Quirky Questions for Kidlit Authors: Guest Post #1 by Laura Segal Stegman - Liza Wiemer

Young Adult/Middle Grade/Picture Book Author Liza Wiemer: MOMENTS OF RECOGNITION

  

“For this young girl to take the experience of reading my book, and then to apply it to her life was, to me, so profound.”

 

By Laura Segal Stegman

 

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Check Out All Four Posts in July! 

 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

This interview and the transcript have been edited for length and clarity.

 

LAURA SEGAL STEGMAN

Hi, everybody. I'm Laura Segal Stegman, author of the Summer of Luck trilogy, and I'm presenting four author conversations on SCBWI's blog in July.

My guest this week is Liza Wiemer, an award-winning educator and public speaker. Her second young adult novel, The Assignment from Delacorte Press was named a Sidney Taylor Notable Book, among other honors. Her debut picture book is Out and About, A Tale of Giving. She's currently working on several picture books, a nonfiction book for children, and a middle grade book. Check out her website because I haven't even begun to paint the full picture of the amazing Liza's eclectic talents. Let's meet her and learn a little bit more. Hello!

LIZA WIEMER

Laura, thank you so much for having me. This is truly an honor.

LS

It's my pleasure. Let’s talk about moments of recognition that you've experienced during your career. Tell us about times when people who've read your book or your work got in touch and what that meant to you.

LW

I'm going to start by showing you my book, The Assignment, which is inspired by true events. It's about two brave teens who are given an assignment from their favorite teacher, a social studies teacher, to pretend that they're Nazis and either argue in favor of murdering Europe's eleven-million Jews or putting Jews in work camps, ghettos, and sterilizing them. And these two brave teens speak out and say, “This is wrong.” They won't do it, even when their classmates don't seem to have any kind of issue with this assignment. It is with this book that I'd like to address your question. There are three instances I want to share.

A few years ago, I was speaking in a large auditorium. At the end, it cleared out, except for me, the teacher, and one young man, and he came up to me. He said that he had read the book, and that it changed his whole perspective. He was thinking about killing himself. His parents had moved him to our area in his last years of high school, and he was really missing his friends and struggling, and that reading The Assignment changed his whole perspective. And I'm thrilled to say that years later now – it’s been at least three years – he's doing great. And that really was so humbling.

Liza Wiemer

And then last school year, I got an email from a girl who had just finished eighth grade. She wrote to tell me that after reading my novel, she had made the decision to poll other girls in her grade because she herself had been experiencing sexual harassment. And it seemed that other girls were experiencing that too.

So, she polled every single girl in her entire grade, then she and another young woman presented this to the principal and the teachers. And it wasn't an easy thing to do at all. What she did was so incredibly brave, and I thought, “Wow.” For this young girl to take the experience of reading my book and then to apply it to her life was, to me, so profound. The idea that we need to be upstanders… that we need to not be silent when we see injustice is the whole message of the book.

Since the book came out, I've given nearly 700 workshops on the novel, about not being a bystander, about speaking up against all forms of hatred, bigotry, and injustice. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was presenting at a school, and a young woman walked past me. At first, she said, “Thank you so much,” and she walked out of the room. Then she turned around and came back with tears streaming down her face. This time, she said, “Thank you so much. I need to tell you how much what you had to say meant to me. To talk about the need for kindness and compassion in this world instead of being rude and cruel and mean to one another.”

One of the things that I’d talked about was the fact that that in this country, we're very fortunate to have free speech. We know about hate speech, but what's really missing is informed speech. And that even though we have the right to say things that are hateful, it really harms the essence of who we are. That really resonated with her. So, this is what keeps me motivated and driven to do the work that I'm doing.

And then I'm also very fortunate to present Out and About: A Tale of Giving for younger kids, a book about helping others in an anonymous way. Doing [things] in a way where you're not there for the recognition. It's such a universal theme, an important theme. These books are really giving me the opportunity to reach students of all ages. And I love it!

