That's an amazing story, Debbie; so inspiring! I haven't been brave enough to attend an SCBWI portfolio showcase, but I think I might just finally jump right in.
Debbie, you are so relevant and generous with your tips for authors/illustrators. I always enjoy your articles and take away valuable information that is easy to incorporate into one’s own practice. Thank you.
Debbie, I just finished reading this series after finding you on Twitter. I love how much and in what ways you give back to the kid lit community. Thanks for what you do!
P.S. I'm so glad you persisted, and it meant so much to me, precisely today, to read your story.
Very true. Stephen King writes convincingly about his rejections early in his career in his memoir, "On Writing." This is a universal experience for we writers. Part of the deal. You have to fail a lot, I mean a LOT, before getting to that first book. Although now with Substack and self-publishing trad pub is looking less and less desireable to many writers, which I say is fair.
I loved "On Writing" as well....and I agree completely about rejections/failure being part of the business. Not just before publication, but after as well!
SO happy you're starting post on Substack, Eliza. And one of the many reasons I'll always be grateful to the SCBWI is because that's how we first met each other! Hoping our paths cross in person again someday. 🤞🏼
That's an amazing story, Debbie; so inspiring! I haven't been brave enough to attend an SCBWI portfolio showcase, but I think I might just finally jump right in.
Good luck with your own journey, Jeremy!
I love this, Debbie. Thanks for sharing!
So happy you enjoyed my journey to publication story, Krister!
Debbie, you are so relevant and generous with your tips for authors/illustrators. I always enjoy your articles and take away valuable information that is easy to incorporate into one’s own practice. Thank you.
Thank you for the kid words, RD. I'm delighted to hear some of my posts are helpful!
Debbie, I just finished reading this series after finding you on Twitter. I love how much and in what ways you give back to the kid lit community. Thanks for what you do!
P.S. I'm so glad you persisted, and it meant so much to me, precisely today, to read your story.
Aw....thank you so much for the incredibly kind words, Laura!
Very true. Stephen King writes convincingly about his rejections early in his career in his memoir, "On Writing." This is a universal experience for we writers. Part of the deal. You have to fail a lot, I mean a LOT, before getting to that first book. Although now with Substack and self-publishing trad pub is looking less and less desireable to many writers, which I say is fair.
The Razor-Sharp Truth (A Quirky Advice Column)
https://therazorsharptruth.substack.com/
I loved "On Writing" as well....and I agree completely about rejections/failure being part of the business. Not just before publication, but after as well!
Thanks for sharing your publishing quest Debbie. Your words encourage me to keep going no matter what happens. :)
Yay, Eleanor, good for you! And thank you for the kind words.
I love hearing this story of yours always Debbie, AND, love being part of the awesome journey!!
SO happy you're starting post on Substack, Eliza. And one of the many reasons I'll always be grateful to the SCBWI is because that's how we first met each other! Hoping our paths cross in person again someday. 🤞🏼
💛 Oh you KNOW it will!!
This is so very true: "Find people who believe in you and support you. Cherish them and be grateful."
I remind myself of this all the time, especially on low days. So grateful.
Love this so much. Thank you for sharing your journey, Debbie! So fascinating to see all ways people find their way to this important industry.
Yes, there are SO many different paths. Doors open, doors close. I try to focus on appreciating the journey along the way.
Love all the advice - very inspiring and a good reminder about the power of persistence!
Thank you, Amy! And as I ramp up for sending out my middle grade (latest in many attempts), I'm reminding myself of the power of persistence. ❤️
Good luck - let me know if I can ever do anything to help! (my editor works closely with Justin Chanda :)
Oooh! Who's your editor? (if you'd rather not answer publicly, no worries)
Alexa Pastor and she’s really good!
I'm working on my own creative pursuits and this was so so inspiring to read. Thank you!
Good luck with your own creative pursuits, Joanne!
Love reading this! I had assumed you just floated into the illustration world using a magical umbrella. But clearly it takes work!
"Magical umbrella"..... 😂