Twelve years ago, I took a beginning class for aspiring children’s writers, and my instructor, a prolific author, read my first picture book manuscript and said, “You ARE going to submit this.” That helped.

What do you most love about the writing life?

The freedom. For the most part, nobody’s telling you what to write, when to write, how to write. You sink or swim on your own. I like that challenge.

What advice would you give writers who are closing in on the 100 rejection mark without an acceptance of any sort?

Every author I know has cringe-worthy manuscripts squirreled away that they once thought were brilliant. You HAVE to learn to look at your own work with a critical eye. That’s tough sometimes, but crucial.

If someone has been continually hitting brick walls, I’d advise them to STOP and back up the truck. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of work you have circulating; it really is the quality that matters. Ideally, we need to submit only those manuscripts that editors will find irresistible. If they can say no, they will.

Oh, yeah. My advice. Select two or three favorite manuscripts and have them professionally critiqued. A fresh perspective is invaluable.

Also, if you’ve never tried writing for magazines, give it a try. Submitting to magazines taught me a lot, and the occasional acceptances made me feel like a “real” writer and gave me the confidence to deal with editors without blathering incoherently (well, sometimes). And don’t fret about selling your work for all rights. Really. The odds that you’ll ever in a million years “turn a magazine story into a picture book” are virtually nil. The two are entirely different animals. Now somebody will write to me to say they did that. Tip: Good nonfiction sells like crazy.

How many total stories have you written? Even count those that you’ll never show anybody.

Oh, boy. I’d have to guess….50? I don’t think I have any that I’ve never shown anybody, even the stinkers. Hey, I didn’t KNOW they were stinkers at the time. Over the years, my embarrassment threshold has fallen to the point that I no longer have one.

Do you submit your books via an agent or do you submit on your own?

I have an agent, but I sold my first four books on my own. I signed with her just in time for her to negotiate the fourth. I LOVE not having to worry about where to send something.

Do you break or have you broken any conventional rules of picture book writing?

Yes. For one thing, writers are told not to write in rhyme. Two of my four published pbs rhymers, as are the next two, STANZA and TOM’S TWEET.

Also, I remember how nervous I was about dropping Ste-e-e-eamboat A-Comin’! into the mail, because it was so out of the box. A rhyming, historical mood piece? Yipes! Yet it sold quickly. I’ve since learned that the more unnerved I am about letting an editor see something, the better it’s received. Unique is good.

Were there certain picture books that influenced you as you first pursued publication?

Reading my kids Kevin Henkes’ JULIUS, BABY OF THE WORLD is what inspired me to try writing pbs in the first place. The page where Lily’s up a tree, shouting to a passing pregnant woman that she’ll live to regret the baby under her shirt was so … irreverent and hilarious. I wanted to do that – write books for kids that adults would enjoy reading.

I saw that Ste-e-e-e-eamboat A-Comin’! was awarded the Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year award. Did you expect to receive such great recognition with that story or was it just icing on the cake?

Well, actually it was one of many “best” books on Bank Street’s annual list. Still, pretty cool. It WAS the only picture awarded best juvenile fiction by Friends of American Writers, a Chicago group. Very cool to fly to Chicago to speak at their luncheon.

Your upcoming book Stanza looks fun. Where did you get the inspiration to write about a poetry writing canine?

I wanted to write a book in which a dog was the main character. I wanted to set it in the city but write it in rhyme – in the style of an old west gunslinger ballad. As in most cases, one thing led to another, and it took on a life of its own. I’m very excited about Stanza. The interior art is so fun, and the cover is AMAZING. There’s a passage in which he’s hiding in an alley late one night, struggling to write a jingle (for a dog food company’s contest) that perfectly illustrates my writing process:

He scribbled and scrawled.

Reconsidered.

Erased.

He wadded up papers.

He pondered.

He paced.

He scoured his thesaurus.

He struggled for rhymes.

He started from scratch at least eighty-two times.

Yep, that’s me.

We are both great people of faith, by that, I mean we both believe the Chicago Cubs can do good in any given year. Let me ask you this, which will happen first, you winning a Caldecott Award or the Cubs winning the World Series and which would you prefer?

Now, Brian. If you’re REALLY a Cubs fan, you KNOW I have to go with the Cubbies or take responsibility for jinxing them in ‘09. Although, I have been considering taking a drawing class….

Can you share with us something about you nobody else may know?

Um…I have big feet? My dad used to tell me, “Well, honey, you won’t blow over.”

I want to give a big thanks to Jill for a wonderful interview and my apologies for dredging up that big feet memory

We hope you’ve enjoyed our interview with picture book author Jill Esbaum.

Here’s Jill’s latest book. Buy it today!

Stanza	There’s a slobbery thug in town, and his name is Stanza. He bullies everybody. He eats chicken pot pie. And . . . he writes poetry. On the sly. At night. Because he’s extremely afraid his bully brothers will find out. But Stanza doesn’t let that stop him from entering one of his poems into a jingle contest. Does he win? Well, what if he did . . . not?

Visit Jill’s Website

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Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt Reading to a Group of Children

Your question made me laugh! I didn’t “know” if people would appreciate my first newspaper or magazine article. I simply hoped I didn’t come off looking like a ding-dong. LOL! When I wrote my first book, which was a career guide for teens, I simply hoped it would help guide readers towards a fulfilling career. When I wrote my first fiction book, You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?, I just really hoped it would earn out my advance so I wouldn’t have to pay it back. HA! I’m pleased to report that I’ve received numerous royalty checks!

What was the first positive comment you received about your writing?

Oh, gosh, it’s been a good 10 years since I started. But I do remember a local magazine editor telling me I had a good sense of article flow, and several people I wrote about told me I made them sound interesting, for which they were very grateful. HA! I didn’t try writing a book until I’d written a ton of articles. The only way I could mentally approach book writing was to think of it as a bunch of magazine articles – step-by-step, bit by bit.

How did your writing progress after that first positive?