LS

Those are incredibly powerful stories. And thank you for sharing them, to be able to have your work make those kinds of impressions on young people. And think of all the hundreds that didn't come up to you. Those three alone are beautiful stories of the value of literature and of doing good, and speaking up and all those things that you mentioned. Thank you so much. 

LW

Thank you. It's profound and it's humbling and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

LS

Again, thank you. Liza's website has curriculum guides, videos, excerpts from her interviews, and lots more. So, look for links to her site and her socials below. Thank you again, Liza.

LW

Thank you so much, Laura. It’s been an honor to be with you.

 

WEBSITE: https://www.lizawiemer.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lizamwiemer/

BS: https://bsky.app/profile/lizawiemer.bsky.social

FB: https://www.facebook.com/liza.wiemer

 

Liza Wiemer is an award-winning educator with over twenty years of teaching experience. Her second novel, The Assignment, was published by Delacorte Press and has received 12 honors, including being named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book. To date, The Assignment has also been translated to Russian, Polish, Italian, and Korean and has been optioned for film. In addition, Liza has had two adult nonfiction books published and several short stories included in the New York Times bestselling “Small Miracles” series. Since August 2020, she has presented over 650 talks and workshops across the globe. She’s been interviewed by media outlets like NPR, BBC, and ABC, and gave a TedXTalk at the UW-Madison. Her debut picture book, Out and About: A Tale of Giving, was published by Kalaniot Books in August 2023. A graduate of UW-Madison, Liza has two married sons and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, Jim.

Laura Segal Stegman is the author of Summer of L.U.C.K., Ready or Not, and The Chambered Nautilus, a middle-grade trilogy from Young Dragons Press, all with Readers' Favorite Five Star reviews. She has been a presenter/panelist at literary events including NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English), Orange County Children’s Book Festival, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) SoCal Harvest Day, San Diego Writers Festival, and LitFest in the Dena. She also does school visits and such events as the STEM Teacher Summit and serves as a judge for writing competitions sponsored by Society of Young Inklings, among others. As a long-time publicity consultant, she created PR Tips for Authors, which has been presented by The Writing Barn, SCBWI, and elsewhere. Non-fiction writing credits include work in Los Angeles Times and School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox, among others. www.LauraStegman.com

Laura Segal Stegman 

 

 

 

Five Tips to Self-Care for You and Your Creativity

Show of hands...

Who's been feeling a little to the left lately? Anyone?

You in the back. It's okay, don't be shy. 

Listen, I get it. I've been having a real hard time sitting at the drawing table. My brain is a bit fried. My productivity is a little wonky and if you're anything like me, I get hypercritical of myself and my work when I can't and don't produce enough. 

But sometimes, it be like that. 

And that's okay. That's what I try to remind myself. You're human, you are an empath, and you are sensitive. I mean, that's why we write and illustrate children's books, no?

So when the going gets tough, and the well feels dry and barren, it's okay to step back and reassess. 

Here are 5 Tips to Self-Care that I have collected over the years not only as a writer/illustrator but as a "semi-functional" human being in the world.

1. Get some SLEEP / REST

I'm a HUGE culprit of this. I stay up late, and wake up early. I overbook myself. I am a busy body like nobody's business. Though we have a day off, it doesn't mean we have to have it occupied. Prioritizing sleep or moments of rest through out your week and your day can help you reset. Also, rest doesn't have to mean complete stillness, but stillness of the mind and spirit can help you feel connected and energized.

2. Hydrate

I see you grabbing that water bottle by your laptop. It's okay. No judgement. Drink. That. Water. Especially these days that feel like a dragon's armpit! My goodness! Replenish your body and hydrate regularly! It's refreshing for the body and the soul, trust me.

3. Set a Writing/Drawing Routine

I'm an early riser. And if I'm well-rested with the recommended thirteen hours of sleep (it's thirteen hours, right, Henry? No? REALLY?!)...well, when rested, I am unstoppable! Find the time that works for you and stick to that time. Create steps that make you feel empowered, ready and excited. Do you like to write in the mornings? Evenings? Does a cup of your favorite tea help? How about your favorite crystal, twirling in your palm? Set the writing routine that works for you and that gets you to the drafting table. And keep that routine sacred. You don't have to be crazy productive when you finally get to creating, but honoring the routine will help you feel in control, and confident and accountable.  

