Resources for Writers
Writers' FAQ
Penny is often asked questions about how she started writing, or what it takes to be an author.
Here are some of her answers to those types of questions...
How did you start writing for children?
I've always been someone who enjoys putting pencil to paper and exploring ideas through words and story, but I really started seeking publication the year my daughter was born.
At that time there were no Australian Christian publishers willing to take on children's book projects so I ended up submitting my first Christian specific manuscripts to CFP based in Scotland. One of these was the bones of what became God Made Something Strong. I then went on to have 10 more titles published with CFP and by that time several newer Australian publishing houses had opened and were receptive to manuscript submissions.
Have you ever received a rejection?
Yes, certainly! And they always devastate me.
But I'm learning to pick myself up off the floor and keep going. To be a writer you need to develop a thick skin, be ready to face the inevitable rejections and keep focused on what you want to achieve.
Have you ever self published your books?
Yes. I have been both traditionally published (ie. I am paid for the work I do, typically through royalty payments) and self published (ie. I published the book myself, incurring all the costs a traditional publisher would have had).
My preference is traditional publishing because I believe a writer should be paid for the creative service they provide the community. I also find working with a publishing house forces me to push my work to that highest level possible. However sometimes self publishing is the best option for a particular book or series. My Ella Shine, Pet Sitters books were self published with Cecily Anne Paterson. If you are going to self publish, I'd recommend attending a course about it at your local writers centre or the Australian Society of Authors (ASA). There are a lot of pitfalls and traps for keep authors, so it's worth doing your homework before embarking on the journey.
What advice to you have for writers starting out?
Three things: read, write and learn.
Read a lot. Even in the times of life where finding reading space can be difficult set yourself a steady goal of reading widely and thoughtfully. Read in the genre and medium you'd like to be published in, read what you enjoy and read outside your normal comfort zones. Reading to a writer is what gym attendance is to a fitness trainer.
Write a lot. Get into the habit of writing even when you don't feel like it. Do free writing, try new styles and genres, journal, write letters and write prose. The more you write the more you'll be learning about the craft, about your own writer's voice.
Learn as much as you can about the publishing industry, about writing for children, about writing in general. When I first started writing for publication I read my way through the how-to-write shelf at the local library, paying particular attention to those who wrote about writing for kids. One of my favourites was 'Writing Hannah' by Libby Gleeson - I still refer to it today. I also did a correspondence writing course called 'Writing for Children' and getting feedback on various writing activities was extremely helpful.
Many emerging writers hold misconceptions about how the publishing industry works - many don't even know that authors should be paid for their work (as opposed to paying to be published). So ask LOTS of questions and learn as much as you can.
Here are some of her answers to those types of questions...
How did you start writing for children?
I've always been someone who enjoys putting pencil to paper and exploring ideas through words and story, but I really started seeking publication the year my daughter was born.
At that time there were no Australian Christian publishers willing to take on children's book projects so I ended up submitting my first Christian specific manuscripts to CFP based in Scotland. One of these was the bones of what became God Made Something Strong. I then went on to have 10 more titles published with CFP and by that time several newer Australian publishing houses had opened and were receptive to manuscript submissions.
Have you ever received a rejection?
Yes, certainly! And they always devastate me.
But I'm learning to pick myself up off the floor and keep going. To be a writer you need to develop a thick skin, be ready to face the inevitable rejections and keep focused on what you want to achieve.
Have you ever self published your books?
Yes. I have been both traditionally published (ie. I am paid for the work I do, typically through royalty payments) and self published (ie. I published the book myself, incurring all the costs a traditional publisher would have had).
My preference is traditional publishing because I believe a writer should be paid for the creative service they provide the community. I also find working with a publishing house forces me to push my work to that highest level possible. However sometimes self publishing is the best option for a particular book or series. My Ella Shine, Pet Sitters books were self published with Cecily Anne Paterson. If you are going to self publish, I'd recommend attending a course about it at your local writers centre or the Australian Society of Authors (ASA). There are a lot of pitfalls and traps for keep authors, so it's worth doing your homework before embarking on the journey.
