Featured Illustrator: Leslie Helakoski

 Tall tree, Yooper/Y'all, tons of talented Michigan Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Katrina, and Gators: Author/Illustrator Leslie Helakoski

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI-MI. In this piece, meet author, illustrator, author/illustrator,  former SCBWI-MI RA, and illustrator of our spring 2025 banner, Leslie Helakoski. To read an interview with Leslie from 2020, click HERE.

 

Leslie Helakoski

You mentioned in a Cynsations interview, that your love of language sprang from where you grew up. Growing up in Louisiana, you’ve got your French and Spanish and Creole languages just dancing with each other in the streets of New Orleans. Have any of your books been translated to other languages?

Language has always fascinated me. From  14^th century Cajun French to words that sound like a chicken.

BIG CHICKENS was translated into Korean.

And WOOLBUR was translated into Hebrew.

Glamour Pic of Leslie and Carrie in their RA days

Since we interviewed last, you’ve retired from your role as Regional Advisor for SCBWI-MI. You and Carrie Pearson presided over the organization during some glorious years. What do you miss about running a society of children’s book writers and illustrators? What do you miss least?

Oh I cannot tell you how much I miss the connections to our members that running the organization fostered. Having regular events kept me informed about what our members were doing and what was going on in the industry. As for what I miss least, that would be managing finances. That is not my strength but I’m proud that I did it without any catastrophes.

You’ve always had a dual affection for Louisiana (where you were born) and Upper Peninsula Michigan (where your husband Ward came from). Recently, you’ve been spending time in both places. I imagine the U.P. in the summer, and Louisiana during the winter? How’s life between two places?

Life between Louisiana and Michigan is perfectly designed for me. Mild winters down south are a treat and just try to get me out of the UP in the summer and fall.

I think living in different places is beneficial to writers –makes us think outside the norm.

 

Leslie and Ruth, E.B. Lewis, Kristen Reminar, Deb Gonzalez and Matt Faulkner

I was delighted to see you mention fellow author/illustrator Matt Faulkner as someone who coached you on illustrating for kids. He asked you to consider the character of each of your characters. Was it an “Eva Gabor or Phyllis Diller” type of pig? Lori Eslick, Ruth McNally Barshaw and you formed an art critique group. Who else helped get your books illustrated by you?

Yes, Ruth Barshaw, Lori Eslick and I met for years supporting each other and laughing our heads off as we tried to navigate this business. My art was not published yet and Ruth was just starting her Ellie McDoodle series. Our small group later expanded to include Cathy Gendron, Heidi Sheffield, Deb Pilutti, Kirbi Fagan, Matt Faulkner, Deborah Marcero and Lindsay Moore—all amazing illustrators! I still share work with several of these artists and know I can ask them if I need advice. Having others to discuss your work with is invaluable.

 

WOOLBUR

FAIR COW was the first book you wrote and illustrated. Publishers were happy to purchase your manuscripts, but they passed on having you illustrate. I’m sure you had art ready to show what the finished page would look like. When you started pursuing picture books, it was as an illustrator. What kept you going until you got the chance to show off your stuff?

I did think illustration would be my ticket in. But when I attended my first SCBWI event (which was in Green Bay, Wisconsin) I found the writing excited me more and I realized that my art needed more work.

I paid more attention to artists I admired and sought to transfer some of that energy into my work. I passed up the opportunity to sell Fair Cow to a major publisher and went with a small press in order to illustrate. Since then I’ve illustrated 6 of my 17 books. I don’t always want to illustrate my stories but sometimes---we creators have to get pushy.

One of the things that kept me going were those interactions with other members. The generosity of this kidlit community is unbelievable.

Your career, over your many years, has had dry periods. You broke out of a publishing slump when you published HOOT AND HONK. You said the lean years made you analyze what was selling, reading the new stuff, and finding ways to make your book useful for educators. What are the current trends you’re seeing in children’s publishing?

After 20 years in this business, I am not hunting for trends. I am writing what I’d like to see in the marketplace—mainly fun and interesting stories that make me laugh. That is my strong suit and I have some great things lined up.

You have formed a partnership with author Darcy Pattison. You present to Highlights as the PB&J (Picture Book and All that Jazz). How do the two of you collaborate for one worthwhile writing program?

