By Kristin L. Gray
Like many writers I know, I spent several years (about seven) studying, reading, and writing picture books while my children were young. As luck would have it, though, my longer work was picked up first. To back up a bit, I took the opening pages of Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge, what would become my debut middle-grade novel, to two writing conferences for feedback. One was a local SCBWI conference, and the other was the Andrea Brown Literary Agency’s Big Sur Writing Conference set in beautiful Big Sur, California. There, I was lucky enough to be assigned to Caryn Wiseman’s roundtable. Caryn simply got Vilonia’s heart and humor from those early pages. That was a huge boost to me as a writer, to have an industry professional connect with my work. I returned home and finished drafting. Thankfully, Caryn still loved the manuscript a WHOLE YEAR later and—joy—connected to my picture book texts. We agreed to work together. To say I was over the moon is an understatement. But so much of publishing is waiting and more waiting, revising and more revising. This is why it’s a good idea to have projects in various stages, so while you are waiting on notes for one project, you are also drafting something new. I’m still finding this balance, but one of these side projects became my debut picture book, Koala is Not a Bear. This text underwent numerous revisions while I tried to balance the fun animal facts with the fictionalized storyline, and in one frustrated email to my agent, I wrote I wanted to set it on fire. I’m so glad I didn’t! And I’m so thankful Sterling Kids loved it enough to publish Koala in May. If you are new to the writing journey, take heart. You don’t have to travel across the country to meet an agent. The query inbox is alive and well. Just be sure to follow the agency’s guidelines. But if you do have the means and drive to attend a reputable conference, go for it. I was both excited and terrified. I knew no one. But I remembered a quote which stated life expands in proportion to one’s courage. So, I took a deep breath, went, and doors opened. Having just enough courage for the moment and then following through to finish that manuscript were key for me. And when I grow overwhelmed by my current WIP, as I often do, I remember this: I summon that same courage every time I sit at my desk. It’s worked for me before. It can work again. And it can work for you. I’m rooting for you. xx Kristin Find me online at kristinlgray.com or on social media here: Twitter: @kristinlgray Instagram: @kristinlgray
9 Comments
11/4/2018 06:36:34 pm
I love what you said about courage. It takes much courage to make that first step toward the goal of publication and for every step after that one! The courage to revise, the courage to submit...it's all about setting a goal, reaching for it, and making the commitment to it. Congratulations!
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11/5/2018 12:57:34 pm
Projects in various stages...YES! What awesome advice, Kristin. Because you are 100% right...there is a lot of wait, wait, wait involved in this writing journey. Wonderful post...thank you for sharing what worked for you!
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11/5/2018 01:17:59 pm
Hi Vivian, it’s not always easy to juggle more than one project, but it is nice to have a backup when I get stuck. That happens more than I’d like to admit. Thanks for reading! 11/5/2018 01:15:49 pm
Thank you, Lisa! Writing anything and publishing it demands courage, and I admire anyone with the drive to try. xx
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Wendy Greenley
11/6/2018 09:44:52 am
I love conferences! The writing community is so nice--and I've learned a lot. Too bad most of them aren't free . . .
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11/22/2018 02:18:43 pm
I hear you about the expense of conferences. But some offer bursaries to people who need them. For example, SCBWI Canada East offers a bursary to someone in need who wants to attend their annual conference, and they also offer a scholarship to one person of color whose work is deemed to be of merit. It's worth looking into whether a conference you want to attend offers some kind of financial aid or scholarship.
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11/10/2018 06:41:53 pm
I love conferences, too! My first one was the NY SCBWI conference, and it was awesome! I've heard great things about Big Sur. Thanks for sharing your story! :)
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11/22/2018 02:22:10 pm
I love conferences, too--I love the feeling of community that I get from them, and I love the opportunity to learn and improve my craft. And that feeling of community gives me the courage to keep going on this journey, even when it feels overwhelming!
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Kim Chaffee
11/26/2018 06:49:33 am
I love this quote, Kristin! "Life expands in proportion to one’s courage." Yes, yes, yes! So very true! Way to persevere through wanting to set your manuscript on fire- haha! Can't wait to read Koala Is Not a Bear!
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