In this episode of 'The Book Deal Podcast,' host Tina Strachan interviews picture book author Kirsten Ealand, discussing her debut book 'Like a Gannet,' her writing journey, and the challenges and surprises of her debut year. Kirsten shares invaluable advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing patience, perseverance, and the strategic benefit of 'quitting' to rejuvenate creativity. She reveals the meticulous process behind crafting her book, including multiple revisions and incorporating editor feedback. Kirsten also touches on dealing with rejection and the importance of manuscript assessments. She gives a sneak peek of her upcoming release 'The Big Backyard Plan' and provides insights into handling publication pressures.

00:00 Introduction to Kirsten Earland
01:13 Kirsten's Debut Book: Like a Gannet
02:30 The Writing Process and Challenges
05:44 Manuscript Assessments and Feedback
12:04 Dealing with Rejections
18:14 Surprises in the Publishing Journey
20:30 Book Launch Day Adventures
21:12 The Emotional Journey of Seeing Your Book in Print
23:13 Navigating the Editing Process
25:18 Finding Your Voice in the Publication Process
28:56 Upcoming Releases and Future Projects
33:52 Top Tips for Aspiring Writers
34:59 The Importance of Taking Breaks

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