I’m a newer SCBWI member, less than a year. I write for young children around ages 5-8 years old.
For the first stage of my writing process, I spend a lot of time writing in my head. I will jot down prompts and ideas on paper or notes on my phone before writing. And with this being my first book I had the book in my head for many years. Then I decided to actually try this whole author thing. Since I had no idea what I was doing, it was awkward and took me a couple more years to actually get it all on paper. Beatrice, the main character in my book, came from a dream and experiences in my own life. When the book was finished, I realized it was a story I wish I had read when I was around 8 years old. I really want kids to see their value even if it’s different or not like others.
In my process to become a writer, I went to Bob Goff’s Writers Retreat. That is where I realized I had a lot to learn. I met the only children’s author there, and she helped me find the knowledge and courage to push forward. My dream book to write would be a kids fantasy adventure. I already have the concept, the ending and the title.
My advice to new writers would be to do research on publishing. Know all your options. Have a budget and understand the risks. And if you self publish, make sure you believe in your story, because not everyone else will and you have to be your biggest advocate.
My first book is Beatrice the Bewildered Bumblebee which won the International Impact Award.
Some things you may not know about me are that I am a physical therapist assistant but not able to work currently due to being hit by a drunk driver. Also, I worked at Disneyland in the 80’s in the entertainment costume department. When I was in high school, I was a swimmer and played on the boys water polo team just because my coach wanted me to stay in shape between swim seasons (I wasn’t great but could keep up with most of the boys).
You can connect with me on the web at bewilderdbooks.net, and on IG: @bewildered.books.