Darcy Pattison and I met about 15 years ago at a Michigan SCBWI event. Darcy was one of the speakers. Something she said resonated with me and I showed her how I applied it to a manuscript I was working on. (BIG CHICKENS). Soon we were swapping manuscripts and stayed in touch. Now, we are honest and tough with each other as well as supportive. 

A few years later it happened that we were both speaking at SCBWI Pennsylvania event at the Highlights Foundation’s Barn. We ended up waiting in the airport for a couple of hours together. Inspired by the programs Highlights was sponsoring, we came up with a proposal of our own. 

We’ve been teaching there now for 10 years. We are both passionate about teaching writing though we approach it very differently. Our differences help us provide feedback to our students in different ways.

Our original workshops were called PBJ (Picture Books and All that Jazz) but the format has evolved over the years and Highlights has changed the name to Picture Book Authors and Illustrators Working Retreat.

WHEN THE RAIN CAME DOWN had a personal history of devastating storms. Over your lifetime you’ve seen dozens of hurricane rains, winds and floods. The book references a specific hurricane, but you had others in mind, too, didn’t you? What other storms influenced you?

You are right, Charlie, growing up in south Louisiana did provide a front row view of many storms. However, the storm that took my childhood home was not a hurricane. It was a stalled low pressure system that hovered over the gulf for days and days, dumping unprecedented water on the coastline.

Hurricane Katrina is such a well-known storm, and though it is alluded to in my book, it is not mentioned by name. I wanted the book to have a larger reach-- especially since flooding can happen in every state of the union.

I saw GATOR’S GOOD IDEA advertised, and also GATOR’S BIG MOUTH. Same gator?

I didn’t write gator’s good idea—sounds like a fun title. Sometimes that’s all it takes to get me scribbling..

BACK TO THE WOODS. Where does that stand? What’s it about?

Back to the Woods was a flat fee project with Kiwico, which creates craft kits for kids. They like to include books into some of their themed packages. Unfortunately, this means they are not in book stores and at this time are only available in the kits. This might change.

CRABBY NEIGHBORS (Putnam) and FAKE GNUS (GroundwoodBooks).  Tell us about these upcoming book babies.

FAKE GNUS (pronounced NOOZ)  is something I am working on illustrating right now. The art should be done in about a month. I’m having a great time with it and can’t wait to get it out there.

CRABBY NEIGHBORS, published by Putnam, started out as an early chapter book. Something different for me. While I was gathering rejections on it in that form, one editor passed on it but asked if I’d consider turning into a picture book.  That being my wheel house, I gave it a whirl and now it’s in the pipeline. The publisher has a strong vision for it. We just signed illustrator Alex Willmore for the project and expect it will be out in late 2027 or early 2028.

There are whispers that you’re working on a novel. Like, long-term working on it. Please say that you haven’t totally given up on your long-form brainchild.

It’s true I have been working on a novel for a few years. (YIKES) And it is almost finished—(More YIKES.) Writing a novel is SO different than writing a picture book. I love the complicated weaving of characters and scenes. But I miss the playful language that comes out of younger stories.

I am anxious to get back to polishing that novel. Of course, I’ve had a couple of writer friends look over it for me. I hope  to get it out to my agent after I finish the art for Fake Gnus.

When asked, who would you, living or dead, want to have lunch with, you said Mary Cassatt. Is she still your Plus One?

Hmm, that was when I read an article on the struggles that the impressionists went through --women in particular. But today I’d like to have lunch with that group of illustrators I mentioned earlier.

You’re also a writing coach, and you do manuscript critiques. What can a writer expect when they add you to their creative team?

First of all, I’m a sucker for a story. I’m a teacher at heart and love digging into what makes a story work. I’ve published 17 picture books over the years in many different formats. I encourage writers to explore different approaches to getting a story down. I push writers to reach and never to settle. 

Text can do more than just tell a story, it can cast a mood, tickle funny bones and weave in facts. I work in both prose and rhyme. I tend to be very wordy with my critiques, which I warn writers, can be a bit overwhelming. But I love getting feedback myself and think more is better than less in that department.

What’s next?

My agent has a few picture book manuscripts ready to circulate if I ever get that novel off my desk.

And Darcy and I are planning a new PB workshop at Highlights in September 13-16. We will have guest editor Matt Phipps from Putnam, and art director Aram Kim from FSG, along with me and Darcy and another guest writer.

