by Sue Fliess
Now, I know what you’re thinking. The last time I blogged about picture book ideas here, I talked about how I got the idea for my new book Flash and Gleam: Light in Our World through a conversation I had with my handyman…this is different. Sort of.
I was in Laguna Beach on a ladies weekend years ago. Sigh. It was a gorgeous spot. Perfect weather for drinking wine on the beach with good gal pals and taking in the views. Sitting on our hotel deck watching the sun set on the ocean, my sister Christine asked me about my book stuff. I told her that I’d just finished a mermaid book to go with my fairy book (A Fairy Friend), but I was trying to think of another mythical, fantastical creature to write about, so that I’d have 3. She almost immediately suggested unicorns. My eyes lit up, but then my logical brain kicked in. “But I have to write it in rhyme,” I said. “And unicorn is going to be a tough one.”
But I went home after a soul-enriching weekend and decided to at least try to write it. I mean, who doesn’t love a unicorn? And to write about the chance to meet one was too tempting. So I wrote it—and it was good and sweet and magical. My agent sent both the mermaid and unicorn stories to my editor. She loved them. Then she held on to both for a long, long, long time. Did I mention it was a long time? As you know, or soon will know, there’s no such thing as a sure thing in publishing. She eventually turned them down and released them back to me. Huge bummer. Now what? Had the window for mermaids and unicorns passed? My agent and I were beginning to think so.
In the meantime, I’d published some books in my Magical Creatures and Crafts series with Sky Pony Press: How to Trap a Leprechaun, How to Track an Easter Bunny and had How to Trick a Christmas Elf queued up. And I got the idea that maybe this publisher would like my mermaid and unicorn stories from long ago…but when I pulled them out, I knew I was in for big rewrites. But the stories themselves were still compelling. I added a craft element to both (not easy when you have to work it in in rhyme!), and before too long I had How to Meet a Mermaid and How to Find a Unicorn. We sent them to my Sky Pony editor and hit a home run. This was where these stories were meant to land, I just didn’t see it at the time. (maybe it was the wine?)
I think my point is, that often I will have an idea, or have it gifted to me when I’m not even looking for it. When I least expect it. A handyman, a perfect setting with great people, a couple three glasses of vino… Also, aren’t sisters grand? She is my unicorn in the mist.
And now…the trailer premiere for HOW TO FIND A UNICORN!
Sue is giving away TWO copies of HOW TO FIND A UNICORN, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo, upon its release (March 3, 2020).
Leave one comment below to enter.
A winner will be randomly selected in March!
Sue Fliess is the author of dozens of children’s books, including How to Trap a Leprechaun, How to Track an Easter Bunny, How to Trick a Christmas Elf (all Sky Pony Press titles), Mary Had a Little Lab, Flash and Gleam, Ninja Camp, and more. She’s also written for Walt Disney. Sue lives with her family and two dogs in Northern Virginia. Visit her at suefliess.com.
114 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 25, 2020 at 8:09 am
Bru Benson
Love to hear the process good and bad of how idea to book are formed
February 25, 2020 at 8:19 am
Joy
I love hearing about the journey each book takes. Thanks for sharing!
February 25, 2020 at 8:21 am
Laura
You have to love the magic !
February 25, 2020 at 8:24 am
Sara Fajardo
What a sweet trailer. Your series sounds magical
February 25, 2020 at 8:26 am
kiwijenny
Oh me goodness the time for unicorns will never pass. I teach 4 year olds and the girls are enraptured by them. Thank you for this post . I’m going to dust off stories from long ago too
February 25, 2020 at 8:29 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I love your work!! So excited for these next two. Can’t wait to get them in my school library.
February 25, 2020 at 8:46 am
gayleckrause
I love your stories and your rhyme. And I absolutely love all things fantasy. I want to add your unicorn book to my collection. Thank you for being such a terrific rhymer. 🦄
February 25, 2020 at 8:48 am
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Thanks for sharing this story! And congrats on all your success! I’m a rhyme writer too and I THANK you for continuing to show the publishing world that great rhyme is magical AND marketable!
February 25, 2020 at 8:50 am
dinatowbin
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
February 25, 2020 at 8:51 am
Linda Hofke
I love that you pulled out these old stories, revised, and sold them. What a great remember reminder to us to hold onto stories. Who knows? Will some time and inspiration, they I st might come to life and find a home.
February 25, 2020 at 8:54 am
BARBARA SENENMAN
I enjoyed reading this. You never know where inspiration strikes. I should pull out some of my old manuscripts and see if I could (or should) resuscitate any.
