We want to send a huge congratulations to Bonnie Adamson on signing with one of her dream agents, Sara Crowe of Sara Crowe Literary! Bonnie is an active CTCer and WB student, who’s also a former print designer and magazine editor. She’s always had an interest in writing and illustrating for children. We’re so thrilled for you, Bonnie!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal? I first started sending out illustration samples to art directors over twenty years ago. I was lucky enough to land several book illustration assignments with a small publisher fairly quickly, but I did not sign with an agent until 2011. My ten years with my first agent were not as productive as I had hoped–largely due to major life events that put my career aspirations on the back burner. That agent and I parted amicably in 2022. I took some time off to regroup–it was very scary being without the safety net of an agent, but I knew I had to restructure from the ground up.
What fears/hopes did you have before working with Bethany privately or taking a Writing Barn class? After ten years with some success as an illustrator, but none as an author, I wasn’t sure that what I had to offer was even relevant to today’s market. I had a bad case of uncertainty.
How did the WB programming aid you in both the craft and business of picture book writing? I started out taking a WB class in nonfiction, led by the wonderful Kirsten Larson. I rediscovered my joy in writing, and Kirsten’s positive feedback helped me see that I had a good core to build on. I still think I’m a nonfiction writer at heart, but the new-found confidence from that course allowed me to also work on several picture book projects that I had “doubted” myself out of.
What Writing Barn class(es) or other programs (WSS, CTC, VERGE, etc.) have you participated in? I immediately signed on for the 2023 Pitch & Play event, and then joined Courage to Create early in 2024.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career? Given how long I’ve been at this–the takeaway is never to give up on what you love. Sometimes it just takes new perspectives and a fresh outlook to recharge your batteries.
Did the WB programming aid you in the craft and the business of writing? If so, how? Oh definitely! I have learned so much from the craft webinars, the creators I have met through The Writing Barn, and now as a member of The Verge as I connect with editors and agents.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career? Given how long I’ve been at this–the takeaway is never to give up on what you love. Sometimes it just takes new perspectives and a fresh outlook to recharge your batteries.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals? Try everything! Say yes to everything that comes your way. I took a chance on Kirsten’s nonfiction workshop because I had enjoyed my days as a magazine writer (and English major) and thought it would be fun to explore that genre (still do!). The point is never to stop being curious and adventurous even if–ESPECIALLY if–the well-worn path you’ve been traveling seems to be leading nowhere. Keep taking classes and attending workshops. We hear what we need to hear, but sometimes it takes a while for the message to resonate.
About Bonnie Adamson
Bonnie Adamson is a former print designer and magazine editor who has always had an interest in writing and illustrating for children. Her freelance career allowed her a lot of latitude in exploring areas like typography and book design that would later become useful when she finally took the plunge into the children’s market. Bonnie is grateful to the internet for allowing her to work from home in South Carolina–something that she says would not have been possible way back when she first contemplated a publishing career.