Rebecca Weber is a middle grade author who recently published her debut novel, The Painter’s Butterfly back in February. Today she’s sharing some writing and publishing tips with Ready Chapter 1 readers!
Can you tell us all about your book, The Painter’s Butterfly? Do you have any other upcoming projects you can share with us?
The Painter’s Butterfly follows a 12 y/o foster child named Nova as she travels to meet her newest guardian, a mysterious painter named Mr. Russell. In the attic of his farmhouse, Nova discovers a magical easel that brings paintings to life! She makes a fairly big mess, but learns the meaning of home as well. This story is my debut novel, written to appeal to kiddos aged 8-12 who love magical realism (though I’ve had readers of all ages who have enjoyed Nova’s journey)! Currently, I’m querying my third manuscript, Loophole, a completely different standalone book about a young girl dealing with anxiety as she enters middle school. I’ve had some agent interest, so I’m excited to see what happens next.
Your bio says it took you 15 years to work up the courage to write your first book. What is one piece of advice you wish you could give to yourself during that time?
I’ve always been a perfectionist, and I sort of talked myself out of trying to write a book when I was younger. I’m glad I waited because it helped me to have a better understanding of the characters, but I wish I would have had more confidence in my youth. I’d tell my younger self to let go of the fear and believe in my own abilities. However, I’m grateful for every step of this process because it led me to where I am today.
Sounds like you’re quite busy between raising your daughter and flipping houses! How do you prioritize writing in such a packed schedule?
If I’m being honest, writing has taken a backseat as of late because of everything else going on. I think writers have the tendency to believe that they need to be working all the time, myself included. But there are more ways to work at our craft than writing for long stretches of time on any given day. I’ve been focusing on marketing my debut, reading current children’s literature, and brainstorming for my next big manuscript. So even though I haven’t sat down to write, I haven’t been complacent either. This type of work happens in seasons, and I’ve learned it’s important to grant yourself some grace so as not to get discouraged.
Ready Chapter 1’s big thing for aspiring writers is our feedback forum. What’s your favorite feedback you’ve ever received on one of your projects?
Someone told me that my story was the best they’d read all year. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment because it really landed a blow to my imposter syndrome. I also had a reader tell me that Nova’s relationship with Mr. Russell reminded her of Matthew and Anne from Anne of Green Gables. I’ve always LOVED Matthew and Anne’s relationship, but I didn’t intentionally channel it into my characters. It was a really neat moment of discovery about my writing.
What’s your writing process like? Are you a “plotter”, a “pantser”, or something in between?
For The Painter’s Butterfly, I was very much a pantser. I like the process of the story sort of unfolding itself to me. However, I do think it’s important to have a very broad view of where you want the story to go so as to give it direction. I’ve since started writing a loose outline with big events for my manuscripts. So now I would classify myself as a “plantser”. Gotta put that on a t-shirt sometime and wear it proudly! Haha
What did your road to publishing look like? What advice can you offer other writers who are currently trying to get their books published?
MESSY. I queried over 100 agents with The Painter’s Butterfly, but because it has a “quieter” vibe, nobody really bit. So I tried small presses instead, and landed a deal pretty quick. Unfortunately, fate had other plans for me. My first small press deal fell through because the company was underwater. I grieved for a bit, then dusted myself off and queried some more. I entered into a second small press deal with reservations, but the entire experience since has been fantastic. I liked that I had more say in the final decisions for my book, and I was able to choose the art for the cover and chapters. My sister drew all of the chapter illustrations as she inspired my main character, Nova. I’m really happy with the finished product, and I’ve gotten a great reaction from readers. I would definitely publish with Artemesia Publishing again, though for my next story I’m trying to find an agent to get some experience in a different avenue of publishing.
7. Can you provide links to any websites or social channels you’d like readers to follow?
Here’s all my info! Thanks so much for having me and helping to promote my debut. Also, if anyone is interested in reading The Painter’s Butterfly, it’s available online through most major retailers (links included below). Please leave a review if you can! Thanks again!
Connect with the author…
Twitter: @RWeberWrites
IG: rebeccaweberwrites
Facebook: Rebecca Weber – Author
TikTok: @rweberwrites
Email: rebeccaweberwrites@gmail.com
Website: https://www.rebeccaweberwrites.com/
To purchase The Painter’s Butterfly:
http://apbooks.net/butterfly.html
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-painters-butterfly-rebecca-weber/1141672343
https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-painter-s-butterfly-by-rebecca-weber