I just wanted to get good at writing feature stories. I remember telling other more established writers, those I met personally who were also writing for local paper and magazine outlets, that I wanted to polish my own articles, rather than an editor doing it. I distinctly remember them rolling their eyes! HA! It took me a while to figure out that while they, too, wanted to produce a great story, they were not interested in editors coming back with numerous revision requests. I spent hours and hours on a single story – even those I got a mere $50 to write – because I was so fearful of having an editor reply with “You might want to rethink writing as a career choice.” HA! Seriously, a writer’s ego is so fragile in the beginning. It often takes numerous credits and kudos before you stop feeling like an imposter.

Sometimes people find it difficult to submit their work to editors. Have you ever had that problem?

Writers are very territorial about their stories, though they do know that editing usually improves a story. But sometimes editors actually insert errors as they edit. Grrrrr! After getting yelled at by a source whose quote was changed, I quickly learned to ask to see the final draft of magazine stories to ensure that didn’t happen. I always get to review the final draft of my books. I always reply with a long list of suggested revisions (now’s the time to catch typos!). It’s certainly a dance between author and editor!

Do you remember your first rejection?

Sorry, no. Simply because I received too many of them. HA! Pitching story ideas to editors is my least favorite part of being a writer. But I have some writer friends who would rather pitch than write. Go figure! What was more painful to me was having Chronicle Books, the publisher of Tooth, turn down a middle grade fiction book draft I later pitched them. If I recall correctly, my editor said, “This is crap. Go back to writing picture books.” I can laugh now, but at the time I was devastated.

Did your first rejections spur you on to try harder or bring you down for a while?

Magazine pitching is hard work, and if you’ve put a lot of time into your pitch, trying to show the editor that you’ve done some story research, including stats and who you’ll interview, it can feel like you’ve wasted your time when they pass. But that’s the time to not drop the idea. It’s the time to dust off their rejection and pitch it to another editor. Most writers end up writing for only a handful of magazines, sticking with those editors who are easy to work with. Once they have a foot in the door, they no longer have to provide those long, detailed pitches because the editor trusts them to deliver. That is the best part of the editor-writer relationship: two-way trust.

I love your book YOU THINK IT’S EASY BEING A TOOTH FAIRY? What inspired you to write the book?

I signed up for a picture book workshop at The Chautaqua Institution in upstate New York. A week before the workshop, I still hadn’t come up with a story draft, which was the only course requirement. One morning I started thinking about Santa Claus. My brain eventually tripped through other famous story characters. When I thought about the tooth fairy, I started wondering why she’s always depicted so dainty. Does nightly tooth nabs sound like a dainty job? NO! That’s why my tooth fairy character is an action gal, with her own high-tech gadgets (patent pending!).

In your school visits, have you found a lot of children who want to be writers?

What I’ve found is that children love writers. Seriously, they treat you like you’re a rock star when you visit their school. What’s funny is when they ask for your autograph, like it’s a big deal. It is pretty funny being asked to write my name on arms and legs, when the kids run out of paper. LOL!

What are your words of encouragement to young students who want to be an author just like you?

Read a lot of books. Learn to watch for how your favorite authors write their sentences and use punctuation. And write a lot. Journaling is a good way to start. Or give yourself a short daily writing assignment. Something along the lines of “Today was awesome because…” or “When I turn 25, I will….” or “My brother is so dumb that he….” LOL! Overall, my advice is to remember that without a plan, there’s no result. Force yourself to read and write weekly, if not daily. You simply can’t get good at expressing your thoughts without practice.

I saw that YOU THINK IT’S EASY BEING THE TOOTH FAIRY has been translated into French and Hebrew. How did that come about?

Chronicle holds the foreign rights to Tooth. It’s their job to try to get it published in other languages/formats. I believe there’s a Korean version in the works as well. And Scholastic Books recently created an audio CD and soft cover version of Tooth.

Also, have you had any French or Hebrew fan mail come your way?

I don’t get fan mail in the traditional sense, but I do get online comments. Or a teacher will pass a pile of letters my way.

Can you share any news about upcoming children’s books you have in the works? Our readers would love to know what to expect next.

Well, I’m still tweaking that middle grade novel my Chronicle editor told me was crap. HA! I’ve rewritten it about 25 times. It’s certainly much better, but I’m still not sure it’s finished. Or maybe I’m just gun-shy about putting it out there with that old rejection hanging over my shoulder. But, as they say, “NO GUTS, NO GLORY!” So I will have to get to it, right?

For you, what is the most enjoyable aspect of writing?

Holding the published book in my hands. Sorry, but it’s true! Writing does not always come easily to me. A part of me still can’t believe I stumbled into being an author! I really enjoy hearing that kids – and parents – find my books fun, interesting, and valuable. One of my books features crafts projects, including a recipe for making what looks like vomit. To see the excitement on the faces of boys – who typically hate reading – is very rewarding. I’m so grateful that I helped to nudge them to read, even if I had to do it with vomit. HA!

Finally, something I always ask my interviewees. Can you tell us something no one else may know about you?

Hmmmm… you probably already know that I held onto a car for three days at a car dealership hoping to win it….and that I have a twin sister….and that Tooth has sold more than 18,000 copies. Oh, wait! I know! I woke up this morning with my upper eyelids swollen to about 10x their normal size. Seriously, I looked like one of those bug-eyed toads you see in nature books. I think I must have rubbed my eyes last night, after using cotton balls to remove my toenail polish. I still look freaky, 12 hours later, but there’s an upside: now I have inspiration for my Halloween costume! LOL!

Here are two ways to find out more on Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt:

The Children’s Books of Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt
The Writing and Editing Website of Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt

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Today, she was nice enough to answer some questions for our website readers.

Rachelle in Action

It may be unknown to some people, but you are a very talented children’s entertainer. How long have you been getting paid to act like a clown?

It might look like I’m blushing, but that’s just the face paint   I have been “Tickles the Clown” for about 16 years. I eventually added other characters: “Wacky Witch” for Halloween shows, “Tickles the Elf” for Christmas, and “Princess Meshugana” for Hanukkah and Purim. I also do storytelling programs as “Mother Goof.” Making kids happy is the best job in the world.

