Book Magic Now: Katie Slivensky
Pre-historic transformations, finding one's path, magical guidance resources, and an enchanting drink for all ages
Welcome to Book Magic Now, a brand new feature that highlights the serendipitous, the inspirational, and the magical adventures that comes from reading (or writing!) a good book. Dive into the ineffable side of creativity: What are we grateful for? What generates creative spark? And what (or who!) has helped us get there?
Little is more magical than the synchronicity of a good writing group. So I am over the moon to feature author, writing co-conspirator, and friend Katie Slivensky. They’re one of the fastest and most heartfelt writers I know, an interdisciplinary genius, and all-around delightful person. They generously shared the magic of finding one’s path, some favorite resources you don’t want to miss, and some pre-historic inspiration.
Katie knows what it’s like to feel different. That’s why (and how) they made their own interesting path in life: studying prehistoric animals, teaching science to big public audiences at the Museum of Science, and writing books for kids—including middle grade sci-fi adventure novels, The Countdown Conspiracy and The Seismic Seven, and the newly-released, heart-tugging picture book about the first instance of canine domestication, This Wolf Was Different (with illustrator Hannah Salyer). They live in Cambridge with their partner, two children, and dear little cat, Darwin.
The creature, real or imagined, that you would magically transform into, given the chance:
The paleontologist inside me wouldn’t be able to resist something prehistoric, fully because I’d get to see what an animal from millions of years ago actually looked like and get an up close understanding of their biology. Which prehistoric animal? Now that’s a harder choice. I have a fondness for early whales, like Rhodocetus. But honestly, any prehistoric animal would be a major boon to dozens of science fields.
How the Path Became Clear:
My agency (EMLA) used to do big agency retreats. I never could go, as they were far away and costly, but when one hit New England and I was granted a little scholarship funding to go, I jumped at the chance. This is a tale of a wholly unexpected transformative experience.
I was already committed to writing. I had already been to many conferences with other writers. I had a great critique group. I had an agent. I had a book deal. I felt like a “real” writer. So I never expected those few days to affect me so much, emotionally and professionally.
At the retreat, I was surrounded and welcomed by not just oodles of amazingly talented people, but oodles of kind, funny, compassionate people, who just wanted to help the world through kidlit. And maybe play kazoo more than normal.
I have always felt like an outsider. Even among friends. I still can’t explain why, but at this retreat, I’d never felt more at home. Deeply. Profoundly. When I left, my spirit was literally soaring. This was what I was meant to do. If these were the people who did this job, I finally *fit*. My path had never been so clear.
And I’m just now making the connection between this story and the end of This Wolf Was Different. Hah!
Magical guides:
If you get a chance to take a class or do a webinar with Pat Zietlow Miller, take it! When I made the pivot from being a MG-only writer to spreading out across age ranges, a webinar from her on picture book writing gave me the confidence and competence to journey down that new road. She has some great resources for writers on her website, including a free webinar and a whole page devoted to advice for writers!
Likewise, if you’re going into children’s writing or are already in it and looking to learn more, I can’t recommend Debbie Ridpath Ohi enough. She has amazing resources on her website and is an expert at social media. Follow her!
And for something entirely different, you must check out NASA TV. They stream constantly. Spacewalks, launches, behind the scenes, you name it. I had it on all the time while writing my first middle grade novel, The Countdown Conspiracy. This isn’t a writing recommendation, just a life one. NASA is awesome.
An enchanting drink for all ages:
I feel like adults just don’t drink enough hot chocolate. Like, really good hot chocolate. Embrace the decadence. If you can, use some kind of milk, rather than water. Use a good, high percentage cocoa. And don’t skip the marshmallows or whipped cream. Peppermint or cinnamon are excellent optional additions.
Follow Katie Slivensky:
Website | Mastodon | Facebook | BlueSky
To order This Wolf Was Different:
Simon & Schuster | Porter Square Books (signed!) | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble
Support Katie Slivensky and your other favorite authors by following, reposting, sharing, reviewing, requesting, and/or reading their books (and buying when you can)!
Happy reading & writing!
~Allison
Writer & Marketing Coach
Keep Writing, Keep Connecting! Facebook | Newsletter | Website | BlueSky | Mastadon
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Allison Pottern Hoch has happily made books her life’s work. She spent four years marketing and publicizing academic titles at The MIT Press before she went to work for Wellesley Books as a children’s bookseller and event coordinator. She is now living her dream: putting her B.A. in Creative Writing to good use as a novelist and as a writing/marketing coach for authors. She is also a graduate of the 2023 Viable Paradise workshop. She enjoys science fiction, chocolate, and a hot cup of tea.