4. Stay Connected

In difficult times, community is what we need. Writing and drawing can be isolating, and with deadlines, and project goals, we can become super insular. But remember to stay connected. Call a friend, go on a date night, play Words With Friends. Those little moments of connection remind us we are not alone. That we are all working toward the same goal. Like the Beatles said "Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends." We all need each other. Reach out and stay connected.

5. Get Physical 

Have a solo dance party in your room. Go to the gym. Go for a walk. Play wall tennis by yourself. Ride a bike. These are things I do to get my blood pumping, my mind clear, and my body moving. Writers and illustrators can get very cerebral and forget that the body is also a huge component to our well being, as people and as artists. Physicality not only has health benefits but encourages/stimulates the mind. Unstick yourself from that chair, get physical and work out those kinks, mentally and physically! It maybe the key to unlocking that artist's block.

So there, person in the back with their hand still raised...ooooo, sorry, forgot to tell you to put it down...but hope these small tips help as you incorporate them into your day to day. So join me in committing to tiny changes toward our well-being!

How a Virtual Summer Conference Changed My Life!

 How a Virtual Conference Changed My Life!

As we approach the Virtual Summer Conference on July 31st, I wanted to share a little story of how a Virtual Conference changed the trajectory of my career and my life.

So as we all know...2020 was a YEAR! 

We all had to isolate and staying indoors in a tiny NYC apartment made it EXTREMELY difficult an a professional dancer with limbs like a giraffe. 

But what was I to do if I couldn't dance?! 

As most of you probably feel and can relate to, making art is like breathing and I needed to MAKE something. Bad! So I dusted off that old sketchbook, and started doodling. 

Doodling morphed into detailed work which evolved into finished works and soon, I was purchasing a drawing tablet, paints, canvas, color pencils, markers- you name it. Thus, the first portfolio was born!

And almost like fate, a friend of mine suggested SCBWI to me at just the right moment as I always had ambitions to write stories, and learning more about publishing interested me. With the lockdown, the winter conference was to be held virtually and after purchasing my membership with SCBWI (thanks, Mom!), I looked into the conference. Being new to the children's publishing world, I was nervous but I took a chance on myself, paid for the conference and dove right in.

And what an adventure it was! I remember being so shy and cautious at first, but that went away almost immediately. The community was so bright and welcoming. From the keynotes to the breakout rooms, I felt like I was in the room with them and I enjoyed being immersed into the KidLit world. 

Plus I met so many people, from ALL OVER THE WORLD. The special thing about the virtual conference is the ACCESS. Access is so important and this made it possible for us to share collective knowledge. Not everyone can attend the In-Person conferences, but being able to connect with the broader community has fostered very meaningful friendships. 

That is when I met the talented, and fabulous Lee Wind, in a virtual LGBTQIA+ social, which lead to the Queer KidLit Creators community that meets once a month, and has been since 2021. In my book, the cost of the conference has paid for itself three, four, five times over , because it gave me the tools, support and community I needed to find my way, create obtainable goals, and share my experiences and joy with others. 

I am now not only a professional dancer, but professional author/illustrator, working on a big project (more on that soon) that I wouldn't have been able to do if I didn't begin my journey during that one virtual winter conference. 

So, if you are on the fence about attending the conference, whether a newcomer or a seasoned author/illustrator, let this be a sign that there might be magic just beyond that screen, waiting for you!

Registration is still OPEN! Read more about the virtual conference at www.scbwi.org

https://www.scbwi.org/events/virtual-summer-conference-2025/register-info

Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level? Wherever you are in your publishing journey, the Virtual Summer Conference provides an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection. Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing. Put your art in front of industry pros in the career-launching Portfolio Showcase. And get inspired by sessions tailored for illustrators, picture book authors, nonfiction writers, graphic novel creators, and more—no matter your path or publishing background. Best of all? You’ll have access to all 50+ sessions until September 14th, so you can learn and grow at your own pace. Join us and invest in your passion. It’s time to bring your stories to life! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.