Many writers find author visits to be frightening. How has your experience as a children’s entertainer prepared you for author visits?

I think I’d be awfully nervous if I weren’t already accustomed to being in front of a crowd of kids–not to mention adults who are naturally assessing my program. Also, knowing how to make kids laugh results in an educational program that is entertaining as well.

You had your first book published (Tree House in a Storm) in 2009 by Stemmer House. Can you tell me a little bit about your journey to publication? Was it a long arduous journey or were you an overnight success?

Don’t I wish it was an overnight success! No, I worked long and hard for it. In my early years of writing I got only rejection letters from book publishers. I would have concluded that I just wasn’t a very good writer, but then I decided to submit to magazines.   One day I got an acceptance from Highlights Magazine and was on top of the world. Literally the very next day they accepted another story I’d also submitted. Ten months later a third. This success gave me confidence to continue submitting appropriate manuscripts to book publishers. I did get plenty of rejections for Tree House in a Storm before landing a publisher. I use these rejection letters in my author visits to discuss the revision process.

You write about some amazing topics. Recently you wrote about a painter who has been blind from birth.  Can you tell us more about this story and how you came up with the idea?

Once when googling something unrelated, I got a hit for a site about a congenitally blind painter named Esref Armagan. It piqued my curiosity enough to stray from what I was doing and read about it. I was immediately hooked, and ended up reading everything I could about him, including medical and psychological journal articles. I was determined to write a children’s biography about this amazing man. He lives in Turkey and speaks no English, but that didn’t stop me. I contacted his manager–an American woman living in Turkey–and conducted 3-way Skype interviews (with her as interpreter). The book is complete and I’ve even acquired a number of expert reviews, but, as one editor told me, it will be hard to sell in the US since Esref is virtually unknown here. While I continue to submit to educational publishers in the US, I’ve begun seeking an agent in Turkey or England.

A lot of your stories are vey helpful in a classroom setting, how do you see teachers using the story of Esref with their students?

His story would be beneficial in both art and science curricula. In the book, I go into detail about how this man, who has not seen so much as light or shadow, actually paints realistic images with color, perspective, and shadows. Scientists at Harvard have studied his brain, making breakthroughs in the area of perception and the brain. Most of all, Mr. Armagan is an example of breaking barriers. Never underestimate what motivated people can do.

Not only have you had a book published, you’ve also had many articles published in magazines such as Highlights, Pockets, Birds & Bloom and some Scholastic titles.  Do you receive more joy from writing book manuscripts or articles?

When I started writing, I thought nonfiction was dull and had no interest in it. But then I discovered that when something fascinated me, whether a fiction or nonfiction idea–I wanted to write about it. Some of these manuscripts were more appropriate as magazine pieces, and I’m fine with that. One day I was surprised to receive a check from Highlights. They had sold a nonfiction story they’d published a year or two ago to an educational testing service, resulting in new royalties. I like knowing hundreds of kids will be reading it (even if it’s because they have to).

Looking over your list of published works, I see you write a lot about physical or emotional challenges. Can you share why you have a tendency to write about these circumstance?

Perhaps my interest seeing how people overcome barriers is consistent with my other career (I’ve been a social worker a lot longer than I’ve been a clown!). I find such stories inspiring. But while I’ve had work published about a blind skier (Highlights), skiers with other handicaps (Scholastic Scope) and a child’s recovery from cancer (Catholic Forester Magazine), I’ve also written about the tooth fairy, an orphaned squirrel, and missing socks. I don’t limit myself to any particular theme.

You write. You entertain. You also offer a critique service for other writers.  How does your service work?

I have published fiction, nonfiction and poetry for children, and so am open to critiquing all three types of kidlit. Writers send me their work as email attachments. I’ve had clients from the US, Canada, the UK, India, Australia, and Mexico. My website has a link to my service, which provides details, including my affordable fees. References are also on the site.

You have had many clients use your critique service over the years. Do you find your clients are committed writers looking to improve, or people who give picture book writing a shot because it seems a fun thing to do?

Most are serious but new writers. Writers who are just doing it for enjoyment wouldn’t typically look for a critique group or critique service. That indicates a level of commitment

Since you run a critique service, do you have time to be part of a critique group? If you are part of a group, how do you benefit?
I’ve been part of several critique groups over the years. I am currently in two (in-person and online) which have been together for several years. Once I started a new group just for chapter books.

Being active in critique groups is the one thing that advanced my writing the most. New writers often believe that a thumbs-up from their family member/kids/teacher/librarian is evidence of good writing. Unless the person providing feedback is a writer who can dissect a picture book or article, the only real benefit is a boosted ego. My website, www.ResourcesForChildrensWriters.com, has a category for critique groups, with links to sources for finding one to join. They are free.

Only two more questions….

Can you give me a list of your five favorite picture books you read or had read to you as a child and your five favorite picture books on the market today?

I can’t honestly say I was a big reader as a kid. I mostly liked to write and draw. But I remember a few books I loved as a child: The Little Engine that Could, The Pokey Little Puppy, and a lot of Dr. Seuss books. When I was a bit older my favorites were Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little.

My list of current favorites is long. I love Toni Buzzeo’s lyrical writing in The Sea Chest. Eileen Spinelli is my idol when it comes to rhyming picture books. The Zack Files (early chapter book series by Dan Greenburg) make me pee in my pants from laughing so hard.  I’m in awe of Donna M. Jackson, who writes nonfiction science books (for ages 9-12) in a way that is can’t-put-downable and easy to understand.

Finally, can you share one thing about yourself that friends and fans can find out only from reading this interview? Remember, this doesn’t have to be about writing.

I collect frog figurines. I must have over a hundred of them–marble, glass, carved wood, jade, pewter, metal–including many from other countries. We also even have a  real 13-year-old aquatic frog that my daughter got as a tadpole. As it turns out, the illustrator of my book, Rex Schneider, has a thing for frogs as well. This led to my suggestion that he hide them in all the pictures of our book. And he did.

