We want to congratulate, WB student and author, Karla Sy on her upcoming debut picture book, STRONG AS A LION, which was acquired by Elizabeth Schleisman at Beaming Books. This story follows a determined granddaughter who creates her own unique version of a lion dance to bring her grandfather and his grocery store good luck during Lunar New Year. Publication is scheduled for Spring 2027, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal? I started writing picture books in early 2020, right as the pandemic unfolded. With newfound time on my hands, I connected with my sister and cousin, both passionate writers, to form a Zoom writing group. We met weekly to share our writing and it took off from there!
I started querying agents in September 2022, just two months before welcoming my first child. I figured that caring for a newborn would distract me from the lengthy response times of querying! Not surprisingly, I took a significant break from both writing and querying. When my son was a little over a year old, I jumped back in and was thrilled to receive an offer of representation from Eve Adler of Red Fox Literary in January 2024, leading to the exciting sale of our first book together in July 2024!
What fears/hopes did you have before working with Bethany privately or taking a Writing Barn class? As a newcomer to picture book writing, I was eager to learn the fundamentals when I signed up for Perfecting the Picture Book I with Lisa Katzenberger. I knew I had a lot to learn: during my first SCBWI Hong Kong critique group meeting, I shared my very first manuscript, only to discover that most picture books hover around 500 words—while mine topped 1000! Moreover, I learned that effective stories usually follow a single narrative arc, whereas mine had three! This was a pivotal moment that ignited my desire to refine my craft.
How did the WB programming aid you in both the craft and business of picture book writing? The Writing Barn courses were instrumental in solidifying my understanding of picture book fundamentals. In addition, participating in Courage to Create and engaging with webinars featuring agents and editors provided invaluable industry insights that guided me through the querying and submission processes. Additionally, I met wonderful critique partners through the WB courses who have become a vital part of my writing community.
What Writing Barn class(es) or other programs (WSS, CTC, VERGE, etc.) have you participated in? After completing Perfecting the Picture Book I, I progressed to Perfecting the Picture Book II. When I learned that Lisa Katzenberger was offering the Write. Submit. Support. workshop, I jumped at the opportunity to continue learning from her. The story that ultimately secured my agent was workshopped first in Lisa’s Perfecting the Picture Book I and then in the Write. Submit. Support. workshop. Her guidance, support, and encouragement played a crucial role in enhancing my craft and boosting my confidence as a writer. Finally, I also had the opportunity to participate in Courage to Create.
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 the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of nurturing your writing community. Writing can often feel like a solitary endeavor, so having people around you to share the highs and lows can be incredibly supportive. These are the individuals who cheer you on, make you laugh, inspire you, and ultimately help you grow as a writer.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals? Give yourself grace. I’ve experienced various seasons in my writing life—some filled with inspiration and flow, while others have left me struggling to write at all and turning to reading instead. There are also moments when writing and reading take a backseat, and that’s okay too! Know that seasons will ebb and flow, and if the desire to write lies deep within you, you will always find your way back to it.
About Karla Sy
Karla Sy is a Canadian author and educator of Filipino-Chinese descent. She grew up in the Philippines and Hong Kong and has also lived in Boston, New York, and Shanghai. She draws on her multicultural background to write stories exploring culture, identity, and family relationships. Karla holds bachelor’s degrees in international relations and economics from Tufts University and a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University. She lives in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and young son. You can visit her at www.karlasy.com.