Big Kids Writing For Little Kids

#RisingStarsinKidLit: Trenise Ferreira

10/25/2022

Rising Stars in KidLit began as a way to highlight my fellow KidLit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews cast a light on the wonderful work of pre-published or pre-agented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars! For the next several features, we’re collaborating with the hardworking creators of the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program, Kailei Pew and Ebony Lynn Mudd, to highlight the wonderful and talented creators who were selected for the 2022 Mentorship Program. Learn more about the PB Rising Stars Mentorship program HERE.

Meet Rising Star

Author Trenise Ferreira

Photo Credit: © UCLA Photography

Trenise Ferreira uses her Black Girl Magic to tell all kinds of stories. She's told them to second graders as a teacher, sports fans as a football writer, and Disney fans as a publicist at Walt Disney World Resort. When not telling stories about the black excellence (and animals, history or general silliness), she works in diversity, equity & inclusion corporate communications.

AD: Hi Trenise and welcome to the blog! Thank you so much for being here! Can you start us off by telling us a bit more about your experience in the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program.

TF: I cannot rave about PB Rising Stars enough, and I'm so grateful for Kailei and Ebony for getting this program up and running! Being a part of the inaugural class is very special to me, and the other mentees I’m learning with are so incredibly talented.

My mentor is Tonya Abari and she is the perfect mentor for me! Our journeys to picture book writing have a lot of similarities, and there is just something so…empowering about having a mentor who looks like me. Her journey to publishing gives me hope that I, too, will get that exciting call about a book deal one day.

As an agented but pre-published writer, I have been interested in mentorship for a long time, but the programs are all for unagented writers. I tweeted about this predicament, and how, as a pre-published writer, I have a lot of questions and could use guidance myself on navigating things like managing the agent relationship, how to revise with more intentionality, what to do with your manuscripts aren’t getting any pickup, etc. Being agented but pre-published is kind of like No Mans’ Lands – my fellow writers and critique partners who are unagented are on one side of me, and then writers I admire who have sold multiple books are on the other. It can feel like there’s no place for you to go for guidance when you’re midway up the hill. So I was VERY excited to learn that there would be a mentor in PB Rising Stars taking on agented mentees! I knew having a mentor would make me a better writer, and that working with someone published would help me tighten up my manuscripts and approach them with new perspectives. So far, PB Rising Stars has been everything I could have hoped for and more.

In addition to having a super fun Slack channel to chat with my fellow mentees, I meet with my mentor bimonthly to talk manuscripts, receive feedback and ask questions/get answers about the publishing industry. If that wasn’t valuable enough, we’ve so far been through two webinars led by Ebony, that have been PHENOMENAL. The first helped us think more critically about how successful picture books are structured and why they work, and the second – honestly one of my favorite craft courses I have ever taken – was about taking inspiration from hip-hop music, using literary devices to revise with intentionality. That course was incredibly beneficial to me – it made me want to toss all my old drafts out the window and revise my heart out, haha! And in seriousness, taking the lessons I learned from that course did guide a revision of a current project that, I think, is my best work yet. When Ebony’s courses go live on Thursday (08/18), I HIGHLY recommend that aspiring picture book writers sign up!

PB Rising Stars has brought me a crew of incredible women who will one day take the PB world by storm, as well as got me connected with published writers that I can learn from. At this juncture in my PB journey, this is exactly what I needed.

AD: This is AMAZING!! You're spot on about the 'No Mans' Land' of agented but pre-published. I'm so glad you and Tonya were matched and that you've taken away many valuable insights from the process. These connections and communities that we immerse ourself in on our journey's can do so much for our growth, confidence, and motivation. I look forward to checking out Ebony's classes! Sounds awesome!

Alright let’s do a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time?

The Rainbow Fish: I can’t remember what it was about now, but it had that beautiful shiny cover! I have always loved shiny things, hahaha!
The Junie B. Jones series: I loved this series as a young girl, and I remember getting excited each and every time I got to buy new ones at what was then Crown bookstores.
Captain Underpants: There was no joy in life greater than when the Book Fair would come to school, and my parents had given me money for the latest Captain Underpants books! I loved these so much, that I went and saw the movie when it came in 2017 (at the ripe old age of 27), and I had a BLAST reliving childhood.

Coffee, tea (or neither) Definitely tea for me! As the child of a Jamaican immigrant, I am inclined to agree that the Brits are right on this one. Tea is everything!
Where is your safe place? I feel the most at ease and at peace when I am at the beach, which is why I love living on the west side of LA. I’m about 15 minutes from the beach, and just being able to take a walk on the beach every day is so soothing and centering for me.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Dogs, all day every day! I don’t have one yet, but my fiancé and I plan to get a French Bulldog one day named Napoleon, nickname “Poe.” Whenever we see Frenchies around town, we call them Poes!
Early bird or night owl? In general, when it comes to my life away from writing, I am an early bird. But if I get on good writing or reading roll, you will absolutely catch me up after midnight, just finishing “one more” page or writing “one more” sentence.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Confidence, Wonder, Tenacity

Trenise and her fiancé after they climbed Koko head in Hawaii. An experience that she says will be a picture book one day! Photo Credit: © Trenise Ferreira

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

TF: When I was in third grade, my teacher told my mom that I could write children's books one day. I wish I could tell you what I wrote that made her think this, but since I started my kidlit journey in 2020 I think about it all the time! It only took 22 years, but my teacher was onto something.