To learn more about Rachelle and her writing, please visit  www.Rachelleburk.com. To learn more about writing, visit her Resources site which as over 250 links within 30 distinct categories. You can find it at www.ResourcesForChildrensWriters.com. It has won two awards, including the Preditors and Editors Very Useful Site Award!

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Can you remember the first encouraging comment you received about your writing?

Oh, that’s easy! My parents. I can’t remember any one particular comment, it’s more like an overall feeling of pride they had in my writing. I ate up any fictional writing assignment and loved book reports. I wrote five page letters to my friends and composed poetry for my eyes only.

Interestingly enough, it never occurred to me that I might want to be a writer until my daughter was born and I began reading books to her.

What do you most love about the writing life?

I just had a blog entry on this!

I love the research, the revisions, school visits, the sense of accomplishment a final draft brings me, the writing friends I’ve met along the way, the stories about how readers have used my book to keep their Grumpies away . . .

The only thing I don’t love about it, is the waaaaaiting.

I especially love the way it fits into my life. My family and I run a campground May through October, and the hours then are intense. But all those other months are mine to write in! The two mesh together better than you would think. Having 132 families as “company” every weekend give me more writing ideas than I could ever use in my lifetime. The kids who visit with me in my store/office really brighten my day.

Do you also write magazine articles or do you focus entirely on picture books?

While a student of the Institute of Children’s Literature, I completed a magazine writing assignment which went on to be published in a May ’97 issue of My Friend magazine. That was my first writing sale. The title was “If You Were A Baby Alligator . . . ”

But my first love at the time was still picture books, and because I can only write a few months of the year, I concentrated on that genre.

What advice would you give writers who are closing in on the 100 rejection mark without an acceptance of any sort?

Having gotten close to 100 rejections before holding The Three Grumpies in my hands, I know this is going to sound cliche, but I have to say, “Keep plugging along.” Attending retreats and conferences where you can connect with other writers is always an inspiration and will help keep you going. Join a critique group, not only for the learning value, but for the cheerleading moments. Join an on-line list serve to chat with other writers and commiserate together. Study books on how to write, for even my well published friends say you can never stop learning the craft.

Take heart . . . many, many well published writers hit that 100 mark before their first book sold.

How did family and friends view your writing before they could actually hold THREE GRUMPIES in their hands?

Before I sold The Three Grumpies, not too many people knew I was writing to submit. Those few who did were interested in the process, but I think they saw it more as a hobby to help me get through the long winter nights between camping seasons.

My then 10 year old daughter (a budding author herself!) was a fabulous cheerleader and a great sounding board for my manuscripts. She’d probably tell you she never doubted it for a minute.

How many total stories have you written? Even count those that you’ll never show anybody.

Oh, wow . . . I have to go look it up!

Twenty three picture books. And six chapter books.

That’s a lot more than I thought there’d be! More than half those picture books will never see the light of day, I’m afraid.

Do you break or have you broken any conventional rules of picture book writing?

There are rules? Really?

I’m a firm believer in writing the story that’s waiting to be told. If it’s strong enough, it will find a home. It might just take a little longer, that’s all.

Are there certain types of picture books you prefer to write? Humorous? Educational? Sentimental?

I don’t set out to write a certain type, but I tend to lean toward humorous and quirky. Lately, I’ve seen a pattern in my picture book ideas – they all have a family theme to them.

Were there certain picture books that influenced you as you first pursued publication? Certain books you may have read your daughter that inspired you?

I have this worn, faded, falling-apart-at-the-seams copy of Going On A Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury. My two year old daughter loved it so much, she memorized it to the point where my parents thought she’d learned to read. I’d always enjoyed writing, but I think it was her love of picture books that first inspired me to try my hand at that particular genre.

In the beginning stages of my writing, I took a Children’s Lit course at a local college. Part of the lesson plan was to read 100 picture books and briefly comment on why they made my list. I was in heaven! I sat on the floor of our little local library, pulling them off the shelf one by one. Those I enjoyed the most came home with me to read to my daughter. Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom, Can’t You Sleep Little Bear?, Stellaluna, anything by Eric Carle, Rainbow Fish, Fly Away Home, The Day the Relatives Came, and anything by Lynne Plourde . . . oh, the list goes on!

I’ve just read on your livejournal page that THREE GRUMPIES is about to be published in Korean. Wow! How did that happen?

I have no idea! The Grumpies went out of print in the US recently, so I really wasn’t expecting much of a royalty statement. But I saw a new, unfamiliar listing, and contacted Bloomsbury. Sure enough, Pixelhouse Korea had bought rights. So far, The Grumpies has been published in US, UK, German and Danish. Being grumpy is obviously a very universal theme!

Can you tell us about any picture books you currently have making the rounds at publishers?

I really don’t have any picture books “out there” at the moment. The couple I’ve written still need some tweaking, although I think they’re very close.

The last two winters, I’ve focused on finding my middle grade voice by writing/revising four manuscripts. I have one that my agent is subbing at this moment, and two others I think are very promising. I’ll spend this summer mulling over the revisions I want to make and writing small scenes here and there. Then when October arrives and I wave goodbye to the last camper as I shut the gate behind them, I’ll dig into those manuscripts.

Can you share with us something about you nobody else may know?

I’d do almost anything for ice cream in any form; frozen yogurt, soft serve . . . you haven’t lived until you’ve had frozen custard!

I have lots of favorite flavors too; strawberry, coffee, vanilla, butter crunch, chocolate chip, heath bar. In fact, I’m eating frozen mocha yogurt as I write this!!

Visit Tamra’s Blog -> http://tamra-wight.livejournal.com/

Visit Tamra’s Website ->http://www.thethreegrumpies.com/

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When you’re finished reading this interview, please visit Heather’s website to learn even more about her. And don’t forget to ask her about the critique services she provides. If you want to make sure your manuscript is the best it can be, she can definitely help you out.

Heather, do you remember the first story you ever wrote? How old were you and is that story still in print inside a personal scrapbook or box somewhere?

