An Interview with author Debbie Vilardi.
Welcome, Debbie. How did you get started writing?
Thanks! Let me see. Well, I guess I started with story. By three, I was making up stories, and I still am.
And what inspires your stories?
Absolutely everything. I mean that seriously. I’m a student of life and human nature. I write to discover my own answers to those questions that have puzzled many for centuries. Who am I? What is this world? How do I fit in? They’re classic middle grade, coming-of-age questions. Perhaps this explains why my earliest writings were poems completed in Jr. High.
Poems? Tell us more.
My first published work was a poem, “Life Long,” in the 1986 issue of Reflections, the literary magazine of Westbury High School. Following that, I submitted to Seventeen magazine and was rejected. I didn’t know enough about poetry or the markets to pursue it. Today, I dabble in this field, but I’m learning. Also, I have had a few more poems published. Poetry requires an economy of words and clarity of imagery that improve my prose work as well.
Did poetry lead you to writing for children?
No, a bet did. Shortly after I met the young man who became my husband, he told me I could never understand how it had felt to lose his mother as a teen. I wrote what later became the central chapter of my middle grade manuscript, Darklands, to prove him wrong. He hasn’t counted out my imagination since.
But it was years before I had the idea to expand that short piece into a novel. I then attended the SCBWI/Hofstra conference where I met my first critique group. That was the beginning of my journey toward becoming a professional author.
And what made you decide to accept freelance assignments?
There are a few things. Most of my freelance work has been for educational markets. This taps into my teaching background. Writing for Tun Tun English, a Korean publisher, utilized my skills as an ESL teacher. I have a passion for language, literacy, and culture and love that these books may teach all three. I also write and copy edit for a Chinese publisher, Xiaoduo Media. Talk about a cross cultural experience! But lately, I’ve focused on early readers for American publishers though I have two with Pearson, UK.
Writing to specification is a welcome challenge. It forces me to break away from my independent projects and any ruts I’ve fallen into. I come back with a fresh perspective. I’ve also learned about working with editors, meeting deadlines, dummying picture books, scripting a graphic novel, SEL curriculum, and the topics of every issue of Cobblestone from July 2011 until May 2016 as well as corresponding issues of Dig from the later years. My copy editing focuses on science- and technology-related topics, so I learn a lot there too.
What are you writing now?
I always have more than one project in progress. I’m revising a YA novel based on the stories I used to tell myself. When I finish the draft, I’ll focus on querying my completed picture books and revising others. I also have notes from an agent who rejected it on how to revise Darklands and ideas from the SCBWI Winter Conference on few of my picture book manuscripts. Of course, my parents and children and professional assignments also need my time. Add that I never know when a new idea may strike. I’ll draft a shorter work or take notes for a novel. Any idea that sticks after I finish what’s in the queue is a keeper.
I also devote time to supporting other writers. I became a global moderator of the SCBWI Discussion Forums in June 2017 after years moderating only the Online Critiques section, and I’m managing editor for the Long Island chapter newsletter. In 2019, I took over as treasurer of Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators, a local group, and I even mentor writers for a fee. Critique partners and mentors are invaluable to writers. My own groups have helped improve my work and supported my professional growth. I’m honored to assist others as a volunteer or as paid support.
And what about when you aren’t writing?
I’m a mother of two. My daughter has an autism spectrum disorder as well as ADHD. My son is a gifted student with Crohn’s disease. These varied parenting experiences along with my experience as a teacher have fed my fascination with the inner workings of the mind, the producer of all stories.
Along with exploring stories in books and visual media, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I will always advocate for my passions: children, literacy, and learning. I have spoken in support of books and as a disability advocate at school and library board meetings. I’m also a chocoholic, but I see no reason to add my voice to chocolate advocates unless the chocolate supply is threatened.
Is there anything you’d like to add before we conclude?
I’d just like to thank all of the mentors, critique partners, and mentoring organizations helping me along in this journey. I’d still be as clueless as seventeen-year-old me without them. And to thank you for having me, of course.
Thank you for joining us.