March 18, 2021 12:31 pm
by Laura K. Zimmermann
First I want to thank Tara for inviting me to share my story, which begins with a new writer staring at her computer trying to decide whether or not to sign up for Storystorm (PiBoldMo at the time). I very nearly didn’t. I remember thinking that there was no way I could come up with 30 ideas in thirty days—that was more picture books ideas than I’d had all year. But there was nothing to lose, so I decided to try.
I began my hunt for ideas. I’m a nonfiction writer so I created a private list on Twitter where I collected organizations and people who tweeted about topics that interest me. Each day I poured over my list. I would also look through science report emails, conduct google searches, and started to look, really look, at the things around me. One day I came across a tweet about a graveyard. On the list of people buried there was someone called “The Blind Traveler” who was in no way associated with mushrooms, but did pull me into the world of picture book biographies.
Jump forward to the next Storystorm. With my new focus on picture book biographies I was searching for female scientists. I had uncovered several for my idea list, when I stumbled across a story about Beatrix Potter’s research with mushrooms. I had to learn more so I researched everything I could find. I read her journal and looked at pictures of her paintings, some of which I had seen in a museum many years earlier. The idea could work. So, I wrote the biography, and revised and revised and revised. But no one at the time seemed to be interested.
I should probably mention at this point, that prior to the Beatrix Potter biography I had never seen mushrooms as anything other than things you buy in a grocery store to put in soups, spaghetti sauce, and on pizza. But to Beatrix they were beautiful and challenging—from their curving caps and bladelike gills, to their varied textures and colors that ranged from the reddest reds to the softest creams and everything in between. She spent years scrutinizing and painting them again and again, training her brush strokes to capture every detail. Over time she developed questions for which she could find no answers and so began her own research. And as I worked to understand her mycological studies and read about masses of crisp yellow cups nestled in moss and troops with foxy-brown caps surrounded by black firs, I began to see mushrooms in a new way.
Then one day, I came across an article about mushrooms creating rain—a mushroom rain. There was a book there I just knew it. So I did more research, wrote and revised, and revised, and revised. But again, no one seemed interested. Enter my agent, Kaitlyn Sanchez. I sent her Mushroom Rain hoping she might see what my critique partners and I saw. I didn’t have to wait long. Later that day I had a list of suggested revision in my inbox. She loved it too and with a bit more revision she started to shop it. There were still a lot of no’s, of course, but you only need one yes, which we got from Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear, who loved it exactly as it was. It is now in the hands of an amazing, mushroom-loving artist, Jamie Green, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Beatrix Potter once said, “There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.” For me they led to a weird and wonderful world that, like an idea, springs up without warning and must be gathered before it disappears.
Although Laura has seen and eaten many mushrooms, she knew very little about them until she discovered them in Beatrix Potter’s paintings and journal. A mushroom hunter, artist, and researcher, it was Beatrix’s passion that led Laura to learn more about their weird and wonderful world. Laura K. Zimmermann is a college professor by day and children’s writer by night. She has published numerous academic articles as well as nonfiction stories in children’s magazines. Mushroom Rain is her first picture book. When she’s not writing, Laura can be found teaching and conducting research at Shenandoah University or wandering through nature with her Goldendoodle, Tivy. You can find Laura online at laurakzimmermann.com and on Twitter @LauraK_PBwriter and Instagram @LauraK_PBwriter.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Picture Books, STORYSTORM Success Story
Tags: Laura K. Zimmerman, STORYSTORM Success Story
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As Mushrooms Grow in Popularity, a Radical Mycology Movement is Emerging – https://civileats.com/2021/03/11/as-mushrooms-grow-in-popularity-a-radical-mycology-movement-is-emerging/
By marsha weiner on March 18, 2021 at 12:39 pm
What a great article…thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:48 pm
I am SO excited for you and cannot wait to have this book in my hands someday! Thanks for sharing the story behind the story!
By Debra Shumaker on March 18, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Thank you, Debra!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:50 pm
Congratulations!
By TerriMichels on March 18, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Thank you, Terri!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Love this story! Thanks for sharing it and congratulations, Laura! I look forward to reading your book.
By Sarah Meade on March 18, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Thank you, Sarah!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:54 pm
How exciting! I look forward to reading your book.
By lmconnors on March 18, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Thanks for sharing your interesting journey! Your book sounds fascinating. Can’t wait to read it.
By Eileen Mayo on March 18, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Thank you, Eileen!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Ha, love how you ended this post! Can’t wait to read your book–sounds excellent.
