers amongst them. By teacher, I mean I instantly have turned a member into one by raising my virtual hand and asking a million questions. Do they treat me like a pesky sibling?--No! They are helpful and if they don't know the answer. Rest assured that they'll find out for you.

BookTrust is a brilliant children's reading charity based in the UK. They have an endless list of programmes, campaigns and awards in celebrating the kidlit world—lots of resources for writers, illustrators, families and educators.

SCBWI is an excellent professional organization for writers and illustrators of children's books. Countless workshops, resources, conferences, divisional events . . . they also have a never-ending list of kidlit goodness.

Lastly, follow publishing professionals on social media, such as:
Twitter:

Literary agent Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez from Olswanger Literary has tons of kidlit info in her twitter thread @KaitlynLeann17. She also has a brilliant blog kaitlynleannsanchez.com, hosts the wonderfully fun #FallWritingFrenzy writing event with ultra-talented author Lydia Lukidis @LydiaLukidis
Writer and publisher at Ladybird Books, Louie Stowell has a fantastic Twitter feed that's chock a block full of publishing news. She also highlights and joins Twitter threads answering questions regarding publishing @Louiestowell
Literary agent Jennifer March Soloway from Andrea Brown Lit has an excellent informative twitter feed of writers/illustrators tips @marchsolway
Award-winning picture book illustrator Dapo Adeola has a fantastic feed. He also is very active in supporting fellow Black creators in publishing. @DapsDraws also created an inspirational drawing challenge #HUGTOBER that you can share on his Insta: @DapsDraws.
Writer/Motivational Speaker Alyssa Reynoso-Morris has a great Twitter feed that offers tips and resources for writers @AReynosoMorris

YouTube Channels:

Literary agents Jessica Faust and James McGowan from Bookend Literary Agency have tons of great information about the publishing world.

Blogs:

An amazing blogger that's based in the UK that reviews Black children's fiction and non-fiction books candidcocoa.blogspot.com, Twitter-@Kwia35
Also across the pond in UK, Golden Egg Academy founded by award-winning editor Imogen Cooper. While watching a free mini webinar, Imogen changed my middle grade writing with the following words,”Put your main character in peril.” Twitter- @TheGEAcademy

AD: Wow! So many great resources! Thank you, Dez!

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

DSB: Creating books for children is serious work, but don't take yourself too seriously. You should love what you're doing. One of my favourite sayings is "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." I've been happily unemployed since 1991. ;)

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

Twitter: @stilldez
Insta: @stilldezstills
Illustration website: www.dezsillustration.com
Stationery website: www.stilldez.com
Fine Art Photography website: www.dezblair.com

Wow, Dez! I'm so impressed by your many talents and your drive to learn and teach through your stories. I'm sure readers are, too! I hope one day I'll get to see a live, in-person Dez Sargeant-Blair storyteller performance! For now, I'll just imagine :) Thank you so much for joining me and for sharing a bit about yourself and your work! Congrats on all your wonderful accomplishments. We can’t wait to follow along on your kidlit journey! Best of luck! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Dez and her work.

Don't forget, this week is a "Double Feature" week so stay tuned for another special Rising Star feature this Friday! Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit.

If you're interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!

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#RisingStarsinKidLit DOUBLE FEATURE WEEK!

10/24/2020

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With so many fabulous #RisingStarsinKidlit to highlight, I thought I'd give you a double dose of greatness the last week of every month with a "Double Feature!" That means you get to meet not one, but TWO fabulous kidlit creators! Now, can you guess our first dynamic duo? Pop your guesses in the comments below and be sure to check back on Monday 10/26 and Friday 10/30 to find out!

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#PBCritiqueFest 2020

10/24/2020

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Hello my lovey book people! I hope you all are having a fabulous weekend. I wanted to check-in and remind everyone that there's only ONE week left to register for Brian Gehrlein's Picture Book Spotlight #PBCritiqueFest! If you're a picture book creator, you can't miss out on this AMAZING one-time picture book critique giveaway celebration! With 36 picture book critiques to from agents, editors, and super talented authors and illustrators, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the industry pros! If there's one thing I've learned throughout my time as a kidlit creator, feedback is integral to our growth!

