A Milestones Met Interview
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
I recently (and for the first time ever) signed with an agent, Jennifer Mattson of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
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?
My writing career has spanned many years – I have 22 published books for children, and my first picture book, IF I WERE PRESIDENT, has been in print almost a quarter of a century (25 years next year!) and was recently made a part of a new school curriculum. However, in all that time, I had never worked with an agent. And I knew it was time. Joining CTC was, in part, a step I took toward the goal of seriously moving forward in connecting with an agent. But at CTC I’ve found so much more – a community of wonderful, supportive creators and numerous programs that supported my writing life. This year, I did sign with an agent – the incredible Jennifer Mattson of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Information and insights I gained as a part of CTC – including watching panels of agents who presented to our members – added so much to my knowledge and insights on the process of approaching agents (one of those events was even with the Andrea Brown Agency). I also learned about all I should consider discussing when “the call” with an offer of representation took place. And then — and this is no small thing — I had a community with which to share the news of my new representation, a community that really, truly understood the significance of this BIG step. Working with agent Jennifer Mattson has been life changing. I now have someone in my corner, advocating for me and my work. I appreciate the ways that CTC enriched my knowledge and prepared me for this milestone.
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?
For many of my books, my “Big Why” has been this: I hope to share with others a glimpse of a world that is bigger and more amazing with more incredible opportunities than they ever imagined. Also, I have been exhilarated, enlightened and sometimes comforted by what I’ve read in books – how wonderful and fulfilling to be able to, through my work, create something that may stir or support someone out there who opens my book. That does keep me going!
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?
Yes, I have had some near misses/champagne rejections from agents! But the agents who presented on the CTC panels reinforced something that was so important: That I needed to create a collection of really original, really strong picture book manuscripts so when the “send me more of your manuscripts to review” requests came through, I was prepared with the best work I could possibly produce.
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?
Take a deep breath, get to work on something you love, immerse yourself in as many select opportunities to learn and connect and grow in your writing or art as you comfortably can (but please don’t overextend yourself or stress out – that’s counterproductive). And know that reaching one’s goals may not happen overnight – it truly does take the time it takes.
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
It takes THE TIME IT TAKES.
Catherine Stier is the author of 22 traditionally-published children’s books, including the picture books IF I WERE PRESIDENT, IF I WERE A PARK RANGER and WHEN A KID LIKE ME FIGHTS CANCER. Her A DOG’S DAY chapter book series received a Kirkus starred review. Stier’s work has also been recognized with an SLJ starred review, a Library Media Connection’s Editor’s Choice Award and two Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year designations, among other honors. Stier holds a Masters in Reading and Literacy and has served as a children’s literature researcher, magazine writer, newspaper columnist and writing instructor. Currently she is the Assistant Regional Advisor for the SCBWI-Southwest Texas chapter, a San Antonio family nature programs volunteer – and a national parks fan!
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