This week we’re congratulating Stacey Corrigan on her picture book debut, THE PENCIL EATER, coming out August 6th. This book is the answer to the age-old teacher question...where have all the pencils gone? We’re celebrating with an interview with Stacey, learning all about what makes her tick. Her writing method sure does make us long for an old-fashioned pencil with eraser top. Check it out!
 
 

Where were you when inspiration struck for your story?
About five years ago, I was teaching second grade and a student asked for a pencil. I had spent the morning sharpening pencils and told a student to get one from the pencil jar, but all were gone. In frustration, I said, “Second graders are pencil eaters.” My students laughed so I jotted the idea down on a piece of paper. I wrote my first draft that weekend and chuckled the whole time I wrote it. The experience felt like therapy and I was hooked. 
            
That first draft was actually more like a character sketch--I didn’t know that at the time. It took me years to develop the idea into its current form.
 
Where do you find your ideas?
My ideas come from everywhere.  Lots of ideas have come from students. Second graders are cool. They are old enough to be interested in the world around them and young enough to make unfiltered comments. That gives me lots to work with. 

I also get ideas from my own family. My husband and our two sons are clever and witty and life with them is always an adventure. We are super interested in nature and you will often find us fishing on our pontoon, riding snowmobiles, or cruising through the forest in our Side-by-Side. Ideas always come during these excursions when I least expect them so I snap a picture or text myself my ideas and develop them the next morning. 
 
What does your writing schedule look like on a daily/weekly basis?
 During the school year, I wake up between 4:30 and 5:00 in the morning, I start my coffee maker, check social media until the coffee is finished, and then, write until my boys wake up at around 5:45. If I am tired or it has been a long week, I reset my alarm. I don’t sacrifice sleep to write but if I am able, I stick to that schedule. 

I also write a ton while I wait for the boys’ practices to end or for games to begin. 

During the summer, I am on a much more relaxed schedule. I still stick to mornings but get started when I wake up on my own. 
 
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? 
“Don’t submit yet!” Seriously, I submitted everything way too early. Writing is a process. It takes a long time to hone your skills. I am embarrassed by some of the stuff I put out early on. Some of the best writers I know still haven’t submitted their work because they feel it isn’t ready and their stuff is seriously good. 
 
When you begin writing a picture book, do you know what the ending will be?
Not really. I usually have an ending in mind but I don’t think I have ever kept the same ending I started with. When I write the first draft, I write a super predictable ending. Then, I play for a while. I try all sorts of endings out. I have killed characters off, brought them back to life, turned them into a villain, a superhero, etc... Somehow, through that process, a good ending presents itself. 

What would you like readers to know about you?
I am an alum and die-hard Michigan State fan. GO GREEN!

Everyone at On the Scene in ’19 wishes Annette great success on her debut picture book, OBI’S MUD BATH. On this special Monday after Mother’s Day, it’s both fitting and beautiful to hear about what sparked Annette’s journey to becoming an Author. Annette is a mom, a writer, and so much more. Check out those Pinterest-worthy cookies! We’re impressed. Learn more about Annette and what inspired her to write this incredible book with a charitable cause. 
 


At what point in your life did you know you wanted to write?
As a little girl, books transported me to magical places. Then when I became a mom, I would snuggle-up my kids and read every night. It was during these treasured moments that I first thought of writing my own stories. When children read my debut picture book, OBI’S MUD BATH, I hope they find their own magic with Obi and his friends.
 
How did you learn to write for children?   
As a registered dietitian-nutritionist, I’ve done a lot of writing about food, health and nutrition. Writing children’s books was a whole different ballgame. I needed to become an expert, so I began reading lots of picture books, took writing classes, joined a professional writers’ group (the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), found critique groups and started writing (a whole bunch). I haven’t looked back. 
 
What inspired you to write OBI’S MUD BATH?
I’m an avid believer that inspiration for stories can be found anywhere. The seed idea for OBI’S MUD BATH came while reading a newspaper article about an event in Southern Africa. On a scorching day, a little rhino bull named Mark was searching for juicy greenery. As luck would have it, his snout and horn became stuck in a tire, leaving him unable to eat or drink. A team of vets came to the rescue and Mark made a full recovery. 
The incident kept playing in my mind with the little rhino full of determination, exhausted and then finally free. I envisioned a picture book that could not only entertain, but also bring attention to the important topics of respecting our environment and addressing worldwide water issues.* And, Obi was born!
 
How did it feel when you signed your first contract?
It felt amazing! I was super excited, as if I had won the lottery. I write because I absolutely love it and there’s nothing better than when a story comes together, but a goal I had set was to become a published author. It took hard work, a whole lot of patience and a sprinkling of good luck to connect with my remarkable publisher. 
 
I’ve been writing for many years, so my advice is to never give up. If it can happen for me, then it can certainly happen for you too!
 
What is your favorite hobby?
Besides writing, it’s definitely dancing. Have you ever seen Snoopy when he does his happy dance? Well, when I dance a huge smile sweeps across my face too! In my hip-hop class, we learn an entire routine in little blocks and by the end of the class we know the whole dance. It’s challenging, but super fun and full of great energy. 
 