According to the #PBCritiqueFest website, "The purpose of this annual event is to celebrate the critique and revision process and to help build our kidlit community. It's my sincerest hope that new connections will be made and that actual, living, breathing books will be birthed out of this process."

The deadline to enter is October 30th 9AM CST. 36 winners will be randomly selected and then "paired with their person" based on information provided on the registration form. Winners will be announced throughout the day on Saturday, October 31st on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Picture Book Spotlight blog.

Help spread the word by using the festival hashtag! #PBCritiqueFest and visit PB Spotlight for more info and a full list of instructions on how to enter the giveaway! Good luck to all!

Check out this year's participants here!
Be sure to follow Brian on Twitter for all the details @BrianGehrlein!

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Sneak Peek Trivia!

10/21/2020

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CAN YOU GUESS WHAT DEEP SEA CREATURE I AM?!?
Give it a shot in the comments below.
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I hope you enjoy this little SNEAK PEEK of some of my art from The Writers' Loft children’s anthology, FRIENDS AND ANEMONES due out in November. This beautiful collection contains fun, educational poems paired with beautiful ocean-themed artwork. The Anthology features work from upcoming authors and illustrators (like me 😉) alongside veterans like Jane Yolen, Heidi Stemple, Sarah Brannen, Peter Reynolds, and Josh Funk! The collection celebrates the joy and connection with nature and the sea! BONUS—for the first month, all profits from sales of the book go straight to Rozalia Project to help propel their mission to clean and protect the ocean! Stay tuned for more updates!!

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#RisingStarsinKidLit Kailei Pew

10/19/2020

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Meet Rising Star

Author Kailei Pew!

Kailei loves writing picture books that help kids see they can do anything they set their minds to.

Kailei Pew is a wife, mother, and picture book author represented by the amazing Emily Forney
of Bookends Literary. She is an active member of SCBWI, a 2019 Write Mentor Mentee, and a finalist in Susanna Leonard Hill's 2019 Holiday Writing Contest.

She loves writing picture books that help kids see they can do anything they set their minds to.
Kailei can't wait to get her stories into your hands.

Welcome and thanks for joining me on the blog, Kailei! I'm so excited to have you here and to learn more about your story and the stories you create for kids. You are unique to the #RisingStarsinKidLit series because before I got to post this, you became agented! Woohooo and BIG congrats! It's crazy how we can be in the querying trenches for weeks, months, and years and then all that can shift so quickly with the right match and the right story! Inspiration! You can read more about Kailei's rise from the query trenches HERE! Let's get to it, Kailei!

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time?Oh man… only three?? Current favorites include Not Quite Snot Whiteby Ashley Franklin and Ebony Glenn, Dandy by Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso, and The Wall in the Middle of the Book, by Jon Agee. But man, I could list hundreds of favorites!
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Neither (Gasp! I know…) Give me water any day and hot chocolate on an especially cold day, and I’m sold.
Where is your safe place? Home. I always feel safe at home with the people I love. Though during the pandemic, I wouldn’t mind leaving every now and again.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Neither… Yikes, I’m really something, aren’t I??
Early bird or night owl? Recently a night owl. But every now and again I miss my early bird days.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…

Patience, Determination, and Fun!

AD: Ha! I love all these unexpected answers along with the reminder to have FUN! With all the ups and downs of this creative journey, we can sometimes lose sight of the fun factor but if we are not having fun, we are doing something wrong.

Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder via Unsplash

AD: Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

KP: I think there’s always been a part of me who has wanted to write picture books. I’ve always loved them! I request 40 picture books from our library every week because we seriously devour them. I decided in December of 2018 that I officially wanted to be a children’s author. I wrote my first (super bad) picture book and queried it in January 2019. *Face Palm* But one agent was kind enough to respond to my query, even said he loved the idea but it just wasn’t right for the modern picture book market. I decided if I was going to be serious about this writing thing that I needed to invest. So I took some courses, read some books on craft, joined an awesome critique group, and was lucky enough to land a mentorship in March 2019. That experience was super important for me to see that someone else believed in my voice and my writing. Bonnie Swanson taught me a lot about showing, not telling and really helped me to develop my voice. It also connected me with my second amazing critique group, which is when things really picked up for me. This second critique group swaps weekly, which keeps me writing and improving my craft. I jumped back into the query trenches with both feet in October 2019 and never looked back. I was lucky enough to sign with my amazing agent, Emily Forney at Bookends just a couple of weeks ago.

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

KP: It’s funny, because two of my high school English teachers encouraged me to become a writer, but for some reason back then I just wasn’t interested. I loved to write, and I was one of those weird people who loved writing papers, but I also really loved music. I studied Music Therapy for 3 years at Arizona State and absolutely loved it. I took two years off of school and moved to Argentina. It was an incredible experience and I loved my time in South America. When I returned home, Music Therapy just didn’t feel right anymore. I had one year of scholarship left, so I explored my options of what degrees I could finish in that amount of time based on the credits I had already completed. I settled on Human Development and after graduation, I worked as a mentor to at-risk youth, helping them meet the necessary goals to be able to return home after some time in juvenile detention. Because funds were low, I was also asked to serve as the reading teacher. I was hooked and reminded just how much I loved to read and write. When I had my first baby, I knew that I wanted to take some time away from my professional career to be home with my kids. It was a magical time and I especially loved reading picture books to my children. By the time she was 3 years old, my oldest could sit on my lap for over an hour reading picture book after picture book. (Which is why we get so many books from the library each week). That made me want to write my own books. After a few years of just thinking about it/dreaming about it, I decided to get serious about writing and work towards becoming a published author.

AD: Interesting your teachers were encouraging you to become a writer but you weren't interested at that time. I teach high schoolers and whenever they are struggling to decide on what to do when they graduate I always ask them, "Well, what did you like to do when you were little?" I truly believe that the things we enjoy when we are young don't go away as well get older but instead we seem to lose sight of them and sometimes, we just need some help finding our way back.

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

KP: Finding an agent was definitely the biggest challenge so far. While I know not everyone takes the agent path and some people find amazing success in submitting on their own, I knew that I wanted an agent. My time in the query trenches was full of ups and downs and was definitely an emotional roller coaster. I think the hardest part of my time querying was when I’d get a “close call.” I had a number of times where agents requested more, but ultimately decided that they didn’t quite connect with the additional pieces as much as they would have liked. And when different agents liked different manuscripts, it was tricky and showed just how subjective it all is. But I reminded myself that my work was valuable and that the rejections weren’t a reflection on me, or even my work. A “no” was really just a “not yet,” and I sent another query for every rejection. Writing new manuscripts also made a huge difference to keep my mind off of the rejections and keep me excited about my work. Once I wrote the right manuscript, it was actually a pretty fast turnaround in finding an agent. It took time and patience, but when the time was right and everything lined up, things suddenly fell into place.

I think it’s also important to remember that these challenges will always be followed by other challenges. I thought “if I can just get an agent, everything will be so much better.” And while that’s partially true, because Emily is a rock star and I love working with her, there are more challenges to come. Waiting to hear back about submissions, finding the right editor, getting more rejections. The key is to just keep moving forward!

AD: Right on! Keep moving forward! One step at a time!!

Photo Credit: Gaelle Marcel via Unsplash

AD: Ooo! I hope to read it one day! I'm a nonfiction nerd :)

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

KP: I am always open to revisions. I know that others will have great ideas, and I look forward to the revision process. I think it’s important to listen to ideas and suggestions from others, decide what resonates with you, and then make the changes that feel right.

AD: Yes, this idea is so important to remember. If we are getting critiques, that means we are getting feedback and many times the feedback can vary. It's not realistic to think we should or could incorporate all of it. Digesting and thinking about what resonates is important as you mentioned. I also like to think if I hear the same feedback several times from others, it may be something I want to consider digging deeper into.