February 25, 2020 at 8:55 am
Cathy L. Murphy
Just charming, Sue! Can’t wait to check it out.
February 25, 2020 at 8:59 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Thank you for your inspiration. There is always a silver lining, you just have to have hope and believe in yourself and your story.
February 25, 2020 at 9:03 am
TerriMichels
Nice job, wonderfully done trailer.
February 25, 2020 at 9:06 am
Lisa P
Just watched the trailer; so magical! Thanks for the extra motivation. Great way to start the morning!
February 25, 2020 at 9:10 am
Laurie Carmody
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Great things certainly do take time.
February 25, 2020 at 9:17 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
Love hearing how a story idea is conceived. Thanks for sharing and great ideas do come with friends and a glass of wine.
February 25, 2020 at 9:19 am
Christina Shawn
Thank you for sharing this story. It is so encouraging. Sometimes it is scary to think that it’s too late for your book’s theme – but this reminds us it can come back around. I think I needed that! 😊
February 25, 2020 at 9:24 am
Jan Milusich
Thanks for sharing your idea to completion journey. With mermaids and unicorns in your side as well as other magical creatures you’re meant to go over the rainbow.
February 25, 2020 at 9:26 am
bgonsar
Thanks for sharing about your loooong process!
February 25, 2020 at 9:27 am
Nancy Furstinger
Kudos, Sue, I loved how your latest book found the perfect home–finally! And terrific trailer…but what happened to the fairy book???
February 25, 2020 at 9:28 am
pathaap
Thanks for sharing your journey, Sue! Congratulations!
February 25, 2020 at 9:37 am
Joan Swanson
Yes, who doesn’t love unicorns! Thank you for not giving up on the hard rhyme 🙂
February 25, 2020 at 9:38 am
supermario6
Love these books!
February 25, 2020 at 9:39 am
Jane Harrington
Can’t wait to read this one to my granddaughter!
February 25, 2020 at 9:45 am
Cedar Pruitt
The preview is so sweet and reassuring. Thanks for the background story!
February 25, 2020 at 9:55 am
Kelly A.
“She’s also written for Walt Disney.”
Dont tease us and not give more info! 😉
Love all the anecdotal advice to keep moving forward with ideas.
February 25, 2020 at 10:00 am
Ali Earle Pichardo
Thank you for sharing your journey of getting your How to Find a Unicorn book from idea to finished story. I’m glad you didn’t let rhyme stop you.
February 25, 2020 at 10:02 am
Amy Harding
I loved to hear that you resurrected stories that you thought had passed their prime!
February 25, 2020 at 10:16 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Best wishes with the release of your book – I love that your rhymes and unusual and unexpected, which makes for a more interesting and engaging story!
February 25, 2020 at 10:29 am
Mary York
Way to go, Sue. You scored!! Can’t wait to read your book to my daughter’s Kdgn. class!
February 25, 2020 at 10:29 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congrats on your books! Thanks for sharing your story.
February 25, 2020 at 10:29 am
Angie
Adorable! I love all of it! The trailer is excellent, so I know the book will be even better. Congratulations!
February 25, 2020 at 10:30 am
Lori McElrath Eslick
I believe in unicorns. And great ideas!
February 25, 2020 at 10:35 am
Writer on the run
Thanks for sharing your journey! Congratulations!
February 25, 2020 at 10:39 am
Sandra McGraw
Seems to be a sweet story!
February 25, 2020 at 10:46 am
Mrs. Vandivier
This book is great. I have a classroom full of kiddos that will love it!
February 25, 2020 at 10:48 am
Amy M.
We are doing a Unicorns and Rainbows program at our library at the end of March. It would be so fun to read “How to Find a Unicorn” to our littles! 🙂
February 25, 2020 at 10:57 am
June Sengpiehl
Very interesting and entertaining post.
February 25, 2020 at 10:58 am
june Sengpiehln
Very entertaining and interesting post.
February 25, 2020 at 11:09 am
Jennifer Rathe
Congrats! I definitely think unicorns are going to stay for awhile. But that’s my opinion. I just know lots of kids who love unicorns.
February 25, 2020 at 11:19 am
Aimee Larke
Thank you for sharing. It’s a great reminder of the need for patience in this field. Such a sweet and magical trailer!
February 25, 2020 at 11:26 am
Sherry Smith
Hi Sue, Glad to hear you and your books are thriving after leaving Mt. View.
February 25, 2020 at 11:42 am
Kaylynn Johnsen
Great story of persistence and having the courage to refresh old but good ideas.
February 25, 2020 at 11:45 am
Jennifer Johnson
I’d love to have your book for my school library!