Like it did for basically everyone on Earth right now, the COVID-19 pandemic had a drastic impact on my life, more specifically my day job. The shift to work from home really freed me up to pursue personal hobbies, and instead of learning how to make sourdough bread, I started writing books! I actually started writing chapter books first – I had read an article in the Hollywood Reporter about the creator of Magic School Bus (at the time, the remake of the show was coming soon on Netflix), and she mentioned that she was inspired to create a series about science for kids simply because one didn’t exist. And that got me thinking about how there are not really any book series that center women of color in history. When I was a kid, there was the American Girl book series which was FANTASTIC but beyond that… crickets. So I decided to write one!

That project has evolved from a chapter book to a middle-grade project, but it was the first story that popped so clearly into my head and I had to sit down and write it. I started it in May 2020 and finished it in early August of that year. It’s my passion project, and I just know that one day it will see the light of day.

But even if it doesn’t that project holds a special place in my heart for two reasons. One, my dad was the first person I told when I finished writing it, and a few weeks later he died. I think about him every day, and though he will never see me publish a book, he got to know that I finished one and that I was starting my journey as a writer. And two, because in December 2020, my fiancé gifted me a writing course through UCLA Extension so that I could revise and strengthen the manuscript, and that course would change the course of my writing journey.

It was an Intro to Writing for Children course, and the first assignment was to write a picture book. I wrote a pretty strong one, and my professor encouraged me to query it. I did, and I secured my agent with it! And now here we are two years and a handful of writing courses later, and I am firmly cemented in the kidlit community, waiting for my turn to post “vague publishing tweets” about good news!

AD: As a former educator, I love that your first author seed was planted by a teacher :) and good for you for seeing a gap in the picture book market and working to fill it! I can't wait to read your stories about women of color in history! So now we know being a children's book author was a path that was mentioned to you when you were young but did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

TF: In high school, I self-published a YA novel, loosely based on my high school experience. What a time that was, haha! But beyond that, I did not seriously consider being an author as a career until two years ago. After high school, I pursued Broadcast & Digital Journalism at USC and then got my masters in Multimedia Journalism from UC Berkeley. I was a sports journalist for the first three years of my career, and it was the absolute best! College football is my first love, and covering sports was my first stint at being a professional writer, if you will. I currently work in corporate communications, and before that as a publicist at Walt Disney World. So even though I am new to authoring, I have been a storyteller for as long as I can remember.

AD: Oh my goodness, I love this and can relate. As an English Communications major and Art minor in my undergraduate, Journalism was a big focus of mine. I love that when we write for children, we still get to interview sources and conduct research in our writing. It's one of my favorite parts. I love connecting with primary sources for my nonfiction kids books and getting to hear their stories and backgrounds. We are certainly lucky ducks to get to do this work!!

Trenise pictured on University of Southern California Game Day. She LOVES her alma mater and is a very proud Trojan! Photo Credit: © Trenise Ferreira

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

TF: I love writing about black American joy and culture, and especially black heroes, whether contemporary or from the past, that are not often taught in schools. I feel like a lot of the Black history narrative is: here are three people from the slavery era, here’s Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and here’s the Obamas. The end! And while all of those leaders and world-changers are incredibly important, there are even more figures from science, from culinary arts, from sports and from literature whose names we don’t say enough. I intend to say them, and with resounding joy and triumph while I do it. When not writing about the culture, I am a HUGE animal science nerd, so you will absolutely see lots of facts in my fiction.

AD: Love me some informational fiction!! :)

Trenise at the Colosseum in Rome. Trenise's curiosity about the world around her and history specifically inform a lot of her narrative non-fiction or informational fiction work. Photo Credit: © Trenise Ferreira

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?

TF: The biggest challenge so far has been getting a book deal, haha! Kidlit Twitter is always talking about the waiting when you’re querying, but the waiting while on submission is so much worse! It can be months of just…silence. Just waiting and waiting and waiting, ultimately to get a no. I’ve gone to acquisitions twice now, but no dice so far. The most recent rejection really hurt, and it took me the better part of a weekend to get over it. But, as a former journalist, rejection is something I’m used to. I don’t know if it gets easier to stomach rejection, as much as you get stronger and more confident in your writing to brush them off. On my hardest days, I remember that all my faves in publishing have faced rejection, and yet here they are, with multiple published books and in some cases, TV and movie adaptations.

My dad always used to say, “Whatever is for you is for you,” and it’s 100 percent true. When it’s for you, nothing can stop it from happening, and you look back and all the rejections were worth it to get to that perfect (for you) yes.