The first stories I “wrote” were ones I dictated to my mom. She wrote them down on the bottom of the pictures I’d drawn for the story. She actually recently brought me a big box of my stories. Apparently I made a lot of them!

Growing up, what picture books were your favorites?

I absolutely loved What Do People Do All Day? By Richard Scarry. I would sit and read that book for hours. I loved learning about where things came from and how they were grown or made. The artwork in that book is fabulous. It showed so much of the intertwining of life. I was fascinated.

Some other definite childhood favorites were Chicken Soup with Rice and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Are You My Mother, Go, Dog. Go!, and Big Dog…Little Dog by P. D. Eastman, any book by Mercer Mayer, Little Rabbit’s Loose Tooth by Lucy Bate, and Put Me In The Zoo by Robert Lopshire. I also loved The Elves and the Shoemaker. Not sure of which version, but I thought the idea of two little elves coming in and helping someone was so very nice. I still do. I wish some would come over to my house!

Where did your inspiration to become a serious writer for children arise?

Not too long after I decided to start writing for children I told one of my best friends, who also happens to be a child psychologist, that I had written some children’s stories. She somehow talked me into sending her one to look at. I mailed her my handwritten story and she marked it all up and mailed it back. Really, it wasn’t a very good story, and she kindly pointed out the problems she saw in it. But she was also enthusiastic and encouraging about it. She’s an amazingly blunt person so I knew that if she believed in my writing there had to be something to it. I decided to go 21st century, get a computer, hook up to the internet, and start really trying to be a writer. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Can you tell us a bit about your road to publication? When did you seriously begin submitting your stories to publishers? Did you get a contract for the first book you wrote? Walk us through your journey.

I wrote a lot of stories before I ever tried submitting to publishers. I was completely freaked out at the prospect of anyone reading anything I wrote, so I had to ease into it. I immersed myself in all the books and websites on writing that I could find. After I’d been writing for a while I went to a local writing class where I met a lady who had run a small publishing company that she had sold years back. She was looking to start a new company. We got to talking and she asked to see some of my work. I showed her a few of my picture book manuscripts. There was one that was a mystery about a missing librarian. She asked if I could turn it into a chapter book that could help teach children about the library. So I did. That became my first published book. The company wanted more chapter books from me but with three young children I just didn’t have the time or energy for longer works. Picture books were just a better fit for me at the time so I decided to focus on them and other shorter works.

I joined a great critique group which really kept me writing. One day one of my partners put up a monster story for critique (It is now a published book, I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll), which reminded me that I had a monster story too. I polished it up and managed to get it sent to a couple of publishers. I got a request from one on a query at the same time I had interest from Raven Tree Press on the full manuscript. The other publisher passed, but Bedtime Monster made it through all the readings at Raven Tree and they offered me a contract.

Becoming an author has definitely been a process. In eight or so years I’ve written a lot of stories, many of which have never been read. I’ve gone from form rejections, to some nice personals here and there, to acceptance for publication, and now to being represented by Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary. It’s been slow and steady but I finally feel like I might sometimes actually know what I’m doing.

Of the rejections you’ve received, do any really stand out in your mind as distinctive in a good or bad way?

For sure the nice, helpful rejections stand out in my mind. I can’t even choose which one of them was the best because they were each special to me and helped me move forward with my writing. Anytime an agent or editor takes the time to write back and give advice on a manuscript is a special gift.

What advice can you provide beginning writers who receive rejection after rejection and feel like giving up?

Form rejections are just that—forms. They’re not bad. People are just busy. If writing is what you love to do, keep doing it! I like to think that rejections are even good. They mean you’re getting your writing out there and making a go at meeting your goal of publication. Belief in yourself is the most important thing you can have as a writer because you will be told no. Numerous times. Immerse yourself in the world of literature. Always keep learning. Read books in your genre. Study the market. Be a part of the online and offline writing communities. You never know when some new piece of knowledge will help propel your efforts forward.

Writing is not an easy profession, what keeps you going when things get tough?

Perhaps I’m a fool, but writing books for children is one of the few things I’m certain that I’m good at. And I’m not really the type of person to go around saying I’m good at anything. I’m almost embarrassed that I just said it here! There’s also this problem that I can’t quit writing. I’ve tried at least a dozen times. I even went as far as to fill a trashcan with everything I’d ever written. I let that writing sit in the trash for an entire day. Boy was I unhappy. If I would have had the forethought, I wouldn’t have thrown it into the kitchen garbage can because it was back out by the end of the day. Luckily it was only a little bit soggy. So, after the garbage can incident I accepted the fact that this is what I do and I’m going with it.

I’d classify you as an outdoorsy/adventurous woman. Do you agree with that assessment and if this is you, does it influence your children’s writing in any way?

Well, in my early twenties I did run off from a pretty cushy California lifestyle to a rugged and mostly uninhabited mountain in Washington State. I guess that’s pretty adventurous. Living on the mountain you are definitely aware of nature all around. I have a very deep appreciation for it and believe that we need to respect and care for the earth and all of its inhabitants. This definitely does find a way into my writing in one way or another.

You do author visits at schools and libraries. Have you had any interesting or odd experiences in any of your author visits?

Every visit I have done always makes me feel so amazed at the enthusiasm and support I am shown just because I am someone who writes books. My very first library program was a lot of fun because I did it at “my” library. (I work there as an assistant librarian and am also on the board.) My friends made it a release party and all pitched in and made it really special. My kids made monster cupcakes with the head librarian. Friends brought snacks and drinks and decorations. They also helped me get all of my crafts ready. And still, I was so nervous! But my husband got a kick out of it. He pointed out that I was just going to the library. I was there all the time. It was no big deal. That certainly helped!

Bedtime Monster is a fun book. What activities, if any, do you have children do after you read it to them at school visits?

