How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
While I have written my whole life and always dreamed of publishing a picture book, I didn’t begin pursuing this in earnest until 2020, about four years ago.
I joined CTC in 2021 and it has been an invaluable tool in helping me connect with the publishing industry. The monthly Ask an Agent, Editor Insights, and Behind the Book sessions, are all super informative on their own but also come with exclusive submission opportunities. These opportunities helped hold me accountable to get my work ready and out there. Plus, this community of other supportive writers has been motivating and inspiring.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
Early on in this process, getting an agent felt like the end accomplishment. Even before it happened, CTC helped me more accurately reframe this milestone as really just the beginning. In some ways, reaching this milestone and getting an agent, changes everything (having an industry partner, being able so submit to editors, hopefully actually getting a book published)… but in a lot of more important ways, nothing changes (still lots of solo writing and revising, lots of rejection, my big why and the heart of the work). Through webinars with other authors, CTC gave me a sense of this transition, so that when it was my turn, I knew what to expect.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
My big why is to write books that create tangible shared moments of connection in a world that can often feel too big, too detached, and too overwhelming. I write with the hope of inspiring creativity and wonder so that readers (young and old) realize their own resiliency.
I strongly believe in the power and magic of books. I also believe that my manuscripts have something unique to say to children and that is what keeps me working towards new milestones.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
The lowest part of my writing life was in the fall of 2022 when I had a call with an agent that didn’t turn into an offer of representation. I was devastated and embarrassed and sad. I was really hard on myself because I thought I missed “my one chance.”
But, thankfully, life doesn’t just give you one chance to realize your dreams.
Life doesn’t operate on a model of scarcity. I wasn’t brave enough to say it out loud to anyone but my husband, but even at my lowest, I knew in my heart that my yes was still out there.
This “missed opportunity” gave me so much fuel to grow, dig deeper, and learn. Then the next time I had an agent call I was so much more prepared, more sure of myself and what I had to offer, and more clear of what I wanted and deserved. In hindsight, that “no” was a blessing in disguise and helped prepare me for my current YES!
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
Anytime I feel especially discouraged, I do a heart check, and think about the ending line of Mary Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day” – “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Every time, my answer is always THIS. I sincerely enjoy all the time and energy I spend in this bookish world, reading, writing, and dreaming. There is simply no other place I would rather be than growing as a writer and pursuing publication. I tell myself that as long as this is the case, I will stay the course, but if it ever changes, I will pivot with no shame. For me, these heart checks keep this process an active choice – I am choosing this. This also helps put disappointments into perspective – the joy and fulfillment I feel while creating is worth the ups and downs. I am also choosing the disappointments when they come because it is part of the process.
So… How do YOU want to spend your one wild and precious life? If writing and pursing a literary career is your answer too… then you’re stuck. You just have to keep going. Lucky you.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
The only STAMP OF APPROVAL we need is our own.
Johanna Peyton is a neurodivergent writer represented by agent Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary. She holds a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management and an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. In 2021, she was an award finalist for Austin SCBWI’s Cynthia Leitch Smith Writing Mentor Award and in 2022 she won an Honorable Mention in the 2022 PBParty and was selected as a mentee to the RUCCL writing conference. She spent 2023 in a writing mentorship with author Bethany Hegedus. Johanna is a member of SCBWI, 12×12, and The Writing Barn’s Verge and Courage to Create communities. In her free time, she shares her writing journey and the books that inspire her on Instagram @JohannaPeytonAuthor.
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
After querying 32 top literary agents this year, I got an offer of representation from Amy Stern at Sheldon Fogelman Agency. (I’ve had two previous agents.)
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
CtC keeps me focused on writing and submitting. I’ve been writing since 2000 when my letter to the editor of TIME Magazine got published. I was still teaching when I started writing. I wrote for the three Highlights Magazines for years before attempting to write picture books.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
CtC keeps me focused on continuing to learn and gives me the opportunity to submit. Being a member of CtC keeps me energized…I never take my eyes off the goal. I’m self-motivated and have developed thick skin. I could wallpaper a shopping mall with all the editors’ rejections I’ve received through the years…I just counted 366! (This number includes agented submissions and my own.)
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
I write because I love children’s literature. I wanted to entertain kids and be part of the community of picture book authors. I love playing with words. I enjoy reading my picture books to kids in classrooms, bookstores, and libraries. As a reading specialist, I want to get kids hooked on books.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
I was making gains in my writing career when I joined CtC. I had already sold four books…only one of those books with an agent. CtC keeps me focused on honing my craft and submitting. I learned the near misses are stepping stones to something bigger and better. Good thing some of the manuscripts I submitted never sold…I realize now, they weren’t ready. I had to learn how to use more creative language and up the stakes in my stories.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
Early on in my career, I started to believe I’d never sell a book. It was taking years and years. But I kept going like The Little Engine That Could. I think perseverance is more important than talent. I’m proof of that.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
Focus on the GOALS. Milestones happen on their own.
