Maria Ashworth is a dedicated children’s book writer who has just released a big new venture, a picture book entitled MY BIG TREE, illustrated by Bailey Beougher. What makes this book different than the ones I typically feature? It is with a smaller, independent publisher…but it has led to big things for Maria’s career. (You note the theme is BIG here, right?)
MY BIG TREE features a sweet little blue bird who has found a favorite place to nest in a big, swirling tree. Soon other animals think it’s the ideal place to be, too. The little blue bird isn’t ready to share her space and decides it’s no longer the “best tree to nest in.” She finds a new tree, but something is missing. In the end, the little bluebird realizes there is one thing more valuable than nesting in her favorite tree…
Maria, what inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to challenge myself to write a concept book with a message. An idea came along where what if there was a bird who had something she loved, a big tree. And then what if everyone thought it was their favorite tree too. Would bird be happy sharing…???
The dog in the story doesn’t have a speaking role in this production, so how did he come to be?
At first I had the animals in the tree and was satisfied. The illustrator perfected a dog in her portfolio so I thought, huh, wouldn’t it be neat to add a dog in each page doing his own thing? It would get the reader curious, maybe even make them suspect the dog was up to no good, especially near a big tree. But he is just a dog doing his thing on every page with no real purpose other than to create more curiosity surrounding the big tree.
What do you want kids to take away after reading MY BIG TREE?
The message is about friendship but also that materialistic things are not what is important in life. Building relationships with others, having friends is what matters. Toys and things are just stuff. They are a temporary happy. Relationships are forever and can last a lifetime.
Your book has a classic feel. It’s a friendship book, a counting book and a search-and-find book. How would you describe it?
It has a BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR feel with a hint of Handford’s WHERE’S WALDO? books, but aimed at the younger set. I wanted the animals to be placed randomly throughout the book so kids would have fun finding the animals in the tree. Then at the end, the animals join together in their grouping so children can make sure all the animals are accounted for. And I snuck in some chicks so they’d better not miss those!
This book is with the Spork imprint of Clear Fork Publishing in your home state of Texas. Can you tell us how you decided to self-publish at first and then sign with them?
My critique group enticed me into self-publishing. I have a couple of gals who are gurus in the self-publishing market. One of them is Indie and boasted how being an independent author reaps more benefits. I felt I had put in my time into the writing world and was salivating to get myself out there. To date, I’ve accumulated a hundred and seventy-five rejections from my submitted work. I’m a salesperson by nature and knew I could do it myself instead of waiting on rejections.
So I was all ready to self-publish MY BIG TREE–I found the perfect illustrator and had my finger on the “send” button to the printer…but then I went to my first Texas Library Association conference. I met an editor from Clear Fork and we grabbed coffee together. I told the editor about MY BIG TREE, which she loved, and offered to be my publisher. She also asked what else I had stirring in the pot! It’s all a fairy-tale ending after that, with a multi-book deal. IGGY LOO is coming out this winter, with TOMMY JAMES, THE LITTLEST COWBOY IN RECKON’ series following next year. I am blessed.
What are the advantages to working with a small publisher in your own backyard?
I see for ME a BIG advantage and that is I am asked my opinion on everything. Right down to who I see as an illustrator for the book to the vision and look of my characters. I’m not sure it’s this way with all small press editors. Matter of fact I know it’s not, because a writer friend is with a small press and doesn’t have the same relationship I do. I think after seeing the work I put into MY BIG TREE she saw my vision as a writer. The editor and I hit it off like sisters. Joining forces with her felt right. The publisher is only three years old. I want to make them just as much as a success as I hope to be for them.
Congratulations, Maria. Your experience just proves that it pays to keep writing…and always have more than one story ready to go. You never know when someone will ask for MORE! Best wishes with THE BIG TREE and your upcoming titles.
Hey, BIG NEWS! You can win a copy of MY BIG TREE, just leave a comment below. What BIG things are you planning for your writing career? One comment per person. US addresses only, please. A winner will be randomly chosen in early September.
Maria Ashworth volunteers her time when she’s not writing for the Maud Marks Library Friends Board in Katy, Texas where she serves as President, as well as a Member-At-Large for the Friends of the Harris County Library. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Some of Ms. Ashworth’s picture books and middle grade novel manuscripts have been nominated as finalists in several contests. She’s published a handful of short stories through contests and a women’s anthology. Visit her at MariaAshworth.com.
86 comments
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August 16, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Anita Banks
Congratulations. What a lovely story.
August 16, 2016 at 2:44 pm
kariail2013
Wow, what a great story about your story! Way to go for sticking it out through so many rejections, that must have been very hard. Looking forward to reading My Big Tree!