AD: Yes! I love your positive outlook and the mantra from your father. Sometimes it's hard to stay positive in this industry and 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 journey?

TF: Getting my agent and being chosen as a PB Rising Stars mentee. I think I’m a very strong writer, and getting this far just validates what I believe about myself!

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

TF: I think I’m a great ideator and because I write for a living in my day job, I write pretty good “crappy” first drafts. I have goals of being a prolific writer, and my knack for turning anything into a story helps me make progress towards that goal.

AD: What inspires your work?

TF: Sports and my heritage (my dad immigrated from Jamaica and my mom is Black American) inform my writing style. I try to write the way I/Black Americans talk, which adds a rich texture to my storytelling. Beyond that, literally, everything inspires me – whether it’s scrolling Twitter, seeing something interesting on a walk or hearing a conversation in passing – I use everything around me as fodder for new story ideas.

Trenise at Ernest Hemingway's House in Havana, Cuba, and as you'll see, she's reading A Farewell to Arms. You will always find her with a book in her hand -- or on her phone as an audiobook for when she's driving or traveling -- and that includes taking books on vacation! Photo Credit © Trenise Ferreira

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

TF: Since January, I’ve committed to writing 12 minutes a day. It’s a super casual number, way less intimidating than 15 or 30 minutes, or even hour. But you know what? more often than not, I write for more than 12 minutes anyway. Sometimes, those 12 minutes are used on sketching out a plot, actually writing a draft, or revising. But other times it’s brainstorming character names for a new project, or even writing about how I have nothing to write about! By any means necessary, I get those 12 minutes done. Making it a habit has helped me become a stronger writer.

As far as keeping ideas flowing, I go on a lot of walks. Also, scrolling Twitter, haha! I am not kidding when I say that three projects I am working on write now were inspired by funny tweets. I also commit to writing down five ideas a week in my Hot Ideas File, so I always have a folder of little story seeds that, when the time is right, I will pull out and water and watch them grow.

Also, I read a TON. I read 10 picture books a week (or try to anyway lol) and I have a 55-book (MG-adult) reading goal for the year. I am currently on my 48th read, and with each book I read, I glean new insights into how to write interesting characters, how to use voice, how to add tension, the importance of good pacing, etc. If you’re not reading while writing, start!

AD: This is so helpful! I love choosing a random number of minutes to write (12 has always been a favorite number of mine) and I need to retitle my boring 'Idea' folder to 'Hot Ideas', ha!! That sounds much more appealing. I'm a big walker-thinker, too!

Trenise at Rose Hall, one of the most famous Great Houses in all of Jamaica. Trenise's Jamaican heritage is very important to her and also informs a lot of her writing. Photo Credit: © Trenise Ferreira

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

TF: Courses. I cannot recommend enough that new writers invest in themselves by taking classes to really learn the tangible and intangible skills necessary to succeed as a writer. I’ve taken courses through the writing program at UCLA Extension and Children’s Book Academy and absolutely recommend both. But there are so many out there that are worth the cost. Not only because you’ll learn from published writers and editors about how to improve your craft, but these classes are always great places to meet critique partners! I met some of mine through the CBA, and working with them is the best.

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

TF: I have three pieces of advice:

Don’t measure your life by agent likes, requests and rejections. Doing so takes the joy out of writing, and really it doesn’t matter how many rejections you get; all you need is one “yes” to change your life.
Know when to log off/take a break. If you’re like me, you spend A LOT of time on kidlit Twitter. While the community can be amazing and supportive, it can be hard to watch people succeed and announce book deals when you’re still just trying to get agented. When you feel your eyes creeping off your own paper and onto someone else’s, log off. Take a break and refocus on what YOU do best and tell the stories only YOU can tell.
Find the joy. Life can feel really heavy and honestly, awful these days. But you know who doesn’t should these burdens of adults? Children. They find joy and wonder in everything. Channel that when writing and you’ll be amazed at what you can create.

AD: Such wise nuggets of wisdom , Trenise. Thank you! And lastly, where can readers find out more about you and your work?

TF: If you couldn’t tell, I love Twitter! I’m most active there, @TreniseFerreira.

Thank you so much for sharing your insights, more about the PB Rising Stars mentorship, and your creative journey, Trenise! Congrats again on finding an agent and wishing you all the best on this next chapter of your journey. We can't wait to see your books in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Trenise and her work. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on the next Rising Stars in Kidlit feature and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

Photo Credit © Angela Wood Photography

Hi! I'm Amanda!

Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her family and her rescue pup, Cora.

Amanda is represented by Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency.

Amanda's award-winning picture book, 30,000 STITCHES is out now with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group! Click here to learn more.

