What is Writing with the Stars?
Writing with the Stars is an opportunity for aspiring picture book writers and illustrators to win a free, three-month mentorship with a published author or author/illustrator. Mentors will help mentees further develop their craft and share invaluable advice and insight into the publishing world.
When is Writing with the Stars?
WWTS 2020-December 2019 Update
As we all know, life in the kidlit world is a roller coaster under the best conditions. But during this past year multiple factors, including numerous health challenges related to my chronic Lyme’s disease, caused the perfect storm. I’m currently dealing with an acute co-infection, and the resulting symptoms require much of my energy and, most importantly, my time.
Due to extenuating circumstances, running Writing with the Stars this year was going to require much more time and effort than normal and, coupled with my health issues, would be extremely difficult for me at the moment. So I’ve reluctantly decided to put my mentorship program on hiatus. I’m so sorry to disappoint the numerous deserving writers and illustrators who look forward to the opportunities WWTS affords. Please understand that my passion to assist members of our community on their path to publication remains strong, and I hope to resume those efforts in coming years once I overcome my current challenges.
Tara
WWTS is closed for 2019.
For official rules click here.
Why Writing with the Stars?
In 2014, I jumped into the world of kidlit and started writing picture books with my sister Becky. I educated myself on the industry, joined SCBWI, found critique partners, and attended conferences. I was starting to get positive feedback from critiques and contests, but I needed something more. I knew the answer was a mentor. I looked at the few options, but could not find a mentor that was the right match for my weird, quirky humor. Then fate intervened and I saw that author Stacy McAnulty was running a contest to find a mentee. And, amazingly, it was free! She wrote funny books … just like me. I won and we worked together for six months. Soon after, I signed with an agent and sold my first books. Stacy’s only requirement was that I pay it forward and take on my own mentee when I was able.
I know personally the immense value of a mentorship and the difference it can make. I firmly believe that no one makes it in this business without help from others. The generosity and kindness of the kidlit community blows me away. So instead of mentoring one writer, I created this contest so I can pay it forward in a bigger way. And I’m thrilled it was a hit and that this is the third year of Writing with the Stars.
Behind these dressing room doors are industry superstars willing to donate their time and knowledge to some very lucky mentees.
Good luck,
Tara Luebbe
Ready to apply? Click here for Application Cover Page.
You can see a list of previous mentors here.
Meet The Stars
Dev Petty – Bio
Tammy Sauer – Bio
Deb Pilutti – Bio
Lindsay Ward – Bio
Melissa Iwai & Denis Markell – Bios
Jason Gallaher – Bio
Laura Gehl – Bio
Adam Lehrhaupt – Bio
Pam Calvert – Bio
Catherine Bailey – Bio
Diana Murray – Bio
Tim McCanna – Bio
Andrea Wang – Bio
Deborah Marcero – Bio
Carter Higgins – Bio
Cate Berry – Bio
For a list of previous mentors, click here.
See our blog for interviews with the mentors.