Please share any social media platforms:

Helakoskibooks.com

Instagram:helakoskibooks

FB LeslieHelakoski

 

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Cindy Schumerth

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Cindy Schumerth on the release of When Night Comes Calling

 

Please share a little about this book's journey. How did you come up with the idea? 

My book journey actually started in 2008.  At that time the story was more of a mood piece, a nice poem, but no characters involved.  It got good rejection letters, but still rejections.  I put it away in a drawer for fourteen years. In 2022 I took it out (because I still really liked it) and began reworking it into what it is today.  The rewritten version was inspired by a family campout annual tradition of a night vision hike with the whole family. 

What was the most difficult part of writing the book?

The most difficult part in writing this book was having to let go of some of what I call, my little darlings, from the early version; words or phrases that I really loved.  But that’s what revising is, and I believe if you can be heartless to yourself when you're revising, your book will ultimately be better. 

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

If this book does anything, I hope it encourages readers to expand their natural world and learn that there are so many things they’ll miss if they never explore (with an adult of course) at night.  It’s fun, scary, and fascinating all at once. The book has great backmatter that I hope will intrigue kids to learn more and love nature the way I do. 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

I’m traditionally published, so Sleeping Bear will do a lot of the marketing.  As for me, I have a launch scheduled at my hometown library, already have some school visits lined up and I’m hoping to visit nature centers, and children’s gardens, and book centers.  The book is available for pre-order on Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com, and hopefully it will find its way to your local bookstores. 

What's next for you? 

As for what’s next.  I’ve just sold a manuscript to Sleeping Bear Press scheduled for a 2027 release, I’m busy working on several different manuscripts, and always full of new ideas. 

I wish everyone a successful 2025! 

More about the book . . . 

When two siblings head outdoors on a nighttime hike, they experience the awe-inspiring wonders that take place in the natural world when most people are sleeping. From the night sky with its glorious celestial displays to the nocturnal insects and animals that only venture out in the dark, there’s an abundance of activity going on once the sun goes down and the stars come out. Tree frogs chirp their throaty songs, bats soar after buzzing mosquitoes, and a Luna moth flutters on its angel-like wings. But finally, it’s time to head back home to a cozy bed, and dream of the next night’s outdoor adventure. 

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

More about the author . . .  

When Night Comes Calling is my 4th picture book. I’ve been an SCBWI member for over 20 years and belong to several different critique groups, each giving me a fresh look at my work, and theirs. I love the outdoors and a lot of my work brings nature into the story.  While I never intended to work in rhyme, my first three books, this book, and my 5th book (just contracted) are all in rhyme. My books have won several awards which help with that dreaded imposter syndrome so many of us have. I signed with the agent Bridgette Kam, just last week, who I met through a SCBWI on-line webinar.  Hopefully she’ll help me get some of my prose into print.  

 

 

Book Birthday Blog with Kirbi Fagan

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Kirbi Fagan on the release of We Are the Scrappy Ones

 

You've created cover art for adult, YA, MG fiction and comic books, the picture book, The Summer of the Tree Army, and the middle grade novel, A Horse Named Sky. Describe your creative process and what inspires you. 

We Are the Scrappy Ones was a unique project. Living with an invisible illness since I was little, I knew first hand that capturing the heart of the scrappy ones is more than symptoms, diagnoses and wheelchairs. Inspiration for the illustrations came from every direction, the scrappy friends I've made along my journey, the team at Lerner and everyone involved in the making of the book. I hope my interpretations challenge the reader's assumptions about disability in every page turn.

What was the most challenging part of illustrating the book? 

The book is illustrated in a lot of different mediums. Pastel, crayons, colored pencils. There was a tremendous amount of scanning and digitally collaging involved to make the pages. Some areas of the text were also illustrated. The technical side of working traditionally is always an effort, but the overall scrappy style feels worth it in the end.  

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

I hope this book has the power to stir classrooms and bring new language to readers. The historical and impactful heroes is a great place of inspiration for readers to dig in.  

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

Scrappy Ones will be sold wherever books are sold! Check my website and facebook for videos and scrappy bonus material.  

What's next for you? 

This fall I'm going to be celebrating a new book with Lerner again but this time as an author-illustrator. The title is called, The Big Empty: A Sagebrush Survival Story.



People passing by call this land the big empty. / But I call it home.



