Interview and Giveaway with Author Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky

Guess who’s back? Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky! I interviewed Dianna back in February of ’22 for her debut picture book JAMES’ READING RESCUE. Today, we are going to talk about Dianna’s second picture book, JUST ONE PEBBLE. And yes, Dianna is giving away a signed copy to one lucky reader. Details below.

JUST ONE PEBBLE is such an inspiring picture book, one that leaves readers with the desire to go out and change the world. And guess what readers? It’s based on a true story! Dianna, tell us how you learned about your main character, Braeden.

I was inspired myself when I first read Braeden’s story! I found it on the Hunger Site by Greater Good. It’s a site I visit daily to click and help raise funds for hunger, animal rescue and many other great causes. 

Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to checking this site out with my daughters. Can you tell us how quickly JUST ONE PEBBLE came to you after learning about Braeden?  

As soon as I read Braeden’s story I wanted to write about it. It was too good not to share! Once I had familiarized myself with his story, I began writing. It was only a matter of a few days before I was working on it.

I’m not surprised! His story just warms my heart. You did a beautiful job foreshadowing what’s to come with your very first page. That last line, “I don’t feel very lucky,” told me something big was going to change how Braeden feels. And something bigger than I could imagine happened.

Now Dianna, is this picture book categorized as nonfiction or informational fiction?

I’ve pondered this myself. While it is a true story, there is some creative fiction used to weave the story together. However, all the facts are true and some of the dialogue is supported by quotes from Braeden.

Did you have to do a lot of research to write this story? If so, what did that entail for you? 

The first thing I did was google Braeden to see what information I could find. I came across his website (https://braesbrownbags.org), his Facebook page and many informative articles. He’s such an amazing boy there were many interesting articles to read and each one gave me some further tidbit of information that I could weave into the story.

Are all of your picture book manuscripts about children who impact the world in big ways or do you have different concepts you write about? 

I am definitely drawn to stories such as this and the majority of my work is inspired by true stories. There are so many wonderful kids out there doing amazing things! I do, however, also have a couple of manuscripts about saving the dinosaurs with a DIY time machine and the resulting pandemonium that creates – something out of my usual wheelhouse but loads of fun. Now, if I can just find someone to publish them!

Well, your stories are just brimming with heart. I hope we get to read the one about the dinosaurs soon! It sounds like loads of fun! I’m curious, what did your critique group think of JUST ONE PEBBLE? 

Gosh, it’s been so long that it’s hard to remember! As always, they gave me great support and I relied on them so much – and still do. I also sent this story to an author who critiques most of my projects. 

Critique groups are the best!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sara Casilda’s illustrations in JUST ONE PEBBLE and JAMES’ READING RESCUE! How wonderful that you two were paired together for your second picture book. How is it you were able to work together again?  

Sara is the magic that brings my stories to life! I’m so grateful for the beauty, character and creativeness of her work. And she did such an incredible job of mirroring Braeden’s likeness! And his mom Christy looks as lovely as she really does. Clavis Publishing is very enlightened in that they ask their authors if there is an illustrator they would like to work with, so I asked for Sara again! She was working on another project, so that delayed us from the summer catalogue to the fall one, but waiting was no hardship when it meant we could work together again. We have an open, supportive relationship and communicate quite often during a project and she’s always open to requests if I have something particular in mind. She’s simply the best!

You are right about Sara being the best! I’m so glad you waited for her. I truly love every illustration in this book. But I agree with you Dianna, this is an evocative picture and I love the tenderness portrayed in it.

Sara is a gem for sure!

Congratulations on getting this heartwarming picture book out in the world. Is there anything new on the horizon? Exciting news, stories brewing, anything else? 

Thank you so much for your support, Lindsey. No new publications to announce, at the moment, but I am hoping that will change soon! I’m still writing and adding to my portfolio of work and hoping to connect with an agent who can help me produce and market my best work.

Well, we can’t wait to see more stories from you. I’m sure you will connect with an agent soon. You have so much talent. Do you have any tips or words of wisdom for your fellow authors? 

Just the age-old mantra of ‘Don’t give up.’ I know how endlessly hopeless and frustrating it can sometimes seem. But it only takes one person to give you a chance. The world needs to hear your stories and that can only happen if you keep on writing them.

You are one hundred percent right, Dianna! The only way you won’t get published is if you give up. Would you like to share a little more about yourself?

My life has always been filled with books and cats. I have a particular love of picture books, the way they marry story and illustration is so satisfying. I couldn’t bear to give away my kid’s books and can now share them with my little granddaughter, which is lovely. It’s like visiting with old friends.

I wanted to write all of my life – I wrote Secret of the Barnyard when I was eleven – but only seriously began to write when I was older. I had so much to learn! My first story published in 2021 when I was 63 years old. Lesson learned – don’t give up!

Our first book, James’ Reading Rescue, has published in 8 languages, including English. It makes Sara and I very happy that our book is read in so many places throughout the world!

Wow, Dianna. You continue to inspire us all. Thank you again for being here.

Now time for the GIVEWAY!

Clavis is generously offering a copy of JUST ONE PEBBLE! Retweet this post, tag two friends, and follow Dianna and myself on X by 8:30 am on Friday, August 24th for your chance to win.

Find Dianna on X here.

That’s it. Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. 

Lindsey is the creator of two imaginative little girls, the wife of an extreme sport enthusiast, and a member of many picture book critique groups. In her spare time, she enjoys watching webinars, attending conferences, and borrowing outrageous amounts of picture books from her local library.