Meet Trailblazer Theresa Howell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Howell.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I never went anywhere without a book, and would often completely lose myself in the stories I was reading. I started writing poems into a little journal I had, and never seemed afraid to read them aloud to anyone who would listen. Back then, books and writing were a FEELING, like an internal little spark that made me feel like the world was rich with stories and characters, words and inspiration. All these years later, that spark has never gone out. After I graduated from grad school (with a degree that had nothing to do with writing or publishing), I stumbled into an editing job at a small independent publishing company based out of Flagstaff, Arizona, that published gorgeous picture books for kids. It was my entree into the world of publishing, and all that’s involved in transforming an idea into a story into a book with art that thousands of people will hold in their hands and read. Because it was a small publisher, I had the chance to be involved in multiple aspects of the process. It was an amazing opportunity. An editor needs to know how to make stories shine and endure. She also needs to know the market inside and out, where there are gaps in the marketplace and what books might be well-received. The entire time I was acquiring and editing works by others, my mind was also busily developing ideas for my own stories. With time, I’ve shifted almost entirely from editing to writing and publishing my own books. And that spark–it just keeps burning brighter.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If I could send a letter back to myself as a child, I’d have to explain that yes, one day you will grow up to be a writer just like you dreamed, but it definitely will not be a smooth road getting there. I’m not sure it ever will be! I think if I’m honest, writing always seemed like an unattainable dream–something that would probably never happen professionally. In college, I pursued other interests. I got my degree in Anthropology (likely also a professional pipe dream) and my master’s in Applied Linguistics. My life took a sharp turn when I got that job as a children’s book editor. It’s been a long, slow climb, and I’m still not sure where all of it will lead. The publishing world, in general, is notoriously slow and uncertain. It takes massive amounts of patience and persistence, steadfast determination and a willingness to work with others and trust the process.

For women starting out on the journey, my best advice is to always keep writing no matter what blows publishing deals you. Write your passion. Then, be willing to do the hard work necessary to try to get the work published. Publishing is probably 10% creativity, 80% diligence, and 10% timing. Study the market, read, meet other writers, build relationships, talk writing, write down ALL of your ideas. Keep going.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
All of my books are sparked by my real-life experiences and passions. My first picture book, MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL (co-written with F. Isabel Campoy, illustrated by Rafael López, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), was inspired by the Urban Art Trail project in San Diego spearheaded by Rafael and his wife, Candice, and has led to similar community art projects throughout the United States. MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL was selected as 2018 Read for the Record title, is the winner of the 2017 Tomás Rivera Book Award and was named an ALA Notable Book as well as a 2016 Best Book of the Year by Kirkus, the Huffington Post, the Chicago Public Library, and SLJ’s Fuse#8 blog. The Spanish edition of MAYBE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, titled QUIZÁS ALGO HERMOSO, is also available. The SCOUT MOORE, JUNIOR RANGER (Grand Canyon Conservancy and Muddy Boots Books), features the bright, curious, outdoor-loving Scout who motivates young readers to get out there and explore our national parks and nature for themselves. The character Scout is a combination of my two girls and includes details from some of our family’s outdoor adventures. My latest book, LEADING THE WAY: WOMEN IN POWER (Candlewick Press) with Senator Janet Howell, spotlights the careers of fifty American women in politics — and inspires readers to make a difference. With a foreword by Hillary Rodham Clinton. I believe in the power of role models and empowering girls to achieve their dreams.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
The publishing house I started working for out of grad school was very nurturing. I learned so much from that experience. Many thanks to the publisher David Jenney. The publishing world is actually quite small. Value the relationships you form in that world. Listen. Learn. Look for connections between your work and what’s going on in the world. I have loved forming writing partnerships for more than one of my projects. Lift up other writers as you go. The world is full of possibilities and potential and connections. Embrace it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theresahowell.com
• Instagram: @theresahowellbooks
• Facebook: @theresahowellchildrensauthor
• Twitter: @theresaahowell

Image Credit:
Theresa Howell, Brian Howell, Kira Semmens

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