by Jess Keating
I can’t remember the exact time that Eugenie popped into my life. It feels like she’s always been there, alongside Jane Goodall, and other amazing scientists who changed the world, as well as my own heart. Back when I was studying zoology in university, I also knew that she was still kicking butt and contributing to science well into her eighties.
The road to SHARK LADY was a twisty one, for sure. One of my goals as an author is to always keep adapting and diversifying, learning new formats and picking up strengths here and there that play off my interests. When I first started writing for publication, I wrote nonfiction for magazines. After branching out into fiction with my middle grade series, I wanted to revisit my first loves and get more into nonfiction again. I’d started a funny expository series about animals, and I knew it was time to branch out. I wanted to create something different that still fit with my overall arc as an author and what I value.
It was at that point that Eugenie crept back onto my radar. I recall reading an article online about her, and how she was still actively diving and sharing her love of sharks with students. Instantly, all of her work I’d read about in university came flooding back, and I knew in my gut that I was onto something. Genie was just one of those woman who inks an impression right on your heart with her passion, especially if you are a young, science-loving kid who wants to change the world.
As an author, I knew Eugenie’s story was perfect for this format, because of the strong, meaningful parallel between herself and the sharks she studied. She was underestimated, and so were her sharks! That’s a feeling that we can all relate to. As a scientist, I also can’t think of a better example of perseverance and the incredible role that curiosity can play in our lives. I wanted readers to be inspired by her story like I was, so I knew I’d have to tell it in such a way that really captured the wonder and excitement she carried for animals her whole life.
Fast forward a few months and dozens of revisions later, and SHARK LADY found it’s home with the same publishing house that gave me my first ever book deal! I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and every time I get sent a message or photo of a young reader enjoying the book, poring over the sharks on the page, I’m grateful that the path of my life overlapped even just a tiny bit with Eugenie’s. I hope it inspires young scientists out there to follow their curiosity wherever it leads. As for writers, nonfiction can be such a powerful force, and I’d love for this book to give you a little boost toward your dreams.
If you’d like to take a swing at nonfiction, I made a video sharing how I approach a new book or idea. It’s part pep talk, part how-to, and I hope it sparks something wonderful with your writing!
Thank you for sharing these valuable tips with us, Jess!
As a zoologist turned middle grade and picture book author, Jess Keating has been sprayed by skunks, bitten by crocodiles, and been a victim to the dreaded paper cut. Her MY LIFE IS A ZOO series earned two Kirkus stars, a Red Maple nomination, a Rocky Mountain Book Award nomination, and a spot on the LA Times Summer Book Pick List.
Her quirky nonfiction picture book series kicks off with PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH, with sequels to follow in 2017.
Jess is also the creator, writer and host of Animals for Smart People, a Youtube series about animals, science, and nature.
You can also check out her ‘Write with Jess Keating’ video series, geared towards inspiring young writers in the classroom.
Jess lives in Ontario, Canada, where she loves nerdy documentaries, hiking, and writing books for adventurous and funny kids. Visit her at jesskeating.com.
Jess is giving away a copy of SHARK LADY to one lucky blog reader. Leave a comment below and a winner will be randomly selected in a few weeks.
Good luck…and happy swimming in non-fiction waters! I hope you’re bitten by inspiration and your readers will gobble it up!
105 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 6, 2017 at 8:10 am
Debra K Shumaker
I’m so excited to read this book! I love writing nonfiction, too. Your video was awesome. I especially loved #6. I think I need to take that layered approach to revising. Usually I try to do it all at the same time! Thanks Tara and Jess for a great post!
July 6, 2017 at 8:14 am
katelyn Thomas
We were just raving about this beautiful book the other week when it arrived on our shelves! It is so great to see a book about a scientist that kids can really relate to.
July 6, 2017 at 8:26 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
What perfect points and NF guidance in your video Jess! That’s a keeper. Thanks for the story…got Shark Lady on my book hook.
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July 6, 2017 at 8:28 am
Alice Fulgione
Sounds like a very interesting summer read. I’m not a non fiction writer but maybe this book will inspire me.
July 6, 2017 at 8:37 am
CindyC
Thanks Jess. Great inspirational post.
Cindy
July 6, 2017 at 8:39 am
Nadine Gamble
Thanks for sharing the great video and for inspiring us to continue to write our unique perspectives.
July 6, 2017 at 8:46 am
Janice Milusich
Thank you Jess for your inspirational blog post- Eugenia Clark has been a hero of mine and your advice on writing non-fiction was really helpful. All the best to you, Janice Milusich
July 6, 2017 at 8:50 am
Virginia Law Manning
I loved learning about your journey, Jess! I love PB biographies and hope to write one some day. Thank you!
July 6, 2017 at 8:56 am
Rosie Russell
I really enjoyed your article today Jess, so interesting!
