The submission window for the 2021–2022 SCBWI WWA Mentorship Program is now underway! Between now and July 30, we’ll be sharing interviews with each of our marvelous mentors to help prospective mentees get to know them better. Learn more about the mentorship program, including how to apply, here.
I like to mentor because . . .
I’ve learned a lot of things about the kidlit world the hard way. It’s rewarding to be able to share some of those “lessons learned” with other creators.
What can a mentee expect from your mentorship?
Tough love. I’ll be supportive. I’ll be your greatest cheerleader. But I’m also going to be completely honest with you. If I think a manuscript isn’t ready or needs a huge rewrite, I’ll tell you. And then I’ll ask you the questions that will help you figure out what needs to be polished.
What are the best parts about being an author?
I love creating. But even more than that, I love when I can connect with young readers and talk to them about my books or writing or revising. Most of us don’t get rich doing this, but the joy of having kids enthused about reading and creating makes it all worthwhile.
What helps you get through challenging writing times?
When I get stuck—and it’s happened frequently during the past year—I get outside. I start almost every day with a walk or a run. Yes, even when it’s raining or cold. Getting moving gets my brain going. I especially like running on trails because I don’t have to think about traffic and I can really let my mind wander. That’s often when I come up with my best ideas.
What are you reading?
I’m part of a group of creators who have middle-grade books releasing this year, so I’ve been trying to read as many of those as I can. I just finished A Place to Hang the Moon, by Kate Albus, and I’m starting Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth, by Rachel Sarah. I really love supporting other kidlit creators by writing reviews and posting on social media about their books.
What are you working on these days?
I’m putting the finishing touches on a nonfiction biography that I’m hoping to have out on submission very soon. I just sold another nonfiction bio. I won’t lie—I’d love to have two come out in one year.
Mary Boone has ridden an elephant, jumped out of an airplane, hung out backstage with a boy band, and baked dozens of cricket cookies—all in the interest of research for her books and magazine articles. She’s written 60+ nonfiction books for young readers, ranging from inventor biographies to how-to craft guides. Her newest book, Bugs for Breakfast: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet (Chicago Review Press), is scheduled for release in fall 2021. Mary, who helps coordinate SCBWI WWA’s Tacoma Network, is represented by agent Stacey Kondla of The Rights Factory. Visit Mary’s website at boonewrites.com, and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Suma Subramaniam and Jenny Tynes, SCBWI WWA Mentorship Program
Dolores Andral, Pen & Story