We are absolutely thrilled for Writing Barn success story Johanna Peyton who is celebrating signing with her dream agent, Taylor Martindale Kean, at Full Circle Literary!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal?
Writing and publishing a children’s book have always been a dream of mine and although I have been writing my whole life, I didn’t start pursuing this path in earnest until 2020. So, I have been on this path now for four years.
What fears/hopes did you have before participating in WSS or a WB class/intensive?
There have been fears and hopes at every step of this process. Having a dream and being brave and vulnerable enough to go after it is a scary and exciting thing.
My first Writing Barn class was Perfecting the Picture Book class with Liza Katzenberger and Nick Solis. During the introductions on the first day, I was scared to even call myself a writer. Nick interrupted me and said, “if you write, you are a writer.” His confidence in me was the first and powerful nudge to own my efforts and this dream of mine.
My fears have always been rooted in not being enough… and my hopes have always been the flip side – what if I am. I am so thankful to be in this community of writers that pushes me to listen to hope more than fear.
Did the WB programming aid you in the craft and business of writing?
Absolutely! I have taken six (at least) six-week intensives, numerous one-day workshops, WSS for PB writers, joined the Courage to Create Community, completed a one-year mentorship with Bethany, and now I am in the Verge program. The Writing Barn has taught me everything I know about craft and the writing industry. My critique group formed after Perfecting the Picture Book II and we are still going strong three years later!! I will forever be grateful to Bethany and all The Writing Barn staff for how they have taught, encouraged, and inspired me and my work.
Did the atmosphere (online or in person) of The Writing Barn aid you in achieving your goals?
Again, absolutely! The Writing Barn taught me the difference between goals (achievements within your control, ie. how many hours spent writing or how many queries sent out) and milestones (achievements outside of your control, ie. getting an agent or winning an award). Maybe I should have already known this distinction but learning it shifted my perspective and kept me feeling empowered and motivated.
Also, the Courage to Create community has been a wonderful resource for engaging with the industry through monthly Ask an Agent, Editor Insights, and Behind the Book sessions, all which come with submission opportunities. These opportunities helped hold me accountable to get my work ready and out there. Plus, the community of other writers in this group is invaluable.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career?
One of my favorite quotes of Bethany’s is “As a writer, our medium is not words, it is the unspoken. The feelings the words bring up in us and the reader in the silence of our souls.” This is something that I will carry with me always. Our job as writers isn’t just to craft and manipulate words but to leave space between the words in order to evoke an emotional connection with our readers. In that way, books are like magic.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course while pursuing their goals?
Anytime I feel especially discouraged, I do a heart check, and think about the ending line of Mary Oliver’s poem “The Summer Day” – “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Every time, my answer is always THIS. I sincerely enjoy all the time and energy I spend in this bookish world, reading, writing, and dreaming. There is simply no other place I would rather be than growing as a writer and pursuing publication. I tell myself that as long as this is the case, I will stay the course, but if it ever changes, I will pivot with no shame. For me, these heart checks keep this process an active choice – I am choosing this. This also helps put disappointments into perspective – the joy and fulfillment I feel while creating is worth the ups and downs. I am also choosing the disappointments when they come because it is part of the process.
So… How do YOU want to spend your one wild and precious life? If writing and pursuing a literary career is your answer too… then you’re stuck. You just have to keep going. Lucky you.
About Johanna Peyton
Johanna Peyton is a neurodivergent writer represented by agent Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary. She holds a BBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management and an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. In 2021, she was an award finalist for Austin SCBWI’s Cynthia Leitch Smith Writing Mentor Award and in 2022 she won an Honorable Mention in the 2022 PBParty and was selected as a mentee to the RUCCL writing conference. She spent 2023 in a writing mentorship with author Bethany Hegedus. Johanna is a member of SCBWI, 12×12, and The Writing Barn’s Verge and Courage to Create communities. In her free time, she shares her writing journey and the books that inspire her on Instagram @JohannaPeytonAuthor.