I’ve been a member of SCBWI since 2020. Through monthly chapter meetings, I’ve learned how valuable it is to be part of a consistent, reliable critique group. Regular feedback and fresh perspectives help shape my manuscript, making it stronger, more engaging, and closer to publication.
I write picture books. My favorite time to write first thing in the morning, after feeding and walking my two dogs. With calming dog music on from Spotify, we retreat to the office for at least an hour—me writing, them snoozing.
I’ve been writing creatively for as long as I can remember—I’ve always needed a creative outlet. Whether it was quilting, cooking, woodworking, or painting, I was always making something. About five years ago, I discovered picture book writing and dove into learning the craft. I started writing a book about my dog in March 2020, when I took my first class with Storyteller Academy. I had an idea I couldn’t shake and set out to learn how to bring it to life on the page. That one class sparked a journey of learning through additional courses and mentorships.
I’ve taken classes through Storyteller Academy, the 12x12 Challenge (with its amazing webinars), and The Children’s Book Academy. I also joined small, mentored critique groups led by established SCBWI-affiliated authors—those were worth every penny! My daughter recently moved out so I transformed her bedroom into a room of my own with the perfect amount of sunlight and a giant desk to spread out on. She’s not happy about it but I love it!
I’ve been wanting to write a book about teaching dogs to communicate using assistive tools—word buttons, as they’re known in my world. I taught my dog, Oski, how to talk to me, and I’d love to share that journey. But with so many angles to explore, I haven’t quite landed on the right focus. I’m hoping for that “aha” moment soon so I can finally bring it to life.
Currently, I have a picture book on constellations in production, and we’re in the exciting phase of analyzing illustrations. I’ve been reviewing the illustrator’s work, and it’s absolutely beautiful—so imaginative and inspiring. It’s incredible to see how their vision brings the story to life in ways I hadn’t even imagined. It’s a joy to be part of that creative collaboration. I have no dreams of being an illustrator myself.
I would advise new writers to invest time in learning the craft of picture book writing through classes and workshops. Join a writing community where you can share your work, exchange ideas, and grow with like-minded creatives. Be patient and persistent when submitting to agents and publishers—rejections are part of the process. And don’t be afraid to go it alone, like I did. Trust your instincts, believe in your voice, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Currently, I am not agented.
A book I just released is titled It’s Bedtime, Oski! - a bedtime story for children and the adults who read to them.
Some things you may not know about me are that I teach my dog to talk using AAC communication tools; I write content for my dogs Instagram account that has 60K followers; I make a fabulous mai tai; I’m a black belt in TKD; and I love a good prank!
You can connect with me online at:
@alli.straus.writes on Instagram; www.allistraus.com; @oski_the_pug on Instagram