What advice to you have for writers starting out?
Three things: read, write and learn.
Read a lot. Even in the times of life where finding reading space can be difficult set yourself a steady goal of reading widely and thoughtfully. Read in the genre and medium you'd like to be published in, read what you enjoy and read outside your normal comfort zones. Reading to a writer is what gym attendance is to a fitness trainer.
Write a lot. Get into the habit of writing even when you don't feel like it. Do free writing, try new styles and genres, journal, write letters and write prose. The more you write the more you'll be learning about the craft, about your own writer's voice.
Learn as much as you can about the publishing industry, about writing for children, about writing in general. When I first started writing for publication I read my way through the how-to-write shelf at the local library, paying particular attention to those who wrote about writing for kids. One of my favourites was 'Writing Hannah' by Libby Gleeson - I still refer to it today. I also did a correspondence writing course called 'Writing for Children' and getting feedback on various writing activities was extremely helpful.
Many emerging writers hold misconceptions about how the publishing industry works - many don't even know that authors should be paid for their work (as opposed to paying to be published). So ask LOTS of questions and learn as much as you can.
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Do you teach courses on writing for children or offer mentoring/editorial services?
I occasionally teach courses on writing for children at tertiary or conference levels. For example: I have taught the Writing for Children unit at Tabor College, part of their Creative Writing suite of degrees. I teach at writers conferences, such as the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in NC, USA and sometimes run online training for writer too. I know how expensive training to be a writer can be, so have developed an informal YouTube playlist for those wanting to learn more about writing for kids. It's called How to Be a Children's Writer. Although I'm not currently offering editorial consultations or ongoing mentoring for writers, I do offer paid, one hour consultations for writers seeking advice, next-steps, guidance and feedback on particular children's book projects. These consultations are for Christian women only (sorry blokes) and are part of The Greenhouse Training Ground. |
Writing Courses,
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"'Penny was so helpful to work with. As an aspiring author I felt she took a genuine interest in my work, and was very encouraging. I came away with a really clear action plan on 'where to from here'. A++ would recommend." - Anthea Perkins
Where else can I learn more about writing for kids?
A great point of contact would be your local writers' centre. These organisations are committed to helping writers grow and often have a range of courses and workshops specific to writing for children. SCWBI also runs several events each year with lots of children's authors in participation. The ASA runs workshops, several specific for children's writers, each year.
If you're interested in studying at a higher level many tertiary institutions offer courses in creative writing and writing for children and YA. I studied at Deakin University to do my Master of Arts in writing and literature, and occasionally lecture at Tabor College.
I want to write books for kids with Christian content, are there any tips specific for writers like me?
Yes: read, write and learn (sound familiar?). Read Christian books for kids and analyse them closely. What do you love about them, what makes you uncomfortable, where has the author missed the mark or been unclear theologically? Then look at your own work with the same lens. If you're tackling a theological concept, research it well, know far more about it than you'll ever need for the scope of your children's book. Like Scripture says, being a teacher is no small thing and writers of Christian children's books are, in a sense, 'teachers'. Never take the opportunity or responsibility lightly.
When you have a manuscript you think might be ready for submission do your research to learn who would be the best publisher for your material. Not all publishers publish the same type of books. The fastest way to get a rejection is to send a manuscript that doesn't fit a publishers preferred list.
A great place to gather insight into the current Australian Christian publishing scene is Omega Writers.
I've written a great book and would love to get it published. Where can I get feedback on it before I submit it to a publisher?
Great question! It shows you know enough about writing to know the first draft is NOT what you send to a publisher (or even to the printer if you are self-publishing!) It's important to find some honest and helpful readers of your work - look for friends, relatives or fellow writers who a) will not just tell you you are wonderful for writing a book and b) have an eye for story and well written text. A writing group or critique group is helpful for this. You may then be interested in paying someone to assess your manuscript. You can locate these services by contacting your state writers' centre or by checking out my list of resources here.
How do I find an illustrator for the picture book I've written?
