We’re absolutely thrilled for WB student and VERGE member Molly Golden on her new picture book, BECOMING REAL: THE TRUE STORY OF THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, released on January 21, 2025. We were pleased to have Molly join us for a Success Story Interview that’s all about her literary journey and her new book!
Please tell us a bit about your new books! Becoming Real: The True Story of the Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of Margery Williams Bianco, author of the well-known children’s story. It follows Margery from her childhood filled with imagination into her adulthood when she was inspired to The Velveteen Rabbit after WWI.
How long have you been writing/working on this specific project? Oh my! I first wrote this manuscript in 2019. It sold in 2021.
Where did the seeds of the stories come from? Like so many people I have always loved the book, The Velveteen Rabbit. I still have the copy my mom read to me when I was a child. The famous excerpt about Love was read at my husband’s and my wedding. I think the story touched me when I was young because I had so many toys that were “real.” (I still have my very well loved childhood stuffed animal in my bedside table.) When I reread the story as an adult, it resonated with me in a different way. Years ago I was researching picture book biographies and when I searched for one about Margery Williams, there wasn’t a book out there. So I decided I would write one!
What is your connection to The Writing Barn and/or Bethany Hegedus’ Courage to Create Community? I worked on this manuscript in the Picture Book Biography course taught by Rob Sanders through The Writing Barn. My classmates and Rob gave priceless feedback on the original (and very different) first drafts.
What fears/hopes did you have before participating in WSS or a WB class/intensive? I think as creator’s we often wonder how our stories will be received. Is there space for us in this business? I have found that The Writing Barn community has room for everyone to share their stories.
Did the WB programming aid you in the craft and the business of writing? If so, how? Oh definitely! I have learned so much from the craft webinars, the creators I have met through The Writing Barn, and now as a member of The Verge as I connect with editors and agents.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career? Every story needs to be told–every truth and every hope needs to be shared.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course while pursuing their goals? Remain true to your voice and your stories. Don’t change yourself or your words for the business.
Who in the kidlit world are you currently reading, excited about forthcoming books? I have been rereading books this year that I read as a child, teenager, and teacher. I am in the middle of rereading Esperanza Rising with my 5th grade son. I love revisiting books — we take new things from them at different points in our lives.
Where can readers order your books? I’d love independent bookstores to be a reader’s first stop, but Becoming Real is available to order online and at the larger bookstore chains too.
About Author Molly Golden
Molly Golden was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area where she spent much of her childhood creek-walking and riding her bicycle around the neighborhood with her little dog in the basket. Molly attended Santa Clara University and studied literature. After college, Molly combined her passion for books and love of learning and graduated from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education. She taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts for over a decade in California. Molly has remained involved in education through various roles in schools and the larger educational community. However, her favorite thing to do is write stories for young readers…and readers young at heart. When she isn’t writing, Molly likes to hike with her dogs when it’s warm and ice skate and ski with her family when it’s cold. She currently lives in Central Oregon with her husband, children, and five (and counting!) pets.