Where's Angie Been?

 Hello Blog Readers, Writers, and SCWBI Members,

Thank you for welcoming me back from a long time away from writing and my writing friends. You want to know where I've been and what I've been doing since I began my writer's journey 15+ years ago. Well... the short of it is LIFE hit me hard. As it does for all of us at one point or another. If you can use the traumas life brings to your doorstep for growth, then you will have an arsenal of ideas and complicated characters for your novels. 

Below you will find my journey...and some great tools to help you on yours. 

Live life, play, and create!

                                                                                                                Play by Play...

• I was writing and enjoying being creative - my kids were still small, in elementary school.
• I headed off to writer's conferences and started learning more about my craft.
• I made writing friends and even got an interning job with Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
• Everything was great and easy going....my life was blessed. 

• The Universe had other plans for my growth...

       SO...

• My husband became a partner with the founder of Paleo Magazine
• We had to move to Bend, Oregon, to learn the magazine from the ground up to help it become more widely distributed.
• My kids had to leave their best friends & I had to leave my writer-wife, Victoria Piontek, and my agent internship behind.
• There were upsets and disappointments from all sides.
• I gave up my writing and put my finished novels in a drawer.

Life moved one way...without my consent (like it always does)

• Ten years flew by --- the magazine was all-consuming
• My husband - the publisher, and I, as content writer/contributor and other behind-the-scenes jobs, took all of our time and focus as our kids grew into middle schoolers.
• There were conferences and never-ending research into all things Paleo and Keto.
• My creativity was zapped....then came the family drama!
• Personal family issues took over, and for another 4 years, we were on rocky territory - not just relationship-wise but health-wise
• Then COVID hit the world, and we all hunkered down.
• My family and I learned how to live together 24/7, and we used meditation to cope with the stresses. 

                                                                                    

                                                                                        TODAY...

• I am proud to say we have come a long way, baby.
• We're back to ourselves, and I'm back to my creativity.
• Our family is together, and our health issues are on the mend.
• We have our older son in his first year of college at Warren Wilson and our younger son starting his junior year of High School.

• The timing is right for me to dust off those old books and revise, submit, and cross my fingers.

The moral of the STORY...you can do it all...LATER

• It's never too late to do what you came here to do!
• Dust off those old ideas and look at them again - you will find that your old writing is ready for your new understanding that life taught you while it sat in that drawer.
• You can have a life....a crazy, windy, bizarre, frustrating path....and be creative, too.
• It's not all or nothing.
• Reach out to your friends, and those true to you will still be there!
• Just when I thought my life was going in one direction, the Universe had other plans, and at first, I hated the Universe and its meddling. 

NOW...

• I'm excited about my creativity in a whole new way.
• I have more compassion in me. 
• I understand the voices I am hearing in my characters, and I know why they're talking to me.
• I get life in a more deep way than I did over ten years ago when everything was peachy.
• I've made it through some tough stuff, and I'm standing and still laughing.

To all you writers and artists out there that had to put aside your dreams and make it through your life as it came at you....you are not alone! 

Whatever you couldn't finish then....you can do later. 

Some advice that helped me in my most dark hours:

• 
  Journal your anger, sadness, despair, and grief.
• Meditate every time you feel like it's not worth it.
• Sleep, eat healthy, and exercise - take care of yourself.
• If you notice you are losing weight or gaining weight, reevaluate your food choices and get the help you need to stay healthy.
• Join a group - I joined a Priestess group where we learned about the Goddesses throughout many cultures. It was amazing to be around other women and to hold each other sacredly in that space.
• Tell only those you trust and are in your life for your highest and best. Many people are going through trauma, and where they are may not be where you are or want to go. Talk to others, but only those who care for you without agendas. 
• Wake up your creativity slowly and with less judgment. I started by painting with my left hand, which is my non-dominant hand. It took the judgment out of it for me and allowed me to slowly enjoy creating again. 

Wherever you are --- you are there. 

When you're ready and you feel grounded again, your creativity will be there for you. I promise. It may hibernate, but it does not abandon you!

I am here to encourage you back to yourself. 

I am here to say YOU CAN DO IT! 

The time is when you are ready.

Write~on

Angie 

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Interview with Elizabeth Rawls

KidLit Alert: The Extraordinary Illustrator & Writer

Elizabeth Rawls

I am delighted to introduce Elizabeth Rawls....an amazing and kind... Illustrator/Writer I met years ago in San Francisco. Her heart has always been one of sharing, teaching, and guiding. No wonder she's a volunteer for SCBWI. 