The short answer is: you don't. (Unless you are self-publishing and you are required to source illustration and design work to support your book.) When you seek traditional publishing the publisher will have a number of illustrators on file. If they decide to publish your work they will then attempt to make the best match between the styles and skills of the illustrators they have connections with and your project. Generally this is an excellent thing, because they have highly skilled artists working with them. I've really enjoyed working with the editors and illustrators of my picture books!
What is the hardest lesson you've had to learn from being a children's writer?
Knowing when to let a manuscript go. I've several stories that I love but, for one reason or another will probably never make it to print. It's a hard thing to let a story rest unpublished when so many hours have gone into it. Perhaps it's not sound plot wise, perhaps it's just not the right story for the market, perhaps there is no real reason. As writers, we need to value what we do, to enjoy the process and what we learn in the creative journey - even if the current project never gets to print.
A great point of contact would be your local writers' centre. These organisations are committed to helping writers grow and often have a range of courses and workshops specific to writing for children. SCWBI also runs several events each year with lots of children's authors in participation. The ASA runs workshops, several specific for children's writers, each year.
If you're interested in studying at a higher level many tertiary institutions offer courses in creative writing and writing for children and YA. I studied at Deakin University to do my Master of Arts in writing and literature, and occasionally lecture at Tabor College.
I want to write books for kids with Christian content, are there any tips specific for writers like me?
Yes: read, write and learn (sound familiar?). Read Christian books for kids and analyse them closely. What do you love about them, what makes you uncomfortable, where has the author missed the mark or been unclear theologically? Then look at your own work with the same lens. If you're tackling a theological concept, research it well, know far more about it than you'll ever need for the scope of your children's book. Like Scripture says, being a teacher is no small thing and writers of Christian children's books are, in a sense, 'teachers'. Never take the opportunity or responsibility lightly.
When you have a manuscript you think might be ready for submission do your research to learn who would be the best publisher for your material. Not all publishers publish the same type of books. The fastest way to get a rejection is to send a manuscript that doesn't fit a publishers preferred list.
A great place to gather insight into the current Australian Christian publishing scene is Omega Writers.
I've written a great book and would love to get it published. Where can I get feedback on it before I submit it to a publisher?
Great question! It shows you know enough about writing to know the first draft is NOT what you send to a publisher (or even to the printer if you are self-publishing!) It's important to find some honest and helpful readers of your work - look for friends, relatives or fellow writers who a) will not just tell you you are wonderful for writing a book and b) have an eye for story and well written text. A writing group or critique group is helpful for this. You may then be interested in paying someone to assess your manuscript. You can locate these services by contacting your state writers' centre or by checking out my list of resources here.
How do I find an illustrator for the picture book I've written?
The short answer is: you don't. (Unless you are self-publishing and you are required to source illustration and design work to support your book.) When you seek traditional publishing the publisher will have a number of illustrators on file. If they decide to publish your work they will then attempt to make the best match between the styles and skills of the illustrators they have connections with and your project. Generally this is an excellent thing, because they have highly skilled artists working with them. I've really enjoyed working with the editors and illustrators of my picture books!
What is the hardest lesson you've had to learn from being a children's writer?
Knowing when to let a manuscript go. I've several stories that I love but, for one reason or another will probably never make it to print. It's a hard thing to let a story rest unpublished when so many hours have gone into it. Perhaps it's not sound plot wise, perhaps it's just not the right story for the market, perhaps there is no real reason. As writers, we need to value what we do, to enjoy the process and what we learn in the creative journey - even if the current project never gets to print.
Links for Writers
Here is a list of resources for writers you may like to investigate for your work in progress:
- Need help reviewing your goals? Download your free 'Writer's Re-Set - a writing goals check-up' kit.
- 8 Strategies for Distracted Writers, an episode of the Your Best Writing Life podcast featuring Penny.
- More resources specific for Australasian Christian writers can be found at Omega Writers.
- Write2Ignite offers Two for One critiques for Christian children's books.
- Iola Goulton at Christian Editing Services (for Christian fiction manuscripts)
- Nola Passmore at The Write Flourish
- Lynne Stringer
- Affordable Manuscript Assessments (and Australian children's book assessment service)