August 16, 2016 at 2:45 pm
polly renner
Thank You for sharing your personal journey, Maria! And congrats on your multiple book deal with “your sister”…cannot wait to read all your books!
August 16, 2016 at 2:45 pm
megcason1
My New Years’ resolution. Was to get an agent in 2016, still plugging away!
August 16, 2016 at 2:53 pm
David McMullin
It’s exciting to hear about other options that are working for people.
August 16, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Johnell DeWitt
I love seeing success stories like this. It just shows that there are multiple ways to succeed in this industry. The book looks adorable too.
August 16, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Patti Richards
Congratulations Maria! What an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing it, Tara! Big things? This year I plan to sign with an agent and sign a contract for my second book…I know it’s coming, I can just feel it;). But I’ll keep on trying even if my BIG plans take more time!
August 16, 2016 at 3:11 pm
kathalsey
Maria, I love you asked yourself the “what if” questions to produce the plot to this story and the dog element is fun, too. Also, you gave yourself an internal deadline w/ writing and you knew it was time to get yourself out there. Bazinga, TLA and hard work intervened, plus a bit of fate. Congrats, lady! Big congrats on My Big Tree! I want it, and it does sound like a classic.
August 16, 2016 at 3:14 pm
creationsbymit
Congratulations, Maria! And thank you for sharing her story, Tara! Those rejections can be discouraging, but I love how perseverance paid off in a BIG way! Just added My Big Tree to my BIG Amazon list! 🙂
August 16, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Charlotte Dixon
What a journey! Thank you, Maria, for the inspiration to keep going. Loved reading your background and I look forward to reading your books. Congratulations!
August 16, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Teresa Robeson
Maria’s can-do attitude is inspiring! Congratulations to her!
August 16, 2016 at 3:36 pm
katmaz2012
Maria’s story and the Big Tree are an inspiration.
August 16, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Angela Turner
Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story.
August 16, 2016 at 3:44 pm
Natasha Wing
Congratulations on your Big break! Also, it looks like you have 3 hands in your photo! No wonder you can write so many books!
August 16, 2016 at 3:50 pm
Maria Ashworth
Love reading these comments. I wanted to also let you guys know I HAD an agent in 2013. We worked famously for 2 years. My Big Tree and Tommy James got to editor table. Then rejected. We exhausted industry. I knew the two needed homes and I wasn’t about to shelve them for five years. For me, the agent wait was a slow process. I wasn’t ready to do it again. I wanted more. I self-pubbed a blended family book Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four in January 2016. The reviews have been welcoming. I pushed some more and got a gig on radio today for it. Local children’s theater is doing a production on it spring 2017. I I pitched my idea to local mom’s group and trampoline park and we are collaborating for National Step Family Day next month. The reason for the above mention is to go for what you want. Push yourself to the limit. What is the worse they can do? Say no. I’m okay with that. Again, thank you for the support.
August 16, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Janice Milusich
That was Big inspiration! Thanks for sharing Maria
August 16, 2016 at 4:06 pm
Melody Aldrich
You are very inspiring to me. I have hope that I will have some success some day still, and I am 68 years old! I look forward to reading all that you have written.
August 16, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Maria Ashworth
Believe it and it will come.
August 16, 2016 at 4:17 pm
Maria Marshall
Congratulations. What an interesting idea. Thanks for sharing.
August 16, 2016 at 4:22 pm
Shirley
Congratulations on your success. You are truly an inspiration to struggling writers.
August 16, 2016 at 4:23 pm
kiwijenny
Thank you for your honesty. I have just been rejected so many times that I have lost count. Actually I purposefully didn’t even begin to count them. But your story has inspired me and so do the beautiful wide eyed darling children out there who need our messages in a picture book. God bless and hugs.
August 16, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Maria Ashworth
I know a writer who just turned 100 years old and she still hasn’t given up. Your turn is coming but YOU have to take the reins.
August 16, 2016 at 4:26 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your story. I look forward to reading My Big Tree.
August 16, 2016 at 4:35 pm
Lynne Marie
Thanks, Maria, for sharing your story, and thanks, Tara, for all you do!
http://www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com
August 16, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Nancy Tandon
This story makes me BIG happy. Congratulations, Maria!
August 16, 2016 at 4:44 pm
darlene koppel
What a heart warming story on so many levels – I just love it! Can’t wait to read the book.
August 16, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Wendy Greenley
Wow! I bet you’re glad you went to that conference! Congratulations on your successes, Maria!
August 16, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Jenna D Woloshyn
My big thing is going on personal writing retreats to ensure I have big chunks of time to pay attention to writing.
