Charlie Barshaw coordinates our quarterly Writer Spotlight feature and interviews writers of SCBWI-MI. In this piece, please welcome 3 new-ish members. Be sure to check out Lauren's excellent artwork at the bottom of the piece.
Do you remember when? Three new members speak about entering the writing community
Kacey Kersman
How did you find SCBWI?
I learned about the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators 16 years ago when I first began writing children's books.
Have you been to any SCBWI events? Any writer or illustrator activities?
Unfortunately, I have not yet attended any of the SCBWI events. My hope is that now that my youngest son is in grade school, that I may finally have the opportunity to attend an event in the near future.
Why do you want to create children's books?
I have always considered myself a huge fan of the children's book market. When I was in grade school I would often write short stories, and this activity blossomed when I was admitted into the College of Education at Michigan State University. I was given a lot of support to improve my writing skills. Once I graduated and was hired for my first job as a Kindergarten teacher, I was once again immersed in the world of Children's literature. What I noticed in those first few years of teaching was that there was a lack of "early reader" books that appealed to my struggling readers. Therefore, I was inspired to create stories for my students that would engage their interest in reading.
What books and authors/illustrators influenced you?
There are many authors that have influenced my writing style throughout the past twenty years. However, if I was to name one author/illustrator team in particular that has influenced me the most, it would have to be Don and Audrey Wood. The illustrations of their books are amazing and the themes of each of their stories are very creative. The book, "Quick as a Cricket", was one of the first books I was given as a gift when I accepted my first teaching position. It quickly became a favorite of mine, my students and my own children.
Who encouraged you to create stories for children?
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Lauren, husband and five children
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My family has been a huge support in this writing journey. I'm not sure I would have continued to write without their encouragement and support.
What are you working on right now?
At the moment, I am in the process of publishing my first children's book. The title of the book is "Santa's Toes". I am so excited to see my book in print later this year. It is truly a dream come true!
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on continuing to write children's books. There are several markets I am exploring in the area of Children's literature. I feel like I have a million ideas in my head that need to be written down on paper and submitted for publication.
Liza L. Davis
How did you find SCBWI?
I discovered SCBWI at the recommendation of Leslie Helakoski! She had graciously agreed to critique one of my developing picture book manuscripts and spoke highly of the organization’s ability to offer endless resources and support for writers trying to break into the children’s literature business.I am VERY grateful for my ability to access to The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing. Before I submitted a picture book manuscript to a publishing company for the very first time, I made sure to utilize the chapter about how to compose and format an introduction letter, as well as how the manuscript body should look itself. This guide is a MUST READ for any aspiring author!
Have you been to any SCBWI events? Any writer or illustrator activities?
I have not yet been able to attend an SCBWI event, but the annual summer conference is on my bucket list! It would be amazing to mingle among other talented writers, learn the ins and outs of the business, and attend a workshop or two- or 5!- to help hone my craft as a storyteller.
Why do you want to create children's books?
I have been writing stories ever since being able to weave together my first sentence! It was not until I read what seemed to be the two thousandth picture book to my young daughter that I thought to myself, “I can do this, too!”
What books and authors/illustrators influenced you?
As a child, I read a lot of Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein. Anne M. Martin was THE author as I headed into my pre-teen years, and I read and reread all of the Babysitter’s Club series. I absolutely fell in love with Christopher Pike and R.L. Stein’s storytelling styles as I entered my teens. V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic series was a game changer for me. Looking back at these talented authors on this list made me realize that each of these talented writers helped mold my writing style into what it is today!
Who encouraged you to create stories for children?
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| Liza L. Davis |
A little girl who used to sit up in a tree with a pen and notepad and write until lightening bugs danced upon the grass. A little girl who handwritten a letter and mailed it to Scholastic and asked for one of her stories to be published. I am that little girl, but 30 years older. Life has led me in a different direction, for I am now on the verge of a career as a Nurse Practitioner. I am a mother, a wife, an aunt. The older I am becoming, the more I am realizing that once upon a time, the art of storytelling was something I was good at. I feel that I still carry this talent and it is with great hope that one day I can make my childhood dream of being a published author in reality!
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a manuscript about a legendary creature with an uncharacteristic fondness to a certain fruit preserve.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future include attending a Midwest SCBWI convention, as well as selecting a few of the best ideas that are floating around in my head and putting them down on paper! All I have to do is listen to my daughter for ideas. “Mom, do germs talk?” Hmmm. Can they? What if they could...