If you don't know Elizabeth, you should! She's one of the most loyal and friendly writers you'll have the pleasure to meet. Go up to her at the conference and introduce yourself. It will be a treat! 

Enjoy reading more about her below.

You’ve got a great headshot on your illustrator website www.ebrawlsart.com Who is the photographer? 

I am so fortunate that my son-in-law Mitch is an amateur photographer! He took my headshot and did a beautiful job. 

Do you recommend professional shots for writers and artists?

Because of my volunteer work with SCBWI (Society of Book Writers and Illustrators), it was important to me to have a headshot so I could be easily recognized, and professionally I preferred a photograph on my website. Most illustrators and authors have professional headshots especially when they get published so I would encourage a headshot for your website if at all possible.

 

I see you are part counselor, part artist - how do these two worlds blend in your illustrations? 

I was a mental health counselor for many years. I had my own private practice, then worked at Central Michigan University along with volunteer work at Hospice of Central Michigan. During this time, I counseled college students, facilitated grief groups, and developed a grief camp for children called Camp Bravery. I was especially drawn to working with children, and with an undergraduate degree in art, picture books seemed like a natural fit. 

What emotion/s are the most difficult to draw for you? 

What I find challenging is not so much drawing difficult emotions but creating a story for young readers that is neither preachy nor boring but has substance. I am still working on this :-)

 

You are the assistant regional advisor for the SCBWI Carolinas Region - what does that mean, and what do you do?

I am part of a SCBWI Regional Team that consists of a Regional Advisor (Erica Wood), another Assistant Regional Advisor (Becky Shillington), and an Illustrator Coordinator (Ashley Belote). 

I mention the Team because we do everything together, such as planning conferences, online workshops, managing volunteer coordinators, email accounts, etc. I love being part of the Team. They “have my back” as we share the workload making volunteering for SCBWI  just FUN! 

These women are so bright and innovative. Everything seems easy and enjoyable. I am so grateful to be partnering with them and supporting those in the Carolinas with a passion for children's books.

 

You love to hike - which is your favorite route in North Carolina?

We used to own a log home in Boone, NC which has a lot of wonderful hikes along the Blue Ridge highway. Now that we have relocated to Durham, NC, and bought electric bikes, we absolutely love the American Tobacco Trail, which is a paved rails to trails. 

I sometimes feel guilty riding my E-Bike because it seems like cheating, but I love pedaling long distances (with an assist from the motor) early in the morning with the wind in my hair, hearing the sounds of birds, and watching the sunrise.

 

You have amazing artwork on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/ebrawlsart/  @Ebrawlsart - has Instagram helped you find agents/book deals/publishers? 

Thank you for the kind words about my art. I really appreciate it! I am pre-published and currently looking for an agent. I am in the process of submitting my book dummy “Calamity Wayne '' which is a humorous ‘tail’ about finding one’s talent while learning to care for others along the way (I love puns). 

So far, I have gotten very nice rejections which I count as a “win” as opposed to no response at all. 

I have learned to trust the process 

and keep doing what I love. 

As far as Instagram, most art directors will look up an illustrator's work on that platform, so I use it. I also participate in #KidLitArtPostcard, which is on Twitter, instead of sending actual postcards to art directors. 

I am on Instagram (@ebrawlsart), FaceBook (elizabeth.rawls.750) and Twitter (@EBRawlsArt).

 

What animal is your favorite to draw and illustrate?

I am really enjoying giraffes right now . . . like my Yoga Giraffe

 

 

 

Where is your next writer’s conference you are attending, and why should other illustrators and writers go?

My next conference is, of course, the Carolinas Fall Conference called “Swinging into Kidlit” from September 30 - October 2nd. I am biased because I helped select the diverse faculty, and there is a lot to offer for writers & illustrators. 

I also had the honor of my banner being selected for the conference by (outside of the region) judges, so this event is very special to me.

 

 

What medium is your favorite, and why do you use it?

I am a traditionally trained artist and love to work in watercolor and ink. I also use Photoshop to correct any mistakes and enhance my watercolors. I love the feel of paper and watercolor. This medium can be hard to control, but I love the challenge and actually find the process relaxing, fun, and surprising.

 

What one thing do you wish you would’ve been told as a young illustrator just starting out in the children’s book world?

One of the best ways I have learned to let my creativity flow is to not take myself so seriously. That concept has taken me a long time to understand. 

When I decided to not worry about being published and just become curious about my images, their stories, and how I could delight young readers, my creative energy began to flow. However, when I try to control the outcome and feel fearful about the future, I find my images are stiff, boring, and no fun!

