Welcome to my blog, dear Dianna. Congratulations on the launch of your new book James’ Reading Rescue! Everyone is excited to hear a bit more about your journey!
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve always been a passionate reader and animal lover. As a result, my children grew up in a house full of books and cats! I rediscovered my love of picture books reading to my children and it is the realization of a dream to now write for other children. I spent my childhood years on the Canadian prairies but have lived in Montreal for many years, raising my family and working at McGill University. Writing for children is both a pleasure and privilege that I plan to enjoy for as long as possible!
Congratulations on your new book! What was your author journey like? What brought you to picture book?
Thanks, Helen! I rediscovered the joy of picture books while reading to my children many moons ago. I love the way words and illustrations work together to weave a story. I have always wanted to write and have been so lucky on my journey. I’ve had great help from generous, experienced writers and I feel exceptionally fortunate to have my first story (and my next one!) published by Clavis, working with Sara Casilda, my illustrator extraordinaire.
Can you give us a short introduction of James’ Reading Rescue?
James struggles with reading – and even has to miss recess to practice! Feeling blue, he stops by the animal rescue where he likes to play with the cats and meets Ghost, who hides in a box. James wants to help socialize Ghost and begins reading to him and the other cats. What he doesn’t realize is that this act of kindness is also improving his reading. It’s a win-win!
What was your inspiration for this book?
JRR is based on a true story I read on the internet several years ago. It touched a chord with me, as my son struggled with reading when he was young. Also, having raised my children with nine rescue cats, I felt that this was a story I just had to write!
What do you hope readers will learn or discover from reading James’ Reading Rescue?
Everyone struggles with something. Perseverance and kindness are always satisfying but sometimes can also have unexpected rewards. Reading opens the world and love of (and from) animals opens our hearts.
What is the most challenging thing you faced while writing or researching James’ Reading Rescue?
This was my first PB so everything was a challenge! I was completely untutored in all the rules of writing so it was a learning process all the way. The help of some generous writers along the way was invaluable.
How was the submission process?
As a debut writer, I was really groping in the dark. I researched publishers to see who was accepting unsolicited submissions and reviewed their books. I also read everything I could find on upcoming books. Publishers Weekly Children’s Bookshelf was extremely helpful in providing publishers who were unknown to me. Then I had to learn how to write a query letter…!
How was the editorial process? Did you do any revisions?
Although I have no experience with other publishers, I know enough to attest that working with Clavis was a dream. Everyone was so helpful, in both their Belgium and New York offices. There were almost no revisions to speak of, which amazed me!
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
The opportunity to create something wonderful. Something funny, adventurous, tender, silly, imaginative – hopefully, creating a book that someone will love and keep forever.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
This can be tough. I often go through periods where nothing new comes to me. As I generally like to write stories inspired by real life, I will scroll through animal rescue stories and stories about children who have done amazing things in their communities. Sometimes an idea just strikes out of the blue, but not often enough!
If you read this book to a room full of kids, what message do you want to share with them?
I have a few, actually. No one is perfect – we all have different challenges. Kindness matters even if no one witnesses it. Hard work really does pay off. Rescue animals make wonderful family members and black cats (and dogs) are the least adopted. Please think of these facts next time you’re looking for a new friend!
What advice would you like to share with aspiring authors?
Don’t give up! Writing is like any other skill – the more you practice the better you become. Keep learning all the dos and don’ts and do not let them scare you into giving up. Find a critique group where you feel at home – it will be one of your greatest supports.
Thank you Dianna for stopping by!
You can connect with Dianna on twitter: https://twitter.com/DiannaWilson99
Find more about her new book:
https://amazon.com/James-Reading-Rescue-Dianna-Wilson-Sirkovsky/dp/1605376116/
Thanks so much, Helen!