Ever wonder what really happens when a manuscript isn’t working? What about when an author completely scraps their original idea and starts over? Sometimes, that’s where the magic happens.
The Story Behind the Story
When I first sat down to write what would eventually become THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW, I thought I was writing a biography of the Andromeda Galaxy. Yes, you read that right – a galaxy biography. I had grand visions of layered text, second-person narration (you), and a thousand years of astronomical discoveries all wrapped up in 32 pages (ha, ha!).
It was going to be brilliant.
Except I couldn’t make it work.
My critique partners asked the tough questions: Why should a kid care about this? What’s the real story here? And I didn’t have good answers. The manuscript felt cold, distant, more like a textbook than the warm invitation to wonder I wanted to create.
So I did what any reasonable author would do: I threw it all out and started over. Twice.
Why I’m Sharing the Messy Middle
Here’s the thing about the publishing world. We love to celebrate the shiny finished products, but we rarely talk about the ugly middle parts. The drafts that don’t work. The gentle feedback that says the book isn’t there yet (sometimes after years of work!). The moments when we’re convinced we won’t ever figure it out.
But those messy middles? They’re where the real magic happens.
That’s why I’m hosting a free behind-the-scenes webinar to celebrate the launch of THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW. Because I think writers, educators, and curious readers deserve to see the whole process – doubts, pivots, breakthroughs, and all. That’s what being a writer is all about.
What You’ll Learn (No Sugarcoating)
Tuesday, September 16 at 7 PM Eastern, we’re talking about:
- How critique partners’ real talk became revelation – The critiques that changed everything
- Visual storytelling secrets – What I learned about crafting a visual story for sparse text, plus writing illustration notes
- The great topic pivot – From galaxy biography to Hubble biography to… something completely different
- Tools for getting unstuck – Practical strategies for when you just can’t find a way forward
- The real heart of the story – How I finally figured out what I was trying to say
Plus, you’ll get a downloadable “Re-Envisioning Your Picture Book” handout with tips for your own stalled stories.
This Is Your Invitation
Whether you’re a picture book writer wrestling with your own manuscript, an educator who loves science stories, or simply someone curious about how books really get made, this webinar is for you.
Here’s how it works:
- Join me live on Tuesday, September 16 at 7 PM Eastern via Zoom
- Can’t make it live? No worries – you’ll have 30 days to watch the replay
Register here to receive the Zoom link, handout, and recording (sent out within 24 hours of the event).
Why Your Support Means Everything
Every book purchase, every library request, every honest review helps THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW reach the young scientists and curious kids of the future.
You can support the book by:
- Buying a copy for yourself, your classroom, or a science-loving kid in your life
- Requesting it at your local library – librarians pay attention to patron requests!
- Leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your favorite book platform
- Sharing it with teachers, parents, and anyone who believes in nurturing curiosity
Word-of-mouth is THE best way for people to discover new books. When you review a book, you’re not just helping the author – you’re helping other readers find stories that might change how a child sees the world.
A Book About Beautiful Imperfection
THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW is ultimately about embracing the nonlinear nature of discovery. It’s about wrong turns that lead to right places, questions that matter more than answers, and the beautiful messiness of how science really works.
The irony isn’t lost on me that the book itself took exactly that kind of winding path to exist.
Maybe your current project is in its own messy middle. Maybe you’re wondering if you’ll ever figure it out. If so, this webinar is especially for you. Because sometimes the best thing we can do for each other is admit that the path isn’t straight – and share what we’ve learned along the way.
Ready to Join the Conversation?
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 16 at 7 PM Eastern. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe a warm cup of something cozy. We’re going to have an honest conversation about creativity, persistence, and the kind of books that help kids fall in love with wonder.
Can’t wait to see you there – and thank you for being part of this journey.
P.S. If you’ve already read the book, which you can view on Edelweiss, I’d be forever grateful for an honest review. It takes two minutes and helps immeasurably. Thank you for supporting stories that celebrate curiosity.
About THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW: A lyrical exploration of how science really works – through wrong turns, happy accidents, and the kind of persistent curiosity that changes everything. Perfect for budding scientists ages 4-8 and the adults who want to nurture their sense of wonder. It’s available for preorder wherever you buy books!
