Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc).
I’m very excited to announce that my debut picture book, Judah Touro Didn’t Want to Be Famous (Kar Ben Publishing), was released on April 7th. I’m particularly excited because this book will be sent, free of charge, to thousands of children through the PJ Library program. I feel honored to have my book chosen by this terrific program.
How did studying/retreating at The Writing Barn support you in achieving this goal? What workshop/intensives/or classes have you taken with us?
I studied with Bethany at Highlights and, about a year later, took a nonfiction picture book intensive at the Writing Barn. It was a luxury to spend time with other writers, all focused on one specific genre. What a super-charge of energy and ideas!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal?
I wrote my first 10,000-word picture book about 8 years ago. I’ve learned a LOT since then!
What fears/hopes did you have before attending the WB class, intensive/or working with Bethany privately?
I belong to two terrific critique groups, so I was prepared for both support and critical feedback on my work. Still, it’s always scary to put your work out there. A good, incisive delve into the work by an experienced and objective eye is always a gift. I got that at the Writing Barn intensive and in my private work with Bethany.
How did the atmosphere of The Writing Barn aid you in achieving this goal?
It was great to be among people with similar goals and aspirations. The atmosphere at the Writing Barn is open and supportive, even though we all know how competitive the market is. I think so many of us are looking for a safe place to ask our questions and develop our craft. I certainly found that opportunity at the Barn.
Have you made friendships/colleagues as well? How has that supported you?
Yes! Not only did I make friends I keep in touch with, but I also rekindled friendships with writers I’d met at other conferences throughout the years. Especially for writers early in our careers, it’s so important to have a community of friends that are going through the trials with you and are there to share the small victories.
Why do you think attending workshops/classes is important to writers at all stages of their career?
I’m still early in my career so I can only speak to my own experience. I know that attending classes ignites my imagination, passion, and energy. One of the things I especially appreciated about the intensive I attended at the Writing Barn was how specific the topic was. It really helped me hone my skills.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career?
Keep at it. Keep at it. Keep at it.
Be open to input but ultimately trust your gut.
It’s just a picture book. It’s fun. It’s awesome. But it’s not life or death. Go for a swim. Kiss your kid.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals?
Get support from other writers. Read Anne Lamont, Annie Dillard, Jordan Rosenfeld, and other writers who write about the writing life. Go to conferences if you can. Take breaks when you need to. Envision the outcome you are pursuing and work toward that end.
Bio:
Audrey Ades grew up in New England and holds degrees in theater and psychology. Judah Touro Didn’t Want to Be Famous is her first picture book. She lives in South Florida with her husband, son, and persnickety Pomeranian, Cookie.