We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Stremer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My first traditionally published book, GREAT CARRIER REEF is one of my most meaningful projects. It wasn’t the book that helped me sign with my agent, but it was the first we sold together. I discovered the USS Oriskany’s story when my daughter turned on a documentary about reefing ships. The USS Oriskany, nicknamed “the Mighty-O”, is a Navy aircraft carrier. As a military spouse whose husband deployed multiple times on aircraft carriers, I was instantly intrigued by the fact that a military vessel designed to be unsinkable was deliberately sent to the bottom of the ocean. I also love all things nature/science so the topic appealed to me even more. I knew the story was one I had to tell. I also knew it was unique and only one person would have the opportunity to tell it first. I wanted to be that person!
I submitted the manuscript for a critique with an editor through a writing event. The critique was really positive and, even though that editor wasn’t interested in pursuing it further, her comment that the manuscript was ready for submission boosted my confidence.
My agent sent the manuscript to a small batch of editors. One of those editors asked for some revisions before taking the book to acquisitions (where the team decides if they’re going to offer on the book or not). The editor commented within the manuscript ideas and suggestions, so I had a good idea of what I needed to work on. I shared my changes with a few trusted critique partners to ensure I was interpreting the feedback correctly, then sent it back. Luckily, she loved it and by mid-July of 2021, I had an accepted offer!
I love that kids can read the Oriskany’s story. I hope they walk away with a sense of optimism – that they see this success story and feel inspired to continue to invent creative solutions to other environmental struggles our planet faces.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve had a love for putting pen to paper for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until both of my daughters were in school full-time that I took the plunge and wrote my first picture book manuscript. It was sweet, playful, and utterly perfect. Just kidding! I made every newbie mistake there is, which is exactly how the writing process is supposed to go.
The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is an invaluable resource for people interested in writing for kids (board books to young adult). There are various courses you can take based on where you are at in your writing career and the types of books you’re writing (and/or illustrating). SCBWI really helped me learn the ropes of the business.
Once I got started writing, it didn’t take me long to hone into the types of stories I love to tell; narrative nonfiction, often with an environmental theme, that introduce kids to a lesser-known topic and encourages them to look at the world differently. All of my stories promote curiosity and leave readers with a sense of hope. They’re also an excellent resource both in and out of the classroom.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Books are a source of entertainment, and a well-written book can be enjoyed over and over. Buying books is the best way to support authors and illustrators. By providing books to kids you’re not only fostering a love for reading but introducing them to worlds they may otherwise never know. Of course, we can’t afford to buy all of the books in the world, which is where your local library comes into play. If they don’t have the book you’re looking for, ask them to purchase a copy. Lastly, leave creators POSITIVE and honest reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Include what you enjoyed about the book and who else you think would like reading it. Big emphasis on positive. It takes an immense amount of time and energy to create a book, and while there may be things you didn’t love about, there are probably things you did like that you can highlight.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
By far the most rewarding aspect of being an author is seeing my hands in the books of kids. I love watching them become engrossed in a story. I love the discussions that follow. Knowing that my books may help shape the lives of the next generation is something I take very seriously, and I hope I’m doing those kids justice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicastremer.com
- Instagram: @jlstremer
- Twitter: @jstremer
Image Credits
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