See One, Do One, Teach One . . . In Other Words, Pay It Forward
by Federico Erebia, SCBWI Guest Blogger
I’m honored to be the SCBWI guest blogger for the month of May!
When I joined SCBWI in January 2021, I dove in. I don’t know how to swim, let alone dive, so this metaphor may show how my neurodivergent brain approaches things I find fascinating, and perhaps a little intimidating: I will obsessively learn everything I can, until I’m confident I know what I’m doing, then I’ll want to show others the ropes. Teaching is a way of learning, at least for me.
It reminds me of an old medical training method: see one, do one, teach one. Don’t worry, surgeons don’t watch one appendectomy, then perform one on their own, then teach someone else how to do it, but you get the picture.
The writing community has a genuine camaraderie I never experienced in the medical profession. There’s a generosity of its members similar to that which I’ve felt in the woodworking and art worlds.
I joined several writing communities in the middle of the pandemic, when everything was online, and fairly accessible to anyone with an internet connection. I was able to attend conferences, webinars, and social media events, which opened door after door to new opportunities. It helps explain how, two years later, I have a debut novel coming out soon: Pedro & Daniel (Levine Querido, June 6).
During my stint as SCBWI guest blogger this month, I will share tips I’ve learned along the way. Rest assured, I won’t pretend to know it all: I’m aware I have much to learn, then share.
I’ve attended lots of national and regional virtual events and social mingles. Newbie book creators often ask, “How do I begin . . . to write, or revise, or query, then publish? . . .” As with most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but I believe there are some basics which will help writers start their journey. Much of this can pertain to illustrators and translators as well. Keep in mind that there are books, and even entire conferences about these topics, so I’m just scratching the surface here.
FIND YOUR WRITING COMMUNITIES
Most stories are written by one person, but that author will need the help of others before they see their ideas transform into a book.
Writing groups like SCBWI, your regional SCBWI chapter, 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, or other groups that interact in-person, virtually, or on social media are easy to find. Many are free. Those that require membership often offer scholarships. These groups are where you might meet folks who will support you in various aspects of your writing journey; where you will get tips or advice on every aspect of writing.
Later, when you have a book contract, your writing communities will support and guide you as you usher your book out into the world.
FIND YOUR CRITIQUE PARTNERS
Critique partners are vital to your growth as a writer. Learning how to critique others’ work will also help your writing. Critiquing is a craft you must hone with practice. The importance of taking and giving critiques is often overlooked.
Don’t rely on friends and family for your critiques! Look for critique partners who will be honest, but kind, in their feedback.
Critique groups can also be accountability groups: an important motivator for procrastinators, and others.
Many local and regional writing groups offer opportunities to join critique groups. Some writers meet critique partners on social media, or at conferences, conventions, festivals and fairs. Groups might meet in-person, virtually, or a combination of both.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PUBLISHING FOR CHILDREN
This was formerly known as THE BOOK. It is a comprehensive guide that is available to SCBWI members for PDF download, or you can order a printed copy. It will answer a majority of questions you might have about the publishing industry. If you’re new to the industry, start with this resource:
https://www.scbwi.org/online-resources/the-book
BLOGS, PODCASTS, AUTHOR NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS
There are too many to list, but you can find them with an internet or social media search. These are terrific, free resources.
CONFERENCES, FESTIVALS, FAIRS
Some are free, and some offer scholarships. They may be in-person, virtual, or a hybrid. There are so many opportunities to learn from other authors, workshops, panels, and other formats. And they are great ways to network.
WRITE
Now that you’ve been inspired by all the folks you’ve met, it’s time to get to work. Writing is a craft, and like all crafts, you’ve got to practice to improve. Figure out what you need in order to write. Identify the obstacles, and how to remove them.
How will you get words written down, or typed into a document? What’s your ideal work space? When are you most creative? How do you jot down and collect ideas? Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser?
REVISE, REVISE, REVISE
Like many people, I love revising. It’s like sculpting with clay: you might use various tools to remove some here, add some there, push, pull, stretch, carve, then add details.
I revised Pedro & Daniel many dozens -- hundreds? -- of times. I was only “done revising” when it was sent for printing.
READ AND/OR LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS
This may not be obvious, but reading is a writing tool. Reading will help improve your writing; help define your writing style; inspire you.
BEFORE YOU QUERY AN AGENT
Agents generally want to see several polished manuscripts before they offer representation. Read their profiles, and follow their instructions before querying them.
YOU CAN QUERY SOME EDITORS DIRECTLY
Since I don’t have an agent, I can safely say that you can get published without an agent. Many regions offer Agent/Editor Days. Occasionally, conference editor-participants allow for attendees to query them directly, as part of the conference fee. Some publishers allow writers to query their editors directly. Other publishers have windows of opportunity during which writers can query their editors. It helps to follow these publishers and their editors on social media.
Remember, The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children will have many details about all of this!
About Pedro & Daniel:
“An unforgettable journey of resilience and, most of all, love. . . Stunning.”
- Kirkus Reviews, (Starred Review)
"Luminous . . . Riveting . . . Uplifting and heart-wrenching."
- Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Pedro and Daniel are Mexican American brothers growing up in 1970s Ohio. Their mother resents that Pedro is a spitting image of their darker-skinned father; Daniel likes dolls; neither boy plays sports. Both are gay and neurodivergent. They are alike, but they are dissimilar in their struggles, their dreams, their approach to life.
Pedro & Daniel is a sweeping and deeply personal novel that spans from childhood into adulthood. Theirs is a bond that won’t be broken. Together they endure an abusive home life, coming out, first loves, first jobs, and the AIDS pandemic, in a coming-of-age story unlike any other.
ISBN: 9781646143047
Publisher: Levine Querido
Publication date: June 6, 2023
About Federico:
Federico Erebia is a retired physician, woodworker, author, and illustrator. He received a BA from the College of Wooster, and an MD from Brown University. Pedro & Daniel (Levine Querido, June 6) is his debut novel. He is on the SCBWI Impact & Legacy Fund Steering Committee, was in the inaugural Poets & Writers publicity incubator for debut authors, is a Grubbie Debut Author, and is a member of the Boston Author’s Club and several other writing groups. He lives in Massachusetts with his husband, and their westie and whippet, in the home he redesigned and renovated.
Website: https://FJEbooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FedericoErebia
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/FedericoErebia
Book cover and interior illustrations by Julie Kwon
Headshot credit: Joel Benjamin
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