My Writing Journey, Maggie Keefe

I've always enjoyed writing in my journal and found retirement the perfect opportunity to fulfill my dream of being an author. When COVID hit, I found myself with plenty of time on my hands, so I decided to try my hand at a children's book. Having worked as a software engineer for most of my career, I had no idea what I was getting into. I did not know anything about query letters, ISBNs, editing, or illustration costs, and went in completely blind. The query letters resulted in several (well, more like 25) rejections, and that is when I decided to go the self-publishing route. If I waited around too long, I would never get published. I was also inspired to write children's books by my grandchildren. This year, my 5-year-old granddaughter brought one of my books to school and dressed as the book's character. I was so inspired and touched by this. My stories are my legacy.

My latest children's book, Five Different Boo-Boos, encourages kids not to let a few boo-boos get in the way of an adventurous day. Told through the first-person perspective of an energetic and bold girl, we follow her throughout a week of adventures. Joined by her band-aid-toting dog, she ventures from home to school and to the park, where she finds multiple ways to acquire a scrape, bump, or bruise. Five Different Boo-boos teaches kids that they might get a scratch and a bump, but they can always get back to playing. And, even if they get hurt the first time they try something new, it just means there’s more to learn and more fun to be found.

Many of my characters are a combination of the people in my life. In my latest, Five Different Boo-boos, I was inspired by my grandchildren, who always want to show off their latest cuts and scrapes with a sense of pride, treating their Band-Aids like medals of courage earned by trying new things!

I am ashamed to admit that I am inconsistent in my writing. I often wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and find myself writing prolifically the next day, but there are days when I feel uninspired and write nothing. I am working on being more consistent in my writing, but as long as I am getting the stories out, I am happy.

As a retired person, I find that writing has given me a sense of purpose. I am proud of my achievements as an author, although I have not achieved financial success; I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Definitely, marketing. I think most indie authors will probably say the same thing. I follow suggestions and do readings, which I enjoy, and I approach libraries and bookstores, which is outside of my comfort zone. Getting noticed in the crowded space of children's books is no easy feat.

I just use Word or Google Docs. I like to use online writing tools just in case I get inspired on a long drive (as a passenger, of course) and want to add to my stories. You never know when inspiration will strike, and it's good to have access.

Do it, don't overthink it. The worst that could happen is that you write something your friends and family may enjoy. I feel great pride in my writing accomplishments; they are what keep me going in retirement. The more I write, the more stories I find lurking in my psyche. It's not easy figuring out the ins and outs of publishing, but I figure learning something new has got to help my aging brain.

I contact local libraries and schools for readings. I love reading to children; they are so much fun. I try to keep things interactive, asking them to help me with some of my stories. My poetry books for kids are perfect for this, short and sweet. I have come up with a list of discussion points for each poem, and I have found this helpful in keeping the kids interested. My silly poetry books end with a silly dance to get kids up and moving. I also send lots of emails, I mean lots...to bookstores and libraries. I only hear back from a few, but it is worth it if you can get your book on the shelf. I will also do events on occasion, local fairs.

My next book is a children's book, and it is a little different for me. It is a not-so-silly story, which is a bit scary for me. After the Storm, is the story of a mighty oak tree that stood strong and tall for fifty years but could not withstand the winds of a storm, and how one fallen tree can provide warmth, shelter, memories, and hope for the future. After the Storm is a heartfelt story about resilience, renewal, and the many ways nature continues to give even after loss. It conveys a powerful message that encourages children to reflect on growth, renewal, and caring for the environment. I also have a middle-grade book in the works, Frecklepower, about a girl who hates her freckles until she discovers her freckles may give her superpowers. I am in the early stages of my first adult novel, which may or may not ever be finished/published.