Meet Jolene Gutiérrez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jolene Gutiérrez.

Jolene, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in second grade, my teacher offered to “publish” anything we wrote, and I took him up on that! I wrote books of short stories that I illustrated after he and his wife typed them up (on a typewriter!). Holding that “published” book in my hands was the best feeling, and I was hooked.

I’ve always loved writing, but I’ve been a teacher-librarian for the past 25 years. I told myself that I’d pursue writing “someday.” A close friend, Rae, passed in 2006–a friend who I used to talk about books and writing with. Soon after Rae’s death, an author, Denise Vega, visited the school I teach at to present to a small group of my students. She asked each of us if we considered ourselves writers. I said yes. She asked if I was currently writing something. I told her no, but I would someday. She asked me, “Why not now? Why not today?” Her words resonated. My friend had died, reminding me that there are no guarantees in life. She was right—why NOT today? I started writing and in 2008, I joined SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), where Denise was a regional advisor. I’m so grateful for her gentle reminder that today is the best day to start working toward achieving our goals.

For the past 12 years, I’ve been a member of SCBWI and have attended writing workshops and conferences. I also found various critique partners along the way. In 2018, I signed two book contracts! Books generally take a few years to produce, especially if they’re illustrated, so my picture book MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER comes out August 11, 2020, and my nonfiction middle grade book BIONIC BEASTS: SAVING ANIMAL LIVES WITH ARTIFICIAL FLIPPERS, LEGS, AND BEAKS comes out October 6, 2020! I have 4 more books coming out in 2021–they’re all part of the LATIN POP STARS series and feature SHAKIRA, J BALVIN, SOFíA REYES, and OZUNA. And I just signed with an agent, Kaitlyn Sanchez at Olswanger Literary!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all! I mean, the fact that it took me 10 years to get a book contract and 12 years to get an agent is evidence of that. Throughout the entire process, I was hearing good feedback, learning, and growing. I knew that I had two choices: keep working at my writing and eventually get published or give up. And trust me, there were times when I thought about giving up. I’ve had plenty of times when agents or editors were interested but then rejected my work. I haven’t ever counted all of the times I submitted to agents and editors over the years and all of the rejections I received to finally get to one yes, but I can tell you that it was hundreds. And each rejection hurt, but I had to pick myself up and keep going because publishing my stories is a goal I set for myself.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a children’s author. I write books for kids preschool-high school, although picture book for kids ages 4-8 are my specialty. My day job is that of a school librarian at a school for diverse learners ages 6-18. Working as a librarian in that environment, I’ve helped all types of readers find books of interest and can see where there are gaps, too–books that should exist in the world but don’t yet. When I write, I’m always thinking of my students and how they’d interact with the story I’m telling.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As I mentioned, I just signed with an agent, and we’ve been working together on two book projects. Both are biographies and tell stories our children need to read. These are the stories of everyday heroes and untold histories. I’ll be co-authoring both of these books, and I’m so excited for these stories to be shared.

And the release of my upcoming books is very exciting as well! I won’t be able to have the in-person bookstore book launches that I’d planned, but I’ll be doing virtual events with local book store Second Star to the Right. I’m very grateful to them for their support. On August 15, Second Star is hosting me for an event (learn more here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-with-jolene-gutierrez-tickets-115409032523) and they’ll be welcoming me back on October 25.

Contact Info:

• Website: jolenegutierrez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerjolene/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerjolene
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerjolene
• Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4823543.Jolene_Guti_rrez

Image Credit:
Photo 1. Jolene Gutiérrez
Photo 2. Lynn Collins
Photo 3. Katy Landry
Photo 4. Tammy Curran
Photo 5. Kristy Willis
Photos 6-8. Jolene Gutiérrez

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