Just like picture books, I believe dance bridges generations. This means that people of all ages can share their love of dance (and picture books) together.  
 
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m an avid baker and if you stop by my home, chances are you’ll be treated to something just out of the oven. I receive the most requests for my Uglie Muffins (which prove looks can be deceiving). Recently, I challenged myself by preparing geode cookiesfor a holiday cookie swap. It took three whole days and a few tips from a renowned baker, but my hard work paid off. They were a huge hit! 
 
No matter what you do in life, think big, be creative and give it your all. 

Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to win a collection of AUTOGRAPHED children's books from our members. From picture books to middle grade, you will be sure to please if you win this special prize. Enter ​​here today and you could be our lucky winner! Increase your chances of winning by entering each day, and by following On the Scene in '19 on Twitter & Instagram. Just ​​click on the link and follow the directions and you'll be on your way! GOOD LUCK FROM ALL OF US.

Vanessa's rich and varied background includes working in the music industry, movies, and advertising at The Walt Disney Company. Her love of storytelling is evident in her debut book, BOOMER AT YOUR SERVICE, which will be out later this October. The book will benefit a non-profit that pairs service dogs to kids with special needs. Please join us in wishing Vanessa great success with her first picture book. 


 

​Describe your process of taking an idea and developing it into a story.
I like to think my writing process is akin to cooking a perfect Sunday sauce. First, I imagine all the ingredients and how the flavors will build on each other. Once I chop up all the ingredients, I throw them into the pot with abandon. I don’t care what they look like or taste like at this stage because I know it needs to simmer to build to my desired consistency. And then, when I think it’s ready, I give it a taste. YUM! Right? No. That would be too easy! Full of doubt, I ask for others to give it a taste test. The replies usually go something like this… “Nope. It needs more salt. Nope. It needs more time. Nope. Keep stirring.” So, I go back to the pot, taste again, add more flavor, take some out, stir the pot, taste again, lower the heat, raise the heat, and repeat steps 1-6 until I can feel the sauce is perfect in my bones. That’s when I know it’s finally ready for all to devour. 

What other jobs or careers have you worked in prior to becoming an author?
I started out my career in the music industry working for a major record label before changing to the movie industry. That’s when I realized I loved the art of storytelling. I worked at The Walt Disney Company, working on Integrated Marketing campaigns reaching both moms and kids. I spent the rest of my corporate career (over 15 years) dedicating many long days and nights to our advertising clients. I created the ideas, the pitch, the sale, and then executed the campaigns in TV, digital, print, radio, retail, and in-market events. It was the best feeling to see my hard work brought to life through the world’s most beloved characters. Most recently, I worked in the interesting (AND CRAZY) world of Influencer Marketing. With the decline of TV viewership, advertisers are clamoring to get in front of young audiences and working with the largest YouTube and Social Media stars is the place to be. In the most serendipitous fashion, every job in my past has led me to my new career as a picture book author. 
 
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to write?
Deciding to write full time came to me in a perfect storm of emotion. I lost my father to a long battle of cancer only ten days before my baby was born. It happened 2 years ago. I was trying to enjoy every moment with my new baby boy, but it was an emotional roller coaster bouncing between elation and grief. In my quiet moments, I started writing and it became a cathartic experience. The first story that found its way to the page was about a little girl and her dad. I realized how much I love to write stories for children and how my professional background has actually prepared me to tell my stories through pictures. Once my maternity leave came to an end, I made the very difficult decision to leave the corporate world for good. I just knew it was the right thing for me to do. I want to spend as much time as possible with my family and embarking on a new career as an Author is allowing me to do that. Life is too short! We have to do what we love. 
 
How did publishing your first book inspire and or change your writing process?
I’m so lucky to have my debut book, BOOMER AT YOUR SERVICE, published by Spork. I met my publisher and editor through The Children’s Book Academy. My teacher, Dr. Mira Reisberg, became my editor. What I love about working with Spork is that it is truly a hands-on experience. I get to talk to my illustrator and work directly with Mira on feedback. Actually, going through the process as a team has been a deep dive education. I can see how my text is changing as the illustrations are coming in. I’ve learned the art of “less is more” and it is impacting how I write my newest manuscripts. I’m so grateful to Mira, Callie Metler-Smith and our incredibly talented illustrator, Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom. The illustrations are spectacular and I can’t wait to share them with the world. 
 
How did it feel when you signed your first contract?
AMAZING! I suffer from imposter syndrome all the time. Hearing that someone else actually likes my work and believes in me is the ultimate gift. Receiving a contract was a boost of self-confidence I needed to keep going, keep writing, keep querying. I can’t wait to get my hands on my first book. I just hope everyone loves it too! YIKES!
 
What would you like readers to know about you?
I want readers to know my mission as a writer is to both create stories children will love while also making a positive impact in the world. With BOOMER AT YOUR SERVICE, I’m partnering with an organization called Merlin’s KIDS- A non-profit that rescues shelter dogs, trains them to be service dogs and pairs them with special needs children. They are saving two lives at a time. I plan to visit schools and libraries to introduce as many kids as possible to Boomer and teach them about all the ways service dogs help kids. They are real-life superheroes. Check out the link above to see how you can help today.