The best of luck to you on your new book!
Thanks for sharing this and your video!
Rosie
July 6, 2017 at 8:59 am
Jennifer Sniadecki
I, too, have been interested in sharks (and underwater life, in general) all my life! Thank you for bringing Shark Lady to the masses!
July 6, 2017 at 9:03 am
Erika Olvey
I am excited by Jess’s work! My students love it! I know this book won’t disappoint!
July 6, 2017 at 9:04 am
kathalsey
I was lucky enough to meet you and hear two of your presentations this spring @ NESCBWI, Jess. Very excited to see this book in the world. TY for sharing some NF goodness w/writers, too.
July 6, 2017 at 9:07 am
Teresa
I love that you are making interesting stories about animals. I am going to read it to my students in my STEM classroom this year. I can’t wait to see their reaction.
July 6, 2017 at 9:18 am
Tracy Hora
I love your book, and I know kids will too! This was a great post; thanks for sharing. I have made a note of your revision cycle.
July 6, 2017 at 9:22 am
Doreen E. Lepore
Can’t wait to read “Shark Lady” – Thanks for the inspiring post!
July 6, 2017 at 9:25 am
laura516
PB bios are such a great way to introduce kids to incredible people, both broadly known and niche celebrities. Thank you for introducing a generation to ‘shark lady’!
July 6, 2017 at 9:26 am
colleen kosinski
Sounds really interesting!
July 6, 2017 at 9:42 am
Amber
Jess and her work is inspiring to teachers and students alike. I loved reading Blobfish and Shark Lady and look forward to her future work with Monster and other color themes. Thank you Jess for ALL you do!
July 6, 2017 at 9:56 am
David McMullin
Thank you, Jess. That video is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see your book.
July 6, 2017 at 9:58 am
Wendy F Doxey
Thanks for the great post! I can’t wait to share your YouTube series with my animal-fanatic daughters! 🙂
July 6, 2017 at 10:00 am
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
I’m so excited to read this! I love sharks and female scientists rule! Thanks for making such a wonderful book. I enjoyed learning about the history behind it as well.
July 6, 2017 at 10:01 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Thank you for sharing this video with us.Revising several times with a different goal each time is genius. Shark Lady is such an inspiration for me. I shared it last month with my nonfiction writers group. I can’t wait to see what you are up to next.
July 6, 2017 at 10:08 am
Deborah Amadei
It’s nice to see a new book on Eugenie Clark.
July 6, 2017 at 10:08 am
Angie
Love it! Thank you for sharing your writing journey and how this book built upon your adventures in writing and your personal interests. Congratulations!
July 6, 2017 at 10:13 am
Lisa Maucione (@DrLMaucione)
This looks like a picture book biography that will really interest students. I love that authors are writing such wonderful nonfiction for kids these days.
July 6, 2017 at 10:19 am
tanyakonerman
What a fantastic way to use your background in writing nonfiction for kids! Can’t wait to read about Eugenie!
July 6, 2017 at 10:21 am
katrinamoorebooks
This was so inspirational! I love the video. Thanks, Jess!
July 6, 2017 at 10:27 am
Linda Hofke
I had never heard of Eugenie until I saw an announcement about this book coming out. I can’t wait to read it. She sounds like an amazing woman.
Congrats on your book and thanks for the tips for writing nonfiction. I am currently researching a topic I am very excited about.
July 6, 2017 at 10:29 am
slsbookconnection
Jess is simply amazing! The tools and techniques she gives educators to pass on to children are so valuable. Pink is for Blobfish is a favorite in our library. We can’t keep it on the shelf. Can’t wait to check out her new books!
July 6, 2017 at 10:42 am
Wendy Greenley
I was going through my mom’s old National Geographics and saw an article Eugenie had written! Looking forward to reading your book, Jess. Thanks for the post, Tara. 🙂
July 6, 2017 at 10:46 am
topangamaria
WOW just WOW
July 6, 2017 at 10:46 am
Karen Littlejohn
As a lover of nonfiction, I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this book in my library with my readers this fall! Im eager to share your tips for writing nonfiction with students too! Thank you!
July 6, 2017 at 10:46 am
darlene koppel
Very inspirational. I love nonfiction books.
July 6, 2017 at 11:06 am
LaurenKerstein
I love this: “I hope it inspires young scientists out there to follow their curiosity wherever it leads.”
Thank you for telling Eugenie’s story and inspiring young scientists. It is wonderful that sharks are getting the recognition they deserve as well!
July 6, 2017 at 11:34 am
C.L. Murphy
I can’t wait to get ahold of this book and share with my shark-loving family! Thanks for the writing inspiration, Jess.
July 6, 2017 at 11:52 am
Lindsay Metcalf
I can’t wait to get my fins on this book. Lovely inspiration story. Thanks for sharing, Jess and Tara!
