Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc)
I am OVER THE MOON about recently signing with Rubin Pfeffer of Rubin Pfeffer Content. Seriously, I keep pinching myself. Did this really just happen? Somebody else pinch me.
How did studying/retreating at The Writing Barn, or working with Bethany, or both, support you in achieving this goal? What workshop/intensives/or classes have you taken with us?
I took Bethany’s first ever Picture Book I class. It was in that first class that I remember Bethany saying, “You are all writers.” And when I still couldn’t say it, she made me say it out loud, “I’m a writer.” And when I still had doubts- well, Bethany ALWAYS believed. I went on to take PB II with Bethany and PB III with Liz Garton Scanlon. I also savored every moment of the weekend intensives with Neal Porter, Betsy Bird, Alexadra Penfold, Jessixa Bagley and Sylvie Frank. Wow! Those names alone make me giddy. The intimacy of the intensives really made me come alive and excited to dive back into my work every time. And of course, studying and working with Bethany one-on-one is what really took my writing to the next level. I had been sitting on my recent nonfiction idea for a couple of years. After my last rejection Bethany said, “It’s time for you to write it. If you don’t someone else will.” She gave me two weeks to get a draft to her. I’ve never worked that hard to produce a manuscript. The edits from Bethany and my critique group paid off! In BIG ways!!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal?
When I was getting my undergraduate in Reading Education all the picture books and middle grade books we studied drove my desire to write. My professor was an editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt at the time and she tried to help get my foot in the door. I applied for a job but ultimately, I didn’t get it. I was crushed, I wanted in the industry bad. But life had me take the long route and thus, began a long love affair with picture books.
I’ve been querying agents for the past 4 years with different manuscripts However, when I began querying my new nonfiction manuscript in January it was a roller coaster of a ride. When I sent the first query I sat back and thought, oh, it will be a few months. Hmmmm, I was wrong. 8 queries, 4 requests for more work and 2 offers!
What fears/hopes did you have before attending the WB class, intensive/or working with Bethany privately?
I always get imposter syndrome and doubt myself, “Am I really writer? I’m not really a writer. Who am I to call myself a writer?” And then there is the judging myself against other talented writers. But at the Writing Barn you ALWAYS feel like you AND your writing belong. There is no doubt about that!
Have you made friendships/colleagues as well? How has that supported you?
Over the years I have had multiple critique groups formed from the Writing Barn. Everyone is always there to support the ups and downs of the writing world. The community of writers and friendships formed from the Writing Barn help kept the momentum going.
Why do you think attending workshops/classes is important to writers at all stages of their career?
Oh, you can never stop learning. But it’s the energy of being surrounded by other writers who LOVE your same genre, that’s worth every dime.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career?
You can’t do it alone. Well, you could but what fun would that be?
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals?
When you get stuck:
1. Take a step back (for a week, a month or more)
2. Reassess your writing goals
3. Lean on your writing community for support and guidance
4. Believe in your stories, your craft, your message
5. Dive back in with your whole heart!
More about Robyn:
Robyn McGrath writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books for children. Over the past twenty plus years she has worked with children in various occupations; as a reading teacher, a school counselor, a yoga and ballet instructor and most recently owning a private practice as a child and adolescent play therapist. Last year Robyn was nominated as a finalist for Austin SCBWI’s 2018 Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two young children.
Follow Robyn on Instagram @picturebookplay or on Twitter @picturebookplay.