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#RisingStarsinKidLit: Kathryn Rammell

10/18/2022

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Kathryn Rammell never wanted to grow up. She loved letting her imagination run wild and playing make-believe. Luckily, she found that with writing and illustrating picture books she can still let her imagination run wild, just like she did when she was little. Plus, now she can eat cookies before dinner. When she’s not writing or illustrating, Kathryn can be found at the beach or on a road trip to a national monument. She enjoys all things KidLit, baking cookies, and being outdoors with her family.

Kathryn is currently seeking agent representation.

AD: Hi Kathryn and welcome to the blog! Thank you so much for being here! I can't wait to learn more about your art and writing. Can you start us off by telling us a bit more about your experience in the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program.

KR: Hello, Amanda, and thank you so much for having me! My name is Kathryn Rammell, and I’m the writer/illustrator of the PB Rising Stars Mentorship. I was paired with not just one, but TWO amazing mentors: Kim-Hoa Ung and Marietta Apollonio. Kim-Hoa is the author-illustrator behind A Gift for Nai Nai and Marietta is the author-illustrator behind Jack the Library Cat. Both of their books will be coming out Spring 2023 and I cannot wait for their amazing books to hit the shelves!

I first learned about the mentorship program after seeing a tweet and thought WOW wouldn’t that be cool! But during the application period I was having some serious self-doubt and kept debating whether or not to apply. I finally asked myself, when the time comes for them to announce mentees, would you rather be disappointed that they didn’t pick you or disappointed that you didn’t even apply? I took a deep breath and dove in, submitting my application just one day before it closed.

I’m still in shock and filled with so much gratitude that I was chosen. The last three months with Marietta and Kim-Hoa have been packed with so much creativity, growth, and learning. Their encouragement and guidance has helped me SO much.

Wow! Those certainly are two amazing mentors. Sounds like you soaked in all you could during those three months and walked away with many helpful insights and a clear direction forward. I love the outlook you had on submitting to the mentorship. I think many of us relate to the regret or disappointment of not trying versus not getting chosen. I'm glad self-doubt didn't stop you. I'm sure Marietta and Kim-Hoa are, too! :)

Alright let’s do a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle, Stuck by Oliver Jeffers, and In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Just water for me, please!
Where is your safe place? I feel most myself at the beach. Exploring tide pools, jumping into waves, building sand castles… It doesn’t get much better.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Both are super cute but I would rather have a pet chicken, which is fitting since the picture book project I worked on during the mentorship is about a chicken :)
Early bird or night owl? Totally an early bird, but not the productive kind haha. I like to wake up before any alarms and enjoy a snuggly bed before the kids come running in and start climbing all over me.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world…Creativity. Joy. Perseverance.

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

KR: My kidlit journey started before I even realized it. There were small moments like making books with my sister when we were growing up, passing notes in high school that were full of funny made-up stories, working at my university library, and taking a college class “just for fun” on children’s books. It was after I had my daughter that I realized I wanted to not just be a reader of children’s books, but a creator. The last seven years I have been working on my art skills and writing, it’s amazing to look back on my early illustrations and stories to see how much I’ve grown. I still have a lot to learn, but am loving every minute of it.

AD: You mentioned those small moments that hinted at your love for storytelling when you were young but did you always know you wanted to be an author-illustrator? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

KR: I always thought it would be fun to be an author/illustrator, but it seemed out of reach. It wasn’t until my husband said, “Other people are doing it, why not you?” that I felt ready to jump in. My degree is in Art History and Curatorial Studies, which was more about studying art than creating it, but still in the same mindset of examining how art evokes emotions or tells a story. It took some awkward growing pains to pick up a paintbrush and learn about dummy making and story pacing, but it’s been a lot of fun, too.

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?

KR: I love all things silly and sweet. My goal with my work is to bring out positive emotions, whether that means making someone cry happy tears or laugh out loud. I especially love fantasy and nature themes in my work.

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?

KR: Art is subjective and it’s impossible to please everyone. It’s such a rollercoaster when one illustration will touch one person but then get torn apart by another. Or to receive high praises from your critique group only to be rejected by agents. But at the end of the day I love writing and illustrating, so I let the hurtful comments and rejections slide past me and I keep on creating.

AD: This is so important to remember, thank you. We can't take those passes personally. Similarly, 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?

KR: Being chosen for the PB Rising Stars Mentorship was definitely a big moment for me. I also won an honorable mention in this year’s KidLit411 Banner Design Contest and will be featured on their website in December. That was a meaningful win for me because KidLit411 has been such a huge help in my creative journey.

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

KR: I feel more confident in my illustrating than I do in my writing, so I think my strength lies in my ability to evoke emotion, movement, and whimsy with my art.

AD: I can definitely feel a sense of calm, wonder, and joy in your art and characters. The emotion and mood shine through to the viewer, for sure! This makes me curious, what inspires your work?

KR: I was a very imaginative child so a lot of my work is inspired by my childhood as well as the current adventures I go on with my kids.