AD: What inspires your work?

KP: Most often, my kids. I write the books that I want them to read. The books that will help them know that they can be and do anything they set their minds to. Even my silliest books have some kind of underlying element that anything is possible.

Photo Credit: Robyn Budlender via Unsplash

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

KP: Haha! I laugh because my process is a bit of a hot mess… I jot notes down on scraps of paper if I’m in the middle of momming and an idea strikes. I have notebooks with really random notes, documents on my MacBook with long lists of potential titles, lots of Notes on my phone with random phrases that come to find, etc. When I’m ready to actually sit down and write, I have two different methods depending on my mood. Sometimes I just sit down and write and write and write without any worry for where the story is going. Other times, I get my doodle notebook out and get an idea down for the plot, characters, phrases I might want to use, words that would be fun for the story, etc. and plan things out a little better. My stories tend to be better when I have some kind of plan, but I just can’t help being a Panster every now and again.

In the nonfiction realm, my method is completely different. I do a ton of research and jot lots of notes before writing any of the story. I want to really know my subject before I try to write it. I find that my nonfiction books write themselves really quickly when I’m actually ready to write the manuscript, because I’ve done so much research and prep work leading up to the actual drafting. I will literally research for months before writing any of the manuscript.

AD: Fascinating how different the process can be depending on the type of story you are writing. I, too, love nonfiction and LOVE doing the research to learn more about the topic. You never know what little golden nugget you might find that will help guide or focus your vision for the story.

Photo Credit: Aaron Burden via Unsplash

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author?

KP: Hands down, my critique groups. They have been amazing to see things that I don’t see. People who aren’t emotionally attached to your work can point things out that you aren’t willing to see. And it’s essential to have people in your corner on this writing journey. Author life could be very lonely if we let it. But having a team of people who believe in you and are cheering you on, while you also cheer them on, is huge.

AD: Yes! CP's rock!

Photo Credit: Craig Hellier via Unsplash

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

KP: Don’t give up! You never know when your “yes” will come. After 20 months of rejections, I suddenly had two offers of representation within 24 hours after querying a certain story. It was a whirlwind of emotion going from so many no’s over so much time to that sudden “yes!” Never stop trying. Never stop writing new stories. Never stop putting your work out there. Never stop believing that your “yes” will come. Because it will. I fully believe that if we don’t give up, every single one of us will make it.

Photo Credit: Kelly Lacy via Pexels

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

KP: I would love to connect!
You can find me on:
Twitter: @PewKailei
Website: kaileipewbooks.com

I would especially love to share my new Blog series, “Tuesday From The Trenches” where I interview a new author every week about their path to representation, showing that there is no one “right” way to land and agent and encouraging authors to keep pushing through.

AD: I can't wait to read your "Tuesday From The Trenches" series! Thank you so much for joining me, Kailei and for sharing a bit about yourself and your work! Congrats on all your wonderful accomplishments. We can’t wait to follow along on this next phase of your kidlit journey! Best of luck! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Kailei and her work. Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe below so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit.

If you are interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!

4 Comments

#RisingStarsinKidLit Kimberly Delude

10/12/2020

6 Comments

To close out this crazy and unprecedented year, I wanted to take some time to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Meet Rising Star

Author Kimberly Delude!

Kim began creating stories for the students she worked with while completing her M.A. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Freddie the Fly is a social series that uses humor and established strategies to help children have fun while improving their communication.

Kimberly is an experienced Speech Language Pathologist who spends her days giving kids a voice. She began creating stories for the students she worked with while completing her M.A. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. After graduation, she continued creating stories for the preschool and elementary students on her caseload.

These early stories turned into the Freddie the Fly series published by Boys Town Press. Freddie the Fly is a social series that uses humor and established strategies to help children have fun while improving their communication.

Kim is currently seeking agent representation and working towards getting her picture stories traditionally published.

Welcome, Kim! I'm thrilled to host you on the Rising Stars in KidLit Series. You are unique in the sense that you technically aren't pre-published, as you have your Freddy the Fly series out with Boys Town Press, but you are working diligently to find an agent who can help you get your remaining kidlit stories traditionally published. I can't wait to hear more about this journey and your projects!