In spare, poetic text written from the point of view of big sagebrush, readers are transported to the vast landscape of western North America. This incredibly resilient plant, which can live as long as one hundred years, provides food and shelter as well as shadows to conceal both predators and prey. After a wildfire passes through, it grows again and will thrive once more. Author and illustrator Kirbi Fagan captures the beauty of this essential plant in her lyrical words and richly detailed illustrations.

More about the book . . . 

We are the scrappy ones. / We live, we adapt, we defy. / Made of stardust and grit, we are spectacular.

Children with disabilities experience the world in all kinds of ways. Yet one thing they share is navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for them as they are. Existing on the edges can feel unfair—and downright exhausting. And at the exact same time, it can also foster creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability. In a word, scrappiness.

Author and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig has written a groundbreaking anthem of belonging that celebrates the wide range of disabled children and affirms their worth, just as they are. Luminous illustrations by Kirbi Fagan portray a diverse cast of characters living, learning, and playing. A warm, joy-filled book for disabled and non-disabled readers alike.

Publisher: Lerner/Carolrhoda

More about the author . . . 

Kirbi Fagan is a Michigan based, New York Best Selling illustrator. Her work includes the picture book The Summer of the Tree Army by Gloria Whelan (2021), We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig (2025), A Horse Named Sky by Rosanne Parry (2023) as well as cover art in adult, YA, middle-grade, and comic books. Kirbi is driven to create books for readers like her. When she was growing up, arts and crafts were her lifeline as a way to cope with ongoing illness. Kirbi is traditionally trained as an oil painter, earning her bachelor's degree in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design. Her first author-illustrator project will debut fall 2025. 

For more about me and my work please visit: https://kirbifagan.com/

 

 

 

And the Mentorship Goes to...!!!

For everyone who has patiently waited for the results of the 2025 Illustration Mentorship, I am thrilled to announce that Penny Dullaghan, our mentor, has chosen to work with Melissa Bailey. 

Of the top three submissions, Penny said, "It was much harder than expected to narrow them down! Each artist brought wonderful strengths to the table, and I truly enjoyed sitting with their work to make my final decision. I’d love the opportunity to work with all of them, as they each have so much to offer and ways to continue growing."

Melissa Bailey

Melissa will work with Penny from April 1 to November 21, 2025. After their time together, Melissa will have an opportunity to submit to an acquiring editor or art director using one of SCBWI-MI's "golden tickets," which means no slush pile! Be sure to read Melissa's bio below.

Penny's first-place runner up is Maria Korovesis, who has one a one free entry to the 2025 Critique Carousel. 

The second-place runner up is Ken Eaton, who has won a $25 gift card to the SCBWI bookstore. 

Congratulations to all three winners! For all the other illustrators who submitted (including our two runners-up), we haven't forgotten about you. I will be sending you feedback on your submissions from all three judges before April 30. 

Middle-grade and young-adult novelists, get ready because you're up next for our 2026 mentorship!

Jay Whistler

Outgoing 2025 Mentorship Coordinator

Jessica Zimmerman

Incoming 2026 Mentorship Coordinator 

Melissa Bailey is an award-winning illustrator, author, and smiley person. She has illustrated over 60 children’s books (including bestselling Steve the Dung Beetle: On a Roll, recent release The Horse Who Wanted to Fly, and upcoming Mara Plants a Seed) and is the author-illustrator of two (Imara’s Tiara, cowritten with Susan R. Stoltz, and Pug is Happy). A member of SCBWI since 2013, she volunteers as a self-publishing advisor for SCBWI-Michigan.

 

When she’s not in her studio splashing paint or typing away at her keyboard, she’s probably outside taking a walk. If it’s too dark for walks, she might be cooking (and eating), bingeing old TV shows, drawing, or avoiding doing the dishes.

SCBWI-MI Spring Conference Presenter Debbie Gonzales

 El Paso, Barney, Austin TX RA, GIRLS WITH GUTS, teacher's guides, and Pinterest Power: Author and presenter Deb Gonzales

Charlie Barshaw coordinates our regular Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI-MI. In this piece, meet author and Pinterest guru Debbie Gonzales. Deb is also part of the cast of distinguished faculty at the SCBWI-MI spring conference. 

Debbadee. That was your email moniker when I first met you. Nickname?

Debbadee is a nickname that my dad gave me. I love it. My dad was a brilliant man with a wry wit. I knew that when he called me Debbadee, he was pleased with whatever I was doing.

