Kathleen Doherty
How did I get started writing for kids?
I’m a retired reading specialist and loved reading aloud every day to kids. I got serious about writing when I had a letter to the editor of TIME Magazine published. My letter explained how Charles Schulz answered my students’ letters for 25 years up until his death. I liked seeing myself in print and decided to pursue writing.
What training do you have? What kind of books do you write?
I love learning! I started off by taking writing classes at the Institute of Children’s Literature and poetry classes. Then for years, I sold poems and stories to Highlights. I’ve even taken several Highlights workshops, both at Chautauqua and at The Barn. I only write fictional picture books, mostly humorous. My three books are whimsical and full of wordplay. I sold two picture books in one week in 2015. That only happens to Jane Yolen! I had an agent at the time. She sold THE THINGITY-JIG, but said DON’T FEED THE BEAR was cute, but wouldn’t sell. I sold it myself to the first editor I submitted to after an SCBWI conference...and it’s now in its seventh printing. THE THINGITY-JIG is doing well, too. It’s been published in nine languages.
Are there any past, current, upcoming projects you’d like to talk about?
Years ago, Highlights contracted me to write an early reader. Then covid hit, so that book is in limbo. I write every day. I love revising, but I’d rather have lemon juice squirted into my eyes than write a rough draft. I try to remember what Newbery Honor winner,
Shannon Hale said, “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”
Where can people reach out to you?
X: https://twitter.com/Doherty60
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleendohertyauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathy.doherty.79
Author website: www.KathleenDohertyAuthor.com