AD: Let’s start with a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? This is always a hard one because there are so many great ones. I would have to say The Box Car Children, Love You Forever and Corduroy.
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Tea. I never drink coffee.
Where is your safe place? The beach
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Both.
Early bird or night owl? Night owl.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…

Perseverance, thick skin, heart.

Okay, now down to the serious stuff….

AD: Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

KD: I wrote my first book in the first grade. It was a mystery based on a lollipop wrapper but I didn’t start writing again until I was in college. My notebooks are full of class notes and half written stories. So, I’ve always loved reading and writing and did it for fun but never really thought about writing seriously until I was in graduate school. I needed a book on a certain topic for a group of students I was working with and couldn’t find one. So, I sat down and wrote it. That’s how my educational series Freddie the Fly was born. From there, I just kept writing and have been working to break into the traditional market since then.

AD: Oh my goodness! How fun is that! A lollipop wrapper! I think you need to revisit that one. :) I also love how you saw a gap in the educational market and went ahead and filled it by writing the story yourself. How creative and proactive! Your students are lucky to have you!

Photo Credit: Markus Spiske via Unsplash

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

KD: No, I didn’t ever think of being a writer. While I loved doing it, it was always something just for me. It wasn’t until I got older that I became brave enough to think about sharing my stories. I have wanted to be and have held many different jobs though; everything from HR to Sports Marketing.

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in?

KD: I love humor. Most of my stories tend to include this element in some way. I feel like kids have so many worries and serious things in their lives that they need some moments when it’s just pure fun.

AD: Totally! Laughter and fun are so important and books can be a great source for that.

Photo Credit: Ben White via Unsplash

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

KD: It's definitely not for the faint of heart. I would say holding an agent's attention is the hardest part. You can have one story that piques their interest but if you don’t have others, it will be a pass. My writing group is one of my best supports for persevering. We all lift each other up. Plus, when a new idea strikes, and the excitement fills you, the rejections just seem to disappear as you write. Ice cream is always helpful, too.

AD: Right on to the support of critique groups...and ice cream :)

Kim's newest book in the Freddie the Fly series, just won a Purple Dragon Fly Award.

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

KD: Everyone has different experiences, which makes them and their stories unique. One of the things specific to me is that I write about topics and styles that can sometimes be considered more boy centric. I love to show that you can be a sport-loving girl who also loves sparkles and princesses.

AD: What inspires your work?

KD: Everything. I know that’s cliché but most of my ideas come from the people and things that are happening around me. A student might say or do something and a story idea pops in my head. Or I might be riding somewhere and see a scene that’s so beautiful I feel like I have to write about it.

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

KD: I’ve been more stuck lately then usual with everything that is happening right now. My process is pretty simple though. Typically, ideas just form from things around me, and I either sit down and get right to work or I add it to my idea file-which is really just a note on my phone that I go back to and check from time to time. This can be helpful when I’m stuck because when I read the phrase or mini pitch, it lights a spark in me. However, if I’m really stuck, I go for a walk or do some kind of physical activity to clear my head. The best thing to do is to stop trying to think and let it come to you.

AD: Yes, I think a lot of times we can overthink our process or feel guilty when ideas aren't flowing, but if we stop and allow ourselves space to clear our minds, the ideas come more naturally. Walks in nature always help me, too.

Photo Credit: Can Aslan via Unsplash

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author?

KD: Writing and writing a lot is helpful. Making sure you have a great critique group is also important. Sometimes you get stuck in your head and the more eyes you can have on your story, the better. They always find some new way to make it better or show you how others will view your story. Taking classes and attending classes is also helpful. Writing is a craft that has to be honed so you can never stop learning.

Photo Credit: Prateek Katyal via Pexels

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

KD: Don’t give up! I know it feels like it will never happen but it never will if you stop. When you get a rejection it just means it wasn’t right for that person not that it’s not right for the world.