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

KR: It all starts with an idea. But I never know when an idea will hit me, so I keep an ever-growing list in my Notes app where I can quickly jot an idea down whenever it arrives.
When an idea really sticks out it becomes a mad dash of writing, sketching, plotting, dummy drafting and so on. I love this part of the process where new ideas come crashing in, and I find that I have to work fast and focused, otherwise I lose the spark and will end up with a serious case of creative block.
Revising is the hardest part for me because I hate slowing down, but it’s so necessary to really hone in the words and pictures. This is also where critique partners are vital.

The last part of my process is adding the final art. I love this part because everything is coming together, and seeing those vibrant spreads make me think, wow, this really looks like it could be a book.

AD: Yes! Looking at what you've accomplished with the final art can be so satisfying. Sometimes I remind myself that there was literally nothing but a blank page there before but now it's filled with my creations-whether art or writing. The true definition of making something from nothing and learning in the process!

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

KR: The PB Rising Stars Mentorship has hands down been the biggest growth period in my creative path. To have so much encouragement and feedback has helped me see what areas I need to work on, both with specific projects and future ones.
I also really appreciate writing groups like KidLit411, Sub It Club, and SCBWI.

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

KR: Let your passion lead your path.

AD: I love that. Simple but so true! We must never lose our passion!
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

KR: You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, or my website/portfolio. I love connecting with other creatives so please drop by and say hello!
Twitter: @KathrynRammell
Instagram: @kathrynsdoodles
Website/Portfolio: https://kathrynrammell.wordpress.com

Thank you so much for sharing your art, writing, and creative insights, Kathryn! Can't wait to see your books in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Kathryn and her work. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on the next Rising Stars in Kidlit feature and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

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#RisingStarsinKidLit: Layla Fallah

10/11/2022

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Photo Credit © Layla Fallah

Layla Fallah is a Kurdish-Canadian writer and recent graduate of Simon Fraser University, where she studied psychology and specialized in learning and developmental disabilities. Her written work is largely inspired by her experience as a daughter of immigrants and explores themes of found family, mental illness, and belonging. Layla hopes her stories will feel like a hug to anyone who has ever felt like they were “too much” or “not enough”. Apart from being published, her dream is to be in a position where she can uplift and amplify voices from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. Wherever she ends up, Layla hopes to combine her passion for mental health awareness, accessibility, and inclusivity, into the publishing industry.

Layla is currently seeking agent representation.

AD: Hi Layla and welcome to the blog! Thank you so much for being here! Can you start us off by telling us a bit more about your experience in the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program.

LF: Let’s start with the outlandish. I just finished listening to a tarot reading claim that a shiny new opportunity would present itself to me (in the next three days, to be exact) when I came across a tweet from Kailei Pew about the PB Rising Stars Mentorship. Fate? Probably not. But I really love the word happenstance and I think it is quite fitting in this case.

So, I applied. And I waited. I was filled with butterflies up until the very last mentee name was announced on July 1st. It was my name. The lovely Ebony Lynn Mudd picked me! I thought, surely, this is a sign that I am meant to switch gears and focus on my picture book projects after years of writing middle grade and young adult novels.

Like Ebony, I am wholeheartedly determined to establish a career in children’s literature and am fueled by the desire to amplify voices from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. But I had a lot to learn about picture books. As you might have noticed, I am a person of many, many words... and we all know that every word counts when it comes to picture books. As my mentor, Ebony definitely had her work cut out for her. Literally. We had to cut a lot of words.

Moreover, as someone who has never queried, I was thrilled with Ebony’s expertise and willingness to help me prepare and polish my query package—from pitches to revisions to query letters. So far, we have already conquered the battlefield that is #DVPit, and I am thrilled to say that all three of my pitched projects received interest from agents and editors. I have yet to query anyone, but I know that when the time comes, I will feel more than ready to face possible rejection. I am so lucky to have Ebony by my side throughout this entire process!

AD: Wow! What an amazing experience. I love tarot as well and totally agree that this may have been 'written in the cards' for you :). It sounds like the mentorship has given you the knowledge and preparation you need to move forward in your journey and congrats on the agent and editor love during #DVpit. It truly helps to have someone in our corner who can guide us through this crazy process! Fingers crossed that'll you'll have good news to share soon!

Alright let’s do a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? Nura and the Immortal Palace by M.T. Khan, The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill, Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Coffee, tea (or neither)? I am a huge fan of both coffee and matcha (iced or blended, always).
Where is your safe place? My safe place, much like my happy place, is wherever my bookshelves are. Right now, that is split between my childhood bedroom in Vancouver, British Columbia, and my current home in Buffalo, New York.

Pictured: Some of Layla’s bookshelves in Vancouver, Canada. Photo Credit: © Layla Fallah

Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Both! I always considered myself a dog person until my soulmate showed up in the form of a stray cat and became my best friend for fifteen years. She sadly passed in early 2020, but she lived an incredibly long (and loved) life. Now I am “mom” to a little monster named Howl, who is incredibly skilled at barking for no apparent reason.

