Athena's West Coast Wonderland

In 12 days I'll be on a plane destined to Monterey, California, the recipient of arguably the best gift I've given myself in my journey to becoming a published children's book author. When I started down this path about 18 months ago, I couldn't even comfortably call myself a novice. I was, in fact, simply aspiring.

On September 22, 2010, I posted on this blog about my adventures in Wonderland, comparing my foray into children's book writing and publishing with the enduring popularity of Alice's adventures. I was prompted to craft the Wonderland post by my discovery of an editor. See, as an aspiring author, every step in the process...every discovery...every stumble...every class...every work in progress is wondrous, and can at times feel preposterous. Yet, my sense of wonder has not diminished and continues to burn brilliantly bright with each word that I commit to paper.

In 2011, I discovered a workshop that promised "a hands-on intensive weekend designed to ready [writer's] manuscripts for publication." I was intrigued, but skeptical. Not that anything created in the spirit of Henry Miller could disappoint -- but I was fearful that my work would be an utter disappointment to the cadre of published authors, editors, and agents assembled to guide the work of new writers. That my talent lived only in my imagination and would crumble under scrutiny. So, I watched from the sidelines. I attended the SCBWI annual conference. I took a picture book writing class. I wrote another manuscript and began revisions with an editor. I even wrote a novel (now two). And as I scuttled between adventures in my wonderland, I kept an eye on the Big Sur Writing Workshop.

The decision to submit my work was not easy. Though I've learned a lot in the year since I first discovered Big Sur, there still exists doubt. First, I made money my excuse for not attending. Then I decided that my work in progress needed more revisions and wasn't ready for the light of day. And as the deadline crept closer and closer, my excuses began to fade. I did have the money, if I prioritized. And my work in progress was just that -- a work in progress that might be made better once examined by professionals whose one goal is to help aspiring authors become published. 

My excuses vanished and I took the plunge. I paid my fees, submitted my sample chapter and query letter on February 10 (the last day to register)...and then I waited...

I checked my personal email account every hour. I re-read my submission countless times. I conjured up scenarios of why my work would be denied. I imagined receiving an email thanking me, denying me, and encouraging me to keep trying. I thought the biggest hurdle was the submission; I discovered that the waiting was far worse.

If you're reading this, then you might be wondering what the big deal is with Big Sur, and why I wanted it so badly. Here's just a few reasons why.

1. Writing is a solitary endeavor that can be equally rewarding and punishing to your spirit. Until your work leaves the confines of your solitary world, you wonder if it's good enough and if it can survive. The best options for learning comes from your peers and those in the industry (writers, editors, and agents). At the Big Sur Writing Workshop, I will have access to some of the most well-respected professionals in the industry:

Agents from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Editors from Chronicle Books, Disney-Hyperion, and Viking, and
Authors, as well as special guest, literary manager and producer Brandy Rivers

2. I love the conference format. When it comes to my writing, I can be an introvert and hesitant about sharing (yes, I want to be published but am afraid to let anyone read my work--I know it sounds crazy, but it's true). Usually, I prefer bigger conferences where I can gather information and settle into obscurity. But at Big Sur, I will meet and work with three faculty members throughout the workshop. With a ratio of faculty to writers of five-to-one, the level of attention I will receive is better than any of the many classes I've taken in my more than two decades of education.

3. The schedule includes critique groups, lectures, and rewriting time. I can devote the entire time to my craft under the guidance of a faculty of authors, agents, and editors. Pinch me, I must be dreaming!

4. And lastly, what could be better than writing in Monterey, California! While I will not be able to take advantage of all that Monterey has to offer, it's not lost on me how geography can impact the muse. Traveling cross-country to write and be critiqued might not be appealing to many; but for me, it's the stuff dreams are made of.

As it turned out, I was not forced to wait and wonder. On the same day that I submitted my sample chapter, I was accepted as a participant in the March 2-4, 2012, Big Sur Writer's Workshop. I count my acceptance as a triumph and an extension of my wonderland to include the West Coast. What awaits me on this next adventure remains to be seen. But like Alice, I am up for the challenge and can't wait to meet my West Coast cast of characters. Armed with my Greta Garbo fountain pen, my faithful MacBook Air, my brand new portable printer, and a full copy of my young adult novel -- Taketh Away -- I will not slip down this new rabbit hole unprepared. See you on the other side!