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

KD: You can find out more about me and my books at socationbooks.com or following me on
Twitter: @kimdbooks or Instagram: @thespeechvine.

Kim, thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series! We can’t wait to read your stories and see your work in the hands of young readers! Best of luck as you continue your journey! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Kim and her work. Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit.

If you are interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!

6 Comments

#RisingStarsinKidLit Lisa Furness

10/5/2020

18 Comments

Meet Rising Star

Author-Illustrator
Lisa Furness!

As a young girl, Lisa's stories, poems, and drawings were pasted into the family Christmas cards.

Lisa is an author-illustrator. Her love of children's books began when her grandmother and aunt (both teachers) gifted her books like, Sam Bangs & Moonshine by Evaline Ness and Are You There God It's Me, Margaret? by Judy Blume. As a young girl, her stories, poems, and drawings were pasted into the family Christmas cards.

Lisa's work with young children in public schools as an educator, and raising three boys, has inspired her to write stories with relatable characters, humor, and heart.

Lisa is seeking agent representation.

Welcome, Lisa! You're our first Rising Star! Hooray! I'm so excited to have you here and chat about all things kidlit and creativity! 

AD: Let’s start with a speed round...

Top three favorite children’s books of all time?

 The Rough Patch by Brian Lies, Ghost Cat by Kevin Atteberry, Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
I know, I know – I’m drawn to these books about death/grief Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds,
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier, The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry.

Coffee, tea (or neither)?  Coffee –hot or iced (I prefer Dunks).
Where is your safe place? My creative work space or on the beach.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? I’ve had both but would love to adopt a therapy dog.
Early bird or night owl? Early birdy but not before daylight!
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…

Persistence, Passion, Community.

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….

AD: Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

LF: Five years ago, I was inspired to write my first picture book manuscript about my son who was grieving the loss of his pet chicken. I remember writing that story through tears watching my son go through it and how I felt putting thoughts to paper. Before I was a mom and educator, I earned a BFA from RISD. Why not illustrate my stories too! How hard could it be? I was humbled by my local NESCBWI critique group after realizing that my manuscript was far from a final draft at 1800 words. Thirty plus manuscripts later, I’m finding joy in the journey and making progress. Last year, my manuscript was chosen as runner up by author-illustrator, Cori Doerrfeld, in the PBChat Mentorship. I continue to put my work out into the world by entering writing contests and scholarships and submitting to agents and editors. Although rejections are a reality, I’ve had encouraging feedback and requests for more work. I’ve also received several requests for R&R's (revise and resubmit). I remain persistent and dedicated.

My favorite mantra is to “trust the timing of your life” so I plan to write well into my retirement. I like to practice mindfulness by hand doodling/drawing mandalas when life distracts me. Wondering what happened to that first manuscript? While it’s been the anchor for my other stories, I’m still revising it.

AD: Thanks for sharing your background, Lisa! I can totally relate to the emotions that go into writing difficult stories especially ones about grief. They are tough, but help us process. Congrats on being chosen as a runner up in last year's PBChat mentorship, too! Putting ourselves out there is one of the hardest parts so kudos to you for being vulnerable and brave!

AD: Did you always know you wanted to be an author-illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

LF: I’ve enjoyed drawing and writing since I was a young girl. I dabbled in printmaking (my major in college), craft making, custom home décor, mural painting and set design for local theater, and most recently, house portraits. I love to work with all types of mediums. From the idea, to execution whether it be a picture, a craft, or a story, it’s the creative process that calls to me.

AD: What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing/art? Favorite genres you like to write in or favorite art materials/techniques?

LM: I tend to focus on heartfelt and humor with relatable characters and strive to write stories with twists and turns that might make you tear up with grief and sentiment or laugh out loud with silly and punny word play.

AD: Breaking into the publishing industry is not easy! What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced thus far? What have you done to persevere?

LF: My biggest challenge has been connecting with an agent who loves my work as much as I do. I’m on the road this year to receiving over 50 rejections and although I’m getting some positive feedback, it’s difficult-especially when you really want to work with a specific agent. But I keep a gratitude journal to appreciate all the positivity in my life and refer to it every day: “Trust the timing of your life” and "It will all work out” are my favorites.