July 6, 2017 at 12:01 pm
evelynchristensen
Great post and video! My grandkids will love this book. Thanks for sharing, Jess.
July 6, 2017 at 12:19 pm
mariagianferrari
Such a great cover–can’t wait to read this. I loved Blobfish :). Congrats, Jess. I will check out your video later 🙂 HUGE fan of NF!!
July 6, 2017 at 12:21 pm
aaroncleaveley
Great tips and tricks you offer, Jess, thanks for the post and giveaway chance.
July 6, 2017 at 12:24 pm
junesmalls
I wish this had been around when my daughter was teeny. She loves sharks and her prized possession is a megolodon tooth.
July 6, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Linda Chavez
Love this! Have been curious about dabbling in nonfiction. Thanks for the video and good advice!
July 6, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Sherry Howard
I’m so happy to find this wonderful mentor text for a biography I just finished! This is a book I want NOW,
July 6, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Marcie Rinka Wessels
That video was AWESOME! Very encouraging. Thanks, Jess!
July 6, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Brian Yanish
Super inspiring Jess! Thanks for sharing your tips as well.
July 6, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Can’t wait to read this book!
July 6, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Jenny Bagan
Love this Jess! Can’t wait to read Shark Lady!
July 6, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Angela Albrecht
I’m eagerly waiting to receive my copy! Thank you for your willingness to share and inspire the young and old and all those in between. I’m eager to gain some insight into writing narrative nonfiction!
July 6, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Marcia Berneger
I’m just beginning my journey into writing non-fiction so this is perfect timing. Thank you for this wealth of information!
July 6, 2017 at 3:35 pm
danielle hammelef
I write mostly nonfiction for kids, so reminders about how to keep myself passionate about my topic are important. I know that when i get bored, it will show in my words on the page.
July 6, 2017 at 3:49 pm
Michelle Cusolito
I can’t wait until I’m back stateside so I can get my hands on a copy of this! I already know I will love it!
July 6, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Megan Whitaker
Always a good thing to get kids excited about our oceans-there is much to learn on this Earth of ours!
July 6, 2017 at 4:12 pm
kiwijenny
This will be a must read for my four year olds. My cousin’s daughter is studying the migration of scallops and was nudged by a shark, a great white I think. All,I’ve got to say is yikes yikes yikes.
July 6, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Laurie Knowlton
I’ve become a shark lover since my granddaughter shared her passion with me. I just know she’d love this book!
July 6, 2017 at 4:18 pm
nicolesharkeybooks
I love Jess’s nonfiction books and I can’t wait until my girls are old enough to read her MG.
July 6, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Pat
Thank you Jess and Tara for such an inspirational post. Jess, I’m excited to read about Eugenie and her sharks!
July 6, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Sharon
Jess, what a great video. For someone who wants to venture into the nonfiction waters, I appreciated having the tips to help me get my feet wet. Congratulations on SHARK LADY and your ongoing success with your books.
July 6, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Pam
I am looking forward to reading about Eugenie. Thanks for sharing your gift of story telling!
July 6, 2017 at 5:55 pm
storyfairy
Wow! I love this post and the video. I also can’t wait to see some of the “Animals For Smart People” series.
July 6, 2017 at 6:14 pm
chardixon47
Thank you, Jess, for the tips and peek at The Curious Creative. I just took one of my NF stories out of mothballs. This post inspires me.
July 6, 2017 at 6:16 pm
kelliejanebyrnes
What a great post – helpful insight into the behind-the-scenes of an exciting nonfiction PB, plus additional tips. Thanks Jess and Tara for posting. So inspiring.
July 6, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for your writing tips. I love to read about sharks and your book sounds like lots of learning fun!
July 6, 2017 at 7:25 pm
Denita Johnson
Would love to read your story! Thanks for the post.
July 6, 2017 at 7:42 pm
John Smith
Personally, I would be too scared to swim in the ocean!
July 6, 2017 at 8:00 pm
ellenleventhal
Great post! Thanks. I love the idea of thinking of revision as separate layers.
July 6, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Steve Schwartz
Extraordinarily interesting and just the kick in the pants I needed!
July 6, 2017 at 9:54 pm
Erika Wurn Hitchcock
Great tips and excellent story idea!! Looks like such a cool book especially for young girls to be inspired💪
July 6, 2017 at 10:49 pm
rjtraxel
Shark Lady sounds awesome. I can’t wait to read it!
July 6, 2017 at 11:42 pm
seschipper
Super post! As always, thanks Tara and Jess Keating!
July 7, 2017 at 2:26 am
Sandy
My students love reading about sharks. I’m sure they will love your book. Thanks for sharing.
July 7, 2017 at 4:02 am
Pao
Great inspirational story Jess! Shark Lady is on my to-read list now. Btw, I love part 6 of your video when you say to treat each revision as layers on a burger or a cake, fine tuning each of the ingredients. I love experimenting with baking, so great analogy! Thanks for sharing Jess and Tara.
