Happy Thursday Critters! I hope you are all hangin’ in there with all this social distancing. Sharing new books and their creators every week definitely helps me feel some sense of normalcy. I’m happy to be with all of you and I hope these posts help a bit.
This week we have an interview with author Mary Wagley Copp. Her debut picture book, WHEREVER I GO, illustrated by Munir D. Mohammed, releases on April 21st. Please join me in welcoming Mary to Critter Lit today!
Where do you live?
My husband and I live in Westport, Massachusetts - a rural farming community on the Westport River which leads into Buzzards Bay. We moved there a few years ago, once the kids fledged, after 30 years in the fabulous and creative city of Providence, RI. I am still adjusting to rural life!
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
Oh wow – about 10 years ago I got the bright idea! I waited, though, until 2015 before I took my first writing class and I was hooked! I have always loved to write – a poem here or there, journal entries, snippets about my fabulous kids, etc. But, it wasn’t until I was well into producing films that I realized I would probably prefer to share stories with children!
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
To be honest - and I think this was what eventually led to publication – I was putting my energy into working on the craft of writing for children much more than I was thinking about the possibility of publication. I knew that my learning curve was steep and that not only did I need one amazing manuscript, I’d need at least 3 more to show to an agent. So I flung myself into the craft and just wrote, took classes and workshops and wrote some more. Focusing on my writing allowed me to be fully receptive to feedback. When an agent at a conference gave me some very insightful and critical feedback on a manuscript, I simply went back and re-wrote it, totally re-visioned it, without really worrying if I was impressing anyone. I truly think that my caring more about that story and getting it ‘right’ allowed me to wholly accept feedback and keep my mind on revising. Eventually, I did sign with an agent and we got a deal in the first round of submissions.
Can you share a bit about your process?
It is different for each manuscript and where I am in the process with each story. It is hard for me to get started with a first draft – even if I think I have a great idea! In this case, I actually set my hour glass and I don’t stop writing - even if it feels like nonsense – until there is no sand left in the top part of the glass. For revisions, however, whether I have received feedback from my critique group or from my agent, I get right to work – nothing gets in my way of revisions!! I LOVE the challenge of revisions.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I walk. I listen - to sounds in nature, to children and parents, conversations between kids. I eavesdrop at cafés. I get my mind off of writing and into observing and taking in all I can – with all my senses. And I TRY to practice patience with myself when I am not in a creative place. Also, an ice cream cone is an answer to many of my problems in life!
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
Probably a snack! And a cup of tea.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
So many. Too many to name. Sorry, I do not mean to evade your great question. But, honestly, all authors and illustrators published or not have my deep respect. This is a journey of heart and soul and it takes great courage. I guess everyone engaged in this work inspires me.
Dream project to work on?
In my continued work in the refugee resettlement world, I dream of compiling stories from young adult refugees - in the form of essays, poems, conversations, drawings, etc. So many of them are eager to share their stories beyond their communities. I have spoken to a few of them and this is a dream for them, too. So, maybe it will happen one day soon!
Tell us about your debut book.
Wherever I Go is a picture book, illustrated by Munir Mohammed, published by Atheneum/S&S. It comes out April 21st.
Of all her friends, Abia has been at the Shimelba Refugee Camp the longest—seven years, four months, and sixteen days. Papa says that’s too long and they need a forever home. Until then, though, Abia has something important to do. Be a queen. Sometimes she’s a noisy queen, banging on her drum as she and Mama wait in the long line for rice to cook for dinner. Sometimes she’s a quiet queen, cuddling her baby cousin to sleep while Auntie is away collecting firewood. And sometimes, when Papa talks hopefully of their future, forever home, Abia is a little nervous. Forever homes are in strange and faraway places—will she still be a queen?
I was inspired to write this story after producing a documentary film about the refugee journey (in general and one specifically) and resettlement into a new life. We featured a family who had fled their home in Eritrea, was in a camp in Ethiopia for years and was resettled in Providence, RI. I was so moved and inspired by their resilience, courage and eagerness to be part of their new community. I was particularly amazed and surprised at the joy, curiosity and spirit the kids in the camp had, amidst such hardship. I hope this is celebrated in Wherever I Go.
What’s up next for you?
Writing wise, I always have a few manuscripts in process – at all stages of development. Other than that, my husband and I are thinking about circumnavigating the US in an RV. I bet that would be a great way to inspire new stories!
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
ET, for sure.
Thank you Mary for stopping by to chat with us today! Congrats on your debut book! We can’t wait to see what you write next.
MARY WAGLEY COPP graduated from Smith College and earned an MPH from UNC - Chapel Hill. Her career has been primarily focused on strengthening non-profit, social justice organizations - both as a management consultant as well as an executive director. She has directed a rural health organization in Appalachia, worked at United Way and consulted with many community-based as well as national non-profits. Mary has also spent several years in the filmmaking world. Her films delve into issues such as refugee resettlement, the emergence of independent radio in West Africa and the importance of stories in the health care system. Her first film was the inspiration for Wherever I Go, her debut picture book (Atheneum/S&S, 2020), illustrated by Munir Mohammed. Mary lives with her husband on a farm in Westport, MA. They have 3 grown children.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on Mary, visit her website: Marywagleycopp.com or follow her on social media:
Instagram: @Marywcopp
Twitter: @Maryfkwc
Facebook: Mary Wagley Copp
BUY THIS BOOK To purchase Mary’s book, click here.