A Milestones Met Interview
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
I’m now represented by Ashley Reisinger of Triada US!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I’ve been writing my whole life, but I’ve been querying agents since 2019. Courage to Create gave me access to monthly agent/editor insight webinars and submission opportunities, which kept me focused and motivated. Even though I found my agent outside of a CtC submission opportunity, I was able to hone my pitches and stories through the process of submitting to CtC agents and editors.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
I am always growing and learning from the CtC community. It is so comforting knowing that if I have a question on the business side of publishing or about a story I’m working on, I have that community I can lean on and the invaluable webinars to learn from.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
I write because I want to make kids laugh, validate their experiences and emotions, and build their self-confidence. I write because I want to create the magic, adventure, and comfort that stories provided me growing up, and still do. I write because it makes feel creatively fulfilled and heard. My Big Why keeps me motivated because it reminds me that my stories can make other people feel seen, too. My stories can help them and take on a new, personal meaning for each reader.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
I was at a creative low point when I first signed up for Courage to Create in December 2023. I’d been querying agents for 5 years, with many close calls and heartbreaking passes, and I was losing hope.
I had heard great things about CtC from fellow writers. On the CtC website, it said to join if “you want intimate industry connections instead of the crush of conferences and the frenzy of online pitch events” and “you are willing to work with your creative resistances, answering questions to deepen your work and sharpen your passion and purpose.” That was exactly what I needed.
Courage to Create gave me the creative recharge and structure I needed to keep persevering. Not only did CtC give me access to more agent/editor submission opportunities, but it helped me remember why I loved to write in the first place.
In August 2024, the hard work paid off. I had The Call and signed with my agent, Ashley Reisinger of Triada US!
The nos, near misses, and champagne rejections taught me in hindsight that it’s so important to have an agent who truly champions and believes in your work. Ashley and I had the same editorial vision for the work I sent her, and she was so enthusiastic and encouraging. I’m so grateful for her support and expertise!
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
There’s so much out of our control in this industry. Try to focus on what you can control, such as working on new stories, meeting with your critique group, and making new connections (and friendships!). Publishing is a marathon and has its twists and turns. Try to enjoy the journey (always easier said than done!).
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
Shame and silence are creativity killers. We process the passes, and reject rejection, knowing nos will come ON THE WAY to our YESes!
Alison Marcotte is a Chicago-based children’s book author. Her debut picture book SEEKING BEST FRIEND, illustrated by Diane Ewen and published by Beaming Books, came out in 2022. She was one of the winners of Vivian Kirkfield’s 2024 #50PreciousWords contest. Alison is a member of the 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, Courage to Create, SCBWI, Author’s Guild, and Chicago Writers Association, and a freelance writer for American Library Association’s American Libraries magazine.
Recent Comments