July 7, 2017 at 4:08 am
Kimberly Bower (gladeslibrarian)
Your book looks awesome! I’ve got some students in the media center that would love to hold it in there hands! 🤓❤📚
July 7, 2017 at 4:58 am
telltalestome
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book – it looks amazing. My kids call me Mama Shark !!
July 7, 2017 at 8:41 am
marty
Inspirational plus solid advice. Thanks, Jess. Look forward to reading all your books!!
July 7, 2017 at 10:22 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
What a cool story!
July 7, 2017 at 10:31 am
Katie Giorgio
Love this…thanks so much for sharing!
July 7, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Can’t wait to read this one!
July 7, 2017 at 10:50 pm
Joanne Roberts
Your you tube videos are so much fun! Thanks for sharing them and for the chance to win your book. Long live PB bios!
July 8, 2017 at 8:41 am
Kylie
Feeling so inspired, Jess. Thank you for the post and the great tips. I also write NF, but always on spec for an educational publisher. Your process makes so much sense – thank you for sharing that video! I’m an Ontario gal too – perhaps our paths will cross someday. Congratulations on your success. All the best!
July 8, 2017 at 8:34 pm
jpetroroy
Looks fabulous!
July 8, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Sandy Lowe
Hi Jess. I’m interested in writing nonfiction bio. Your video was very encouraging to me. Thanks!
July 8, 2017 at 10:33 pm
tinamcho
Great tips! Thanks for sharing your story!
July 9, 2017 at 4:23 am
Norah
I loved meeting meeting Jess here and learning about her book The Shark Lady. Her video of #8 tips for writing non-fiction is both interesting and helpful. Thanks to both of you!
July 9, 2017 at 6:03 am
Dana Wu
I love how the seeds of these books were sown long ago. the interest you had in your topic came from an authentic place and that held until it emerged as a book. thanks for sharing the process.
July 10, 2017 at 12:28 pm
writeknit
Thanks for sharing Ms Keating’s story and book with us. It looks informative and lots of fun. 🙂
July 10, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Patula
I am working on my first non-fiction PB. Thank you for the tips and inspiration!
July 10, 2017 at 2:57 pm
melrosegreene
Hi Jess, thank you for making such a useful video about nonfiction tips!
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July 10, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Great post and fantastic topic to inspire young scientists. Thanks, Ladies. Wonderful to have so many special people in this #kidlit community.
July 10, 2017 at 8:36 pm
Kendra
Thanks for introducing us to the Shark Lady book. I’m new to writing children’s book so I have a lot to learn. The Youtube video tips are great.
July 11, 2017 at 10:13 am
Angel
I’d love to share this book with the young scientists in my class!
July 11, 2017 at 12:15 pm
bgonsar
Well done. I love how your interest in animals is influencing your writing.
July 12, 2017 at 5:39 am
Melanie Keller
Fabulous story! Thank you!
July 12, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Cathy Ogren
Fascinating story! Great post!
July 12, 2017 at 1:07 pm
bluelily17
I’d love a copy of this book!
July 12, 2017 at 8:51 pm
Michael Vogel
This was a great read. My son is big into sharks now, and i will enjoy reading this with him.
July 16, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Laurie Ann Thompson
Love this! So fun reading about the backstory, and the video is awesome!! Thanks, Jess and Tara!
July 17, 2017 at 11:07 pm
Sharon Langley
How exciting. The illustrations and the story draw me in. I’m excited about non-fiction for young readers.
July 18, 2017 at 8:40 pm
paint2create
Thank you for showing how a non-fiction book can be illustrated! I used to think NF = photographs. How silly!
July 22, 2017 at 3:20 pm
ingridboydston
“She was underestimated and so were her sharks.” What a brilliant summary! I can see kids of all ages devouring this book. Thanks for sharing your take and your techniques Jess!
July 23, 2017 at 10:28 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Great video! Thanks for sharing!
July 24, 2017 at 10:27 pm
authoraileenstewart
Asked my children’s librarian to order this book, but a copy of my own would be even better :0)
July 25, 2017 at 11:18 am
Cathy Ogren
Love this book! And the back matter is great!
August 5, 2017 at 10:32 am
kimmcculley7
This looks like a great book! Thanks for sharing.
January 9, 2018 at 9:13 am
julielacombeauthor
Shark Lady is one of my favorite mentor texts! I would LOVE to see Jess begin teaching an online course on writing nonfiction. She’s one of my Writing heroes!
January 9, 2018 at 11:08 am
Jill Giesbrecht
Shark Lady sounds so fun!
January 11, 2018 at 6:28 pm
agatharodi
Super Fabulous video and suggestions! Thank you, Shark Lady!