Reflections of a Writer

When I started writing, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I made all the mistakes. Embarrassing mistakes. But through engaging with SCBWI, I realized there was a LOT to learn and I began my journey.

I knew what I didn’t know and I applied for and was awarded a picture book mentorship for 6 months. Through that experience, I realized there was so much to learn. I took a deep dive into children’s writing courses. I live on a small, ferry-served island and taking classes is challenging, but COVID opened up the world of online learning to me. I took as many classes as I could get my hands on: Stanford, University of Washington, and finally a year-long Write for Kids course. 

I grew my community and began to thrive as an author. I formed and joined critique groups, and learned how to give and receive feedback. I was always so surprised that I could see mistakes in my critique partner’s work before I could identify it in my own writing. Learning how to give constructive feedback made me a better writer. 

I seek out professional feedback whenever I can find it. I work with a mentor on a regular basis to hone my craft. My submissions are getting champagne rejections from agents and editors, and they are being recognized in the writing community, first with two most flattering 1st place awards in the 2024 and 2025 in the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association unpublished children’s category, I was featured in a picture book showcase for unagented authors, and I was honored to be recognized by some kid judges for one of my unpublished stories. 

Currently, I know what I don’t know and I am filling in the gaps as I go. I enjoy experimenting with different genres and writing styles and expanding my repertoire. I am writing, submitting, and revising, working through all the rejections until I find my “write-fit” agent. Writing is getting easier, and harder too! But I thrive on the challenge. 

One day, I will know what I know and look forward to giving back to my community. I look forward to seeing my stories in the hands of children. 

My passion for writing continues to grow. I want the children of today to grow into curious and empathetic adults to create a more hopeful future.