Friday Feature: Journeys Toward Publication and Beyond: Dena Daw

I first found out about Dena through a mutual friend (thanks Jon!), and began lurking at her very funny blog only to find out that she was lurking at mine.  Dena's voice is so clear in everything that she writes, that I feel like I can actually hear it through the computer screen.  I have no doubt that Dena will go far with her writing.  She's also the reigning Queen of WIBIJ--will nobody take her down?  And her blog is fantastically funny.  And she's not afraid to ask for stuff.  Go check it out!  (No, seriously, I'll wait.)  Are you back?  Great.  


Welcome Dena!  Thanks for doing this interview--and start off by telling us a little about yourself!


I'm Dena, also known as "D." I've been writing for as long as I can remember but recently I've enjoyed writing for my two kids. I have a degree in Journalism and International Politics from the University of South Carolina.  I am married to a Brit  (who moved across the world JUST for me!)  and we have a spunky 4 year old and sweet 1 1/2 year old to show for it.  I spend my days blogging, writing, and putting out pint-sized fires. I also enjoy writing adult short stories (an indulgence of mine). One such indulgence is published online with Black Lantern Publishing.

Dena, share with us what you are currently working on.

Currently my brain is working on a lot of things.  Literally, not that much.  I recently finished revising my first picture book which I am absolutely paranoid of sending out to publishers. I have written a few more picture books (some yet to be critiqued), as well as a few children's short stories that I plan on submitting to various children's magazines. I'm also halfway through a YA novel as well as a historical mystery. I have a horrible habit of not finishing what I start, so honestly I have half-written manuscripts that date back to the 1990's.  Although I'm not currently not working on them, my brain is.  Picture books and short stories are right up my alley- they're finished before I have time to second guess myself and put them on the shelf.

What made you start to write seriously?

My husband.  He's been reading my secretive short stories for years and he's always encouraged me to go for it.  For a long time I ignored him, paranoid of rejection.  The thing is, writing is the only thing I think I'm really good at.  It's one of the few things I truly enjoy.  If I fail at this then it confirms my deepest fear: squirrels are organized.  Oops, I mean my 2nd deepest fear:  that I really suck at writing. Thankfully, my husband urged me on.  He knew one day I'd only hate myself for not trying.  So here I am. Trying.

What stage are you at, currently, in your journey toward publication? And--how is that going for you?  Has anything surprised you about this stage?

Well, here's the thing...I tend to do things backwards.  When I first decided to "go for it," I really went for it.  I mean I stupidly went for it.  I tend to throw myself into things without the proper research and preparation.  That's exactly what I did with "Sally Circle," my first picture book.  I submitted that bad boy to like 7 publishing houses and several agencies.  UN-CRITIQUED.  Yeah, you heard me right.  Then I started blogging.  Wow, it didn't take me long to realize the gravity of my mistake.  Luckily I had a lot of help from my followers and since then I've learned a tremendous amount. I am now a member of an extremely supportive 6-person picture book critique group as well as a card carrying member of SCBWI.  So now I'm at the beginning of the journey toward publication.  Still haven't submitted my revised version of "Sally Circle" or any subsequent PB's. Although I have recently submitted a children's short story to Highlights.

If you had to pick one favorite blog, what would it be?

Wow, this is a really hard one!!!  Honestly, my favorite blog is one that doesn't really exist anymore.  Well, it still exists...but it is no longer being updated. Still, I get a LOT of laughs and advice out of her archives.  Go and meet Miss Snark.  I think she should come out of retirement!

What is a favorite blog post that you have written?

Without a doubt this is the most informative, helpful, awe-inspiring blog post I've ever posted.  I've heard it even brought Jonathon Arntson to tears.

 What online resource have you found most helpful?

Jacketflap. It's the first resource I ever used and it basically has a list of all the publishing houses listed in the Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market.  Not as up to date, but it's a great source if you just want to take have a look at publisher's websites.


What has been your biggest trial in writing?  


TIME.  With two kids and a house that looks like a toy bomb exploded, time is my biggest enemy.  My second biggest enemy is my own insecurity.  Sometimes it's hard for me to forget about the fact that someone will be critiquing it and I draw a blank.

 What tricks have you acquired to make you write or create when you don’t feel up to writing? 


I go and read your blog, as well as hundreds of other writer's blogs.  Everyone in this "writing blogosphere" inspires me.  Whenever I don't feel like writing, I go and read about what everyone else is doing, what stage they're at, what inspires them...and it lights the fire under my butt.  But that might just be the curry.

Tell us about a book that has impacted your writing life.

I remember reading "Gone with the Wind" when I was in middle school. I stayed up all night reading that book.  It took me to a different place- a different time, a different world.  Middle school was hard for me and it helped me escape.  I wanted to create that same escape for others.  I wanted to take people to a different world, just like Margaret Mitchell had done for me.

What is your practical goal with your writing?  Do you have a reach-for-the-stars goal that you would like to share?

My goal right now: to get better.
My dream goal: I want my grandkids to check my books out at the library one day.

So far, what has been the best part of your writing experience?

Finally meeting people who don't think my dreams are unrealistic or childish.  Thanks to all of you.

If you could create the perfect place for you to write in, what would it look like?


A squirrel free zone.  Oak trees and Spanish moss.  Free drinks.

If you could be a character in a book, and live within their world, what character would you be?

I can't really say.  I'm not sure I'd want to be any particular character because I could do without the conflict in their lives. Without conflict, you lose a good story.


What other distractions are in your life?   


Laundry, dishes, breakfast, lunch, dinner, diapers, preschool...you get the idea.


And, just because I’m curious, coffee or tea?   


Creamer...with a little bit of coffee.


Dena--so many of your answers struck a chord with me.  I'm so glad that you are going for it, in your writing life.  That takes guts!  Thank you so much for your honesty.  


Everyone, make Dena feel welcome by leaving a note or question in the comments, Dena will be stopping by (when she's not making an appearance at the award ceremony for WIBIJ!--I told you she was reigning Queen!)  And make sure to check out her blog and give her some love there as well!