Debra Westgate-Silva: Signing with an Agent

by Bethany | Jun 7, 2023 | blog, Courage to Create, Milestones Met

A Milestones Met Interview

Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!

I’m thrilled to announce that I am now represented by Mary Cummings of Great River Literary, an agency devoted exclusively to representing authors of books for children and teens. Mary’s feedback helped me to polish and elevate my manuscript and made me confident in her expertise and approach.

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 have been writing, on and off, my entire life. A few years ago, I shifted priorities so I could focus on writing and trying to make this dream come true. I heard about The Writing Barn through a social media post and signed up for a class — first a one-day class, then a couple of six-week classes, and then Write. Submit. Support. (WSS) and the Courage to Create. Being part of a community that values writing and children’s literature as much as I do — the support, the learning opportunities, the community, the sharing, the connection — has been life-changing.

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?

For me, that’s what the CTC community is all about: celebrating accomplishments (and not just the milestones!), processing the obstacles, and recognizing that it’s all part of the journey. The sense of community and support helps me to push through doubts and to keep pursuing the dream.

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 have always believed that great children’s books can change lives. They can foster empathy and kindness, build bridges, and be a safe haven. It’s amazing and inspiring to think that a book’s message can continue to live with a reader long after childhood.

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 now that your YES is here?

There have definitely been low points! When doubt (or even despair) creeps in, it helps me to return to the BIG WHY and the CTC’s Core Beliefs.

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?

These are snippets I’ve heard from other writers in CTC (I wish I could give credit to each one) that I’ve taken to heart and return to again and again: It may take a hundred nos to get to the yes. The nos are really just “not yets.” The nos mean we’re in the game. And most importantly, in the words of Rob Sanders, “Not everything you write is meant to be published. But everything you write contributes to what you will publish.” So keep writing!

What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?

“We BELIEVE our books and careers into BEING.”

Deb Westgate-Silva has worked in public education for many years and in child advocacy and welfare. She has been writing stories since before she could spell. Her work has been published in Highlights children’s magazine and in Teaching Tolerance. She loves reading, writing, cooking (and eating!), traveling, and above all else, spending time with family.