Applications are still being accepted for the 2021–2022 SCBWI WWA Mentorship Program! Get to know our extraordinary mentors in these interviews, posted during the submission window on our Pen & Story blog. You’ll find more information about the mentorship program and how to apply here. Deadline: July 30!
Ellie Peterson is the author-illustrator of It’s a Round, Round World! and The Reason for the Seasons from Boyds Mills Kane, and illustrator of Bea’s Bees, written by Katherine Pryor. Her work is inspired by her 18 years of teaching experience and upbringing as a biracial army brat. Ellie serves as the Equity Inclusion Coordinator for the Western Washington chapter of SCBWI and is a member of The Broadstrokes, an all-female illustration critique group. She is represented by Adria Goetz of Martin Literary Management. Her next book, How to Hug a Pufferfish will release with Roaring Brook Press in 2022. Visit Ellie’s website at www.elliepetersonart.com, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
I like to mentor because . . .
I’ve benefited so much from the mentorship of others in SCBWI. Having a veteran eye on my work really helped take it to the next level and pushed me to try things I might not otherwise. For example, my foray into digital art and recent manuscripts on more sensitive topics were at the encouragement of mentor-like figures. I really want to give back to this community that’s given me so much through mentorship.
What can a mentee expect from your mentorship?
A mentee can expect thoughtful and personal feedback along a continuum of strengths and challenges. The following areas are some examples: overarching themes, character consistency (visual and voice), story development, visual narrative, cadence, and humor. I’m also happy to offer advice on other areas of “the biz,” like pitching, submissions, and working with agents and editors. I like to see my mentees work at various stages of development to better understand it, from inspiration, research, and storyboarding to final dummy or manuscript. As others in SCBWI will tell you, when I get to know you and your work, I become a genuine advocate for it. I want to see you be successful!
What are you reading?
I am reading When You Trap a Tiger, by Tae Keller, to my kids right now. (It is SO good!) I am also poring through picture books by Patrice Barton to better understand her loose sketchy style. The picture book I purchased most recently was Eyes That Kiss in the Corners,by Joanna Ho.
What are you working on these days?
The picture book I’m currently developing is about a lonely tapir at a city zoo who works to overcome her anxiety about who may be moving in next door. I am also drafting a graphic novel about a girl whose father is sent overseas to Korea and who takes up Taekwondo in the hopes of traveling there to see him.
Besides writing/illustrating, what’s something you’re good at? I’ve recently become an origami fiend (check out my creations on Instagram: @elliepete) and am working on my bodan belt in Taekwondo. This is the belt that you earn before being cleared to begin work toward your black belt.
What are the best parts about being an author-illustrator?
So many things! You get to draw animals and kids and dinosaurs and ice cream sundaes—and you get paid for it (hopefully)! You get to make kids smile and laugh and wonder. And you get to be part of this amazing, supportive community of creatives!
What books did you love when you were a child or teen?
Richard Scarry, David Macaulay, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary. I also loved X-men comics.
What do you listen to when you create?
When writing I listen to the Focus Flow or Deep Focus playlists on Spotify. When drawing I tend to listen to audiobooks or true crime podcasts.
What helps you get through challenging writing/illustrating times?
My critique groups! When I am stuck with a plot point, a dynamic image, or just generating ideas, my critique group always comes through.
What roles do diversity, equity, and inclusion play in your writing and illustration?
My work has really evolved in aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it’s because of the work I’ve done to understand the experience of other BIPOC people in America and my own biracial identity. I feel more comfortable writing and illustrating experiences I had as a half Korean girl now that I’ve processed those sensitive memories. And though it can sometimes be painful to remember these moments, I understand the need to have these representations in children’s literature today.
Brought to you by Suma Subramaniam and Jenny Tynes, SCBWI WWA Mentorship Program, and Dolores Andral, Pen & Story