What was life like for young Debbie? Were you born in Texas?

I was born in El Paso, Texas, and spent the first two years of my life there before moving became the norm. My father’s career in avionics engineering kept our family on the go, and by the time I reached the age of fourteen, I had lived in Texas three times, as well as in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, and California. 

Deb and Missy

As an introvert, I had to learn early on how to be outgoing—whether I wanted to or not. My mother, who was no hand-holder (believe me), had a firm philosophy on making friends: “They aren’t going to come to you, Debbie. You have to go to them first.” Words that have served me well throughout my entire life.

You’ve been an educator for over 35 years. What inspired you to make education a career?

I think my desire to become a teacher was sparked by all the moving around I did as a child. The classroom became my emotional haven—a place of stability in a constantly changing world. I loved school. I loved its predictability, its challenges, and—most of all—the supplies! To this day I LOVE office supplies!!!! 

I spent hours playing school, teaching my stuffed animals how to read and write. That early passion for education eventually morphed into an incredible career as an author, educator, and Pinterest marketing specialist. And for that, I am exceedingly grateful.

 

Barney

One of your earliest teaching jobs was on the set of “Barney,” the purple dinosaur. Describe a typical day for the kid actors in your school.

Yes, I was once the Barney School House teacher. Now that was a really fun job. My students’ ages ranged from one first grader, two second graders, a third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, and seventh grader all of which I served in a one-room Montessori classroom I put together in a room adjacent to the kids’ rehearsal hall decorated with the Barney & Friends full-body costumes were suspended from the ceiling. 

While there, I coordinated educational content around rehearsal, filming, fitting, and publicity scheduling. Our classroom was even featured on the Today Show! How about that! Serving as the Barney School House teacher was one of the most fun teaching experiences I have ever had! A great experience, for sure.

 

You were the Regional Advisor for SCBWI while you lived in Texas. I sense there’s a memoire in it for you. What were some of your most memorable moments while R.A. in Texas?

I remember being nominated for the role of RA and not really knowing much about the expectations required for the job. Because Austin was such a hub for Kidlit at the time, there was much work to be and great fun to be had. 

If I was to identify the events that I was most proud of were our two Digital Storytelling Workshops. The topics we explored back then were Content Marketing, Blogging, Photoshop Tips, E-Books, Illustration 101, Graphic Novels, Crafting Promotional Swag, Social Media Strategies and so much more. I suppose those Digital Storytelling Workshops paved the road for the work that I am doing today.    

 

Deb and John

Tell us about your husband John, who is another marvelous human being. How did you meet?

We met at Richland Junior College in Dallas, Texas, and for a long time, we were just great platonic friends. That all changed on a double date. At the time, we were both dating incredibly possessive people—who were none too happy about how much fun he and I were having together. The rest, as they say, is history.

How did you end up in Michigan?

John’s work transferred us here, and I’m so grateful for the experience of living as a Michigander. This Texan had no idea that not only would Michigan prove to be such a gorgeous state, that her people would be so warm, interesting, and solid. We’ve loved living here! I absolutely love it!

 

You wrote and published a picture book, GIRLS WITH GUTS. How did those gutsy girls get their own book?

GIRLS WITH GUTS: The ROAD TO BREAKING BARRIERS AND BASHING RECORDS began as part of my creative thesis at VCFA. It began as my first attempt at writing a picture book under the guise of some very wise advisors. 

Because I wanted to take full creative license while attending the Vermont College of Fine Arts, my creative thesis consisted of a middle grade novel, a short story, and a picture book – all exploring aspects of the plight of the female athlete. Little did I know that that little picture book would become a reality.

Want some scoop? Charlesbridge has decided to release the book in English in paperback as well as simultaneously make a Spanish edition of titled ¡CHICAS CON AGALLAS! They have them slated for publication for early 2026, which will put them on the same season as the next Winter Olympic Games. Isn’t that great news!

You’re quite the dog lover, aren’t you? Tell us about your pets.

Actually, years ago, I considered myself to be solely a cat person. There have been a number of really sweet kitties in my life, the best of which was Mr. Pibb, a rotund and loving tabby. We first got Mr. Pibb when we lived in California over 30 years ago. He lived to be 23 years old. Mr. Pibb was as devoted to me as I was to him.