August 16, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Natasha
Congratulations, Maria. Your story reminds me that conferences are important, and you have to open up and chat with people. Don’t be shy!
August 16, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Mary McClellan
I think your motto could be “If your ship doesn’t come in, BUILD IT!” Congratulations!! I look forward to reading The Big Tree and your other work.
August 16, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Maria Ashworth
I love that motto. I truly think we go in with high expectations. Don’t. It’s like love. When you least expect it, it finds you.
August 16, 2016 at 5:26 pm
Judy Sobanski
Congratulations, Maria! It’s good to know that there are always options and ways to forge our own successes. Looking forward to reading your books!
August 16, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Kris
Thanks for sharing Maria’s story. I love hearing about other people’s determination and ultimate success! It spurs my determination to reach my ultimate success. I’m committing to finding an agent this year.
August 16, 2016 at 5:49 pm
Judy Bryan
I loved hearing about your path to publication ~ congratulations!
August 16, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Ali Earle Pichardo
Thank you for sharing your journey Maria. It gives the rest of us hope. I look forward to reading MY BIG TREE.
August 16, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Looks like MY BIG TREE gives children something BIG to think about.
August 16, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Wendy Doxey
I have BIG dreams for my writing career and my plan is just to keep learning, keep working, and never give up. Thanks, Maria for sharing your inspiring story. And thanks to Tara, too for sending the inspiration along!
August 16, 2016 at 6:17 pm
M. A. Bentz
Love your idea…very clever.
August 16, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Danielle Hammelef
My writing goals are to publish a middle grade fiction book and learn more about writing picture books.
August 16, 2016 at 7:29 pm
Amber Jerome
Ahhhh! I’m a children’s book fanatic. Mostly because my 2 year old adores reading and that makes my heart swell. I sincerely hope she carries that love over into adulthood as I have.
I am a new blogger and reviewer. In response to your question, I just hope to make some friends and have a successful, fulfilling blogging experience.
August 16, 2016 at 7:37 pm
Jim Chaize
Love reading about Maria’s success. Helps keep hope alive on the road to being published. Thanks.
August 16, 2016 at 7:47 pm
Ali Pfautz
It looks like an adorable book, and it’s so nice to hear your positive view on indie works! I too, finally just decided to jump in. Congrats!
August 16, 2016 at 9:01 pm
Claire Bobrow
My big goal is to write the best picture book I possibly can. I want to laugh, and I want to make at least one kid laugh (but preferably lots more than one!!).
August 16, 2016 at 10:03 pm
laura516
Big goals and big dreams in the pursuit of picture book publication. Finding that “perfect timing” moment (and being patient for it!) is part of my big goal. Thank you for an inspirational post.
August 16, 2016 at 10:54 pm
rosiepova
Congratulations! What a great story. Thanks for sharing :).
August 16, 2016 at 10:58 pm
Dawn Pennacchia
Thanks for sharing Tara and Maria. It’s just another confirmation that sometimes in life you have to take a risk to reap the benefits. May everyone’s dreams get bigger and bigger as time passes!
August 16, 2016 at 11:53 pm
Denita Johnson
Congratulations. What an aspiring story. I am looking for a publisher for my books also and your story has inspired me to keep looking.
August 17, 2016 at 12:05 am
Juliana Lee
Congratualtions! My big thing is so big I can’t even imagine it yet!
August 17, 2016 at 12:18 am
Maria Ashworth
All of you are inspiring. Keep up the hard work and dedication!
August 17, 2016 at 12:22 am
ingridboydston
Always happy to hear about a fellow author “making it” in an un-orthodox way! I incorporate illustration only characters in a couple of my books as well. Congratulations!
August 17, 2016 at 5:30 am
michelle gajda
It is always nice to hear about an aspiring writer’s success; especially one’s story that doesn’t follow “the norm”. Congrats to you!
August 17, 2016 at 7:20 am
Kathy Doherty
Wow! What an important message! I struggle with being too materialistic . . . sales always catch my eye.
August 17, 2016 at 7:59 am
ptnozell
BIG congratulations, Maria. To your continued success with publishers big & small.
August 17, 2016 at 8:04 am
Anne Iverson
I add my congratulations to all the others with thanks for sharing your journey and reasons for making the choices you did. Continued success with your writing and I look forward to reading My Big Tree and your other books!
August 17, 2016 at 8:11 am
lindamartinandersen
I love that you gave yourself a little more time before pressing the send button. It certainly paid off for you! Wishing you much future success.
August 17, 2016 at 8:21 am
justcomposeyourself
Maria,
I love hearing your story! Very inspirational! I look forward to reading My Big Tree to my girls. Here’s to holding out for BIG things!
