Part of a series introducing the Mentors for the 2019-2020 SCBWI-WWA Mentorship Program. This post introduces two picture book Mentors, Suzanne Kaufman and Wendy Wahman. To apply for the mentorship program visit here: https://wwa.scbwi.org/2019-mentorship-program/. Application Deadline: July 30, 2019.
Mentor: Wendy Wahman
Former Seattle P-I newspaper artist, Wendy Wahman now writes and illustrates children’s books. Her debut picture book, Don’t Lick the Dog, was selected as a 2010 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, starred for Outstanding Merit and accepted to the Society of Illustrators Original Art show. Other books include A Cat Like That, Rabbit Stew, Pony in the City, and Nanny Paws, and coming Fall 2021, Old Pearl. Wendy’s editorial illustrations have appeared in major publications such as Harper’s Magazine, The New York Times, and The LA Times. www.wendywahman.com.
Q: Why do you like to mentor aspiring writers?
It’s the closest I can come to being a doctor or nurse!
Q: What does being a successful published professional look like to you?
Someone who’s talented and resilient, hardworking, persistent and has, perhaps, kicked up a little good luck fairy dust along the trail.
Q: What can a mentee expect from your mentorship?
They can expect a hands-on, passionate person by their side. I’ll always let you know what I think you’re doing well, but also what I think you could work on. I’ll work hard to help you tell your stories, in your way, the best that you can.
Q: What are you reading?
I’m taking notes on Steven King’s book, On Writing, enjoying Ghost Cat by Kevan Atteberry, Little Man, Little Man, by James Baldwin & illustrated by Yoran Cazac. I’m reading Casebook, by Mona Simpson and Pie in the Sky, by Remy Lai.
Q: What are you working on these days?
I’m hard at work on my next middle grade novel, which will come out in January 2021. It’s another emotional journey adventure story, but this time with a futuristic, post-civilization sci-fi setting. I’m having a blast writing it!
Mentor: Suzanne Kaufman
Suzanne Kaufman is the Illustrator of the New York Times best-selling picture book All Are Welcome. She has written and illustrated her own book Confiscated for Balzer and Bray. Her current illustrated work includes books: Take Your Pets to School Day, 100 Bugs, Naughty Claudine Christmas, and Samanthasaurus Rex. She is the recipient of 2019 The Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Mentorship and Portfolio Honors at Western Washington and New York Conferences.
Suzanne’s books have been awarded Bank Street College Education Best Children’s Books of the Year Honors, Notable Books for a Global Society, Mathical Honor Award and Amazon Best Children Book of the Year. She has presented at Tucson Book Festival, Los Angeles Festival of Books and Penguin Random House Book Festival. She has lectured about illustration around the US, England, Japan and Peru. Visit her at www.suzannekaufman.com.
Why do you like to mentor aspiring writers?
SCBWI has been pivotal to personal and professional growth. I feel it is my time to give back and support the next emerging group of book makers to bring their stories to life. Without SCBWI I would not have my career or the amazing kidlit friendships that have boosted me.
Q: What does being a successful published professional look like to you?
I think it is a few things that take time to grow. Success to me is developing a daily practice of doing the work and becoming an active part of a community that supports creating engaging books for kids.
Q: What can a mentee expect from your mentorship?
We will talk via phone or Skype every six weeks for an hour to review the work. Things we can talk about and work on during the mentorship:
- Daily practice to build portfolio and story ideas
- Tips of Character Design for Picture Books
- Expression Design for Picture Books
- Color Design for Picture Books
- Book Dummy Process and tips
- Portfolio Presentation for Children’s Books
- Pagination tips for Picture Books
- Nonfiction Children’s Portfolio Tips and Process
- Agent search and selection tips
Q: What are you reading?
I am reading 10-20 picture books daily.
Q: What are you working on these days?
I am wrapping up a new story to go out into submission this summer and the sequel to All Are Welcome for Knopf.