AD: I keep a gratitude journal as well. They are key to helping maintain the ups and downs of life and this crazy, creative journey. You have some really great mantras and affirmations, too. I find the journal helps me refocus on what's truly important in life.

AD: As creators (and humans), we tend to focus on the flaws of our creations or areas for improvement. This helps us grow and develop, but we need not forget the many things we are doing well. With this in mind, what has been your biggest accomplishment or something you are most proud of thus far on your writing/illustration journey?

LF: My biggest accomplishment is how far I’ve come with my writing and understanding of the picture book genre since I started five years ago. I feel I have a good understanding of what needs work and what I’m most confident about. I’m most proud of a specific manuscript that has completely changed. I better understand how to tell this particular story in a different way and still honor the message and theme.

AD: In a similar vein, what do you feel are your strengths as an author/illustrator? What makes your art/writing unique to you?

LF: Making a picture book is a collaboration from the moment you put your story out into the world. I like brainstorming ideas and finding solutions with my critique partners, and I’m excited when a critique partner has good news to share from a manuscript they’ve shared with me. I’m not afraid to revise or take risks whether it’s trying different points of view or changing an idea completely if it helps to make the story stronger. I understand different picture book structures and often like to write pitches when I’m critiquing other’s manuscripts. I look forward to the process of collaboration with an agent/editor someday.

AD: Yes! Collaboration can be so fun in critique groups. It's always nice to have a trusted group that can help you grow and develop. It's exciting to know that you've helped someone reach their goal, move past a block, or discover a new way of looking at an old manuscript.

AD: What inspires your work?

LF: Situations or events that have impacted my own children and the children I work with inspire me. Also, picture books I admire and affect me make me aspire to write stories for children that will make a positive difference and influence their world.

AD: Tell us about your creative process and what you do to keep ideas flowing or what you do when feeling stuck?

LF: Until recently I haven’t really struggled with the creative process but current life stressors are impacting my ability to focus. But I’m okay with this. When the dust settles I’ll get back into it because I know writing feeds my creative soul.

AD: What sorts of things have been most integral in your growth as an author-illustrator?

LF: My creative community has been so important to me. I’ve attended several conferences and love to getaway and immerse myself in all things writing and connect with writing peers. My critique groups are key to helping my stories become the best they can be. I also belong to Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 and love her informational monthly webinars. Also, Arree Chung’s Storyteller Academy for craft, and I participate in Twitter pitch parties and PBChat. When time and money allow, I enroll in popular writing courses and attend craft webinars, workshops, and book debuts by author friends.

AD: What advice do you have for fellow kidlit creatives?

LF: Read as many picture books as you can get your hands on! The local library is a great place to network with and request books. Participate in the wonderfully generous kidlit community that is out there, join a critique group, and Never Give Up.

AD: Yes! Yes! and yes! Wise words, Lisa ;)

In addition to Lisa's children's book illustration she also does amazing house portraits and ornaments. I can tell you first hand they make great keepsakes. You can check out her house portrait and ornament offerings here:

HOUSE PORTRAITS here!
HOUSE ORNAMENTS here!

AD: Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

To learn more about my work you can visit my WEBSITE here!
Lisa's Twitter @_lisafurness
Lisa's instagram @lisalfurness

Lisa, thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself and contributing to the Rising Stars in Kidlit series! We can’t wait to read your stories and see your work in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Lisa and her work.
Stay tuned for next week where we get to meet another Rising Star in Kidlit, and be sure to subscribe below so you don't miss out and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit.

If you are interested in being featured in the Rising Stars in KidLit series, please complete the following Getting to Know You form to be considered. Thank you!

18 Comments

#FallWritingFrenzy

10/2/2020

8 Comments

Fall is my favorite season so when I learned that the Fall Writing Frenzy Contest would be taking place again, it was an added bonus! And this year, not only am I submitting, but I'm also honored to be a prize donor! Hooray! I can't wait to connect with another kidlit creative! BIG thanks to Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis for including me and organizing the event!