I like to make monsters with the kids. I bring a whole bunch of monster parts with me (don’t worry, they’re paper), different eyes, noses, horns, and of course, tails. We glue them onto monster bodies. Everyone’s always turns out different and fabulous. It’s a really fun project to do with the kids and they all seem to have a great time doing it. I also came up with some very simple monster origami that the kids can fold themselves. If everyone is too young for even that, I’ve always got the coloring sheets from Bonnie Adamson’s illustrations that I downloaded from the Raven Tree Press website.

Writers hear all the time that picture books should not be didactic. But teachers sometimes need books to teach lessons, how do you walk that fine line of not going too far in either direction in your writing for children?

I homeschooled my children for quite a few years and it certainly influenced my thinking on books that teach children. I think that the trick is to make the story fun. Look at Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, its fun and it teaches the alphabet. Fabulous! I do love to write stories that teach. I have manuscripts about the alphabet, math, reading, etc. A strong character, story arc, and a great hook are still important, even in a story that teaches.

Publishers have laid off a lot of workers over the past few years, this has included people in the marketing departments too. This causes writers, in some cases, to become their own PR firm. In addition to what Raven Tree does for you, do you personally market or publicize Bedtime Monster? If so, how?

I did quite a few interviews when Bedtime Monster came out, which was fun. Right now I basically keep an online presence on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and my blog. I don’t push my books, but the links are there for people to see if they’re interested in what I do. I live in a pretty secluded area so being online is really my lifeline to the writing community. I like to talk with people and help where I can. I do things like keep up my Monster List of Picture Book Agents on my blog and do critique giveaways from time to time. I guess I just believe in being present for people to find. I’m certain that selling another book would be great for publicity. I’m definitely working on that!

How important is the continuing education of a picture book writer? And how does a picture book writer obtain this continuing education?

Continuing education is so important. The market is in a continual state of flux, from what publishers are looking for to who is (and isn’t) open to submissions. Conferences and workshops are great ways to learn, for sure, but there is a ton of information online once you start looking. I love Twitter and Verla Kay’s Blue Board for keeping up to date on what’s happening in the world of kidlit. Certainly the act of writing in itself helps make a person a better writer and participating in critiques whether it is with a partner, a group, or a paid critique will definitely help strengthen a person’s knowledge and skills.

What picture book authors are on the shelves right now that you absolutely adore and have to read when their new books are released?

I always have to read any new books by John Lechner, Nina Laden, Peter H. Reynolds, Erik Brooks. Bob Shea, Mo Willems, Peter Brown, Carin Berger, Elisa Kleven… this list could go on and on. I did love Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake so much that I cannot wait to read Michael B. Kaplan’s next book. And I’m also impatiently waiting for Corey Rosen Schwartz’s The Three Ninja Pigs and Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears to come out.

If there were only one category of children’s writing you could pursue, would it be picture books, chapter books, MG or YA?

Although I am working on an MG and chapter books, I seriously can’t help but write picture books. Writing short is what I do best. When I write longer I really have to stretch myself. Ha!

Almost finally, if you couldn’t write or do anything bookish, where would you put all of your creative talents?

I’m in awe of mosaics. If I didn’t spend all of my free time writing I can see myself breaking tiles and putting them back together.

Now finally, can you share with my readers one thing no one else may know about you?

Well, I recently moved into an inn in the mountains in an old ghost town, and I’m looking into holding writing retreats here. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pull it off but it could definitely be a lot fun if I can make it happen!

Visit Heather’s Monster List of Picture Book Agents

Visit Heather’s Blog Frolicking through Cyberspace

Follow Heather on Twitter

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Donna Earnhardt is not only a picture book writer, she’s also a great photographer. You’ll find her links at the bottom of this interview. She’s also very active on Google+. You can connect with Donna in lots of different ways. One of the coolest things about Donna is her first picture book sale to Flashlight Press. This happened in May and I can’t wait for the book to come out. Well, enough about Donna from me, now go ahead and read about Donna from her. Here’s the interview:

You’re a prolific writer. Before I get into specific questions about writing, I have to first ask, why write?

Thankfully, I like what I do. But the fact is, there is something more that compels me to write. I believe that writing is something I’m called to do. I know it’s not the only thing, but I do feel a tug in my heart that tells me God has led me in this direction and called me to it. And I am glad!

How old were you when you wrote your first story and can you remember the name?

I don’t remember the first story, but my mom still has a poem I wrote for her in kindergarten. I’m almost 39, btw! But I wrote all through school and was one of the co-editors of our high school literary magazine. I loved that!

When did you first begin taking writing seriously?

When I had my first daughter, I started telling her stories. I had always written poetry, but writing stories for children was a little different for me. After a while, I started thinking, “HEY! I can do this and make money!”

Little did I know the whole “making money” part wasn’t nearly as easy as I originally thought.

How did “taking writing seriously” manifest itself?

I started submitting to various publishers….and received various rejections. It was then that I joined SCBWI Carolinas. One of the best decisions I’ve made for my writing career.

I first met you on Verla Kay’s Blueboard. Can you explain the Blueboard, how it helps writers, and name some of the writers you’ve met there?

Oooooh! VERLA’s BOARD! That place is thick with talent. I am not always able to hang out over there because I just want to spend all my time perusing and chatting with other like-minded writers. Verla Kay has set up a fantastic community for kid-lit writers to interact, share information and give encouragement. And it’s all free! She is a terrific writer and a generous person. If anyone reading this interview needs a boost of confidence or is looking for a good place to jump in feet first, Verla’s is the place to do that. Some folks who are new to Verla’s have told me they felt a little overwhelmed at first, but they kept digging in. After a while, they found their favorite places on the chat board and learned how to navigate. One of the best ways to find your way around is to introduce yourself and ask questions. That’s how I met several great folks!

Just a few of the names that come to mind: Stephanie Theban ( http://storiesreademwritem.blogspot.com/), Stephanie Reed (http://stephaniereed.turboflanges.com/), Stephanie Ruble (http://www.sruble.com/) and of course, Brian Humek!

(I do know lots more folks from Verla’s board who are NOT named Stephanie. You’ll just have to trust me on this.)