Layla and her beloved cat/reading buddy. Photo Credit: © Layla Fallah

Early bird or night owl? I am definitely a night owl. But if I’m always up until the sun rises… perhaps I am inadvertently an early bird.
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the KidLit world… Passion, perseverance, prose.

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….Please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

LF: I have been “making” books ever since I was given access to the steady supply of construction paper and glue sticks left unattended in my kindergarten classroom. Did they always have words in them? No, but they were book-shaped, and that is all that mattered to my tiny, feverish fingers.

I started writing more seriously when I was twelve years old, and had completed my first novel at age fifteen. There were a LOT of abandoned manuscripts along the way. Basically, I have been reading and writing for as long as I can remember. When I started my book blog in late 2015, that further fueled my desire to see more representation in children’s literature. I remember thinking: How is it that I have reviewed over 500 books, but have yet to see a single character who is Kurdish like me?

Since then, I have finally completed my academic studies (much to the approval of my immigrant parents), gained experience in several customer service and administrative roles (as is expected of someone my age, I suppose) and was still left yearning for more.

In late 2021, I took a chance and applied for the 2022 Publishing Fellowship at BookEnds Literary Agency. In my heart, I decided that applying for this fellowship would be my way of asking the universe if I was meant to follow my publishing dreams. And reader, it happened. When I found out I was selected, it gave me a little peak behind the mysterious curtain of publishing. It is now my goal to learn as much about the industry as I can, while contributing (behind the scenes or frontline) to a more diverse catalogue for young readers.

AD: It's always so interesting to me that the things we loved as a child are often the things we still love as adults but sometimes we wander astray and life gets in the way of following our dreams. I'm glad you've stuck with your childhood passions for reading and writing and for bringing inclusive stories into the world for other Kurdish kids to see and love. You mentioned you've been creating since you were young but did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

LF: Yes. As a teen I worked at McDonald’s and Starbucks, then spent a very fun two years at Vancouver International Airport before I transitioned into administrative work at a non-profit organization. But I have always dreamed about seeing my books on the shelves at my local public library. I did not have the privilege or opportunity to study creative writing or pursue it as a full-time job, but I am dedicated to seeing my stories through to the end (from a word document to a concrete thing I can hold in my hands).

AD: Yay! You're doing it!! One word, one story, at a time! :)
What topics or themes do you tend to focus on in your writing? Favorite genres you like to write in or favorite art materials/techniques?

LF: I write for children (and adults) who are yearning to be seen or to learn about somewhere new. For the dreamers, outsiders, and those who long for home. My books include whimsical contemporary tales, cozy fantasy novels, and cultural notes across all genres. Themes of belonging, self-acceptance, and generational trauma are also prevalent in most of my work.

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: The biggest challenge has been being able to financially support myself while trying to accomplish all of the publishing and publishing-adjacent dreams. Student loans, my supportive partner, and life savings have helped sustain my livelihood (just barely) while I prepare to query my manuscripts and look for internships in the agenting/editorial sphere. Aside from that, the toughest part is just having to deal with rejection. Constantly. It will be inevitable at every stage of the publishing process, but will only make that one “yes” sweeter when it finally happens.

AD: Yes to all of this! I think this is so relatable to many creators. My first book took me almost ten years to get traditionally published as I worked full-time as a high school art educator. I'd sneak in time on the weekends and of course during summer break. Now, with an infant at home, those windows are even more narrow. But never giving up is the key. Even if it's a slow road we continue to learn along the way! Speaking of learning, 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 journey?

LF: I rarely leave my comfort zone, so I would say my biggest accomplishment thus far is just putting myself out there: applying for fellowships/mentorships, finding a community of writers, pitching in a Twitter event, and so on.

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

LF: All of my writing is informed by my experience as a queer Kurdish-Canadian with invisible disabilities, so I suppose my perspective as an individual could be seen as a strength. In the grand scheme of things, I just feel passionate about contributing my voice to the current representation out there, as well as one day (hopefully) finding myself in a situation where I can uplift others.

AD: I love that sentiment-your perspective is your super power :) I can't wait to read your stories one day soon so I can learn more about your unique voice and experiences. What inspires your work?

LF: Family, friends, and lived experience. Feelings. All of them. Finding someone, real or fictional, who makes you feel seen. The moment when you open a book and feel at home. Learning about people from various backgrounds with entirely different experiences from myself. Finding a whimsical escape from the mundane. Looking for the magic in everything, everywhere. Life.

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

LF: My creative process involves a lot of thinking before I do anything. And then, out of the blue, I will sit and write for hours upon hours. So, I guess you could say I do not have a process at all. I do however love to sit at my desk and surround myself with things like artwork, music, and other books that make me feel excited about writing.

Layla’s writing workspace. © Photo Credit Layla Fallah

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

LF: Always reading. Everything. I find that it not only improves my craft, but it refills my “creative well” when I am burnt out from my manuscript revisions. Oh, and to accept that first drafts will always be changed! Just write! It does not have to be perfect the first time around.

