Did you always dream of being a writer?

Not really. Even though I was a voracious reader growing up, and even though I’ve been writing for fun and as a job for…ever… for some reason it never occurred to me that “author” could be a career path. Until I started hanging out with authors and suddenly realized that regular people write books and sell them. As soon as that clicked, getting traditionally published became my goal.  
 
 
When did you start pursuing traditional publishing? 

I started querying agents with my first novel in August 2015. Alas, that novel never found its home and, eventually, I shelved it.

 
How long did it take from sending that first query to getting an offer of representation? 

Three books, 150-ish rejections, and three years (almost to the day) later, Kim Lionetti at BookEnds offered to represent me.

 
Did you go on submission soon after? 

First, we did a round of revisions. Then, about two months after signing with Kim, she sent me an email with the subject line “It’s out in the universe.” To which my response was (and I quote): EEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeh!

 
How long did you wait until your book received an offer from a publisher?

Less than a month after we started submitting to acquiring editors, we had two R&R (revise and resubmit) requests. We had to choose which one to pursue, because their revision ideas took the book in completely opposite directions. I chose to work with Jessica Smith at (what was then) Simon Pulse because I really connected with her vision and editorial style. At the end of that R&R process—which took several months—Jessica wanted to acquire the book.

 
What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Hands down, querying is the hardest part. There isn’t really anything good about it. It’s just a quagmire of rejection, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. But if you make it through that, you can make it through anything!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Writing!! I get to do something creative and fun that I love…and I get PAID! (In the spirit of #publishingpaidme disclosure, the actual advance I received was a stack of partially used Starbucks gift cards with a combined balance of $6.87.) Besides the cha-ching, other people read what I wrote, and it makes them smile, laugh, swoon, and have feelings. What could be better??!!


What's next for you? 

I’m still writing. I want people who love Glimpsed to have another magical YA romcom to look forward to, so I’m scribbling away at it. Stay tuned!

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just starting out on their pursuit of publication? 

Don’t forget to have fun. Sometimes we take ourselves so seriously or get so caught up in the hard parts of the process that we lose the fun and joy of sitting down and creating a thing. If writing’s not joyful, why not become an electrician? There are literally a thousand other things you could do that would pay better. So if you’re going to be a writer, enjoy it. 
 
 
Last book you just read? 

Rebel Daughter by Lori Banov Kaufman (A young Jewish woman survives the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE to forge a new life and find love.)


What book are you reading now? 

I’m re-reading Persuasion by Jane Austen (a good reminder that I’m a total hack); also reading Distress Signal by Mary E. Lambert aloud with my 8-year-old (perfect for fans of I Survived books!); also reading Dragonfly Girl by Marti Leimbach (I’m in the first chapter and already HOOKED).


Best book you've ever read? 

Objection. This question is unanswerable. There are TOO MANY amazing books. But Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is near the top of the list.


Fave author?

Once again, I must protest. I can’t. Even. But let me give a shout out to ONE of my favorites: Joanna Ruth Meyer. Her newest gorgeous, lyrical YA fantasy Into the Heartless Wood released this month, and I highly recommend it (and all her books).


Best moment of your writing life?

It was a quiet moment—not a jump and squeal. Mary E. Lambert had read a short story I’d written and invited me to join her writing critique group. At the time, I didn’t think of it as pivotal. I just agreed because I like joining things and I like writing. But in hindsight, I honestly don’t think I would have finished a novel—leave alone gotten published—without that group. They encourage me, teach me, inspire me, and give me constant deadlines (“Gotta get this chapter done for critique group!”). The moral of the story is: if you don’t have a great critique group, FIND ONE. Nothing is more important for your writing journey.


Name of your newest WIP?

The working title is “Crunched.” Because there are cursed apples. Get it?


If not an author, what would be your dream job? 

​I would work for an international non-profit that helps people overcome poverty and injustice. Wait—that IS my day job! Living the dream.

​Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?

Yes, from a young age. However, as I grew older I pursued other goals (namely, financial ones) and writing took a back seat. Then, in my mid-life and with kids in the middle grade age bracket, I revisited my passion in collaboration with them for the pure fun of it. The result has been a wonderful ride I never knew would be so perfect for me. 