February 25, 2020 at 11:58 am
Sharon K. Solomon
Agree we should look for ideas everywhere!
February 25, 2020 at 12:06 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun! Thanks for shrinag
February 25, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Kim Campbell
This looks Wonderful! Can’t wait to read it!🦄💗🌟🎉
February 25, 2020 at 12:15 pm
carolmunrojww
Sorry, Sue. I didn’t get any further than “Perfect weather for drinking wine on the beach with good gal pals and taking in the views.”
Congrats on it all working out. Too bad about the long, long, long wait.
February 25, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Corlie Aldrich
Your story is so cute! Everyone loves unicorns 🦄
February 25, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Jen Wright
This is adorable! 💕
February 25, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Rinda Beach
Thanks for a mythical story . . . your path to publication! I love that when you didn’t succeed with one editor, you found another. Congratulations!
February 25, 2020 at 12:36 pm
shirley301
What a magical story. Thanks for sharing.
February 25, 2020 at 12:36 pm
Claire W Bobrow
This book looks adorable! I’m ready to head out into the woods on my own search. I may be – ahem – a certain age, but the magic still works if we’re kids at heart, right?
February 25, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Katie Williams
Sisters ARE grand, and I hope that one of mine gifts me an idea as good as this one! Can’t wait to check out the book : )
February 25, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Robin Perkins
Loved hearing how you recycled your rejected manuscripts into winners. Congratulations!
February 25, 2020 at 1:01 pm
danielledufayet
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story! Congrats!
February 25, 2020 at 1:12 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Rejects into winners! I like that kind of inspiration!
February 25, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Karen Greenwald
Thanks for the inspiration…and preview! Congrats:)
February 25, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Beth Schneider
So cute! Can’t wait to read your books!
February 25, 2020 at 2:24 pm
LJ Laniewski
Thanks so much for sharing your journey from idea to publication. I enjoyed reading that almost as much as I enjoyed the adorable book trailer. The cover art is perfect…and the story is so much fun! It’s magical how everything came together.
February 25, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Thanks for sharing your book’s story. It’s refreshing to hear that the older manuscripts hidden away in my file cabinet may be able to be revised into something much better than the original. My grandkids love unicorns 🦄 . I need to get your book for them!
February 25, 2020 at 2:53 pm
marty
Thanks for sharing the long and winding road to publication on this one! It sounds, and looks, terrific!
February 25, 2020 at 3:03 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Great trailer! It makes me want to read the book ASAP.
February 25, 2020 at 3:08 pm
Melissa Chipp
This looks great!!
February 25, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Carole Stubeck
So great, Sue! Congrats!!! I’d love a copy to share with my students ahead of your visit next month 😊
February 25, 2020 at 4:06 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
February 25, 2020 at 4:09 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Adorable. Inspired me to continue working on my rhyme
February 25, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Sheri Radovich
A love the read-aloud potential in this story and not many books about unicorns out there. Good luck.
February 25, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Beth Charles
It’s always inspiring to hear about the long wait and ultimate success. Thanks for sharing.
February 25, 2020 at 4:25 pm
jacquesartandbooks
You made that writing look effortless. Beautiful.
February 25, 2020 at 4:39 pm
Karen
Students are going to love this book!!!
February 25, 2020 at 4:52 pm
Lauri Meyers
Trailer was very cute! What a great reminder to pull out those old stories from time to time.
February 25, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Polly Sena Renner
Wow! Beautiful! Cannot wait to read the whole story:>
February 25, 2020 at 5:31 pm
rosecappelli
This looks like a wonderful book! I’m excited to read the whole thing.
February 25, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
This book looks adorable! Congrats, Sue!
February 25, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Traci VW
Love the journey! Publishing does have some looong roads along the way. I’m glad your unicorn book found its home!
February 25, 2020 at 6:47 pm
Debbie Lodato
Love hearing about how picture books
Come to life. Can’t wait to read your
New book. March 3rd is my youngest sons birthday. He’s such a book lover. See you
In March at the MD conference 😀
February 25, 2020 at 7:57 pm
Kathy Doherty
I sure want to know how to find a unicorn! This book is for me.
February 25, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Beth Raff
So adorable! I need to have this in my elementary school library – my kindergarten students can’t get enough of unicorns!!
February 25, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Rebecca E Guzinski
I instantly fell in love with that trailer! There is something about rhyme that makes a book so magical. 🙂
February 25, 2020 at 8:52 pm
Linda Mitchell
What a great story! I love that those magical creatures were with you the whole time.
February 25, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Tina
Very cute story and illustrations! Thank you for sharing your trailer and inspiration insight!