August 17, 2016 at 8:42 am
Rene` Diane Aube
WOW! Congratulations, Maria! Another lesson in never giving up 🙂
August 17, 2016 at 9:36 am
Dorothy Wiese
Thank you, Maria, for your information about being an Indie author. Congratulations on the publishing of MY BIG TREE. It sounds like a winner! Your marketing strength will definitely pay off.
August 17, 2016 at 9:42 am
Susan L. Roberts
Thanks for the inspiration to keep writing!
August 17, 2016 at 10:25 am
Krista Isaacson
Such a hope inspiring journey for all of us on the path. Thanks for sharing it!
As for me, I’ll keep writing and trying and keep up the hope for someday.
August 17, 2016 at 11:10 am
Dee
I enjoyed the interview. BIG kudos on your BIG multi-book deal, Maria!
August 17, 2016 at 1:33 pm
Micki Ginsberg
I am so glad for you, Maria! Your post was inspiring.
August 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Gloria Amescua
This sounds like an amazing book! Congratulations on its leading to even bigger things.
August 17, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Leslie Raith
What a fun tale to reinforce such an important theme. And I love the random dog-on-the-page idea.
August 17, 2016 at 6:11 pm
kirsticall
I can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for a great interview!
August 17, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Emmie r Werner
Builds my faith that the lord will open a door for my books!!!
August 18, 2016 at 7:23 am
Shuko
This sounds like an amazing book. I like how it links to what is happening right now.
I have a blog called creative writing and literature, please check it out. The link is, http://www.21stcenturycreativewriting.com/
August 18, 2016 at 9:54 am
Angel
What an inspiring story! I love the themes of this book – it would be perfect for my five-year-old right now!
August 18, 2016 at 10:59 am
shiela fuller
I loved reading about Maria’s journey to publication and this looks like a very special book.
August 18, 2016 at 11:12 am
Kate Harold
Great story with a great ending. Can’t wait to read the book. Will look for it in my libraries here in Ohio!!
August 18, 2016 at 11:34 am
rimna
Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story. My BIG plan this year is to wait for an agent to respond to my submissions and if no takers, to find a realistic path to publication on my own – self-publish, indie publisher, I’ll research my options and go onward and upward!
August 18, 2016 at 11:43 am
Maria Ashworth
That’s the spirit! You go girl!
August 18, 2016 at 11:43 am
Maria Ashworth
That’s the spirit! You go girl!
August 18, 2016 at 1:27 pm
Shuko
You go for it! It will happen! Yes look at all the companies in a book shop, like in the cover pages and decide what you want your book to look like =) goodluck!
August 18, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Erika Hitchcock
Love the message in this story! Also great illustrations 🙂
August 19, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories, the one in your book and the one in your life.
August 22, 2016 at 9:23 am
City Sights for Kids
What a beautiful book! It’s great to hear your story and all the inspiration in these comments! Congrats!
– Amanda Sincavage
August 22, 2016 at 11:04 am
kdveiten
My goal this year is to get an agent or editor hooked on my work!
August 23, 2016 at 10:00 am
ShellyHY
Oooh – I LOVE the illustrations! Clear and colorful, and quirky – Beautiful!
August 23, 2016 at 4:12 pm
viviankirkfield
I always love getting an inside peek into the creative process of a writer or illustrator…thanks so much, Maria…and all good wishes for your continued success.
Tara, when I first started writing picture book stories, I thought that revision meant changing a couple of words here and there. Time…and many wonderful critique buddies have disabused me of that notion…as I move forward, I am now willing to complete rewrite my manuscripts as I continue to reinvent the shy, timid person I used to be..
August 23, 2016 at 11:05 pm
LJ Laniewski
Congratulations, Maria! It’s amazing how things all come together in the perfect way–at the perfect time. Learning to enjoy the ride is my BIG thing.
August 24, 2016 at 3:03 am
Diane Tulloch
Wonderful, inspiring story. Makes you want to keep going at all costs. Thanks for sharing Maria.
August 24, 2016 at 3:22 am
Linda Evans Hofke
This sounds like a lovely book. Congrats!
August 24, 2016 at 3:18 pm
Cathy Ogren
Maria, this book sounds and looks absolutely lovely, Can’t wait to see it in person!
August 24, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Congrats on your publishing success!
The message MY BIG TREE gifts readers with is well needed. Thank you!
August 25, 2016 at 10:36 am
Maria Ashworth
I am overwhelmed by the support. I wish for “BIG” things for all of you. Make sure when it happens to let me know. Hugs to all.