Some of the things I love best about autumn are the crisp autumn air, the smoky scent of firewood burning, and of course the burst of beautiful colors within the trees. Ironically, none of these elements appear in my submission for Fall Writing Frenzy. Instead, amongst all of the lovely autumn-themed images to choose from, it was a creepy clown that caught my eye. I kept coming back to it. It made me wonder and reflect. I got to thinking about the idea of masks. Why do we wear them? What are we trying to hide? Who are we hiding from? This is what spurred my idea for my submission.

Rules of the contest: Write a 200-word story geared towards children ages 0-17. The story should be inspired by one of the images provided by the hosts. And speaking of hosts, check out the full rules and FAQ's on Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis, blogs.

The contest ends tomorrow, October 3rd, 11:59 PM EST so there is still time to submit!

Here's my entry!!

My creepy clown inspiration. Photo credit via Unsplash.

NOW YOU SEE ME
By Amanda Davis
(152 words, YA audience)

I slowly stretch the rubbery mask over my face.
It reeks of fresh latex.

Staring into the mirror.
Emptiness stares back.
Shark-like teeth,
stretch from ear to ear.
Yellow.
Fierce.
Ready to attack.

Fluorescent red
coils from my head.
Dots my nose.
And smears my lips.

Poof!

With a puff of purple smoke,
I burst into the world.
Roaming the streets.
Hiding behind this frightful facade.

You stare.
You wince.
You laugh.
You cry.

Now,
you see me.

It’s satisfying,
yet unfamiliar.

Empowering,
yet fleeting.

I return home
and peel away the mask.
Sweat covers my face.

Staring into the mirror,
shyness stares back.
a crooked smile,
stretches from ear to ear.
Sad.
Ashamed.
Cowering with insecurity.

Dull black strands
fall limp around my face.
My long nose
and pale lips scream,
“I’m ugly!”

I stare.
I wince.
I laugh.
I cry.

An exhausting existence.

Now you see me.
Now you don’t.

Thanks for reading my entry! I'd love to hear your comments and feedback below. Good luck to all those who submitted, and stay tuned this Monday, October 5th, for my first interview of the Rising Stars in KidLit series. Check back then to learn more, and be sure to sign up below so you don't miss out on new posts! Happy creating y'all and cheers to creepy clown pictures! :)

8 Comments

New Blog Series...

9/18/2020

0 Comments

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Big Kids Writing for Little Kids! It's been a while since I posted so I thought I'd update you on what's new.

To close out this crazy and unprecedented year, I'll be taking some time to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. With this in mind, beginning in October, I'll be starting a new series titled, "Rising Stars in KidLit." Every Monday, I'll feature a new kidlit creator so we can get to know more about them and their special projects. These interviews will cast a light on the wonderful work of these pre-published, unagented, authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars!

Stay tuned for our first interview on Monday, October 5th! Make sure to subscribe below to get updates on the latest new feature! I can't wait to share their awesomeness with all of you! :)

0 Comments

#BridgingtheDistance Art Challenge

5/19/2020

0 Comments

Art Licensing Show & Greeting Card Association

THE CHALLENGE

ART: Any kind or message, focused on the text, but include art as well. Art does not have to be new, but it does have to fit the greeting card theme.
THEME: The theme is BRIDGING THE DISTANCE. Anything you would send to a friend to encourage them as they shelter-in-place and carry on with life. (i.e. We are all in this together. Thinking of You. Sending Virtual Hugs. Etc…). We want to encourage people to send greeting cards to stay in touch.
SIZE: Create art so it looks good in a vertical Instagram Story context as well as cropped into a square in case it gets chosen for the feed or gallery. Recommended size is a 4:5 ratio - 1080 x 1350px.
CREDIT: Put your name on the piece somewhere so people can easily tag you. Don’t make it so big that it takes over the piece.

TO SUBMIT: Check out https://artlicensingshow.com/bridge/

See below for my entry :) Sending BEAR HUGS around the world!

0 Comments

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