Justin Campbell & Lee Wind: Baton Pass Interview, Part 2

Happy July and HOWDY!

Echoing Lee's previous post, the moment has arrived! I have officially taken up the blogging mantle as Lee passes it on after 14 and a half years! Congratulations, Lee!

Justin Campbell (left) and Lee Wind (right) create two sides of a heart, symbolizing the friendship, love and joy between us as Lee passes the blogging role on to me. 

I am super excited and beyond grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to connect with you all! Lee and I chatted about how we wanted to pass the baton and we landed on a pair of interviews. Last week, Lee answered mine and today, I answer his! 

Lee: Tell us about yourself and your journey in KidLit.

Justin: My journey to KidLit has been a real roundabout one, but I feel like it’s always been on the horizon for me. 

Growing up in Staten Island, NY, I always loved storytelling. Like most kids, I was obsessed with Disney and would carry my Disney picture books everywhere. I remember drawing from an early age, drawing mermaids in those pictures books before anything else but at that time, I wasn’t a huge reader. Resources were limited and I didn’t have many books as a kid. Not until I was about ten years old or so did I begin reading reading. There was this one book about a dragon on a mountain that I fell in love with. Though I can’t remember the name of it, I can sort of see the cover in my mind’s eye. But that was one of my first library books. Shoutout to the librarians! But before that time, I would just draw characters and torture my family with the stories of whatever protagonist I created that day. When I discovered the expansiveness of novels, I began reading, creating and drawing stories of my own. 

In high school, I participated in a collegiate program for Math and Sciences to pursue my first dream of being a Marine Biologist, but I immediately disliked my classes and started doodling in the margins of my notebook. Eventually the doodles in my notes became a WHOLE section in the back of my binder solely for drawing on hole-punched computer paper. Soon my ambition to become an animator/illustrator grew but as life would have it, things don’t always work out the way you plan it. With a life altering experience turning my world upside down, I pivoted into performance, another passion of mine, which was my gateway out of a difficult situation. 

Fast forward one hundred years, I’d perform all over the world as a professional dancer with the hobby of drawing and writing. I still had stories in my heart that I’d carried with me from childhood but they were more there as a form of escapism. Until the pandemic, where all performance halted and living in a tiny NYC apartment was not compatible with a lanky dancer like me. So I started to pursue my visual art more. With the guidance of my good friend, Erica Rand Silverman, I was introduced to the SCBWI community which has changed the trajectory of my life, career and creative expression. 

Five years ago, I made a commitment to myself to stay open, and meet change/opportunity as it presented itself. So I feel excited and humbled becoming a student again which has allowed me to grow within this community, and find a new and profound way back to the storyteller I was as a kid. 

Lee: What are you most excited about within your creativity?

Justin: What I am most excited about within my creativity or what excites me the most is how I can combine all of my interests and sensibilities into one single art form. I love dance, theater, film, nature, cultural histories, cultural expressionism and I love experimenting on how I can filter all of these beautiful things in my life through my lens and share it with others. 

Bringing color and life to my many thoughts and ideas is magic. And to know that this career will be a life-long journey, full of constant growth, excites me and presents me with the beautiful challenge of change, evolution and artistic expression. 

Yeah, that's what brings me so much excitement. What a gift it is. And to be able to create stories for kids like me, to make reading fun and accessible feels so purposeful and full circle. 

Lee: What are you looking forward to bringing to the SCBWI Blog?

Justin: What I hope to bring to SCBWI is my perspective as a newer author/illustrator. I have always had ambitions to be a author/artist but not until I took the leap was I able to start the journey that I felt I was always meant to traverse. To become the person I was meant to be.

Being at the start of this journey has proven to be both challenging and amazing, and I’m excited to learn alongside those who consider themselves novices and learn from those who are more seasoned. I would love to continue building a community out there that holds each other, supports each other in our ups and downs, and shares collective knowledge to strengthen one another. 

**

Once again, thank you so much for the beautiful work you've put into the blog all these years, Lee. You will be missed but I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! All the luck! 

From your biggest fan and good friend,

Justin