We recently connected with Penny Schneider and have shared our conversation below.

Penny, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I have been a high school art teacher for the past 30 years. I have learned so much throughout my career. Organization, planning, running a classroom, teaching, getting my point(s) across, motivating others, the list goes on. As an author illustrator beginning to do book readings, library visits, programs, etc. my teaching experience is proving to be invaluable. Developing a program that will be interesting and that will engage my audience stems from my teaching in the classroom. I introduce myself, explain who I am, why they even should be listening to me in the first place, how they can relate to and better understand and enjoy my story. This all comes from good teaching. I learned to read the room, get a quick assessment of my audience and how to excite and entertain my listeners. Classroom management skills also are a great asset in these situations as well.

Penny, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! I am Penny Schneider, author illustrator and art educator. My debut children’s graphic novel ARTY launched on September 10, 2024 with Monarch Educational Services Press.
I create art and books with humor and heart to grow smiles.
I am also a high school art teacher for over 30 years on Long Island in New York. When I was a kid, people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always say a cartoonist, the next Walt Disney.
It took almost 5 years to complete, perfect and publish ARTY. I think what I love most, besides actually creating my books, are the laughs and the Arty love from the readers. When they read it, or it is read to them, the big laughs at all the right moments, is awesome. Arty is not your typical you see a fish you fight betta fish, he dreams of having a friend. Kids talk to me about that they can relate to feeling different and wishing for friendship. They read about Arty having the courage to go after his dream and they are cheering him on the whole way. At the end of each chapter there is a page that invites the reader to be an illustrator with a prompt to add to the story. This is because when I was a kid I used to draw characters into my books, I wanted my readers to be invited to do so, not as a negative thing. The last chapter is a Blooper Reel, filled with fun “mistakes” and outtakes. At the book’s conclusion, it ends with science fun facts about betta fish and sea slugs, the two main characters. I have begun doing author illustrator events and I am loving it. I love reading ARTY to my audiences and then sharing with them my creative process and drawing with them. This blends the two parts of my world, teaching art and being an author illustrator together. I am also excited to share that I am working on ARTY TOO. You will not believe what happens next….

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I began writing stories originally for my daughter when she was young. This turned into a true love of creating and illustrating stories and characters. I was recommended to join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to help hone my craft. Great idea! I took classes on writing and illustrating children’s books. I read (and continue to read) tons of children’s books. Once I fully worked up my first dummy (it was not ARTY), I began querying agents, the process was grueling. With each no that I received I dug in deeper to hone my craft. I wrote more stories and kept drawing and drawing and drawing (well, I do love to draw!). I took more classes and did the work. Eventually ARTY was born. When I felt I was “ready” I queried agents again. I got good feedback, but, still a No. Your story is great, we love your art, but…. this story does not fit our need right now… always felt like it sucked the wind right out of me. So what did I do? I dug in deeper. I took more classes, I redid, I redrew, I participated in my awesome critique groups, until…. I felt “ready” again. This was all in addition to being a superhero in sweat pants to my family and a full time high school art teacher. I definitely did not query as much or often as I know others have done, but this is a tough business! Putting your art, your work and your heart out there is not for the thin skinned. But I never gave up. When people would say that you want your agent/ publisher to love your work so much that they are your biggest fan, they were actually right. When I queried my publisher at Monarch Educational Services Press my book life changed. She is amazing and I am so grateful for her. Looking back, I know that my work has evolved, and continues to grow. I should be grateful for every no, each one made me and my work better, even if that seemed crazy back then. Almost 5 years of working my craft, learning, growing and working up ARTY, ARTY is swimming on bookshelves. Never give up.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goals in my writing and illustrating career can basically be summed up. I try to grow smiles and understanding through my work. I love messages of friendship, love, caring and learning. Personally I feel that children, or anyone, learn best through play and laughter, creating good memories. Childhood can be tough, kids can be tough. I would like every child that reads and experiences my work to find a friend in it. A friend that they can learn from and laugh with. A friend that lets them know it is ok to be who you are, be your best you, and dream your biggest and best dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PennySchneider.com
• Instagram: @_Pennysdoodles
• Linkedin: Penny Schneider
• Twitter: @pennyschnei
• Other: Blue Sky. @Pennyschnei