For writers who suffer rejection after rejection and feel like giving up, can you tell them a bit about your journey to publication has been like?

My, my, my! I started out subbing my stuff… without being part of a critique group or having anyone read it through. It wasn’t too long before rejections poured in. I even called a big time editor and asked if I could send it to him. I had not yet been to a conference, so I didn’t know how bad of an idea that was!

What kept you going after you received your first few rejections? Did you have encouragement from family, friends, fellow writers or did you have an overabundance of determination?

My mama, daddy and sister gave me a briefcase full of writing stuff, told me how much they believed in me… then sweetly told me to get to work! And my hubster has been extremely supportive throughout this journey. I also have the blessing of having a mother-in-love who encourages me to keep on keeping on!

You have a new picture book contact with Flashlight Press for your manuscript BEING FRANK. For those who may not have heard the good news yet, can you share a bit about the book and where your inspiration came from?

This story grew from a conversation I was having with God while in the shower. (Is that too much information?) I was praying about what to write for NaNoWriMo because I had decided to be a NaNoRebel that year. As I prayed, the first line of the book popped in my head. I knew I had to write it down! It took me a couple of days to write it. I sent it to Shari Greenspan (editor at Flashlight) and then sent it to my crit group. That’s kind of backwards from the way I usually do it! Thankfully, she liked it and sent it to her colleagues. Then she asked for several rounds of revisions… and I said yes!

After sending it to her and the waiting began, I eventually realized that the book was really about my family. The MC is aptly named Frank because he holds nothing back when expressing his thoughts. That gets him in some hot water with friends, family and even at school. My kids, hubby and I have all struggled at some point with knowing when to speak… and knowing when to keep our mouths closed!

Another neat thing thing: My dad’s first name was Frank. He was killed in an accident almost 9 years ago, so this is neat way for his name to carry on. I didn’t plan it that way, I just accept it as cool gift from the Lord!

Where do most of your book ideas originate?

Welllll…. in the shower. Seriously. A lot of them do! The first line is usually the thing that starts it all. However, some pop into my head while I’m driving down the road. Because of that, my oldest daughter is becoming increasingly proficient in writing down whatever ideas I dictate to her.

Do you have a special place to write, a place of solitude?

The closest thing I come to having solitude is Starbucks. I’ve started heading out once a month or so to write for an hour or two after the kids are in bed and my hubby is settled in for the night. (He is fully supportive of my jaunts to Starbucks as long as I bring him back a Raspberry Mocha!)

Do you have an agent or do you submit your work yourself?

I sub the work myself.

If no agent, have you actively looked for an agent? Why or why not?

Yes, I would love to have one! Administration is not one of my strong suits, so having an agent would lighten my load and make writing a lot more fun. Subbing is the one part of writing that can stress me out. I don’t mind revisions. I don’t mind rewrites. But subbing and re-subbing? Yuck.

You are very active online. I follow many picture book writers on Google+ and you are one of the very few who ever post anything, in fact, I find you to be a prolific Google+ user. Why do you love Google+

Google is so much fun AND informative! I have learned so much from the other writers and photographers there. I find that Google+ has tons of creative type-folks who spur on the rest of us creative critters to dig deeper and grow.

You are so creative. Not only do you write, you are an amazing photographer. Where do you get your creative genes?

Oh wow. Thank you! That is quite a compliment coming from you. I’ve read your work AND seen your fabulous photos!

As for creative genes, my mom and dad were very active in crafts, painting and making stuffed animals when I was younger. She would come up with an animal she wanted to make, they’d draw the pattern… and it was on! They had folks from all over who wanted to buy her animals. My mom is a baker and a writer, too. She can play a song – with both hands – by ear. She doesn’t read music, just hears something and BAM! She’s got it. (I’m jealous of that, btw!) My sister is also very talented. She is an artist and musician. She could play a trash can and make it sound good. Wait… she has done that, sort of. She was in a steel pan band in college!

Other than creating beauty, what goals would you like to accomplish with your camera?

I’d love to eventually understand exactly what I’m doing when I start messing with those settings! I’d also love to have some photos published. I think I’d like to have a job as a portrait photographer. I love capturing expressions!

And of course, if I could help change the world with my photography, like Colby Brown is doing with his non-profit organization, then that would be incredible, too!

Finally, if could wave a magic wand and change three things in this world instantly, what would they be?

1. I would love for everyone to know the Way, the Truth and the Life in an very real, intimate way.

2. I would love for true peace to infiltrate the heart of every man, woman and child.

3. I would love for children to know a world where hunger doesn’t exist, joy is overwhelming and love saves the day.

Wait… that’s still just three. Right? See, I put it in list form so I could get away with it.

Thank you so much for this interview Donna.

Thank YOU! This was so much fun!

Visit Donna’s Blog

Follow Donna on Twitter

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Carol Gordon Ekster is an amazing author. She writes for children and she does an inspiring and encouraging job. She is the author of Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?- A Story of Divorce and Ruth the Sleuth and the Messy Room. I first remember Carol from a great amount of time I spent on Verla Kay’s Blueboard. I now see Carol quite often via her Twitter account. She’s an active tweep and I always look forward to her tweets. If you don’t yet follow her on Twitter, please do so. She can be found at http://twitter.com/cekster.

You began writing and submitting children’s books at the end of your 35 year teaching career, but was there anything you remember writing as a child that you could amuse my readers with? Something that amuses you still today?

Oh, yes! I wrote a story in 6th grade that was bound with a cover. It was called “Dolly”. I even illustrated it. Boy, is it cheesy! I was so dramatic and used so many adjectives. It was quite the sob story about an orphan. I shared it with my students after I became an author to show them how fun it is to save what you wrote and be able to look back at who you were and how we change over time. Each child in my class went home at the end of the year with a bound book of their writings ….poetry and pieces about their lives. It was a pretty special memory of the year. Before I even thought of becoming an author I had writing workshops with my class.

Throughout your years of teaching , has any child you’ve taught gone on to make writing their own career? Has anyone come back to say, “Thank you Mrs. Ekster,” and if so, how did that make you feel?