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

LF: If you can, find a group of writers at your local library, or perhaps on online (Twitter, Discord, etc.), where you can read and provide feedback, as well as support and uplift each other. This journey is already so difficult—it helps no one to go it alone.

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

LF: You can find me on the internet wherever bookworms tend to gather! My site: www.laylafallah.com

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and creative journey, Layla! I'm sensing some more good news in the cards for you in the near future. Sending our positive vibes your way. Can't wait to see your books in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Layla and her work. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on the next Rising Stars in Kidlit feature and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

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#RisingStarsinKidLit: Aimee Satterlee

10/4/2022

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Rising Stars in KidLit began as a way to highlight my fellow kidlit creators who are working their tails off to birth their beautiful book babies into the world. These interviews cast a light on the wonderful work of pre-published or pre-agented authors and author-illustrators who are destined to be stars! For the next several features, we’re collaborating with the hardworking creators of the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program, Kailei Pew and Ebony Lynn Mudd, to highlight the wonderful and talented creators who were selected for the 2022 Mentorship Program. Learn more about the PB Rising Stars Mentorship program HERE.

Meet Rising Star

Author Aimee Satterlee!

Aimee Satterlee has always had a deep love of picture books. From the time she was 3-years-old and named her cat Harold after Harold and the Purple Crayon, Aimee knew picture books contain the best answers to life’s questions. After a career reading picture books to kids as an elementary teacher, she is dedicated to a career writing picture books for kids as a full-time author. Aimee is a 2022 PB Rising Star and a member of SCBWI and 12x12 PB Challenge. She enjoys spending time with her hilarious husband, three charming children and one precious pup on the same road where she grew up.

Aimee is currently seeking agent representation.

AD: Welcome to the blog, Aimee! Let’s start with your experience in the PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program. Can you tell us who your mentor is, what inspired you to apply, and how the program is going/went for you?

AS: My mentor, and new publishing bestie, is Kailei Pew! We are alike in so many eerie ways--even our birthdays are just days apart.

I knew immediately when Kailei posted about starting a mentorship program that I HAD to apply to her. For one, a dear and longtime critique partner (Nicole Sharkey) sent me that original post and said Kailei would be a good match for me. Nicole gets props for predicting this pairing from the start! Plus, I had been a longtime follower and fan of Kailei and knew she wrote in a variety of genres like me, so it seemed perfect…and it is!

I could not ask for a better mentor than Kailei. She “gets me” and my work. We set some pretty lofty goals to revise 6 manuscripts as well as get the entire package ready (pitches, query letters, submission lists, etc.) for agent querying after the mentorship. Not to mention getting my author website off and running…But, Kailei has been behind me and believes in me 100%.

AD: Wow! That sounds serendipitous! It's so nice to have guidance in this industry and it seems you've had a pretty productive mentorship thus far. Yay for collaboration and teamwork!
Alright let’s do a speed round…

Top three favorite children’s books of all time? WATERCRESS by Andrea Wang and Jason Chin, THE NIGHT GARDENER by The Fan Brothers, and SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. Ok, now I need to go hug my other all-time favorites.
Coffee, tea (or neither)? Neither. I know that’s not typical for a writer (or a former teacher) but plain water is my go-to drink.
Where is your safe place? Home. I am truly blessed to live on the same road as I did as a child. I can look out my window and see the house where I grew up. There’s something magical and peaceful being connected to my past and future on this little one lane road named after my grandfather.
Dogs, cats, (or neither)? Neither. I am not a cat or dog person. I’m a Pearl person. She’s my one-year old furry writing partner. She’s part human-dog-cat-frog-pig. I love her so much!

Early bird or night owl? Neither. (I’m seeing a trend here. Ha!)
Three words to describe what it takes to make it in the kidlit world… persistence, patience, joy!!!

AD: Okay, now down to the serious stuff….please dish us the dirt on who you are and your journey into the fabulous world of children’s books.

AS: I started writing when my son was born. It was just a fun way to stay awake during late night feedings--jotting stories on my iPhone. My husband, who is a teacher, said he wanted to show one of my stories to his 5th grade class. Little did I know, he stealthily took my story and had it illustrated by a RISD alum as a present. When I opened it, I cried. Actually, I sobbed. To see that little story I wrote on my iPhone as a potential picture book lit a fire from within. I have been learning and growing ever since. When I started, I didn’t even know there were 32 pages in a picture book. Needless to say, that first story was a mess. I can look back at it now and laugh. But, it was the beginning of my official writing journey and for that I’m forever grateful.

AD: Sweetest and most thoughtful gift ever! And as a new mom myself, how inspiring that your spark to write was a result of late nights with your baby boy. Inspiration is everywhere! Although your writing journey started after having your son, did you always know you wanted to be an author? Have you explored other paths or had/have other jobs?

