In what feels like eons ago, but really just about 3 years, picture book author Jocelyn Watkinson and I were in PBChat, a mentorship program. It’s amazing to think that during that time she was just like me, someone who dreamed about becoming an author. And now she is one and has two traditionally published books to boot!
I am honored to feature her here and hope that her story will give you motivation and courage to follow your own dreams. It just goes to show you that you can completely change careers and pursue your passion at any time in your life.
1. How did you begin writing for children?
We had just moved from Canada to the US for my husband’s new job as a professor. The type of visa we were on did not award me with the opportunity for employment so I took up writing as a hobby since I was spending so much time reading to our then three year old son. There was something about knowing that everyone had to start somewhere, so why couldn’t I write books too?
2. What were you doing prior to writing a picture book?
I was working for a local municipality back up in Canada. I’d worked in Social Services throughout my time in university so I continued on but in a variety of roles in social services, housing, affordable housing and generally working on poverty reduction and homelessness prevention.
3. Is it something you always wanted to do? If so, what do you think prevented you from pursuing it sooner?
No it was never something I pictured myself doing! I started off in a Bachelor of Business Administration program but soon discovered it wasn’t for me. It was too intense! So I transfered to Psychology and social work.
4. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced when pursuing your dream of becoming a published author?
I think it’s pretty common for us writers, but writer’s block! Combining that with trying to force a story just because it was an okay-ish idea or to push through the writer’s block. I think having confidence that with the right combination of patience, cookies and critique partners, there isn’t a story that can’t be salvaged from the depths of writer’s block.
5. What is one advice you would give to others who are thinking of writing for kids?
Be silly. Kids love it. Embrace your inner child. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Most people will like your work, some people won’t, and it’s ok.
6. Tell us the good, bad and ugly about publishing your first book.
Everything was rather smooth except for the major imposter syndrome. It’s a real hurdle for almost everyone. Refer to my answer above – it’s ok if not everyone loves your work – as long as you do!
7. Is there anything you would do differently?
Probably try to have more confidence!
8. How do you get ideas for your stories?
Randomly to be honest! I am a rhymer primarily so I do love incorporating a rhyme into a title and then take it from there. Sometimes my kid will say something ridiculous
9. Tell us about your books.
I have two at the moment! Both with Sleeping Bear Press, both illustrated by Marcus Cutler and both with editor Sarah Rockett.
The first is a retelling of The Three Little Pigs, but with a Canadian POV called, THE THREE CANADIAN PIGS: A HOCKEY STORY. Since moving to the United States, I wanted to create a story that would incorporate my home country, and everything I missed about it. You will find lots of hockey, accent jokes and of course…yummy treats!
The second is a book I co-wrote with my mentor through the PBChat program, Lori Degman. Lori wrote the original Travel Guide For Monsters which follows monsters across the USA in funny rhyming couplets about their monstery behaviour. When the time was right, I suggested we do a sequel but through Canada! So the book is titled TRAVEL GUIDE FOR MONSTERS PART DEUX: A CANADIAN ADVENTURE and like the original, follows a group a monsters, but through Canada this time!
10. What are you working on now and how can readers find you?
I’m trying to nail down a silly Christmas story right now but it’s still all in shambles! 🙂
Readers can find me at my website www.jocelynwatkinson.com , on Facebook & Instagram @jocelynwritesinrhyme, and on Twitter @JoceWatBooks
Thanks Brandi-Ann for having me!
