BETH ANDERSON: Will Write for Cookies Plus Giveaway

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION

FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS,
AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE

TODAY’S GUEST

BETH ANDERSON

It’s always great fun when Will Write for Cookies has repeat customers…that is…authors who come back for a second interview. And today’s guest is so prolific, she could probably come back every year. Beth Anderson is a dear friend and esteemed CP – her feedback on my manuscripts has been invaluable over the years.

Beth Anderson has always been fascinated with words and language—from sound and meaning, to figurative language and point of view, to cultural and scientific aspects of language. After earning a B.A. in linguistics and a M.Ed. in reading, she taught English language learners for more than 20 years. That classroom community taught her valuable lessons as she advocated for students and encouraged them to share their voices. Surrounded by young people from all over the world, with literature as her favorite tool, Beth used the power of story to teach, connect, and inspire.
When she’s not writing, she might be weaving, gardening, exploring nature, or playing with her grandkids. Born and raised in Illinois, she now lives near the mountains in Colorado. Beth believes in laughter, learning, and investing in young minds. And…that truth really can be stranger than fiction.
Contact Beth via email or visit on TwitterFacebookInstagram, or Pinterest.

ME: WELCOME! It’s so good to have you here, my friend. I’m so excited about your newest book, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE. I remember loving it when I saw early drafts. And how kind of you to offer a giveaway of a copy to one of my blog followers…who I know are excited to learn more about you…so let’s get started.
Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?

BETH When I was a young, we didn’t have a fantastic array of picture books like we have today. My mom took us to the library often. I remember fairy tales, folk tales, Golden Books, Dr. Seuss books, a riddle book, and some informational series on the shelves. I don’t remember having A favorite author. I loved the Little Bear books by Minarik. My mom read from the big thick classics Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, and Heidi at bedtime. As I got older I read a lot of biographies and Nancy Drew books. I can see the impact of all this still—word play, people from the past, mysteries, the world around us, timeless stories. But my love for digging into history is more recent as I’ve discovered the power of finding humanity in history and how we all play a role each day as we face the challenges of our time and place. I never thought about that as a child, so I love to bring that to kids with my books.

 

Here’s a picture of a bio of Abraham Lincoln from 1952 that I picked up at our library used books sale. 😄 We’ve come a long way!

 ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?

BETH: That’s such a loaded question. 😄 Sometimes I think if I knew what I know now, I would’ve been afraid to jump in. Sometimes naivete is a good thing, right? I was fortunate to learn about SCBWI right from the start (once I’d found enough courage to utter the words, “I want to write children’s books.” Haha!) and hooked up with some super people that took me in, encouraged me, and provided lots of resources. I think by starting later in life, after retirement, I was used to life’s ups and downs, and didn’t take feedback and rejection as hard, or as personally, as if I was younger. Life experience was a huge plus. The most difficult part is not knowing what you don’t know. Though I was fortunate to learn early about the incredible kid lit community and all it offers, I think that’s the one thing that might have pushed me forward even sooner if I had been aware of it.

ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?

BETH: I’m pretty routine in that regard. Over the years, I’ve created an office space surrounded by what I need. Laptop on an adjustable computer desk with access to the credenza, files, and desk just a chair turn away… and a few steps away from the bookshelves. Lots of room to spread out books, spirals, papers, and more! The reason I stick to this spot is because everything I need is right there. But…some of the best ideas, rewordings, and offramps from being stuck come when I’m on the move. Even just getting a cup of coffee or transferring laundry from washer to dryer can jar something loose. For some, those are distractions, but for me they’re needed brain shift opportunities. Also – Walks. Showers. And of course the 4am wake ups.

I do most writing on the computer, but there are certain things I write by hand. I take a lot of notes and organize the information I’m working with in a spiral and also do brainstorming by hand. My brain just works differently. Ideas pop, and I’m able to easily sort and jot them down so I can find them later. I would say the creative side comes “by hand.”

ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?

BETH: I spend most of the day doing writerly things…but my best time for working on a manuscript is the morning. And, I need a good chunk of time so I can get my head into the time, place, and character.  The anxiety of the pandemic taught me to turn off notifications and news alerts. I’ve found that I shouldn’t work on a manuscript a few hours before going to bed as it’s like verbal caffeine – it keeps me up with ideas circulating and ruminating.

ME: Why do you write for children?

