Many friends, colleagues and fellow writers have reached out to me recently, discouraged with the state of affairs in the world, our nation, our society, our economy – all effecting creativity and work life in one way or another. We decided to pick a positive event to focus on and share as encouragement to remind each other of the magical moments that occur, if even on a small scale.

#writerslifeforme

After spending weeks, months, or years of writing, re-writing, editing, critiquing and polishing manuscripts, I await responses from my submissions. As a full time writer, some of my work is assigned, some commissioned. Recently a special "charmed" situation came about. A couple of years ago my agent requested a submission from me for a publisher looking for a fractured fairytale series to add to their catalog. Unbeknownst to me, a delightful experience was about to unfold.

I worked night and day for many months on a draft and proposal for the book series. This was my first serious attempt at writing a fractured (twisted) fairytale even though it's a popular children’s book genre, and I’ve enjoyed the few I’d read. After submission I tried to be patient through the obligatory waiting period, wondering if all those hours, days, weeks, months, blood/sweat & tears I dedicated were worthy of attention.

Jack and the Lean Stalk was my obvious take on Jack and the Bean Stalk. I wrote a story that flips some of the qualities of the original Giant with the boy, Jack. The main change was the addition of the theme of anti-bullying and acceptance in a community of diversity. Charmed moment #1! The editor was specifically interested in an anti-bullying theme at that time. How lucky! Pursuant to a couple of editorial meetings, I was offered the book deal.

Charmed situation #2: working closely with the senior editor in sharpening, tweaking and polishing the text. A wonderful relationship was forged with an extremely gifted person. I now understand several key ingredients of how to tighten and clarify a plot, serving me well in my writing work since.

Ok, now for my publisher’s pursuit to find an illustrator whose work would be befitting. Being a lover of the arts in the children’s literary community, I come across many talents whose artwork sticks with me, and have several I dream of contacting tucked away in my heart….and somewhere in my notebook journals. So, my editor says to me, “I’ll send you this illustrator’s portfolio to look at. I have a feeling you’ll connect with her artwork and it may be perfect for our book.” Ok. Sure, send it over.

When I received illustrator Sarah Gledhill’s email and portfolio package, I smiled and literally shouted out loud- charmed moment #3! I had been wanting to work with Sarah for several years, finding her illustrations sweet, whimsical and charming. Uh…yeah, pretty please let’s have Sarah do the illustrations! Ha! And I was so charmed to find Sarah one of the nicest and most playful artists that I am honored to work with. We continue to collaborate to this day.

My book is being actively promoted, and particularly in the current climate, it’s heartening to see Jack and the Lean Stalk being stocked in independent bookstores and in elementary school classrooms. And frankly, it’s crucial to receive those royalties to pay bills.

Funny how sometimes things just come together rather magically. Jack and the Lean Stalk has been one of my best selling books to date, and I’m left feeling grateful, and charmed.

Jack and the Lean Stalk