The deadline for the 2021–2022 SCBWI WWA Mentorship Program is just days away! Get to know all of our marvelous mentors in these interviews on our Pen & Story blog. Then learn how to apply here. Deadline: July 30!
Dan Richards is a beloved children’s author known for his humorous picture books and middle-grade novels. His latest picture book, Once Upon a Goat, received a Booklist starred review and was a Junior Library Guild Selection, Amazon Best of the Month Book, and an Indie Next Selection. His first middle-grade novel, Stu Truly, was an official selection of Follett Book Fairs. Dan lives in Bothell, WA, with his wife, two kids, and two mischievous doodles. Visit Dan’s website at www.danrichardsbooks.com, and follow him on Twitter.
I like to mentor because . . .
After spending years on the receiving end, I’d like to pay forward the encouragement and faith others invested in me. This is such a trying field that any success I’ve found has truly been a group effort. I’m fortunate to now be in a place to uplift others on their journey.
What can a mentee expect from your mentorship? A shared dumbstruck wonder and curiosity about the writing process. Bits of wisdom gained from years of wandering, experimenting, failing, more wandering, and persevering through all manner of adversity. Oh, and a passion for writing that transcends the frustration, anxiety, and angst that plagues the writing life.
What are you reading?
I just finished reading SWEEP by Jonthan Auxier and THE BOOK OF BOY by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. Both are wildly imaginative and beautiful books by authors that inspire me to stretch my limits.
What are you working on these days? A picture book about a disgruntled stuffed bunny who leaves home to find somewhere he is appreciated only to return with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly love a child. And a MG novel about a pumpkin who magically comes to life and the wish that drives it to discover its unique place in the world.
Besides writing, what’s something you’re good at?
I play the drums, not particularly well. And I crack jokes about as well as I drum.
What are the best parts about being an author?
Spending time daily with my imagination is joyful, surprising, and inspirational. Everything else kinda sucks in comparison.
What does being a successful published professional look like to you?
It looks a lot like pre-published only with more anxieties.
What helps you get through challenging writing times?
Having a community of supportive authors around me. It’s the only way to keep going. Really and truly.
What qualities would your ideal mentee have?
Being authentic is important to me. That means being self-aware and honest with yourself and your work. For me, the life of a writer is like that of a phoenix – growth, death, and rebirth. If you feel in the ashes or are just beginning to gather form again then this would be a perfect time for us to work together.
What roles do diversity, equity, and inclusion play in your writing? Diversity in publishing is going to redefine children’s books in the coming years. I’m excited for even the smallest opportunity to support diverse authors with their work.
What surprised you most about becoming an author?
That I actually got published. And that being published did nothing to quell my anxieties. I’m still completely unsure about everything, probably more so. Truth.
What regrets do you have about becoming a published author?
Only that it took so long to take myself seriously. The drive was always there, but I listened to my doubts for too long. And kept myself tucked away from the people and resources who could help my dream take solid form. I can’t stress enough the importance of community. Alone we wither. Together we take root and grow. I wish I’d understand that sooner. But I’m also thrilled that the message got through before it was too late! Live and learn.
Brought to you by Suma Subramaniam and Jenny Tynes, SCBWI WWA Mentorship Program, and Dolores Andral, Pen & Story