BETH: I enjoy the challenge of creating with words on the page, but… I write for children because that’s just fun, the interactive experience with them is the best, and it’s a way I can give something of value (hopefully) that has the potential to impact kids’ lives in a positive way. I write what I write because of my experience in the classroom. It’s the power of true stories to surprise, fascinate, and inspire. The ability of story to connect us no matter where we’re from or what our experiences. The curiosity awakened, the questions posed, the push to know more. The deeper understanding of our world, and the realization that we are all participants on this path called history.

ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.

BETH: For writers: Be brave. Be patient. Be receptive. Be intentional. Be part of the writing community.

For all the parents, educators, writers, and librarians who instill the love of reading in children: THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much, Vivian, for inviting me to be part of your amazing blog! And thanks for all you do to support the kid lit community!

It’s been a joy, dear Beth! And the sweetness isn’t over yet because I know you’ve got an amazing treat for us!

BETH: Here’s my grandmother’s recipe for date balls—a family favorite. And it just happens to be gluten-free.

Warning: Keep heat medium to low and stir constantly to prevent scorching.

Boil together for 1 min.: 1 cup sugar, ¼ lb margarine or butter, 1 beaten egg
Add ½ lb dates diced (Tip: precut date pieces don’t work as well.)
Boil for 10 min. (stir constantly)
Off burner: Stir in 3 cups Rice Krispies.
Let cool for a bit until you can roll into balls.
Roll in powdered sugar.

And Beth is also sharing additional materials that can be used by parents and teachers to extend the learning experience:

Intro video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4CTq_vXMQ0   

Publisher book page: https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/thomas-jeffersons-battle-for-science-9781635926200/

Educator Guide: https://astrapublishinghouse.com/resources/thomas-jefferson-guide/

And here’s a special video for teachers – a classroom visit with author and illustrator! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea-8Lq5CE3s&t=6s

Website https://bethandersonwriter.com

What a fabulous collaboration between author and illustrator!!! The book is so important – because these days, students need to learn how to vet information they receive online, in books…basically everywhere. And reading a book like THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE can show them that misinformation is not a new concept.
And how can we help this fabulous book become a success? We can
Buy the book
Review the book
Place the book on our Goodreads Want to Read Shelf
Tell friends about the book (please share on your social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

Thank you all for spending your precious time with us! I hope you all have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Jackie Morera: Will Write for Cookies Plus Giveaway

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION

FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS,
AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE

TODAY’S GUEST

JACKIE MORERA – Janet Randolph Photography

Jackie Morera is a Cuban-American author of books for young readers of all ages. Born and raised in Miami, Jackie now lives in Central Florida with her husband, son, and goofy pup where she enjoys telling stories, savoring pastelitos, and cozying up for a good nap. Her picture books include Abuelo’s Flower Shop, illustrated by Deise Lino; Together We Remember, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación, coming in the Summer of 2025; and an unannounced book slated for Fall 2026.

Jackie invites you to visit her online at jmorerabooks.com and on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X @jmorerabooks. She also has a monthly newsletter sharing the details of her publishing journey. Signed copies of Abuelo’s Flower Shop can be ordered from her local indie, White Rose Books & More, here!

Jackie would also love to invite you to a Virtual Launch Party on June 2nd at 12pm ET. RSVP here to receive the Zoom link.

ME: Welcome, Jackie! We are so very happy to have you here. I know everyone is excited to learn more about you, so let’s get started!
Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?

JACKIE: I loved so many authors as a child but a few of my favorites were Madeleine L’Engle, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Lemony Snicket, and Roald Dahl. As for illustrators, I distinctly remember squealing when I discovered The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales written by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith at my local bookstore. The pictures were so wonderfully odd and I was immediately obsessed with them. There were many more illustrators I admired, of course. Talent abounds!

ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?

JACKIE: I wish I knew it was okay to call myself a writer outright. I hid behind aspiring writer for so long, almost as if I needed permission from someone else to take myself seriously. I believe that small but powerful mental shift kickstarted my career and, if I could go back, I might tell myself to drop the prerequisites sooner.

ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?

JACKIE: I’m trying to be more disciplined about this but, honestly, I’ve never been successful drafting under the “butt in chair” mentality. I can’t force words on the page if I’m not quite there creatively so it’s a regular battle between finding the time and finding the inspiration. The muse is fond of striking while I’m in the middle of something “more important” and so I often find myself writing in stolen moments throughout the day.

ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?

JACKIE: I bounce back and forth between my office

and “my spot” on the couch but my preference is to write somewhere with more hustle and bustle than my home. Fortunately, when it comes to coffee shops in the Greater Orlando area, we’re spoiled for choice. I also enjoy writing at the library or, if the weather allows, I’ll find a shaded spot in a park. And always on my laptop!

ME: Why do you write for children?

JACKIE: Because grownups are no fun! But in all seriousness, I write for any child who scans the shelves of their library or bookstore looking for characters who look not only like them but also like the people who fill their world. I write for the children who are curious about our differences and who are open to understanding them. I hope my books help readers, regardless of age, to grow in empathy and kindness.

ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.

JACKIE: Something that helped me tremendously while querying, and holds true for nearly everything else in this industry (i.e. contest entries, pitching conference and events, going out on submission!), is this: What you don’t already have can’t be taken from you. A rejection is not a loss because whatever “it” is—the agent relationship, editor acquisition, scholarship win, award, and so on—was never yours to begin with. Rather, they were all incredible opportunities to share your work and be considered. Try not to get too caught up in the “possibility of a thing” until it’s actually yours to be had. Doing so makes the “yeses” so much sweeter!

What a fabulous interview!!! Thank you so much, Jackie. And I know things are going to get even sweeter because you are sharing something amazing with us. Take it away, Jackie!!

Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Pastry) Recipe:

JACKIE: As a pastelito enthusiast, living in an (until recently) guava pastelito desert, I’ve made my fair share of at-home pastelitos de guayaba. Okay, full disclosure, it’s my husband who makes them because I’m a hazard in the kitchen but I digress … If you’re interested in trying your hand at the world’s best (yes, I said it) treat, then look no further.

Note: the following is courtesy of Marta Darby of the “My Big Fat Cuban Family” blog. Her website is a treasure-trove that’s worth exploring!

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets
  • 1 bar guava paste
  • 1 pkg. Cream cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions.
  • Use baking parchment to line your cookie sheet so the guava won’t stick.
  • Unfold one of the pastry sheets and place on pan.
  • Cut guava into 1/4 inch slices and place on the pastry sheet.
  • Spread cream cheese over guava paste slices (optional).
  • Unfold second pastry sheet and place on top of guava paste.
  • Cut guava pastry to desired size before baking.
  • Bake at 400 for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Dear friends…thanks to our generous guest, we have a Giveaway!!! A signed copy of Abuelo’s Flower Shop and bookish goodies (double-sided bookmark, character stickers, a plantable heart, and a selection of floral clear-backed stickers). Make sure you leave a comment and SHARE the post on your social media, place the book on your Goodreads Want to Read shelf, buy the book, review the book, and ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

Book Swag for Giveaway

Here’s Detailed Info About Jackie’s Book

Title: Abuelo’s Flower Shop
Author: Jackie Morera
Illustrator: Deise Lino
Publisher: Beaming Books
Age: Preschool (3-5 years); Early Grades (5-8 years)
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Synopsis:
“Te recuerdo y te extraño.” I remember you, and I miss you.Elena is finally old enough to sell flowers with her abuelo in his shop. But she notices that many of the people who visit have tears in their eyes. Abuelo tells her the shop is the last stop before people visit the garden beyond the gate. A place for telling the ones you’ve loved and lost, “Te recuerdo y te extraño,” I remember you, and I miss you.AB

Tender and insightful, Abuelo’s Flower Shop celebrates the beauty of intergenerational love while gently teaching readers about grieving the loss of a loved one. Grandparents and grandchildren will delight in Elena and Abuelo’s heartfelt relationship, and readers of all ages will be inspired to find their own ways to say, “I remember you, and I miss you.” This thoughtful story is the perfect resource for navigating difficult conversations about grief.

And a final note from our wonderful guest:
JACKIE: I’ll leave you with a photo of my Abuelo Antonio, who sold flowers from a cart in front of his Miami home catty-cornered from a cemetery. Abuelo, te recuerdo y te extraño.