Milestone 002 -- Do All Rejections Shake the Earth?

Hello, my Faithful Following Few! Today, the Washington Metropolitan region experienced its biggest earthquake ever AND I received my first manuscript rejection. Symbolic and overly dramatic--yes! And much like the earthquake, my first rejection was big, it registered high, and I survived it. Now it's time to assess the damage and where necessary, rebuild.

On the bright side of this weirdly eerie day is the fact that I just added another anecdotal morsel to the story of "how I first got published."  Won't I have great fun regaling audiences of children and their families about how the earth shook when Beach Lane Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint, graciously declined my cute little story of an adorable little black girl on the first day of school with outrageously uncooperative hair and unattractive shoes. I see that day as clearly as I felt the earth shift beneath my feet today, so I know it's possible.

But until that glorious day comes to pass,  I am just like the structural engineers who are no doubt assessing buildings all along the East Coast: assessing my manuscript, my query, and my choice of publishers. Where I need changes, they'll be made. Where I need advice, I will seek it. And where there was a "no," I will continue to seek out the "yes." Sure, my plans for forward movement look good on paper. But I know the proof is in the execution.

Lucky for me, Beach Lane Books was merciful with my virginal submission and said no quickly, giving me a chance to shop my manuscript in greener publishing pastures. They could have taken weeks and kept me dangling in the wind. They didn't, and I'm grateful. So tonight, I am scouring my Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market bible for my next earthquaking response.

So, what of the rejection correspondence you wonder? For now I am printing and framing my adorable little rejection email as a reminder of my courage to believe I have something to say that children want to hear. And I am clinging to the page I snatched from my President's book that gave me the audacity to capture and live my dream.  

If you're curious about my query and their response, check it out below. And I hope you'll join me in celebrating the fact that an editor at a highly regarded publishing house read my manuscript! I couldn't be more proud...well, maybe a little more ;-).

Always,
Athena

MY QUERY

Greetings Ms. XXXXXXXX:

I am pleased to submit PIGTAIL BLUES AND UGLY SHOES, a 405-word picture book geared for children ages 4 to 8, for your consideration.

I had the pleasure of meeting you at the SCBWI 40^th Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA this month and was impressed with your enthusiasm for picture books and personal commitment to your authors. That, coupled with my desire to deliver great stories for kids featuring multicultural images and themes, led to my decision to submit.

This poetically humorous story opens with Lulu, a 7-year-old African-American girl waking up on the first day of school to hair disaster. Like most young girls, her hair is an important part of her grooming ritual. Through vibrant images girls of all nationalities will appreciate Lulu’s struggle to be a big girl by tackling her unruly hair, and the morning tango between moms and daughters on wardrobe—especially shoes.

Lulu’s story is timely, simplistically revealing, and marketable. Picture the imagery of GOOD NIGHT, WORLD coupled with Lulu's character joining the ranks of Sophie Peterman, Tallulah, Fancy Nancy, and The Ladybug Girl in the picture book market for child champions.

I am a member of SCBWI and have several picture book projects underway in addition to PIGTAIL BLUES AND UGLY SHOES. I would be happy to share those with you at your request.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,

Athena W. Hernandez

THEIR REJECTION

Dear Athena,

I’m afraid we don’t see a spot for your story here at Beach Lane, but thanks very much for sharing it with us—and for your kind words about the conference.

With all best to you in your career,

XXXXX

Milestone 001

I'll keep this short and sweet. Today, I hit the send button on my first picture book submission, PIG TAIL BLUES AND UGLY SHOES. It's the poetically humorous story of a 7-year-old African-American girl, Lulu, who wakes up on the first day of second grade to a hair disaster and the ugliest shoes she's ever seen. Can she live up to the "big girl" hype and get her hair done before her mother threatens to take over? Will she really have to wear those ugly shoes? Did her bed really swallow her barrettes? And will she make it to school on time?

Want to read more? Then start praying for the publishing gods to show mercy on an aspiring author, or Lulu might not see the light of day!