 

How has the pandemic affected you and your art?

When the pandemic started, I felt a lot of uncertainty and fear of the future. Everything I thought would never change, did. I was really forced to “go inward” and examine my values, specifically, what was important to me, or live in a highly anxious and hypervigilant state. 

Through this introspection, I found meditation, which I really love, and also puzzles. I meditate 20 minutes a day which helps center me and also allows me to focus on my body. I am much more aware of what my body is trying to tell me i.e., I am not breathing deeply, or I am too anxious or tight, etc. 

I also found that my husband of 39 years and I love doing puzzles together. Nothing is better than having a glass of wine, relaxing, and working a puzzle together. What bliss. 

Oh, and what bliss reading about you and your work. Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your creative self with us. It's always a pleasure to learn from you.

To contact Elizabeth:

Email her: ebrawlsart (at) gmail.com

Check out her website: https://www.ebrawlsart.com/

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebrawlsart/

See you at the SCBWI Carolinas Conference!!

If you are curious about the conference, follow this link:

https://www.scbwi-carolinas-events.org/

Oh, and by the way, Elizabeth...Camp Bravery - sounds like a book to me!!! 

I look forward to reading your first book soon.

Write~on

Angie Azur

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Interview with Rebecca W. Wheeler

 KidLit Alert! 

Interview with the Amazing Rebecca W. Wheeler

I am honored and grateful to introduce to you an amazing and prolific children's book author, Rebecca W. Wheeler. We met on Instagram @rebeccawwheeler_author as I searched for artists and writers to follow. 

I'm so glad I followed her!

Raised in Virginia, Rebecca was an author from the very start, winning a young author's contest in second grade. Way to go, Rebecca! From there, she became a teacher and then a school counselor and psychology instructor. She's got the energy of a young racehorse. While Rebecca is busy teaching and guiding young people to live their best lives, she's writing stories for them, too -- AND -- answering questions for interviews.

Rebecca is a generous writer to follow.

While reading about her below, I smiled, laughed, and got tears in my eyes. 

Enjoy...

Where will fans get to interact with you in person?

Fans are encouraged to follow me on Instagram! I will post local events and interviews on both Instagram and my website, so fans can keep up with me there. Just this week, I had some former high school students, who now have kids of their own, show up for a kids yoga/book signing event.  So much fun!

I am available for school visits (virtual anywhere and in-person locally) and family yoga classes with book signings. Interested persons can send me a message through Instagram or my website https://www.rebeccawwheeler.com/

What is the next big writer’s conference you are attending, and why did you choose it?

Right now, I don’t have one scheduled; hopefully, I will within the year!

What was your favorite thing to do when you were five years old?

I grew up in a small town, and all the kids spent a lot of time outside. At five, probably my favorite thing was to swing on our backyard playset. 

Tell us about the funniest thing that happened to you when you were a High School Teacher.

I taught creative writing first period. One day before school started, I went into the bathroom in the faculty lounge. As soon as I turned the bathroom door lock, I heard metal drop, and I immediately knew something was wrong. The door was shut tight and wouldn’t open. The metal from the lock had fallen to the floor and was stuck between the door and frame. 

I banged on the door and called out. Thankfully an English teacher was in the faculty area. She got my class covered, called the janitor, and slipped the hardest NY Times crossword and a pencil under the bathroom door. She said she didn’t want me to be bored! 

When the janitor arrived, he said he wasn’t allowed to dismantle the door, so he had to call maintenance at the Central Office, and we had to wait for them to arrive. In the meantime, I took the pencil and started to lift the metal piece that had fallen up toward the lock, hoping I could scoot in place and free myself. Just as I was about to push the metal piece into place, Central Office maintenance banged on the door, which caused the metal to drop again. 

I was so close! 

The drills started, and eventually, they took the hinges off the door and freed me. It was like I was being rescued from a cave because when they removed the door, a whole audience of my coworkers were standing on the other side cheering. All told, I was locked in the bathroom for over 90 minutes. 

When I got to my classroom, my students had moved on to their next class, 

but they left me a top 10 list on the board: “Top ten things to do when you’re locked in a bathroom.” 

You’re an elementary school counselor, now, as well as a writer. How do these two careers overlap for you?

So much! 

As a counselor, you are trained to ask questions and help people uncover motivations, thinking processes, solve problems, and explore relationships, all questions a writer needs to answer for their characters. Being a counselor teaches you to be observant,  noticing small things about body language and how people change with even subtle changes in the environment. For a children’s writer, it’s so helpful to engage with kids on a daily basis in order to say in tune with what being a kid is like!