AS: I’ve always loved picture books. My parents tried bribing me as a child to stop reading picture books and start reading chapter books. Looking back, there was a definite reason that the picture book form spoke to the core of who I am. But, I don’t think I *knew* I could actually *be* an author. I grew up in a family of teachers going back many generations. So, naturally I became a teacher. I adored my students and enjoyed reading books to them. Being a teacher and a mom awakened that deep love of picture books. I truly believe everything in my life has led me here. And, I’m really proud of being able to share this journey with my children and hopefully be an example of determination. They have seen how I handle this difficult journey and all the rejections, but always picking myself up and continuing because when you feel a deep passion and purpose, nothing will stop you.

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

AS: I’m not afraid to go deeply emotional and personal or on the flip side, as one CP said, I can be “fearlessly silly.” I write in many picture book genres (nonfiction, informational fiction, lyrical, humor, STEM, SEL). No matter what genre, I hope my readers feel seen, loved and happy! If what I create means something to a child, there is no greater good or purpose. I love writing and I always want to focus on that deep joy because I hope it will be felt by readers.

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?

AS: One of my biggest challenges was actually turning down an offer of representation last fall. The Call was on my actual birthday! (Complete with zombie unicorn ice cream cake…) It felt like a real birthday wish manifested. So, for me to say “no” was difficult. I’m grateful now because I would not have actually written the lyrical piece of my heart that touched Kailei, my mentor, and had this incredible opportunity of a mentorship. Everything is meant to be including all the times I applied and was not chosen for other mentorships. I keep showing up for opportunities, learning and growing. Perseverance is my superpower! I also find that eating a lot of Crumbl cookies along the way is essential.

AD: What an interesting situation. Thank you for sharing that. I think so often we are so excited to get that initial offer that we can overlook our gut feelings when making the decision to move forward in a partnership or not. Thanks for that reminder that it's okay to pass on opportunities that may not align at our core, knowing that in the end, the decision will lead us to where we are meant to be. And I need to try some of those Crumbl cookies! Yum!

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 journey?

AS: I think there were over 400 applications for the PB Rising Stars Mentorship. So, being chosen was a really big deal. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to learn and grow with such an amazing mentor. I have had writing contest wins that have been meaningful. 2022 and 2019 I was a winner for Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words, and in 2020 I was Honorable Mention. I don’t have the time to enter in all the amazing writing contests out there, but I always make 50 Precious Words a priority because it challenges me to really focus on word choice and tell a complete story in so few words. I also won Honorable Mention for Kids’ Choice Kidlit Writing Contest 2022. This contest is judged by real kids! So, for kid readers (who are not my own children) to actually like my story enough to vote on it meant so much.

AD: Woohoo! So many wins and reasons to celebrate. More Crumble cookies perhaps?!?
Speaking of accomplishments, what do you feel are your strengths as an author? What makes your writing unique to you?

AS: One of my strengths is the creativity of my ideas. Tara Lazar says that “concept is king.” Ideas come easily to me. My list has almost 500 ideas on it right now. Granted only some of those will rise to the top of the list to become manuscripts, but I seem to have a knack for coming up with unique ideas with multiple hooks and kid appeal. I have a specific voice that my mentor and CPs says comes through no matter what genre I write in. I think it’s “miscellaimeeous”--sometimes quirky, sweet, funny, deep. I write with the intention of bringing extra hope, comfort and joy to readers.

AD: Love that “miscellaimeeous” word play ;)
What inspires your work?

AS: I’m inspired by kids! My own kids, former students, my inner kid, kids just being kids!, kids with big feelings, and kids who need a reminder that they are loved. I care so much about my future readers. I know there are children out there who need my books. I won’t give up on them.

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

AS: Tara Lazar’s Storystorm is a treasure. I always participate in the month of January and generate so many idea “jewels” for the whole year. As far as being stuck, my best advice is take a break. Don’t force it. Switch to something else you are working on. I usually have multiple projects I’m working on at once. So, if I am stuck with one I move to a different one. That time away is usually enough to provide clarity and get me moving again in the right direction.

AD: I love Tara's Storystorm! So many jewels can come from it!

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

AS: Some of the organizations and groups that have been the most beneficial to my growth as an author are: SCBWI, 12x12, Kidlit Twitter and #PBChat. I’ve been a part of many writing conferences, and numerous webinars with outstanding authors and industry professionals.

Critique groups!!! I’m currently a part of 4 CGs. No one can do this journey alone. I’m lucky to be part of critique groups with such talented writers!

Reading! Reading! Reading! I’ve calculated that I’ve read more than 7,800 picture books since starting my writing journey. I always check out a huge stack of books each week from the library. I even have a whole file dedicated to analyzing picture book texts.

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

AS: Keep going! Good things are already on the way to you!

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

Twitter @AimeeSatterlee
Website: www.AimeeSatterlee.com

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and creative journey, Aimee! We can't wait to see your heartfelt books in the hands of young readers! Feel free to drop a comment below to support Aimee and her work. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on the next Rising Stars in Kidlit feature and follow along on Twitter at #RisingStarsinKidlit!

Photo Credit: Angela Wood Photography

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