Happy Thursday Critters! We are taking a few weeks off here and there throughout the summer to spend some time resting and relaxing, BUT today we have a fantastic interview with author Terry Pierce, who we were lucky enough to connect with a while back. You can read our first interview with Terry from 2020 here. Terry is back with a new book, HELLO, MEADOW! illustrated by Nadja Sarell, which published with Yosemite Conservancy last month. I’m thrilled to have Terry with us again and can’t wait to catch up and hear about all the fantastic work she’s been doing.
So without further ado, please welcome Terry Pierce!
Where do you live?
I‘m very fortunate to live in the beautiful mountain community of Mammoth Lakes, California, a small town nestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. My husband and I moved there in 2019 when he retired.
How many years have you been in publishing?
I began writing in 1999, after closing my Montessori preschool, so it’s been almost twenty-four years now! I wanted to stay connected to young children and had been thinking of trying my hand at writing children’s books for a while, (like so many teachers!), so it felt natural to give it a try.
How did you first get published?
My first publications came in the form of pet magazines. When I first started writing, I gave myself a 5-year deadline to get a book published or else find a different career (I know, very naive of me!). I also made the mistake of submitting picture book manuscripts too soon, so when I became frustrated with all the rejections and wanted any kind of “win,” I tried writing for pet magazines and succeeded. I also re-strategized and decided to write children’s joke books, which turned out to be my first published children’s books. Three months after my first joke book manuscript, Greatest Goofiest Jokes, was accepted, I received an offer on my first picture book, Two Tales of Hawaii. Both books were published within my 5-year deadline!
Do you write full-time?
At the moment, I’d say I write part-time with a full-time heart. Because my husband retired and we moved to a place that constantly calls to me get outside, I’m not writing quite as much as I used to, but it’s certainly enough to keep me busy! Although I do write outside, in nature, a lot more than I used to, which is inspiring and joyful.
When I was writing full-time, I looked at it as my full-time job. I would “clock in” at 8:30 every weekday morning, take a 30-minute lunch break, and “clock out” around 3:30-4:00. I spent my mornings writing, and the afternoons doing marketing and book promotion. Now, I write when the muse calls, which is a lot of fun.
What inspires you to create picture books?
Inspiration can come from many places, but lately, I draw much inspiration from nature. I’m surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world, in a place of wild animals, towering trees, and dynamic waterways, which always stirs up story ideas in my mind.
For example, when I heard about Yosemite Conservancy’s call-out for board books, I thought about what I’ve learned about bear conservation since moving to Mammoth Lakes—important concepts such as proper food storage and trash disposal, locking a dumpster after you use it, and not leaving any food in your vehicle. It occurred to me that this would be a great idea for teaching very small children how to be good stewards of the environment. Yosemite Conservancy loved the idea and Eat Up, Bear! was born.
Eat Up, Bear! has had so much success that Yosemite Conservancy asked me to write a board book about meadow conservation, using a similar structure to our bear book. Now, we’re celebrating the release of Hello, Meadow! on April 11, 2023. I didn’t have to wander too far for this book’s inspiration. I took trips to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park and ventured out into my own backyard, which has many gorgeous meadows to inspire.
What surprised you the most working as an author?
Initially, I was most surprised at how long it takes for an idea to become a published book. When I talk with my UCLA writing students about this, they’re always surprised at this, too. I think the longest it took for one of my ideas to get published was Mother Earth’s Lullaby (Tilbury House), which took ten years from idea to publication. I’ve always joked that book publication works in “glacial time” even though I understand why now. A writer and editorial team need time to perfect the text, the illustrator typically needs 6-12 months to create the artwork, and you can add another six months for the printing process. If any unexpected extraneous global or economic factors occur, they can delay the process even further. So, if you want to write children’s books, put on your “patience cap!”
What is your favorite thing about being an author?
I love having a creative outlet, where I can play with words and language. It took me a while to discover that my “sweet spot” for writing is rhyming picture books, but this is where I thrive. I’ve dabbled in other children’s book formats (chapter books and even a middle-grade novel), but I’m most happy when writing for very young children.
I also enjoy knowing that my books are having a positive effect on children’s lives. I missed that from my Montessori teaching days, but now, I can have an even broader influence on kids, whether it comes in the form of helping them learn to read with my easy readers, or helping get them off to a great start in life by snuggling up on someone’s lap and sharing a board book or picture book. In the case of Hello, Meadow! and Eat Up, Bear!, I love knowing that I’ve had a hand in creating future conservationists who understand that the natural world—while seemingly resilient—can actually be fragile and needs good stewards to care for it. Collaborating with the Yosemite Conservancy publishers and the National Park Service to make sure our message comes through in a kid-friendly way that’s inviting to little ones and their families was a great experience.
What do you find difficult working as an author?
Waiting for responses to queries and submissions can be exhausting! And it’s not just about the time. When I first began writing, the wait typically ended with a response of some kind from an editor. I loved it when an editor wrote an encouraging note, even if they passed on the manuscript. Nowadays, as you know, most houses don’t give any kind of reply, unless they're interested in the work. I understand their need to save time and energy, but I find it frustrating because I have no idea if I was close, if the idea has merit and is worth pursuing, or if it needs a fresh perspective. I do miss the human connection with the submission process.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
I get outside! In the summer, I’ll go on a hike or long walk. In the winter, I’ll strap on my snowshoes and go for a walk where I can be alone and think. The fresh air, the cadence of my steps, and wide-open spaces always gets the creative juices flowing!
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
I like it to be quiet when I write. No music, TV, or any background conversation when I’m working. I find it too distracting and can’t focus very well. Once, when my family was visiting and I had a deadline, I drove to a nearby trailhead, parked, and worked in my car! I figured if I needed a break, I was right at a trailhead and could walk in the woods to clear my head.