Always,
Athena

Top 10 SCBWI Observations--I Found My Tribe

Last Saturday, I attended my first children's book writers conference in Northern Virginia. I was nervous and exhilarated all at once. There were published authors, self-published authors, aspiring authors, illustrators, publishers, agents, editors, all eager to connect and learn more. My top ten initial observations were as follows:

1. This is clearly an industry dominated by women. Two thumbs up!

2. Everyone was genuinely friendly and eager to share experience and advice.

3. There was no overt sense of competition.

4. We like to eat--all kinds of food!

5. Of all the attendees, approximately 10 were men; one African-American.
6. Of all the female attendees, approximately 15 were minority women--diversity is craved and welcomed.
7. Many of the participants appeared not to be inclined to join the digital age; many that were joining were "kicking and screaming" their way into it. **Of course, I jumped in head first with a website, Twitter, and a blog--I was the unofficial digital advocate throughout the conference.**
8. Getting a book published doesn't make a lot of economic sense but offers an overdose of profound accomplishment.
9. Once you publish a book, it belongs to the reader.
10. Finding time to write is NOT indulgent; it is the bare essential that nurtures your craft.
BONUS: In the words of author Lisa Yee, "I found my tribe."

Stay tuned for posts on my MS feedback (including a pic with my author/advisor), notes from the funny and insightful keynote speaker, and advice on seeking out an agent--straight from the mouths of agents.

Always, Athena

Connecting the Dots

My journey to become an author began with an idea, that grew into a proposal, was nurtured into a first draft manuscript, and has blossomed into a personal truth: I can write and I am creative. So what?

     The first few steps were easy, personal, and pure. I could write with wreckless abandon because the act of writing is of a solitary nature. But at some point, after writing, and revising, and researching, and revising again, I would have to give my manuscript wings and let it fly. It must be exposed to the world, naked in plain view for all to love, hate, or ignore.
     This is a pivotal point for a writer turned aspiring author. How you proceed is critical. The good news is, there's help. When I emerged from my writing euphoria, I knew that I could not travel this road alone if I ever wanted to be published. I turned to my tried and true friend Google and found the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
     On my first visit to the site, I spent two hours and became a member. This professional resource connected me with like-minded spirits in my region. It offered conferences, classes, and connectivity. It opened my eyes to the possibility of writing for children as a profession, and introduced me to a flourishing industry committed to challenging a child's imagination. In this place, I knew I was no longer alone. It gave me the confidence to share my work; not for self-fulfillment, but to become a better writer for children. I was inspired by the illustrations, and vividly saw my characters come to life.
     Since that time, I've connected to a world of authors, agents, writers, publishers, editors, and illustrators. I joined the magnificent world of Twitter, built a website, launched this blog, follow at least a dozen other blogs, have written more stories, found an editor, and am going to my first conference in October--to include a manuscript review by children's book author Mary Quattlebaum.
     Am I afraid? Certainly! Writing your first book is monumental. You love it, nurture it, cradle and caress it, and then send it off into the world hopeful that you've given it the best that you've got. It's a leap of faith. I am thankful for SCBWI for giving me a forum, guidance, and comrades. I am desperate to know if my writing needs polishing.... if my plot is lack-luster...if my main character falls flat...how I can become a better writer.
     Connecting and networking is key in this industry. There's so much to learn and so many options. The act of writing is only the first step.
     A decade ago, an aspiring author didn't have Twitter, Facebook, or the proliferation of blogs. Just out of curiosity, I consulted the 1995 edition of a Webster's dictionary for the definition of blog; it was non-existent. Now in 2010, blog is not only in the dictionary, but blogs have become a force, challenging traditional journalism and demanding a place at the table. This is a world where aspiring authors have found a voice. It is a connection.
     I am still connecting the dots, but not on my own. The SCBWI, Victoria Mixon, Mary Quattlebaum, Marissa Graff, Martina Boone, Jennifer Laughran, Mary Kole, Cornell DeVille, and many more have helped me on this journey. I don't know if the world of children's publishing is different by nature, but it has already given me more than I could ever give back.


Always, Athena


From SCBWI...
10 FAQs About Children's Book Publishing
New to publishing for young readers? Here are the questions most frequently asked, helpfully answered by a group of professionals in the field. 
From Keyboard to Printed Page
Here are the basics on how to format your writing for submission to agents and editors. Types of Publishers
This handy guide gives you a quick summary of the different types of publishers and book packagers who may be interested in your work, as a well as a short, general overview of how they work. From the Editor's DeskEver wish you could pick an editor's brain about what she's looking for, or what she might suggest? You're in luck. Beverly Horowitz, VP & Publisher at Bantam Delacorte Dell Books for Young Readers answers your questions.