What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Multi-tasking. I really enjoy the writing part of being an author, but the “marketing” less so. I really like hearing from readers, but the self-promotion thing sometimes feels awkward. I mean, I love to celebrate the wins because why not?! At the same time, I want to celebrate everyone else’s wins too and be sensitive to the community of which I’m a part. Finding the time to balance all of those things, plus family and work and life, can be challenging!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Writing. Sitting down and letting the real world slip away and letting my imagination tug me along the story of my own invention. That is a transporting power of which I’ll never tire. I love to read and watch movies too for a similar effect, but there’s something extra thrilling about creating the world yourself. I love it.


What's next for you? 

Book 2, Sol Invictus, comes out February 2, 2021, so I’m certainly excited about that! I’m also working on book 3 of The Eye of Ra series, which reveals even more about John and Sarah and why they’re traveling through time.

We also just put out a Teacher Guide for The Eye of Ra (available on my website or Teachers Pay Teachers for free) and are starting work on one for Sol Invictus. [link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Guide-for-The-Eye-of-Ra-by-Ben-Gartner-6465704]


What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers who just started their pursuit of publication? 

Never forget why you’re writing. For me, it’s for FUN. If I sell a few copies, bonus. But, if the journey is not enjoyable then what’s the point? That also includes going easy on yourself. You don’t have to be a Newbery winner or Stephen King. If what you’re doing excites you, then do it. Simple. Doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult or take hard work, but those are the wins you earn.

Photo credit: Laura Carson
​

Did you always dream of being a writer?
I first wanted to be a writer in elementary school. My school participated in young authors festivals and we made handmade books out of construction paper and cardboard and I loved it. I also had wonderful teachers who encouraged me and believed being a writer was entirely within the realm of possibility. That made a huge difference. I ended up studying a lot of other things and I had a long career as a teacher, but I never stopped writing. I started publishing poems in literary journals and anthologies in the early 2000’s, and I published a collection of poetry in 2015. ALONE is my first novel.
 
When did you start pursuing traditional publishing? 
I started querying ALONE in 2014 and I joined the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where I learned a lot about traditional publishing. I also took a lot of classes on different aspects of writing and publishing through Writer’s Digest and other online resources.
 
How long did it take from sending that first query to getting an offer of representation? 
I sent my first query in 2014 and I signed with my agent in 2018. In between, I took some long breaks and completely rewrote the novel. It was originally written in prose and third person voice, and I revised the whole thing into verse and first person voice.
 
Did you go on submission soon after? 
I did a small revision for my agent after I signed with her, and then she sent out the manuscript about three months later. She does a lot to lay groundwork with editors and publishing houses before she sends out submissions.
 
How long did you wait until your book received an offer from a publisher?
We got our first nibble about two months later and that nibble turned into an offer. It was a thrilling moment when I got that email.
 
What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?
As you know, there is a LOT of wait time. Long weeks or months with no word from the publishers. The conventional wisdom about using that time to work on the next book is really true. I completely revised one manuscript and wrote an entirely new one in the time it’s taken to publish ALONE.

And the easiest, or most enjoyable?
I love the collaboration with all the people working on the book. I love working with my editor and the copyeditors and marketing folks. I also love the community of writers I’ve become a part of. Writing is a very solitary endeavor and I really relish the parts of publishing that involve other people.

What's next for you? 
I have a few things in the pipeline. I’m hoping to have more good publishing news to share soon, and I’m actively revising my work-in-progress. I’m also excited to do school and library visits and connect with young readers who find their way to ALONE.
 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? 
Keep showing up. Everything I’ve learned or that I’ve been able to make happen took place because I kept showing up. Whether it was showing up at my desk every day to write or showing up at conferences for workshops and critiques, I made myself go even when I was tempted not to. I often registered or applied for opportunities that had a built in deadline to submit work, even when I didn’t have anything ready at the time of registration. Having those external deadlines motivated me to keep working, and then when the deadlines arrived, I’d have ten polished pages or fifty or a manuscript ready to submit. Opportunities present themselves all the time, but if you don’t show up, they’ll only benefit other people. Get out there and learn about the industry and do the work necessary to hone your craft. Pay attention, stay open to growing as a creator, and keep showing up.   
 
Some quickfire answers...
 
Last book you just read? 
Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
 
What book are you reading now? 
PAWS by Kate Foster
 
Best book you've ever read? 
Impossible question.
 
Fave author?
I love Fannie Flagg. And Charlotte Bronte. And Kate DiCamillo. And I’ve had a forty-year-long crush on John Irving.
 
Best moment of your writing life?
Reading and talking about poetry as a guest poet in a class with men incarcerated at the Sterling Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison here in Colorado.
 
Name of your newest WIP?
Snake-Bit
 
If not an author, what would be your dream job? 
Working in a flower shop.