I see you use yoga and breathwork in your life. What is your favorite pose you can do in a chair for all those writers with stiff necks and backs?

Very simple but critical for alignment: sit with both feet on the floor, relax the shoulders, and soften the jaw. As soon as the teeth clench, I feel my shoulders tense. Being cognizant of alignment helps me so much!

If you were given a megaphone and the whole world would hear you - what one sentence would you shout?

Life’s too short to live it angry, bitter, and bored.

You have a love for nature. Do you have a particular tree, flower, mountain, or waterfall that you enjoy, and what makes it unique and special to you?

I love hydrangeas. My wedding bouquet consisted of hydrangeas and purple roses. When I was growing up, my grandparents lived in Alabama, and we would visit most summers. The last picture I took with my granddaddy before he passed away was standing in front of the hydrangea bushes, which were about seven feet tall. I look at those flowers and think of him. 

I also grew up in a very small town in the Tidewater region of Virginia. The town was on a peninsula, so we were surrounded by water. It was such a part of our daily lives. I don’t think I realized just how much water was a part of me until I moved to a landlocked city in North Carolina.

You’ve been quite a busy writer having a PB released in Nov. of 2021, soon a YA in 2023, and a second PB in 2023. What is your advice to other writers on how to finish multiple projects?

Have a lot of material in your arsenal. You never know when something you wrote years ago will carry new meaning.  

I’ve been writing fairly consistently for 20 years (with a 5-year dry spell when I had a job that zapped my creative juices). The YA I actually finished the initial draft in 2013 and shelved it for several years before picking it up again. The first picture book I storyboarded for the first time 20 years prior! 

Write every day, even if it’s for five minutes, and you are just describing a flower. It’s writing that matters. And most importantly, believe that you have something to say, and surround yourself with people who will build you up and not chip away at your dream.

You live with a husband, two kids, and a cat: What is your secret to keeping them out of your writing space so you can stay focused?

This question made me laugh. 

The short answer is that I don’t. Working as an educator for so long, I am used to focusing with a lot of noise around me. I can get myself into a zone, despite the loudness! I also have always been a night owl, and I always feel more creative at night. I often write after the kids go to bed. 

The cats are always welcome to hang out with me as I write!

You’re a member of SCBWI - when did you join and why? What would other writers gain from this organization?

I first joined in 2008. Whether for a hobby or dream of publishing a book, creative writing isn’t a common pastime. SCBWI provides a space for like-minded people to connect and support one another.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? And what is your plan to get there?

I never know how to answer this question (full confession in a job interview, the answer is most likely made up, but I won’t do that here)! 

I learned a long time ago that I’m not a Plan A type of girl. I didn’t get into my first choice school. I wasn’t called for an interview for my dream job(s) (yes, that’s plural). I came to realize that Plan A is typically fueled by the “shoulds”, what I “should” be doing based on someone else’s standard. 

When a person is so intent that their Plan A will work, and it falls through, despair can set in. I tell the parents I work with one of the most vital things they can teach their child is how to fail well. There will be a lot of potential opportunities laid out in front of you. Some will work out, and some won’t. Some will be a path of “shoulds” that may fit the world but not you. Some paths involve leaping over chasms and crawling through tunnels. Yes, and some will even have flowers. In all the paths, you might find joy. In all paths, you will likely encounter sadness. We’re humans moving, and besides what the cosmetics industry claims, you can’t age backward.

And here we are back to the 5-year question. . . Here’s my approach. . . What do I want more of in my life in 5 years? What do I want less of? 

What I know: I will still be teaching yoga, and I will still be writing (I have 5 WIP, and I hope at least one of those will be finished by then!). 

I want to be both more time and energy efficient, which will not only improve my & my family’s personal well-being but the planet’s as well. And if Plan T opens up in front of me, I’ll take a look.

If you could give advice to your twenty-year-old self, what would it be?

Don’t try to make yourself invisible. You have something to say.

And you said it well, Rebecca!!!

Thank you for interviewing with me and sharing so much of what makes you an amazing, talented writer!

For more updates and information on Rebecca...

Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill to pre-order and for personalized copies:

https://www.flyleafbooks.com/signed-copies-rebecca-wenrich-wheeler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccawwheeler_author/

Website:  www.rebeccawwheeler.com

Blog: REBECCA W. WHEELER BOOKS - Blog (rebeccawwheeler.com)

Write~on

Angie Azur

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