Tripod

After Mr. Pibb passed, we adopted Tripod, a three-legged chocolate lab…and what a sweet soul he was.  I hadn’t experienced the richness of dog love until Tripod limped into my life. He had an uncanny way of connecting with people, all kinds of people. He healed my heart in ways I had no idea I needed healing.

And now we have Missy. I believe that Tripod sent Missy to us. Talk about devoted! She’s the perfect office mate and brings so much joy into our life!

 

 

You create teacher’s guides. What kinds of books make good teacher’s guide material?

I’ve been creating teacher guides since around 2018, and at this point, I’ve got more than 400 of them posted on my Guides by Deb website. If you can name a genre, chances are I’ve made a guide for it—board books, picture books, mysteries, STEM-related stories, young adult and middle grade novels galore. Developing this vast collection of academic standards-aligned guides has been both a challenge and a joy, but the best part? Connecting with authors and educators on these incredible projects.

As for what makes a book a great fit for a teacher guide, it really comes down to its ability to connect with its audience. That’s why our Guides by Deb tagline is: “Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.” 

These guides are designed to equip homeschooling parents, teachers, school librarians, school counselors, and caregivers with the resources they need to help kids engage with a book’s themes, educational content, and emotional depth—all while keeping the experience age-appropriate, meaningful, and inspiring.

 

You’re all in on Pinterest now—running an agency, teaching workshops, hosting a newsletter—the whole nine yards! So what’s the deal? I always thought Pinterest was just for recipes and DIY projects. How does it actually help authors, and what makes you so passionate about it?

Actually, it was my intention to promote Guides by Deb and Girls with Guts that first led me to Pinterest. I discovered the platform in 2016, about four years after it became public. Back then, it was a very different place—kind of clunky. Honestly, I was probably a little clunky with it, too. But even then, I could see its potential for our community. Now, almost ten years later, I’m more convinced than ever that authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers need a presence on Pinterest. There’s definitely a learning curve but trust me—the trek is worth it!

People often think Pinterest is a social media platform, but it’s not. It’s actually a powerful visual search engine driven by SEO keywords. These keywords come from a deep analysis of the themes and educational content in an author’s books, programs, or services. Pinterest then indexes this information so that when the right audience searches for those key terms, pins showcasing the book, program, or service appear in their feed.

Deb with a tomato

One of the best things about Pinterest is that content doesn’t disappear after a day or two like it does on other platforms. A well-crafted pin can keep working for months—sometimes even years! That means your books, programs, and resources stay discoverable long after you post. I know this to be true. Those clunky pins I posted back in 2018 are still surfacing! Yes!

Even better, Pinterest puts books right in front of the people who need them—teachers looking for classroom resources, parents searching for book recommendations, and librarians curating collections. These audiences aren’t just scrolling; they’re searching with purpose. And when your content shows up at the right moment, it creates real connections. Boom!

 

What are you presenting at the conference?

My topic is Beyond the Launch: Harnessing the Evergreen Marketing Power of Pinterest.

There’s so much I want to share in my conference presentation—I’ll have to rein in my excitement a bit to make sure we cover the essentials without overwhelming everyone! My goal is to inspire participants—whether they’re pre-published or bestselling authors—by showing them that Pinterest isn’t just for recipes and DIY projects. It’s a powerful search engine that helps authors and illustrators connect with their ideal audience.

We’ll break down the basics of building a strong, evergreen presence, explore the differences between personal and business accounts, and dive into actionable strategies to boost book visibility and engagement. Whether you’re brand new to Pinterest or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with the tools and confidence to make Pinterest work for you.

 

What’s next for Debbie?

Well, besides serving my oh-so-awesome Pin Lit clients and keeping up with all the latest Pinterest updates, I’m diving into two exciting projects. The first is a how-to book all about Pinterest and the Kidlit community. I’ve learned so much about the possibilities this platform holds for us, and I feel compelled to share it. I’m still figuring out exactly what shape the book will take, but for now, the goal is just to get it out of my brain and onto the page. You know how it goes, right?

Also, I'm completely captivated by ChatGPT—so much so that I’m developing a new AI tool called The Pin Lit Author Bot. Designed specifically to enhance Pinterest platform management, this custom-built tool is currently in its early development phase. My goal is to have it ready to launch by the conference, and I can’t wait to share more about it then.

__________________________________________________________________________

Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a little bit about my journey and the work I love. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to connect at the conference! See you soon!

