Yet another success story we have the pleasure of sharing with the community! Featured this time is Lizzie Brooks, whose unique blend of thoughtfulness and witty, lighthearted humor we are honored to have helped hone through Lizzie’s classes at the Barn.
Please share your exciting 
news (agent signing, book sale, etc)
I am still a bit in shock that I signed with agent, Arabella Stein of The Bright Agency! They are in London, so now I claim to be very fancy, and British by association…now where did I put my crumpet? 😉
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 personally with Bethany and found her knowledge and editing eye to be just what I needed to grow more fully as a picture book writer. I took Cate Berry’s, Writing Humorous Picture Books workshop which was helpful as I tend to write books that (as Bethany once described) are “both goofy and grounded.”
I also took a workshop on writing query letters—all writers would benefit from this information. It’s the key to opening the door.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal?
It only took a quick eight years! 😉 The first five were full of bad writing that was necessary to propel me into the past three where the writing got better and agents started to take notice. I’ve had multiple requests for my work from agents I met at conferences, and a few who requested after pulling me from their very congested slush piles. But none of these went all the way through to a deal.
One of my manuscripts got 
through to the very last step of the acquisitions process at two different publishers only to be ultimately rejected!
I include that information because it’s not an unusual occurrence. Writer’s need to know that there are often near-misses. Likely, something better waits in the wings.
What fears/hopes did you have before attending the WB class, intensive/or working with Bethany privately?
Showing your work to others is a bit like showing up naked at school…I imagine. There’s a deep vulnerability there. But with that vulnerability comes growth. The red pen bleeds over your work and exposes things you couldn’t see for yourself, and then your work gets better as a result.
How did the atmosphere of The Writing Barn aid you in achieving this goal?
The Writing Barn is nestled in the woods. It’s a private little getaway where your mind can clear from chaos and you can focus solely on writing. You’re surrounded by books and folks who love to read and write them. It’s the perfect place for you to get words on the page.
Have you made friendships/colleagues as well? How has that supported you?
Indeed! I was writing on my own for so long and The Writing Barn opened up a world to me of writers who were both supportive and as enmeshed in the writing world as I was. Writing and submitting work can feel very lonely. The Writing Barn brings a community together that reminds us we’re not alone. I met one of my dearest friends at the Barn—and she recently got signed as well!
Why do you think attending workshops/classes is important to writers at all stages of their career?
You never hit a plateau in learning about writing. You can—and will—continue to expand your knowledge and writing instincts for as long as you stay committed to the craft. I look back on my earlier writing and understanding of the business and I laugh!
I feel so lucky that The Writing Barn is here in Austin and that it’s also accessible online. Bethany knows her stuff and brings in the best people and programming across genres and topics, so that there’s something for everyone, no matter where you are in the process.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career?
It’s never too late to begin. You must make the decision to provide room for creativity. My son has watched my entire process—from carving out time to write, to receiving hundreds of rejections. And he was there the day I got an offer…and the day I got another one.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals?
The universe doesn’t offer up a day where the clouds part and the sun shines its rays directly onto your laptop keys, urging you to sit, write, and flourish. Nope. It’s good old-fashioned grit and grace that does the trick. And sometimes, after a lot of that, you might need a break—so take one. Just come back. Keep coming back.
More about Lizzie:
Lizzie is a yoga teacher and mother from Austin, Texas who writes for both kids and adults. Her articles have been published with Yoga International and Elephant Journal. Her work weaves silliness through serious—equal parts humor and zen.