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?
Amongst the many positive experiences I’ve had with the Kid Lit community, one of the most memorable came very early in my writing experience. Let me preface this by saying I’m basically a shy person. The year I started writing, I joined the SCBWI and signed up for a Writers’ Day event in Los Angeles, which was held at a school. I drove three hours to the event and found a seat inside, pretty much keeping to myself but noticing how many people knew each other. It was like a reunion of old friends for many!
At lunch, I took my boxed lunch and went out onto the football field where many other participants chose to eat. I was sitting on the 50-yard line, all alone, when a woman came over from a nearby group and asked me if I was meeting anyone. I said no, and she invited me to join them. I was so grateful for her kindness, and found that the group was actually from my chapter of the SCBWI! I’m still friends with some of those writers, and many of them went on to become published authors. For a very shy person who found the courage to drive by herself to Los Angeles to attend a writing conference, this was the ultimate reward! It made me realize that joining the SCBWI was more than just learning about children’s writing—it was about networking and finding like-minded friends.
Recommended reading?
I don’t have any specific books to recommend because so many terrific titles come out all the time, but what I do recommend is to pay attention to titles from resources such as the ALA Caldecott Medal nominees, or Betsy Bird’s “Best Books” list she does each December at her Fuse#8 Production blog. (https://afuse8production.slj.com/)
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
For me, the highlight of my career was when I received an offer of representation from a reputable agency a few years ago. It was validating, after 68 agent queries, to see that my work had enough merit for an agent to want to represent my work (actually, I had two agencies interested at the same time). I loved networking with other authors from the agency and being so connected with them. Unfortunately, I eventually let my agent go as we just weren’t a good match, but still, the experience was an important part of my writing journey.
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?
Great question! Two things would have been good to know at the beginning. First, I wish someone could have explained how much work it takes to get published—learning the craft, networking, submitting and querying, handling rejections (because we all get passes on our work), and continuing to get published after your first book comes out.
Second, I would have liked to have had an idea of how much money children’s authors are paid. Books, particularly picture books, are a huge investment for publishers sometimes costing them up to $25-30K. And many picture books are only in print for two or three years, so most authors’ earnings are limited unless they’re fortunate to have a top-selling book. According to Hannah Holt’s author survey (2017), the majority of published picture book writers earn less than $10K annually. That wouldn’t have deterred me from writing, but it would have been good to know before I started!
Can you tell us about your newest book?
I’d love to! Hello, Meadow! is my second board book with Yosemite Conservancy, illustrated by the talented Nadja Sarell. In the early summer of 2021, our editor, Nicole Geiger, approached me with an idea from the publisher about writing a book about meadow conservation, in a similar style as our first book, Eat Up, Bear! Of course, I said yes! I dove into researching the importance of meadows as wildlife habitats, water filters, carbon retainers, and places of peace and beauty for humans.
Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy
After a couple of initial drafts, we landed in a place where everyone liked where the book was going; then, for me, it was a matter of fine-tuning the text. I was thrilled when my editor confirmed that Nadja Sarell was interested in doing the illustrations for the book, as her artwork in Eat Up, Bear! was charming, inviting, and perfect for the project. It was a collaboration between myself, Nicole, Yosemite Conservancy, and the National Park Service to determine specific species of flora and fauna to include in the art, along with a diverse cast of humans. Nadja did an amazing job! Her colorful illustrations will invite young children and their families to pour over the pages finding animals, flowers, and other plants, all while experiencing the message that meadows are fragile yet important places that need our care and respect.
Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy
Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy
Interior art from HELLO, MEADOW! by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Nadja Sarell, published by Yosemite Conservancy
What’s up next for you?
I have another board book, I’m a Baby!, coming out in Fall of 2024 with Familius. I’m also working with Yosemite Conservancy on another possible board book, but it’s too early to give any details on that one. Stay tuned!
Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
I always recommend aspiring writers join the SCBWI. It’s a terrific organization and a great place to learn about children’s writing. Their workshops, conferences, and resources such as The Book, are incredibly helpful. And of course, it’s a great way to network and find like-minded writers.
Another suggestion I make to new writers is to take a writing course on the genre they’re interested in writing, as it gives a structured look at the craft. It’s so important to develop your craft before you start submitting your work! Early in my career, I took some courses through UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, and now I teach for them. They offer a variety of classes on writing for children and teens, in a variety of formats (online, remote, on-campus). Their website is https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing-journalism/creative-writing/courses#PS0032.
And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough question! As a child, my favorite character was Pippi Longstocking. I saw myself in her because she was such a tomboy! She was also bold and outspoken, two qualities I wish I had, as I was a very shy child. I also loved Wilbur the pig from Charlotte’s Web. He was so sweet and humble. I always thought he had the characteristics of a good friend. As an adult, one of my favorite characters is Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Katniss was a brilliant mix of strength, determination, and resilience, combined with compassion and kindness.
Huge thank you to Terry for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book!
TERRY PIERCE is the author of twenty-six children’s books, including Eat Up, Bear! (Yosemite Conservancy), Love Can Come in Many Ways (Chronicle Books), Mama Loves You So (Little Simon) and Soccer Time! (Random House). She has an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, including Picture Book Concentration certification. She's been writing since 1999; with her work appearing in children's and parenting magazines, and the children’s book market. Terry also teaches online children’s writing courses for UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She lives in the mountain community of Mammoth Lakes, California where she can be found writing, enjoying the outdoors, or watching wildlife from her living room. To learn more about Terry, please visit her website at https://www.terrypiercebooks.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Terry follow her online:
Facebook: @TerryPierceAuthor
Twitter: @terrycpierce
Instagram: @tlcpierce
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