Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are revisiting with one of our debut authors who we spoke with a little over a year ago. I’m thrilled to have this author back and chat about what’s new since her debut came out. We will have a few more interviews like this coming up— which I think is so important to feature. One of the trickiest things about being in this business is staying in it. Publishing a book is huge accomplishment, but then what? What comes next? How do authors and illustrators stay relevant with their work? How does one book become a career in publishing? These are some big questions. I’m hoping to explore these and more with our “part 2” interviews with previous debut authors. We hope you find it inspiring and helpful along your own publishing journey.
So without further ado, please welcome Candy Wellins back to Critter Lit!
It’s great to have you back!
Thank you for having me again. I’m always happy to be here.
Tell us about your latest book.
The Stars Beckoned: Edward White’s Amazing Walk in Space is a biography of the first American to walk in space. It’s a little different from most picture book biographies though. This is a lyrical biography suitable for all ages, but super accessible for the youngest readers. A lot of readers have told me it reads like a lullaby.
Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books
Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books
Interior art from THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson published by Philomel Books
Last we spoke you had released your debut book. Can you share some of your experiences since your first book came out? How are things different? How are they the same?
Well, we were in the grips of a pandemic then and we still are now! I wish I could say that I’ve visited a ton of schools, libraries and bookstores in the interim, but the truth is I’m still mostly operating in a virtual world. Still, it’s been fun seeing Saturdays Are for Stella travel the world. I’ve seen it read at the Met, in a bookshop in the Bahamas, and by young readers everywhere. That is definitely fun to see.
What do you find inspiring right now?
I have a two-year-old and I’ve noticed that nursery rhymes and fairy tales have worked their way into my writing lately. Also, I am constantly inspired by nonfiction topics. Real people, things and events make such fascinating stories. I’m working on a few that are just begging to be told.
What has surprised you the most about working as an author?
I still pinch myself that I am an author. Writing books has been a lifelong dream and now that I’m doing it, I sometimes have to remind myself that it’s all real.
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
I love connecting with my readers. I’ve done a couple of school visits and it’s so great connecting with kids. I love hearing their stories and sharing the things I do as a writer. They are often surprised to know they lead similar writing lives to published authors.
What do you find difficult working as an author?
I am not a patient person and there is definitely a lot of waiting in this field. Waiting while on submission can take weeks, months or years. I used to constantly check my inbox, but I’ve learned to let it go and leave the stressing to my agent.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
A lot of people work in coffee shops or with music playing in the background. I don’t know how they do it. I need a fairly quiet environment for writing. I also find a good long walk helps clear my head and sort out my thoughts before I try to put anything on paper.
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?
I would struggle to share a negative one! I’m in two debut groups and the other members are always great about snapping photos of my book when they find it out in the wild.
Recommended reading?
I finished George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain this summer. It’s his dissection of several Russian short stories and what makes them successful. I’d recommend the book to any writer because he offers so many great thoughts on storytelling.
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?
This goes way back, but as a kid, I was taught that you write a rough draft (double-spaced, of course). Then the teacher corrects it (in red pen), you rewrite it (single-spaced this time) and voila, you’re done. In reality, good writing requires many drafts and usually many edits (from yourself and others). It’s not quite the linear process it was presented as. I wished I learned earlier that you might not get it how you want on the first, second or even fiftieth try, but keep at it, because each draft is a new learning experience for you and your story.
What’s up next for you?
I have two books under contract—a young graphic novel about the world’s largest species of burrowing clams and a picture book about growing up with divorced parents—something I have firsthand experience with.
Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
As Winston Churchill said best, “never, never, never give up.” The road is long and hard, but the fight is worth it.
And last, but not least, since I’ve already asked you your favorite 80s movie, and it’s usually my go to last question, this time we want to know who your favorite children's book character is?
Oh Ramona Quimby for sure. Quirky, stubborn and perfectly imperfect, she’s just so relatable. Or maybe that’s just me!
Huge thank you to Candy for stopping by Critter Lit again! We are thrilled to chat with you again and can’t wait to see all your wonderful upcoming books!
CANDY WELLINS is a former elementary school teacher who now spends her days as a full-time mother and author. Her debut picture book, Saturdays Are for Stella, is set to publish in 2020 from Page Street Kids. Candy lives in Central Texas.
FOR MORE INFO about Candy or her books, visit her online: candywellins.com or follow her on social media: Twitter @candy_wellins and on Instagram @candywellins.
BUY THIS BOOK To order a copy of Candy’s new book, THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE STARS BECKONED: EDWARD WHITE’S AMAZING WALK IN SPACE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, September 2nd! US addresses only please.