Many children, some who are now adults, told me how they love to write and were inspired in my classroom. I have some amazing letters from students and parents expressing their gratitude for my dedication and unusual style of teaching. It makes me feel incredible to have been told that I will have an influence on their children for their entire lives. That feeling is how I would describe success! But one e-mail I received the year I retired popped up in my mind when you asked this question. A student from over 30 years before said he heard I retired and said many lovely things to me. But the comment that really pulled at my heart strings was that when his daughters, now in elementary school, get their teachers in the beginning of each school year, he always hopes they will be as wonderful as me.

Writing is not an easy profession. There are typically many more downs than ups when it comes to the journey to publication. How did you persist when you received rejections? And how many rejections did you receive before selling your first book?

I am one determined woman….always have been. My first book sold after twelve rejections. But let me give you a clearer picture. I recently reached the number 800 manuscripts that I’ve sent out to publishers in the ten years I’ve been writing. And the total number of manuscripts I’ve written is approaching fifty. I’ve only sold three out of that number, two books and one magazine article. Those are not good odds! You must learn to persevere if you want to succeed in publishing. I get a rejection and hang onto hope by sending it out to another publisher. And I’ve decided that not everything I write has to get published….it’s just part of the writing process. Rejection is part of the process as well. I remember hearing Jane Yolen speak at a conference. She mentioned she had just gotten three rejections the day before. If Jane Yolen, a prolific and award winning author, still gets rejections, then it was clear to me – you can’t take rejection personally, and you need tough skin to remain in this business.

On the front page of your website, you list your books, but you also mention how they came to be sold. I don’t see that on many author websites. Is there a certain reason you provide those details?

I wanted to give others who are interested in becoming a children’s author a realistic look into this journey. Many people say, “I always wanted to write a children’s book!” I think most people have no idea how difficult the road to publication is and how much effort it takes to work on the craft of writing. I also wanted to encourage others to join SCBWI. It was because of targeted submissions, both of which I learned of through SCBWI, that I am published.

I recently saw on Twitter that you received some good critiques and are busy on a revision. If you can reveal a few details about your latest story, we’d love to hear about it.

Oh, it’s such a fun picture book! I don’t want to divulge too much. But it has to do with dancing books and learning about the different genres in the library. I usually get excited about each new book that I see as having potential to touch lives and be a positive addition to the world of children’s literature.

On the same topic – critiques – what makes a good critique a good critique?

A good critique for me is one where someone saw a way to make my story shine brighter. I’ve gotten so many helpful and incredible suggestions from small word choices to main story concepts. I love when I come home and read through the notes on the manuscripts and see a suggestion that clicks with me. The hard work is choosing what advice you want to take while still staying true to your own voice and vision. Many times it’s funny how some group members can want to change your entire plot line. I think, well they can write that story, but that’s not the direction I want to go in.

Your latest book is about messy little girl named Ruth. Your previous book, Where am I Sleeping Tonight? – A Story of Divorce featured two little boys named Mark and Evan. Where do the names of your characters come from? Is there any science, any rhyme or reason when picking a character name?

In my newest book, Ruth the Sleuth and The Messy Room, Ruth happens to be my mom’s name and she can find anything she sets her mind to. The character in my story says she can find anything she sets her mind to, but of course, learns it’s easier and faster to locate items when you’re more organized. I also wanted a fun rhyming title, inspired by Dora the Explorer, and came up with “Ruth the Sleuth”. In my first book, Where am I Sleeping Tonight? – A Story of Divorce, the boy in my class, who lived the schedule of shared custody discussed in the book, was Evan, so I used his name for the younger brother. I used my husband’s name, Mark, for the main character. I use many former special students’ names in my stories as well as some names of friends and relatives. Sometimes I just go to the internet to find popular names. I think for kids, it’s cool to find your name inside the pages of a book. I don’t have any set science to picking names. I go with my feelings. And sometimes I change character names after the story is finished!

You love to promote your books. What are your favorite avenues of promotion?
I’m not sure I LOVE promotion. I find it stressful. I like to be very organized and prepared and exciting. That takes work! For my first school visit, I presented to two groups of about one hundred in each group. It was wonderful to see kids looking up at me again and see they were really interested in what I had to say. It’s different coming in as a visitor. You don’t have that rapport and mutual love and respect already built up that occurs between teacher and student. I also have presented at a few conferences for teachers and librarians and once for guidance counselors. I love to inspire other professionals to use picture books to reach children. Twitter and Facebook are quick and easy and wonderful ways to get your name out there. I connected with you on Twitter! But honestly, when I started to write, I had no idea that I’d have to do so much more than write. This has been an incredible opportunity for growth for me.

In this world of email, is there still such a thing as an old fashioned piece of fan mail? If so, do you have a favorite piece?

I haven’t gotten any snail mail from fans, but I have gotten some e-mail correspondence.

About how many total manuscripts have you written, picture books and magazine submissions combined?

I’ve written close to fifty manuscripts so far, and have many ideas waiting to be developed in my “story ideas folder”.

If you were not allowed to ever write another word for children, what genre would you turn your writing skills toward?

I can’t imagine such a thing, but I might try to write for educators with hopes of helping to inspire them to teach with love and passion.

Finally, a rapid fire round of questions. One word answers are fine, but minor elaboration is definitely encouraged.

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Circles or squares? Circles

Mountains or plains? Plains

Buddha, Mohammed, or Jesus? Buddha

Dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate? Dark

Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? Starbucks

Your 4th grade year or 11th grade? I LOVED school and remember both years fondly. But fourth grade was certainly easier! And I can still picture my fourth grade teacher more clearly than most of the 11th grade teachers.

Late nights or early mornings? Early mornings.

New pair of shoes or a new purse? Tough one…I want both!

Thank you so much for your time Carol. This interview has been a long time in the making and I appreciate you providing such great answers.

Please visit Carol’s website and order her latest book Ruth the Sleuth and the Messy Room

The post Interview with Children’s Author Carol Gordon Ekster appeared first on .