#KIDLIT CLUBHOUSE: Will Write for Cookies Plus Giveaway

WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS,
AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE

TODAY’S GUESTS

WOW! What a powerhouse group from #teamKidLitClubhouse! I’m in awe of their combined experiences and expertise – and I’m thrilled to have the chance to introduce them and their 2024 books! 2024 is definitely going to be a fabulous year for children’s literature! I know you are excited to find out more about our guests – and please stick around through the entire post because there is a GIVEAWAY – a chance to have your manuscript critiqued by TWO of these fabulous authors…and you’ll need to leave a comment at the end.

Here’s a little bit about each of them before we get to the questions:
Brentom Jackson is a psychotherapist that writes about the universal lessons within Black American culture. His work not only reflects his extensive background in theatre and performance poetry but also his hope for a future where every child can see themselves in the pages of a book. Brentom lives in Texas with his wife and son. Together they enjoy park walking, people watching, piano playing, and traveling to visit the interesting places they read about in books.
https://www.instagram.com/brentomjackson/
https://www.facebook.com/brentomjackson
https://twitter.com/BrentomJackson

Kelly Zhang is a Canadian children’s writer and Chinese/English literary translator. She writes heartfelt stories drawn from her heritage culture & lived experiences, hoping to inspire readers to stay curious about the world and to connect with peoples and places beyond their familiar ones. Kelly’s PB debut TAKE ME TO LAOLAO, a Chinese mythology-inspired lyrical tale, is forthcoming in Jan 2024 with Quill Tree/HC. Kelly is a member of the SCBWI, a freelance translator for The New York Times for Kids, and a contributor to the WorldKidLit Blog. In her spare time, she makes spicy foods and tries to keep both her child and dog out of trouble.
https://www.instagram.com/kellyzhang_yl
https://twitter.com/KellyZhang_YL

Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan-Canadian children’s book author. She was born in India and grew up in Nigeria and four provinces across Canada. Maria is a former chemical engineer who fell in love with children’s books (again!) after becoming an Amma (mom). Maria enjoys writing lyrical picture books centered on STEM, faith, and South Asian culture, as well as high concept middle-grade grounded in culture. The first two installments of her debut board book series, BABY HOPE and BABY COURAGE (WorthyKids/Hachette), and her debut picture book THE AMAZING POWER OF GIRLS (Sourcebooks eXplore) release in 2024. When Maria is not writing, she can be found traveling the world, devouring books, and spending time with her wonderful family. She resides in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and two daughters.
https://www.instagram.com/msmarianayagam/

www.facebook.com/maria.s.marianayagam
https://twitter.com/MSMarianayagam

Dazzle Ng is a marketer by trade, a writer by passion, a mother by heart. After graduating with honors from Ateneo de Manila University, she worked for global brands like Unilever and Havaianas. In the media industry, she was the associate publisher/deputy editor of a local magazine; and later on, held regional content and PR positions at theAsianparent, the largest parenting community in Southeast Asia.

As an author,  Dazzle is represented by Lisa Amstutz of Storm Literary. Her upcoming picture books are: When an Elephant Hears NO (PSK, 2024) and When a Rhino Has to Wait (PSK, 2025). An active member of the writing community, she is part of terrific networks such as 12X12 and SCBWI, along with a number of critique and support groups.

https://www.instagram.com/dazzleng.books/
https://www.facebook.com/dazzle.ng.3/
https://twitter.com/dazzleng

More WOWs from me! And yippee…Dazzle is a Storm Literary Agency sister of mine!
We are all ready to learn more about these fabulous guests, so here goes!
ME: Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?

KZ: ZHENG Yuanjie (MG author), ZHANG Leping (comic artist)
DN: Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl
BJ: Ashley Bryan and John Steptoe
MM: Hergé and Robert Munsch

ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?

KZ: Every step on the journey to publication takes time: writing and revising a manuscript, querying, getting an agent, revising again, going on sub, signing a contract, doing more revisions… It will be a long time before you see your book out in the world. So you have to learn to be patient, and find ways to cope with your anxiety and imposter syndrome in the process. Definitely not easy!

DN: Not to query too early! I wish I’d had the courage to seek out critique partners and join things like pitch contests and writing communities before I deemed my work submission-ready.

BJ: Advice given to me by Kevin Johnson, author of “Cape,” “Focus on the two C’s craft and community, and the rest will come.” Make becoming a better writer and a positive literary citizen your driving value. This is something you can continue to work on with the help of or in spite of the subjective world of publishing .

MM: I was so focused on writing an interesting story at the beginning that I didn’t think too much about the importance of craft–word choice, rhythm, rhetorical devices, etc. and how those could be used to elevate a manuscript to the next level. I wish I worked on my craft sooner.

ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?

KZ: It really depends on the project. Most of the time, I use a note app on my phone to collect ideas during moments of inspiration, then flesh them out on my computer. But some projects require pen and paper–such as m aking a dummy for a picture book idea to sort out the pacing and page turns.

DN: Wherever it’s quiet (my thoughts are noisy enough)!

BJ: I like to write in my office on a laptop. However, I enjoy revising in hotel rooms. I wait until I have at least two or three manuscripts to work on and book a room (with loyalty points) in a neighboring city. The change of scenery and surroundings help me think differently about the stories.

MM: Laptop at my dining table in the middle of the chaos of my kids playing and laughing! There’s just something about it.

ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?

KZ: I used to be a night owl and wrote mostly at night. After becoming a parent, I felt too exhausted to write at the end of the day, so now I write early in the morning before the family is up.

DN: I like to write in the morning, but “when the muse strikes” has produced my best drafts.

BJ: I do stream-of-consciousness writing exercises Monday through Friday at 5:30 am and 9:30 pm for consistency. But the muse usually delivers the creative stuff randomly between 12 and 2 pm.


MM: I write when I have someone around to watch my kids! 🙂

ME: Why do you write for children?

KZ: Children are so curious, perceptive, and open-minded. They deserve to know the diversity of cultures and experiences in the world in which they live, and they deserve to see their beautiful and unique selves reflected in the books they read.


DN: They are the best people on this planet. Their curiosity knows no bounds and their hearts have room to love any story, culture, idea, character—even creature!—they encounter.


BJ: Books and libraries changed the trajectory of my life as a child. I write to pay back that debt.


MM: Children are simply the best–they view the world with open hearts and minds. They approach things with awe and excitement, which is so amazing to be around. And they’re sponges, absorbing information about life, culture, facts, science, anything–they’re the perfect audience to share stories with!

    ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.

    KZ: Write from your heart; speak your truth. Do not doubt the value of your story and your unique voice. It will find the reader it needs to reach.

    DN: For aspiring kid lit writers: Don’t take the subjectivity of this industry personally. The right
    manuscript has to land on the right editor’s/agent’s desk (a.k.a. inbox) at the right time. And that time will come, as long as you keep nurturing both your passion and skills.


    BJ: Children spend most of their time learning and playing. As a writer for children you must create opportunities in your life to do the same.

    MM: For aspiring kid lit writers: Read tons of picture books (and beyond). Analyze them. Note the use of structure and word choice. Experiment with your own writing. Reading analytically will develop you as a writer far more than anything else.
    One of my favorite quotes: “You can only write as well as you read.” ― Max Hawthorne

    WE ARE SO VERY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR AUTHENTC AND HEARTFELT RESPONSES.
    Truly, I know that many heads were nodding as you all answered the questions…and you’ve definitely inspired us to believe in ourselves and in the path we’ve chosen as writers for children.

    And our fabulous guests are also sharing a very special recipe!
    “When I was a lonely, scared and scarred eight year old, Mrs. Bertha Flowers, a lean, Black teacher invited me to her house and made tea cakes.” Maya Angelou, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
    In honor of Maya Angelou, here is a fabulous recipe for TEXAS TEA CAKE COOKIES

    Texas Tea Cake Cookies
    Ingredients:
    1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 egg
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    2 cups all-purpose flour
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
    Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
    Instructions:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until well combined.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Fold pecans into the dough at this stage.
    Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
    Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to create a disc shape.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
    Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Once cooled, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
    These tea cake cookies are wonderfully buttery and perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. Feel free to customize them by adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or other flavorings.

    AND THERE IS MORE, DEAR FRIENDS…A GIVEAWAY!

    GIVEAWAY
    1 winner, 2 critiques! 2 of the KidLit Clubhouse members in this post will critique the winner’s PB manuscript (fiction, <1000 words)

    What a generous giveaway! And dear readers, when you are finished clapping and the applause dies down, please think about how you can support these books. We can:
    Buy them
    Review them
    Put them on your Goodreads WANT TO READ shelf
    Tell friends about them (that’s an easy one…just share the post on your social media)
    Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection

    I hope you all have a beautiful weekend. I’m continuing to reach out to agents and editors and authors and illustrators as I collect prizes for #50PreciousWords. So far, the response has been amazingly positive!!