I enjoy bringing kids and quality literature together. I’m a Reading Specialist and an Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction. My love of learning has led me to graduate from four different universities. Nothing scares me. I’ve taught elementary school for over 30 years. A student once told me I’d make a great vampire because I’m tall and my teeth are sharp! My work has appeared in TIME Magazine, The Mailbox, Spider Magazine, Highlights Hello, Highlights High Five, and Highlights for Children. I’ve won the Highlights Pewter Plate Award, the Highlights Celebrat National Poetry Contest, and a letter of merit from SCBWI’s Magazine Merit Competition. My first picture book–DON’T FEED THE BEAR–is featured on Kirkus Reviews’ recommended list and is in its seventh printing. My second picture book–THE THINGITY-JIG–received STARRED REVIEWS from Kirkus Reviews and Foreword…is a CCBC Choice…and has been published in nine languages. My third book–The Twist-a-Roo–was released in November 2023 and is on Kirkus Reviews’ recommended list. I donate my author earnings to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
My picture book biography of PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford, LIKE A MOTHER BEAR (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster 2027) was recently announced in Publishers Weekly and Publishers Marketplace. This book is very close to my heart and when it was acquired by editor Feather Flores, I was over the moon!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I have been writing for children for over 30 years, about as long as I have been an educator. There have been many chapters to my writing life, including working with critique partners, being a part of SCBWI, taking workshops at the Writing Barn and Highlights, and completing my MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts. My agent Lori Steel of Red Fox Literary has been key in helping me to present my best work and stay focused on my goals. She believed in LIKE A MOTHER BEAR from the moment I signed with her. I was part of the inaugural season of Courage to Create, and that was very exciting. The CtC community keeps me grounded and it has given me perspective and the tools to deal with the ups and downs of the publishing world.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
I love that there are CtC members who are experts in ways that I am not, so I can learn from them about various aspects of the publishing/writing world. I also have more of a long view of my own publishing journey thanks to CtC, which has helped me both enjoy the good moments and deal with the disappointments and challenges. Being part of a great community of writers had provided me with a lot of information and insights from people ahead of me in their journeys.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
My Big Why has to do with what I call “ordinary magic” — celebrating small moments, quiet yet powerful changemakers, and unsung heroes. My big why also has to do with my hardworking family members/ancestors. I honor their labor and journeys by doing my best work and being my bravest self. Finally, I still work with young children every day; being with them feeds both my writerly inspiration and fills me with respect for the dignity and worth of every child.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
Focusing on goals and not milestones was a big help to me. I’m a dedicated 5 a.m. writer, and each day I focus on moving my project forward. I have multiple projects going at a time, and when I hit a wall, I shift my energy to another project to refresh and invigorate myself.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
There is only one you, with your set of experiences, your family history, and your way of looking at the world. Hold onto that as you craft your stories and encounter obstacles. Don’t forget to rest, refresh, and lean on friends.
Mary E. Cronin writes fiction and poetry from her home on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where she is an elementary school Literacy Coach. She spent her early years in the Bronx, NY, where she fell in love with reading, writing, and libraries. Mary’s poems have appeared in numerous children’s anthologies and in The New York Times. Her picture book biography of PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford, Like a Mother Bear, illustrated by J Yang, will be published by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster in 2027. She is represented by Lori Steel of Red Fox Literary. You can find her at www.maryecronin.com.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I have been writing for several years but started to take my writing career seriously in April 2020. At that time, I started taking classes and joining communities of writers. Courage to Create program was very helpful to me in my journey. The programming, monthly classes, and community meetings were very useful and helped me to learn a lot about the publishing industry and also about how to be a better writer.
In May 2022, CtC hosted an “Ask an Agent” session and Natalie was one of the guests. She offered a submission opportunity to CtC members and I was excited about that. I queried her in August 2022, then we got in contact in July of this year and I signed with her new agency.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
Being part of a great community of writers had provided me with a lot of information and insights from people ahead of me in their journeys.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
My goal is to create entertaining and informational books for kids. I believe that learning needs to be fun and go beyond reading the book. A successful book, in my opinion, is the one that stays with reader, ignites their minds and thinking, and inspires them to ask questions and feel the need to learn more about the topic. Children should be allowed to explore, ask many questions, research, and look for answers.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
Yes of course! We get many “NOs” until we hear one “YES”. Those rejections were hard and it was not easy to stay motivated. But again, being in a community of writers with similar experiences made me feel that I am not alone. I got encouraged by the writers who reached their milestones and I would tell myself that my time will come too.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
Keep on it. Work on your craft. Write more books. Listen to the feedback. Query agents and editors. You will get your YES!
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
It takes THE TIME IT TAKES.