Please share any social media platforms:

·         Pinterest: @debbadee5

·         Instagram: _debgonzales

·         LinkedIn: @debbie-gonzales-gbd/

·         Website: www.pinlitmarketing.com

·         Email: debbadee5@gmail.com

 

 

A New Partnership for SCBWI-MI

By Molly David

The Leadership Team is always looking for new ways to help SCBWI-MI members expand their reach in the community. We are excited to announce a new partnership with Bookstock that will help us promote literacy programs, connections with area teachers, and raise money for future events.

This is the first year SCBWI-MI will partner with Bookstock.

We love books; they love books. It’s a perfect match.

What does that mean for our members?

We are asking members to volunteer to work shifts at Bookstock this year. If you’ve always wanted to volunteer to help SCBWI and raise money for area literacy programs, but only had a few hours to spare, this is the opportunity for you.

Volunteers organize books during the one-week books sale, help customers, and take payments during the event in Livonia. This is a great way for us to raise money so we can provide more benefits to our members. A sign-up sheet will be available on SCBWI-MI’s events page on March 12^th.

Bookstock is also allowing us to set up a few tables where our members can sell their books and/or promote their school visits to Bookstock shoppers. 

Here is how it will work:

Teacher appreciation days are Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday, April 30th. If you work a shift, you can have a spot at a table to share your author school visit information and sell some signed books. Work a two-hour shift on Tuesday or Wednesday and then have the remaining time to promote your books and school visits. If you would rather volunteer on Sunday April 27th and/or Sunday May 4th that works, too! Both Sundays are also SCBWI volunteer days. The more volunteers the better!

If you just want to sign up to help SCBWI-MI and Bookstop, that’s great, as well. Our chapter will receive a donation for your volunteer hours. If you don’t sign up through us, please be sure to tell Bookstock you are an SCBWI-MI member so we can get credit for your time.

This is a great opportunity for SCBWI-MI to promote literacy programs, promote the amazing talent we have within our organization, and earn money for our chapter. For each of us, it is a great way to give back to our community, promote our work, and raise money for SCBWI-MI.

Bookstock is Detroit’s (and possibly the country’s) biggest used book and media sale. This event collects used books for resale to raise money for education and literacy programs. 2025 is their 21^st year in operation. They have raised over $3 million for literacy initiatives in Detroit and the surrounding areas.

Supporting the need to read

Bookstock is 100% volunteer driven. Last year, over 600 volunteers provided about 6,300 volunteer hours. The storage space, tables, and chairs are all donated.  400,000+ used books and media were for sale, most items were $3 or less.

The opening day of Bookstock is Sunday, April 27. They have a Presale event from 8:15-11:00 am. For an admission of $25, you can get first access to the best used books around. Starting at 11:00 am, Bookstock is open to the public at no charge. They continue to sell books with no admission fee Monday- Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm and Sunday May 4 from 11:00am-6:00pm.

They have special days throughout the week. On Tuesday, April 29^th and Wednesday. April 30^th from 2:00-7:00 pm teachers with a valid id get 50% off books. Thursday, May 1^st is Bookstock Loyalty Day. You can get 20% off your purchase if you bring a Bookstock bag from a previous year. Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 are Pocket Paperback Palooza where you can get 15 pocket paperbacks for $10. And on the last day, Sunday May 4^th, all books and media are 50% off.

Where do the proceeds go?

The Bookstock Fund uses the money raised to fund many literacy programs in the Detroit area. They provide funding for: Microsoft Office Suite training for Detroit area adults, support book clubs, poetry slams, and classroom libraries. They provide scholarships for students at Wayne State University School of Library Sciences and Detroit Mercy. You can check out their grant guidelines and application here. The organization donates all leftover books to local non-profits.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Sign up here. 

Molly David is Co-Communications Coordinator for SCBWI-MI. She founded Semper Grata (sempergrata.com) in 2022 to help families and educate communities on disability issues. Kirkus Review recommended her debut children’s picture book, My Mischievous Wheelchair, and featured it in their December 2023 magazine. It won a Firebird award and a Purple Dragonfly award in 2024. Molly understands the importance of all children seeing themselves in books. Molly is a highly regarded speaker on disability issues. Her book Planning for the Future: Protecting a Loved One with a Disability ranked fourth on Amazon. It is a guide for parents and caregivers on how to protect their children’s financial security. You can connect with Molly @mollydavidauthor.