GrowYourWriting Creator Interview: Author, Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
Hello and welcome to my ‘#GrowYourWriting Creator Interviews’ blog series. My goal is to shine a spotlight on kidlit creators and their fabulous projects and allow them to share their tips and tricks to grow your writing. Today I’d like to welcome Author, Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky.
Enjoying writing throughout her life, Dianna wrote her first picture book, titled “James’ Reading Rescue,” at the age of 61. Uncertain about its quality and lacking knowledge about the craft of writing picture books, she decided to reach out to a Canadian children’s author through the author’s website. This wonderful woman took the time to read Dianna’s story and provided feedback that set her on the path of learning how to write for children. It was quite the journey.
After many revisions, Dianna submitted the manuscript to forty publishers. When she received an email offer from Clavis, she had to read it three times before realizing that it wasn’t a rejection but rather an acceptance. Dianna’s illustrator, Sara Casilda, played a magical role in bringing the story to life. Their book had been published in 8 languages – they had even received a copy in Chinese. Dianna and Sara felt immense happiness knowing that their book was being read in various places around the world. You can follow Dianna on Twitter (X) at: @diannawilson99
1 – What inspired you to pursue a career in children’s literature, and when did you start creating?
I’ve always wanted to write and always had a particular love for picture books. But, as with many of us, life got too busy with work and family. I wrote my first picture book at 61 and it was published when I was 63 years old.
2 – Can you please tell us how the idea for your picture book, ‘Just One Pebble’ came about and its journey to publication?
I read about Braeden on the internet on the Hunger Site by Greater Good. I knew immediately that I wanted to write his story. It was too good not to share! I visited his website (https://braesbrownbags.org) and his Facebook page. I also found many helpful and informative articles about him and his organization, Brae’s Brown Bags – 3B for short. The story came together quite quickly, with the help of my critique partners and an author who critiques most of my projects.
I am un-agented, so then I began the old submission slog! Clavis accepted it in June, 2021 and the Dutch version was published Fall 2022. The English version hits book shelves this September 15th.
3- Do you have a dedicated writing space? What is your day-to-day routine like?
I guess this is where I confess to being pretty much of a panster! I now do all my writing on the computer, so I do have an area where I always work. However, I have no set day-to-day routine. There are days, even weeks when I don’t write unless I am into a project or working on revisions. I often ponder a story until the opening line makes itself known to me, usually when I’m out walking or in the bath! Then I get started.
4 – What’s next for you as a creator?
I’ve been writing a lot this summer and have been adding to my portfolio of stories. I’ve written my first story with an inanimate object as the MC! It didn’t start out that way, but my critique group challenged me to think outside the box with this story. It really was a challenge, but it turned out just as I wanted and I couldn’t be more pleased. My plan is for more submissions and my hope is to connect with an agent who can help me continue to produce and market my best work.
5 – What part of the process, from the first draft to submissions, do you find the most challenging, and how do you overcome that?
Oh, the submission process for sure! I can’t say that I overcome it – I just grit my teeth and get on with it.
6 – What overall advice would you like to give aspiring kidlit creators to grow their writing?
My first advice is always “Don’t give up”. I know we often feel like we’re writing in a vacuum – will the world ever hear our stories? The answer is that the world needs our stories! All it takes is one person to help you on your way.
Learn everything you can – there’s so much to know. Attend as many free workshops as you can find and then research and select those paid workshops that you feel will further sharpen your craft.
Do your research on publishers. You need to be aware of what types of books they are selecting to know if you are a good fit. Research your preferred agents. Become familiar with their wish lists; check out their authors and the books they write. It’s time consuming, but absolutely necessary. I actively do this on an on-going basis.
And… don’t give up!
Guess What? It’s giveaway time! Clavis Publishing and Dianna have graciously offered to host a giveaway for our readers.
**One copy of ‘Just One Pebble’ **
To enter, leave a comment on this blog post below! Entry period closes on August 24, 2023 at 12am PST. One Winner will be announced August 25, 2023.
1 Bonus entry is available for anyone who shares this post on twitter and tags @diannawilson99 and @C_Alemshah.
9 Comments
Melisa W.
What an inspiration! Thank you for sitting down with Christine and sharing your path to publication with us.
Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
Thanks so much, Melisa. I hope others will find Braeden’s story inspiring.
Steena Hernandez
What a lovely interview, Dianna! Braeden‘s story is so inspiring, and how wonderful that you wrote his story. Thanks for sharing!
Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
Steena, thanks so much! I appreciate your support.
Elyse Trevers
This is a lovely interview and an inspirational story. Thank you for sharing it. As an older writer, I appreciated your sharing how old you were when it was published.
Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
Thanks Elyse! I’m happy to share this info to encourage others not to give up because of age. The world needs all our stories!
Angel Gantnier
Thank you for the opportunity =)
Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky
You are so welcome, Angel. Good luck!
Christine Alemshah
Hello everyone! Thank you for taking part in Dianna’s fabulous giveaway! Dianna – Thank you for being part of the #GrowYourWriting Creator Interview series. It was such a joy having you on my blog and learning all about your journey!!
It’s time to reveal the winner — Elyse Trevers! Congratulations!!! I will be in touch to connect you with Dianna so you can claim your prize!