Q&A with Rebekah Manley

_{The following interview was conducted by teaching artist Robin Bissett}

How did you first become involved with the Writing Barn? What do you currently do for the Writing Barn?

Of course, I had heard wonderful things about The Writing Barn. But I really got to know the owner, Bethany Hegedus, at a conference in Midland, TX. We bonded and brought our friendship back to Austin. She invited me to be in her inaugural Write. Submit. Support. Class (WSS). That class drew me into the barn community and created depth in my publishing pursuit. I became a Writing Barn Fellow (class of 2016-18) and I continue to TA classes and intensives.

Tell us about your book, Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates. We are so excited! Give us a brief description; What inspired you to write it?

I usually start this question out by laughing to myself. Just thinking about this book makes me laugh as it is a humorous picture book for adults about dating horror stories. The main character, Alex, goes on 30 bad dates in 30 days. Ultimately, it’s a story about friendship and empowerment. Fortunately, I’ve experienced both in my dating life and I “wrote what I knew” and I let the story show me where it wanted me to go.

Is this book part of a series?

I often joke that I have enough for a few books. It really could be!

What was the most challenging part of writing it?

Honestly, there were some dates I’ve experienced that seemed too “unbelievable” for the book. I had to figure out a way to use shreds of truth and add in humorous fictional accounts. It’s also a fun challenge, as with picture books, to create a full story in about 500 words and write to leave space and power for the pictures to take shape.

What can readers hope to learn from this book?

I hope people will buy and read this with their single friends and family members and be reminded, yes– the struggle is real and yes there is a whole lot of humor and goodness along the way. And, maybe people will read this and get some info on what NOT to do on a date. Haha.

Will you give us a sneak peek/share with us one of your favorite parts?

I want to give a teaser that there are some, almost, hidden illustrations in the book that might take a few reads for people to discover them. Catarina Oliveira, our most talented illustrator, brought this book to life with warmth and I’m grateful she was onboard to add a special character I created, Lottie the French bulldog. Lottie has her own special role, even though she is never mentioned in the text.

Rebekah at a Picture Book Intensive at The Writing Barn

What other books have inspired you? What about them inspired you?

This is a tough one, as I like to write for all ages. My specialty is picture books and of my favorite books as a child was Jillian Jiggs by Phoebe Gilman. Jillian kept trying to clean her room, as she was asked, but she kept getting distracted by her imagination and everyday items surrounding her like boxes that were obviously meant to become robots. I think about her with my writing and, in particular, this book. Perhaps, I was “supposed” to be writing only picture books for kids, but my everyday experiences, like bad dates, wanted a chance to get creative.

What is your writing process like? Do you start with an outline before you begin writing?

A lot of my manuscripts stem from free writing. I think ALEXANDRA might have flowed from journaling about bad dates. I’d like to become an outline writer…but I’m…sorry I lost my thought…I think I was daydreaming. 😉

What do you think are the most important aspects of a story are?

Along with the humor, this book shows dating isn’t a solitary sport. It takes the support of loved ones to laugh, and sometimes cry, alongside you. I think readers will feel seen as they navigate dating today.

What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Bethany reminds me to write with heart and be raw on the page before worrying what the world will think. First, I write the words I need to hear and heal from and, then, I remain open to where they take me.

Where are your favorite writing spots in Austin?

I promise this isn’t an advertisement for The Writing Barn, but that magical location is on the top of my list. I also love coffee shops and sitting by my apartment pool before it gets too hot. Honestly, I do a lot of in-bed writing. I feel safe and cozy there and, perhaps, there is something in being close to my dreams.

Do you prefer to write by hand or on a computer? Why?

I do both. I have quiet journaling time every day. It’s nice to get words onto a page, I think there is a connector between the heart, arm, and the pen. My struggle is to read my handwriting later. Haha. I constantly write notes on my phone when I’m out and my computer is one of my BFFs.

If you could have dinner with any author (living or dead), who would you choose? Why?

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, for sure. Sadly, she left us way too soon. In her vibrant life, she wrote for all ages with fresh ideas, empathy, and outside-the-box thinking. She inspires me.

About Robin Bissett:

Robin Bissett received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Minor in Creative Writing from Trinity University in May 2020. She currently works as a Teaching Artist for The Library Foundation and in marketing and communications for the Texas Book Festival. Her most recent publications are featured in Burning House Press, TEJASCOVIDO, and Riot Act Magazine.

She enjoys sharing stories and strengthening her surrounding literary communities in Central Texas.

About Rebekah Manley:

Rebekah Manley holds her Master of Fine Arts in Children’s Literature from Hollins University and feels like she’s earned her MFA in dating. She lives in Austin, TX, and is fueled by swimming, queso, and good conversation. Rebekah runs the Texas Center for the Book and works to encourage literacy, reading, and library use in the Lone Star State. Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates: A Picture Book Parody for Adults is her debut book.