You are right who doesn’t like magical stuff- especially unicorns!
Thank you!
February 25, 2020 at 10:14 pm
Carole Calladine
Congrats on your digging deep and re-crafting the story you wanted to tell. Seed of hope planted.
February 25, 2020 at 10:25 pm
Shar
It’s so great this book found a home! I appreciate hearing your story toward publication with this. And it looks darling.
February 25, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Pamela Harrison
I love reading about book journeys. Thank you for sharing yours, Sue. Congratulations!
February 25, 2020 at 11:08 pm
kelbelroberts
I really love finding out where stories come from. And the hard work that follows -thanks for sharing!
February 25, 2020 at 11:40 pm
seschipper
Wow! It is amazing how some things…like Picture Books are just meant to be…Loved the trailer as well! Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing!! 🙂
February 26, 2020 at 12:16 am
authorlaurablog
Great post, thanks for sharing this magical trailer and the book journey.
February 26, 2020 at 12:50 am
Natasha Garnett
Sisters are grand! And so are rhyming PBS. Congratulations on your latest, Sue. I’d love to win one.
February 26, 2020 at 7:39 am
Suzanne Lewis
I love this story and your message to stay open to creative inspiration in unexpected places, and let it find it’s way how and when it’s shared with others. Thank you, Sue!
February 26, 2020 at 10:55 am
jhayslett
For the first time in more than a year of frequent visits with my 3-turning-4 granddaughter who lives in LA (I live in WI), she didn’t ask me to read “From Here to There”, which I had bought for her at an SCBWI conference. That was her favorite book for longer than any other book she has.(I love that book, too!) That was a sign that it’s time for another Sue Fliess book. “How to Find a Unicorn” is perfect! It will be my gift to her next month when she turns four. Thank you!
February 26, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Gail Ann Gross
Pure Unicorn joy! Wonderful rhyme delightful artwork.
February 26, 2020 at 1:50 pm
jeanjames926
Learning about the genesis of an idea, to a book, to a published product never gets old. Congratulations!
February 26, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Nancy Riley
This is wonderful! Magical, even! Congratulations!
February 26, 2020 at 4:14 pm
marsha weiner
Now, that’s a How to I”m keen to read all about
tx!
mw
February 26, 2020 at 6:26 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Thank you for sharing your process and congratulations!!!
February 26, 2020 at 8:43 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Looking forward to hearing you speak at the MD/DE/WV SCBWI conference!
February 26, 2020 at 9:42 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
Sue and Simona: I am SO COMPLETELY IN LOVE with this book! The WONDERFUL premise and illustrations are PERFECTLY paired! SO ADORABLE!!! THANK YOU for sharing your talents with us and making the world a BRIGHTER place!!!
February 27, 2020 at 11:14 am
michelle selders
Such an adorable book. Great to see RHYMING picture books being published. Agents & editors always tell us NOT to rhyme, but I think what they really mean is don’t do it badly and send me your good ones. We all know kids love them & they’re certainly going to love this one.
February 28, 2020 at 12:54 am
tinamcho
Very neat how you adapted these 2 stories & they sold!
February 28, 2020 at 3:30 am
Judy Bryan
Thanks for sharing this book’s journey with us, Sue. I love the trailer!
February 28, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Unicorns will never go out of style. Congrats, Sue!!
February 28, 2020 at 12:55 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a terrific trailer, a wonderful origin story, and a fun book series!
February 28, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Judy A Shemtob
Great post! Thanks for sharing your story with us, Sue. Can’t wait to read your newest book.
February 29, 2020 at 2:06 am
Kim Graves
Fun post! 😊 I enjoyed reading about the journey of your new picture books—from ideas to publication. Congrats on your success, Sue!
February 29, 2020 at 4:53 am
Linda
What a charming story this seems to be.
February 29, 2020 at 10:34 am
Stephen S. Martin
I’m looking 😹😻‼️
February 29, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Shauntrell Leaks
OMG I have a student who is obsessed with unicorns 😀! Thanks for this contest.
February 29, 2020 at 7:50 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Glad they eventually found a home. And in perhaps an even more sparkly package. Cheers!
February 29, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Keila Dawson
Picture books and crafts,what a great combo! Congratulations on your new deal!
March 2, 2020 at 5:12 am
Rachel
Very interesting.
March 2, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Johanna
I love how these stories were the perfect fit for your series. Best of luck with the release and I know my five year old will definitely want to read this one.
March 7, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Dana Atnip
I can never have enough books about unicorns, haha! Congratulations on your new book! 🙂