What does it really take to become a traditionally published children’s author?
In this episode award-winning children’s author Mary Penny Hershey talks about writing for young readers, navigating the long road to traditional publishing, and why children’s books are far more complex than many aspiring writers assume.
Mary shares her inspiring journey from a library-loving child to landing her dream editor at Random House, after ten years of dedicated effort, early morning writing sessions, conferences, critique groups, and unwavering persistence.
This episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice for writers at every stage, but especially those who think writing for children seems “easy.”
Spoiler alert: It isn’t.
In this episode, we discuss:
📚 how discovering the public library sparked Mary’s lifelong love of children’s books
✍️ why she didn’t seriously pursue writing until age 40
⏰ writing while balancing a demanding full-time career—with writing sessions from 5–7 AM
🏆 landing her dream editor at Random House after a decade of persistence
📖 how one standalone book became a three-book series
📝 why great editors make books dramatically stronger
💥 the pivotal editorial suggestion that transformed one of her characters
👧 the differences between picture books, chapter books, and middle grade fiction
🤦 why writing for children is not easier than writing for adults
🏃 how writing resembles marathon training more than a sprint
💡 where story ideas come from and how to cultivate them
📓 Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and the power of morning pages
🏫 what new writers bring to her Santa Barbara Writers Conference workshops
📚 why aspiring children’s writers need to read hundreds of current books in their category
🤝 the importance of volunteering, giving back, and building publishing community
📖 craft books every writer should read: Bird by Bird and On Writing
Key Takeaways
Writing for children requires real craft
Mary addresses one of the biggest misconceptions in publishing:
No, children’s books are not easier to write.
Children’s literature demands:
- strong plotting
- layered characters
- emotional truth
- age-appropriate voice
- compelling storytelling
Publishing is a long game
Mary’s journey to publication took ten years.
And she says that’s not unusual.
For aspiring writers, this is a critical reminder:
Persistence matters more than speed.
Great editing transforms your story
One of the most memorable moments in the episode is Mary sharing how an editor challenged a key element in her first novel.
What initially felt like the “wrong” note became the exact breakthrough her story needed.
Lesson: Stay open to smart editorial feedback.
Writing is a discipline, not a mood
Mary compares writing to marathon training.
You don’t skip training because you don’t feel like it.
And you don’t skip writing either.
Practical Advice for Writers
1. Read widely in your category
If you want to write children’s books:
You must know what’s publishing now.
Mary recommends deep immersion:
- libraries
- bookstores
- newsletters
- current award winners
- recent releases
2. Create idea-generating space
Mary recommends:
- journaling
- walking without distractions
- morning pages
- artist dates
- quiet creative reflection
Ideas need room to arrive.
3. Don’t wait for “enough time”
Even 20 minutes counts.
A short writing session still moves the story forward.
4. Find your people
Critique groups, conferences, writing communities, and workshops accelerate growth dramatically.
Writing in isolation is much harder.
5. Give back while you grow
Mary believes volunteering within the writing community creates both connection and momentum.
Publishing isn’t only about taking, it’s also about contributing.
Writing for Young Readers
Mary explains the distinctions between categories like:
- picture books
- chapter books
- middle grade
- older middle grade / tween fiction
One of the key questions:
Who is telling the story, and how old are they emotionally?
That decision shapes everything.
What Mary’s Working on Now
Mary shares details about a delightful current project:
A middle grade novel about an eleven-year-old girl who inherits her grandmother’s lingerie store.
A wonderfully quirky premise exploring that fascinating in-between age where childhood and adolescence collide.
Recommended Books for Writers
Mary’s go-to craft books:
📘 Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
📘 On Writing by Stephen King
📘 The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Memorable Quote
“It’s not a sprint or a 5K—it’s a marathon.”
Perfect advice for every writer.
About Mary Penny Hershey
Mary Penny Hershey is an award-winning children’s author known for her middle grade fiction and her teaching at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. She mentors emerging writers, helps authors navigate the children’s publishing landscape, and continues to create stories for young readers.
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