Alia Khaled is an engineer, a researcher, an educator, and a lifelong learner. Her objective is to create entertaining and informational books for kids. She is a native Arabic speaker and has published many books to make learning Arabic fun, enjoyable, and accessible to non-Arabic-speakers who wish for their kids to learn the beautiful language of Arabic. Alia holds a PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, USA and a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Cairo University, Egypt.
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
My picture book Mole and Tell was released in May 2023!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I started learning how to write children’s books more than a decade ago. Since joining CTC in early 2022, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the craft and business of children’s literature.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
With CTC, I’ve become more mindful of my writing journey. That has helped me process what my book release means to me. At the same time, CTC has helped me manage the work after a book release. I’m grateful for the CTC Book Launch Checklists!
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
I believe that literature can do all sorts of things, from soothing aches to tickling funny bones. If one of my stories can help a child, then my hard work was worth it.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
I appreciate how CTC gives me space to process feedback. Writers constantly face feedback, from critiques of drafts to reviews of books. I’m glad that I can share my thoughts and feelings about feedback in a safe place.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
Please don’t feel bad about rejections. A rejection is a redirection along the journey to publication.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
It takes THE TIME IT TAKES.
Catherine (Cathy) Payne is a writer born and and raised on Guam. Working there as an English instructor, she finds inspiration in her tropical surroundings. She loves to compose stories that reflect the good in the world.
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
My debut picture book, Sonia and the Super-Duper Disaster, in which a girl uses coping skills to manage ADHD and anxiety while whipping up a super surprise for her Mom, was recently announced. It will be illustrated by Kelly Kennedy, and published by Free Spirit Publishing in Summer of 2024.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
If my debut comes out in 2024 as scheduled, it will have been 7 years from first draft to publication. I started seriously pursuing my dream of becoming an author in late 2016. I hit the ground running, joining the SCBWI, then 12×12. I was convinced that if I worked hard enough, I could be published within three years. So I attended every class and meeting I could find, wrote, revised, sought out critique partners, read tons of picture books, joined twitter, started a blog, applied for mentorships, and participated in pitch parties. I spent every spare moment working on my craft or querying. I had a few close calls in 2019 (champagne passes, R&R’s, etc.), which was encouraging. Then the pandemic hit and everything turned upside down. Life was suddenly exhausting. I felt demoralized when I saw people using the pandemic to get extra writing and querying done. I was having trouble doing ANYthing. I kept writing and querying, but at a snails pace. I kept having close calls, but as the years passed they started to feel more like a cruel tease than a promising sign. I joined Courage to Create in Fall of 2022, hoping it would help me recapture my creative passion and joy. And it did. The personal coaching sessions were particularly helpful in encouraging me to keep going. In October of 2022 I participated in a Twitter pitch party on a whim (something I hadn’t done in quite some time). I got a like from an editor and submitted to her with extremely low expectations, and by January of 2023, I had a contract in hand!
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
I think that the same CTC beliefs that sustain us through that long journey to our first book sale will sustain us through whatever comes afterwards. I see now that it’s an up and down journey that never becomes easy, and there is no finish line.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
Writing feeds my soul. I write because I have something to say, and saying it in writing makes me happy. It also helps me process, learn, and grow. I love touching people with my words. In particular, I hope to help children who have ADHD and anxiety like me, by writing about my own experiences with honesty and compassion.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
Yes, my lowest point was the couple of years from the start of the pandemic to the book offer in December 2022. I joined CTC in Fall of 2022 because I was really struggling and on the verge of giving up. The biggest thing I got out of Courage to Create was permission to feel all the feelings, encouragement to keep going, and a huge dose of self-compassion. CTC helped me accept that it takes the time it takes, and that passes are not a reflection on my worth or talent. It helped me focus on my goals knowing the milestones will come. But most importantly, Bethany and the rest of the CTC community helped me believe in myself and keep going when I was feeling on the verge of giving up.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
I never would have guessed that my debut picture book would come out of an un-agented deal with a small press, through a Twitter pitch party. In fact, I had very low expectations for that event, having pitched multiple times in the past with only a couple of likes that led nowhere. My take away is that you never know where your next “yes” is going to come from. You have to accept that it will take hundreds of tries and hundreds of no’s to find that right connection with the right editor at the right time. But if you don’t try, it will never happen. So keep trying. Keep putting yourself out there. And keep believing in yourself.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
Ambition is the NATURAL IMPULSE to share our gifts. Don’t make yourself guilty for having it. Or not owning it.
Rachel Funez is an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK) who was born in the U.S., spent most of her childhood living in Latin America, and is now an Attorney raising multicultural children with her Honduran American husband in Peru. As a neurodivergent writer with ADHD and anxiety, many of Rachel’s books celebrate children with special brains or address social-emotional topics with humor and heart. When Rachel isn’t writing or working, she enjoys walking her Bearded Collie, playing board games with her family, dancing like nobody’s watching, and rainy afternoons with a hot beverage and a good book.
Recent Comments