By audiencedog on March 18, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:57 pm
It’s great that all that digging and researching resulted in a PB!
By Rebecca E Guzinski on March 18, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Thank you, Rebecca!
By Laura K. Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 1:58 pm
Laura, I loved this story, the story of your writing journey. Wishing you continued success. It’s a wish I’m sure will come true.
By Ellie Langford on March 18, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Thank you, Ellie!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Thank you, Laura, for sharing your mushroom journey to successful research and writing.
By judyrubin13 on March 18, 2021 at 1:11 pm
Thank you, Judy!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:01 pm
How exciting! I love looking for mushrooms in the woods. I’ve never heard of mushroom rain, though.
By Bethanny Parker on March 18, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Thank you, Bethanny! It is a translated Russian term that refers to a light sun shower that helps mushrooms “bloom” 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:04 pm
Congratulations, Laura! I can’t wait to the the results.
By David McMullin on March 18, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Thank you, David!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Yay, Laura!! Congratulations and best wishes with your debut book!!!
By Mia Geiger on March 18, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Thank you, Mia!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Love mushroom hunting. Many grow right at the edge of the woods. Look forward to this new book.
By Mary Jo Huff on March 18, 2021 at 1:19 pm
Thank you, Mary Jo! I’ve never been on an official mushroom hunt…just the little beauties I come across when hiking. I can’t wait for the world to return to normal so I can join a group (so I don’t manage to eat a bad one)!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Make room for mushrooms! And raindrops!
Congrats Laura.
By Cathy Ballou Mealey on March 18, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Thank you, Cathy!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Such a beautiful mushroom painting…looking forward to seeing more in the book. Congratulations!
By boardmancamera on March 18, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Thank you! Beatrix’s mushroom paintings are amazing. The artist for the book, Jaime Green, is amazing too –just saw the initial sketches and I can’t wait to see them evolve. 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:16 pm
I love your connection to Beatrix Potter. She would be pleased! This is a wonderful, inspirational story. Thank you and congratulations to you (and Tara)!
By Cindy Boyll on March 18, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Thank you, Cindy! I like to think so. 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Ooh, I am going to paint a picture only using the color palette from the mushrooms.
By Kassy Keppol on March 18, 2021 at 1:29 pm
That sounds amazing, Kassy!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Congratulations on bringing your StoryStorm idea to reality.
By ptnozell on March 18, 2021 at 1:42 pm
Thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:19 pm
Thank you for sharing and congratulations! Enjoyed the interview. Rosanna
By romontanaro on March 18, 2021 at 1:46 pm
Thank you, Rossana!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Oh, I love your backstory so much! It’s true that the research for nonfiction can sneak up on you and make you look at the world in a whole new way. Something you were curious about turns into a passion. So cool to see that this happened to you. Congrats on the contract with Sleeping Bear!
By Jilanne Hoffmann on March 18, 2021 at 1:51 pm
Thank you, Jilanne!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:22 pm
Love Storystorm. Your story invokes the phrase, “You never know.” The book will have an earthy tone and illustrations for all of us to enjoy. Thank you for the backstory.
By readmybook2002 on March 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Thank you, BruBenson! The artist, Jamie Green, is amazing!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Great story. Love the title, Mushroom Rain
By Carole Calladine on March 18, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Thank you, Carole! It is a translated Russian term that refers to a light sun shower that helps mushrooms “bloom” 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:26 pm
So interesting to learn about your path to MUSHROOM RAIN. Congratulations!
By Claire A. B. Freeland on March 18, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Thank you, Claire!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:27 pm
This is an inspirational story; thank you for sharing! Now I’m intrigued to learn a bit motre about mushrooms. Can’t wait to read your book!
By Lisa on March 18, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Thank you, Lisa! They really are fascinating and we are learning more about them all of the time!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 2:33 pm
Your journey is inspirational. Thank you!
By Joyce Uglow on March 18, 2021 at 3:06 pm
Thank you, Joyce!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 3:25 pm
What a beautiful book journey and I can’t wait to check this one out! Thank you for sharing, Lisa!
By Katie Williams on March 18, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Thank you, Katie!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:09 pm
Wonderful!
By Sylvia Mary Grech on March 18, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Thank you, Sylvia!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 3:25 pm
With a title like Mushroom Rain, how can you not want to read it! Congratulations. It sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read it.
By pathaap on March 18, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Thank you, Pat!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Congratulations Laura! Thank you for sharing your research journey for your book. I look forward to reading it.
By chardixon47 on March 18, 2021 at 3:25 pm
Thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Inspirational for a day where some it needed. Congratulations on your book publishing process. Hope the book come out in 2021 soon.
