We’re back with another success story, and this time it’s Debbie Zapata, longtime Writing Barn customer and Fellow, who’s just signed with BookEnds Literary! We couldn’t be more thrilled for Debbie’s good news and we can’t wait to see all that is to come.
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc):
I recently signed with James McGown of BookEnds Literary. I am thrilled to be part of the BookEnds family.
How did studying/retreating at The Writing Barn support you in achieving this goal? What workshop/intensives/or classes have you taken with us?
Writing picture books is a beautiful art form. I am fortunate to live in Austin and study at the Writing Barn. I have studied picture book writing extensively with a host of amazing teachers including Bethany Hegedus, Carmen Oliver, Cate Berry, Donna Janell Bowman, Cynthia Levinson, Susie Kralovansky, and Rob Sanders. I took six week classes (Picture Book I, II, III, Picture Book Biography, and repeated PB II) and attended two Picture Book Weekend Intensives. I attended the 2017 Complete Picture Book Weekend Intensive and I was fortunate enough to study with agent Rachel Orr, editor Ada Zhang, and author Hannah Barnaby. I attended the 2018 Compete Nonfiction Picture Book Biography Weekend Intensive and studied with agent Alyssa Eisner Henkin, editor Jessica Echeverria, and author Patricia Valdez.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal?
I was fortunate that Bethany Hegedus invited me to join the pilot of Write. Submit. Support. (WSS). It provided a unique opportunity to thoroughly explore what living a literary life means to me. I discovered it is the joy of the work, the artistic endeavor of creating characters and worlds, and the goal to share my stories with children. I write stories that people can enjoy all over the world, but certain people can see themselves reflected in a new way.
When I joined WSS, I was clueless about how the kidlit industry works in terms of querying and signing with an agent. I needed help with this critical step in order to get my stories into children’s hands and hearts. I am grateful for my kind and generous classmates (now dear friends) who shared a wealth of knowledge gained from their submission experiences. I was open to trying anything. I queried agents, entered contests, participated in twitter pitch parties, attended conferences and submitted to editors. It paid off!
What fears/hopes did you have before the event?
My one worry was regarding the uncertainty of the business side of publishing—not knowing how long it might take to find an agent, the subjective nature of people loving or not feeling my story, etc. The directive was clear: focus on my writing goals, research agents and agencies, stay active in agent submissions, look at agents’ manuscript wish lists (MSWL), and anything else helpful in finding my agent. I had faith that the right agent and I would team up. And we really have!
How did the atmosphere of The Writing Barn aid you in achieving this goal?
The Writing Barn focuses on the value of learning and improving one’s writing craft. The work is first and foremost, as well as creating my literary life. The community of the Writing Barn is my writing family. They helped me to recognize what type of agent and agency would be the right fit for me because I knew my writing goals and career path. I am lucky to feel at home with all aspects of my literary life and writing career.
Have you made friendships/colleagues as well? How has that supported you?
My strongest supports are friends from my classes, WSS group members and my teachers. They are critique partners, coaches and cheerleaders. They are an invaluable resource to check in with for advice. But most importantly, they offer understanding when the non-writers in my life don’t understand what the deep work really is when it comes to writing.
Why do you think attending workshops/classes is important to writers at all stages of their career?
I am a student for life. I love learning new things. Like people, industries are always changing. There is both an artist’s need to continue to learn and grow and a business need to stay abreast of the industry. I believe quality workshops and classes deliver on both fronts.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career?
My favorite quote by Bethany Hegedus is: “You are in control of the goals, even if you can’t control the milestones.” Even though I am one step closer to my goal of having my work published, I will stay centered on my north star by focusing on the goals that are in my control.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals?
~ When setting your personal writing goals do it with a group of fellow writers. Then help one another with accountability.
~ Find a framework to provide deadlines. Deadlines help me reach my goals. I sign up for a six week course to help stay on top of a specific writing goal.
~ Write down what you really want to have happen. Be completely honest. We know when we stray off course, but may not know why. I believe that is where the real work as a writer begins—what we learn about our own doubts and fears, but also about what propels us forward and through it is reflective of our personal story that often shows up in our writing.
More about Debbie
After earning her Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas, Debbie worked in international human resources in Austin and New York City. She received her Master in Social Work from New York University in 2005 and works as a counselor in Austin. She is an active member of SCBWI, 12×12 picture book challenge, and serves as a Writing Fellow at The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas where she routinely takes craft classes. Debbie writes picture books and is working on her first middle grade novel. Debbie won the picture book category for the 2018 Austin SCBWI Scholarship for Creators of Diverse Characters and was one of the top finalists for the 2018 We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) Mentorship Contest.