Lauren Nyquist
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Farmyard Storytime, Illustration by Lauren Nyquist
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How did you find SCBWI?
A few different professors told me about SCBWI during my time at the College for Creative Studies. They recommended I join after I mentioned my interest in illustrating and writing children’s books.
Has it helped you to move ahead in your goals?
Absolutely! The biggest thing that SCBWI has done for me so far is not only to introduce me to an entire community of people who love and create children’s books, but also given me ways to meet and interact with those people!
Have you been to any SCBWI events? Any writer or Illustrator-related activities?
Recently I went to the 2019 Summer Art Show hosted at the Saline District Library. I had a great time! I learned some more about how writers and illustrators work together to make a children’s book, reconnected with some familiar faces, and met a lot of kind, inspiring people.
Why do you want to create children’s books?
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Bunny Cottage. Illustration by Lauren Nyquist
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I’ve always loved the art and design that goes into children’s books, but what really inspired me to pursue creating them was reflecting on how much they meant to me as a kid. I remember reading and being read to as being not only just a fun past time (which is also important), but as a source of solace when I felt shy, scared or uncertain. So many of the things I learned in the pages of a book have impacted my values and view of life well into adulthood. I see children’s books as a way to help kids feel entertained, inspired, or comforted, but most of all acknowledged and valued. This is why books like Island Born or Sweety make me so excited, because I know a child will read or be read one of those books and feel seen. I want to be a part of that.
What books and authors/illustrators influenced you?
Maurice Sendak has been very influential to how I view the art of creating stories for children. I have always loved both the design of vintage children’s books like The Color Kittens and the charm of comics like The Moomins. The writing of Despereaux and The Little Prince move me to write stories that have gravity, sympathy, and compassion. Current illustrators also inspire me, like the design and story-telling sense of Christian Robinson, and the way Lily Williams uses her books to talk about important issues in a way that is visually beautiful and interesting! This is only to name a few out of the many authors and illustrators who inspire and influence me.
Who encouraged you to create stories for children?
In a way my parents were the first to encourage me by reading to me so much as a kid, and they continue to support my work. My professors have been a significant guiding voice. Kirbi Fagan, Francis Vallejo, and Dorene O’Brien (just to name a few out of many, many amazing people) have all been instrumental in developing my skills in both the illustrative and literary worlds, and were there to support me through school and beyond! I also have so many friends and peers who not only gave me kind words, but offered career advice, a second look at a piece of artwork, or a read-through on a manuscript. I wouldn’t be where I am today without these generous and skilled people in my life!
What are you working on right now?
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| Animal Band. Illustration by Lauren Nyquist |
I’ve got a few plates in the air right now. I’m working on a few portfolios; children’s book illustration (of course) but also greeting cards and gifts! I’ve started learning more about some new skills, like hand-lettering. There’s a few stories in my back pocket that I’ve been polishing. In addition to that I’ve been working with Peninsulas, a Michigan-based home goods, gifts, and apparel company, creating some new designs for their product line.
What are your plans for the future?
In the short term, I plan to continue creating children’s book artwork as well as greeting card and gift designs. I’m planning on sending out postcards for publishing, and creating collections of cards to sell. In the long term, I would love to build a career where I could be involved both in the children’s publishing, and greeting card worlds. I’m currently looking into setting up an online shop! Overall the strongest guide I have had throughout my choices is whether what I’m doing creates a net positive, whether that’s to illustrate a book that comforts or educates kids, partner with organizations that support environmental appreciation, or just to create a card that will brighten someone’s day.
Thanks to Kacey, Liza and Lauren.
Kacey Kersman has "a million ideas in my head." Her first book, "Santa's Toes," is due to be published later this year.
Liza L. Davis is a Nurse Practitioner, currently working on a story "about a legendary creature with an uncharacteristic fondness to a certain fruit preserve."
Lauren Nyquist, recently graduated from Detroit's Center of Creative Studies, and just stepped into the Published Members Coordinator position. You'll see some of her artwork on SCBWI-MI material soon.
Charlie Barshaw conducts interviews for The Mitten, just read and commented on two novel manuscripts, and is gearing up for School Visit season with his wife, author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw.