By Sheri Radovich on March 18, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Thank you, Sheri! Spring 2022 just in time for next year’s morel mushrooms. 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:03 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your story! You just never know where ideas will come from. I love when you said that you “…started to look, really look, at the things around me.” I often stress about the next idea, so I try to do that, too. Ideas are everywhere. I’m a little curious about “The Blind Traveler.” Did you ever pursue that?
By rosecappelli on March 18, 2021 at 3:52 pm
Thank you, Rose. It was the first PB bio I wrote. No takers for it, but I loved spending time with his story and it helped me develop the writing style I have today, So still a win! 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Wonderful ‘shroom story! Looking forward to reading it! Congrats.
By stiefelchana on March 18, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:08 pm
What a fascinating journey. I love studying small things up close and ‘really’ seeing them. So many amazing parts of our world we often overlook. Congrats on your book. Look forward to reading it.
By marty on March 18, 2021 at 4:06 pm
So true. Thank you, Marty!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:11 pm
How wonderful ❤️ A great inspiration, thank you
By kiralee strong on March 18, 2021 at 4:09 pm
Thank you, Kiralee!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:14 pm
Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your journey. Look foward to seeing the book!
By allyenz on March 18, 2021 at 4:15 pm
Thank you, Ally!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:15 pm
Congratulations!!! I am excited for this book and can’t wait to read it!
Your article was also super inspiring! Keep doing what you’re doing, ’cause you’re doing great!
By Catherine J Lee on March 18, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Thank you, Catherine!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Thanks for sharing your journey!
By kathydoherty1 on March 18, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Thank you, Kathy!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:17 pm
I LOVED reading this! Thanks so much for sharing, Tara, and Laura, even your articles are beautifully written. Remind me to thank June again for connecting us because I’m so lucky to have you on the team!
By Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez on March 18, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Thank you, Kaitlyn! I am lucky as well!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:46 pm
Laura,
I appreciate how your persistence paid off to have Mushroom Rain get published. Your comment, “it only takes one yes” in lieu of all the no’s you had received was the topper! Thank you.
By Hank Dallago on March 18, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Thank you, Hank!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 5:47 pm
What a great story. Way to not give up. A great reminder it’s about finding the right person that the story fits with. Congratulations!
By Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06) on March 18, 2021 at 6:03 pm
Thank you, Ashley!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Revise, revise, revise…thank you for the reminder of the reality of revisions….
Peace,
Alicia
By Alicia S. Gagnon on March 18, 2021 at 6:31 pm
Thank you, Alicia! My students are rarely appreciative of that reminder. 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 6:36 pm
Mushrooms, amazing topic for a book. I’ll look out for it when it’s published.
By YauMei Chiang on March 18, 2021 at 6:38 pm
Thank you, YauMei!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 6:42 pm
Wonderful story. Congratulations on landing your book with a publisher, I look forward to seeing Mushroom Rain on the shelves.
By Aly Kenna on March 18, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Thank you, Aly!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 8:23 pm
I love encountering people who are passionate about unusual things. Congratulations on Mushroom Rain. It sounds terrific.
By janetfrencksheets on March 18, 2021 at 7:28 pm
Thank you, Janet!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 8:24 pm
What a wonderful post…so much true energy and excitement. Thank you.
By Linda Mitchell on March 18, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Thank you, Linda!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 8:25 pm
Thank you for sharing your story. I am struggling to write my first picture book. I like the story. My elementary teacher acquaintances think children will like the story. My friend who is a children’s librarian thinks children will love the story. My editor doesn’t think the main character shows enough growth. My take away from your story is to keep trying. I will find that sweet spot where quiet story meets character growth and the story will come to life.
By Susan Jobsky on March 18, 2021 at 8:07 pm
Thank you, Susan! That is the only way I know to get there. Good luck with it!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 8:27 pm
Very neat! I love how this came about! Congrats on the book deal & a sweet agent!
By tinamcho on March 18, 2021 at 8:20 pm
Thank you, Tina! Kaitlyn is amazing!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 8:28 pm
Can’t wait to read your book!
By Marla Yablon on March 18, 2021 at 9:05 pm
Thank you, Maria
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 9:22 pm
I am so hooked! Beatrix Potter + mushrooms + rain=an amazing story! As one who loves BP’s stories, I don’t know much about her. Can’t wait to read your book w/ a yummy fungal soup🙂
By yangmommy on March 18, 2021 at 9:28 pm
Thank you! You’re making me hungry. 🙂 Beatrix was my inspiration. If you want to learn more about her life, you might like “Beatrix Potter, Scientist” by Metcalf and Wu. It came out not too long ago and focuses on her life as it relates to her mushroom research.
