Happy 1st birthday, Ida May!
My Last Best Friend debuted one year ago today! It's been a great year for me -- I have been blessed with an enthusiastic and encouraging editor, a good friend and guide in my agent, wonderful support from family and friends, and heartwarming comments from readers. And I can't imagine what the year would have been like without the Class of 2K7. I know my book would be a much tinier pin on the big map of children's publishing had it not been for their insight and camaraderie. Thank you, Joni, Rose, Ruth, Karen, Sarah Beth, Rebecca, Marlane, Greg, Thatcher, Suzanne, Sundee, Alice, G., Sara, Paula C., Rosemary, Paula J., Constance, Cassandra, Laura, Kelly, Carrie, Elizabeth, Aimee, Melissa, Jen, Ann Dee, Stephanie, Shirley, Judy, Heather, Sarah, Eric, Autumn, Tiffany, Jo, and Jay.
I've been thinking about the many and varied paths we writers take as we strive toward publication. Each of us carries our own unique pack of tools and supplies. There is no way I would be sitting here today, looking back on a year-old book and another one on the way, if I hadn't packed a hefty supply of persistence. Years and years worth. I didn't begin this journey with very much more than a love for kids and a desire to write for them. I read one book about writing for the children's market and joined one organization (SCBWI) and then I was off. I have learned lots and lots along the way, but perhaps the greatest lesson learned is to keep pressing on despite the rejections and setbacks. There just isn't any other way to get here, as far as I can see.
My box of books arrives from Harcourt! (I look a little dazed. :))
At Borders in Eau Claire, WI one year ago today!
Signing at my book launch. What a fun night.
Young writers workshop and signing at Butterfly Books in De Pere, WI.
One of several school visits in Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls, WI. Fun times!
Signing the wall at All For Kids in Seattle. (And, um, misspelling my name.)
Yowza! My biggest crowd! (Highland Park Elementary, Seattle.)
Finding a secret note (to me!) at East Elementary in New Richmond, WI.
Getting a little help from the audience in New Richmond.
I LOVE hearing from readers! :)
The galleys for the sequel. Onward! :)
I've been thinking about the many and varied paths we writers take as we strive toward publication. Each of us carries our own unique pack of tools and supplies. There is no way I would be sitting here today, looking back on a year-old book and another one on the way, if I hadn't packed a hefty supply of persistence. Years and years worth. I didn't begin this journey with very much more than a love for kids and a desire to write for them. I read one book about writing for the children's market and joined one organization (SCBWI) and then I was off. I have learned lots and lots along the way, but perhaps the greatest lesson learned is to keep pressing on despite the rejections and setbacks. There just isn't any other way to get here, as far as I can see.
My box of books arrives from Harcourt! (I look a little dazed. :))
At Borders in Eau Claire, WI one year ago today!
Signing at my book launch. What a fun night.
Young writers workshop and signing at Butterfly Books in De Pere, WI.
One of several school visits in Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls, WI. Fun times!
Signing the wall at All For Kids in Seattle. (And, um, misspelling my name.)
Yowza! My biggest crowd! (Highland Park Elementary, Seattle.)
Finding a secret note (to me!) at East Elementary in New Richmond, WI.
Getting a little help from the audience in New Richmond.
I LOVE hearing from readers! :)
The galleys for the sequel. Onward! :)