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 18, 2021 at 9:38 pm
Thank you for sharing the story of your road to publication. I am a fan of Beatrix Potter and her beautiful illustrations and can’t wait to read your Mushroom Rain story.
By phyllischerry.com on March 18, 2021 at 10:54 pm
Thank you, Phyllis!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 12:55 am
I love to learn something new, and I had no idea that Beatrix Potter was interested in mushrooms. Thanks for the inside story. I’m looking forward to reading Mushroom Rain!
By Darcee Freier on March 19, 2021 at 11:29 am
Thank you, Darcee!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Laura, loved learning how you began this journey!
Congratulations, also, for having Kaitlyn Sanchez as your agent!
Looking forward to reading your book!! 🙂
By seschipper on March 19, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Thank you, Susan! Kaitlyn is amazing!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 4:21 pm
Loved the post. A long journey that had a happy ending.
By Janet Smart on March 19, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Thank you, Janet!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 7:02 pm
I guess a little spore must have made its way into your brain and grew.
By Stephen S. Martin on March 19, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Hmmm…it may be controlling me now. 🙂
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 7:06 pm
Congratulations on breaking through the “paper ceiling”, Laura!
By Mary on March 19, 2021 at 5:39 pm
Thank you, Mary!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 7:06 pm
You book sounds fascinating! Congrats!
By nrompella on March 19, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Thank you, Natalie!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Such a wonderful article, Laura! I appreciate you sharing your journey to publication, and I can’t wait to read Mushroom Rain!
By Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez on March 19, 2021 at 9:34 pm
Thank you, Jolene!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 19, 2021 at 10:35 pm
When is it out?! I am intrigued by mushroom rain.
By The World Is My Cuttlefish on March 22, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Spring 2022 just in time for morel mushroom season. Thank you for asking!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 24, 2021 at 9:47 am
I love reading how ideas arrive…and all the labor in creating a picture book.
By Nancy Ferguson on March 24, 2021 at 4:38 pm
You always learn new things in the process. 🙂 Thank you for your interest, Nancy!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 24, 2021 at 7:50 pm
So enjoyed your reading about your path of persistence–and ultimate success–to getting a PB published, Laura. Congratulations! I, too, enjoy wandering through nature, whether the woods or the beach, on walks with my goldendoodle, Sophie.
By Lucretia S. on March 24, 2021 at 5:00 pm
Thank you, Lucretia! My goldendoodle is of the opinion that we haven’t wandered nearly enough of late. She is right, of course. 🙂
By Laura K. Zimmermann on March 24, 2021 at 7:52 pm
What an interesting journey! I’m always intrigued by beginnings and ultimate endings. Thank you for sharing.
By Bea Brown on March 28, 2021 at 7:24 pm
Thank you, Bea!
By Laura K Zimmermann on March 30, 2021 at 11:42 pm
Congratulations! Your story of the story is inspiring!
By Living Sattva on March 31, 2021 at 1:11 am
Thank you!
By Laura K Zimmermann on April 4, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Wonderful! I am fascinated by mushrooms. It’s such a joy to go hunting and take pictures. Congratulations!
By Angie on April 15, 2021 at 11:46 am
Thank you, Angie!
By Laura K Zimmermann on April 29, 2021 at 4:53 pm
This sounds so lovely…Mushroom Rain! I just love the title and a big fan of Beatrix Potter. This is something I didn’t know about her. Congratulations on your debut! I wish you the best of luck with it!
By Kelly Vavala on April 26, 2021 at 10:44 am
Thank you, Kelly!
By Laura K Zimmermann on April 29, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Thank you, Kelly!
By Laura K Zimmermann on April 29, 2021 at 4:56 pm
Mazel tov on your upcoming publication! I just took a class with your agent, Kaitlyn, and she seems so honest and passionnate. Can’t wait to read your book!
By risabeth on January 7, 2022 at 10:45 pm
I’m a keen mushroom hunter obsessed with the subject and congratulate you on your upcoming book (!), which I can’t wait to read (I proposed my own PB ms on the subject years ago, but it fell flat). Mushrooming’s an addictive hobby (are you addicted yet?), and I travel a lot so I’ve indulged in picking in many different places, though I have yet to try dyeing with them. If interested, check out the mushrooms photos on my website: https://poupettesmith.com/photos%20mushroom.htm
By Poupette on February 3, 2022 at 10:50 pm