Danielle Dufayet: Write More than One Story
KidLit Craft is back with another Snack-Sized Author Interview. In this series, we ask authors five quick questions that give us insight into their craft and process. Today we’re talking with author Danielle Dufayet.
I’ve known Danielle Dufayet for almost as long as I’ve been involved in the KidLit community. We’ve been critique partners for much of that time. Two qualities that I admire deeply in Danielle are her emotional intelligence and her perseverance. Outside of the KidLit world, people sometimes assume that writing picture books is easy, but there’s nothing further from the truth. I’ve witnessed Danielle spend years on projects, letting them simmer then digging deep, and then ripping stories apart and starting all over again. She does not give up on a story that matters to her. There’s a reason why she’s multi-published in such a competitive field. And the empathy, kindness, and love she brings to her projects shine through on each and every page. Danielle is committed to showing children that they matter, that they can solve problems and do hard things. And Danielle is also a fine artist who paints the most beautiful work with a color palette that brings me joy. Her keen observation skills always find their way into her writing. ~ Kristi
Welcome, Danielle!
Question 1: What's your writing superpower?
My writing superpower is possibly my self-discipline. I never allow myself to talk negatively to myself about my writing, even when I'm not quite feeling the story yet. I approach the blank page with a sense of collaboration. I believe that big, beautiful, bare page wants my story, which helps me focus on creating it. My positive attitude and determination keep me going until my manuscript is finished and ready to submit to my agent, no matter how long it takes.
Question 2: What’s an element of craft you explored in your latest project and what tips can you share with other authors for growing in their use of that particular element?
The element of craft I used in my latest manuscript is writing it from my inner child's point of view. I want children to relate and resonate with my story, so I had to look at it as if I were a child. This new story I wrote was from my heart, so I had to express it in a way that children could feel the same emotion and care about the character. The primary emotion was caring about an old tree and being worried that it was maybe lonely and afraid. This led to an ending where the character realized there was nothing to worry about, including the subtle message that love is the most important thing!
Question 3: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a new author?
My advice would have been that getting published will take much longer than you think, but if you don't give up, you'll get there! I remember looking in the mirror when I was 18 when I told myself I didn't care if it took me 20 years to get published. It actually took me 35 years to get an agent and sell my first picture book manuscript.
Also, don't get hung up on one story. I didn't start writing new stories for a long while in my writing journey. I was emotionally attached to one particular story which held my progress back. You have to know when to let go of a story and start a new one. It's important to keep writing new ideas.
Question 4: What inspires you as a writer?
So many things inspire me to be a writer. I have read books that changed my life for the better. Books can teach you things that help you grow and evolve. They can help you change your attitudes and beliefs that were maybe not serving your best interest. If I can add a little more light and love into the world through my writing, that's enough motivation for me.
I like to look at things in a holistic way, including all the benefits and good things. My first picture book, Waiting Together, is about how hard it is to wait for things, but while you're waiting there are interesting smells, sounds or sensations. Life is full of waiting, for young and old, but it's still a wonderful part of life. It's not as hard as we think, and it certainly is better with a friend.
My other books carry on this open and optimistic way of seeing the world. Fantastic You is about loving and respecting yourself, essentially becoming your own best friend! You Are Your Strong is about self-resilience and inner strength that is already inside all of us. Benford Draws a Blank is about letting go of perfectionism and creating a beautiful and satisfying work of art.
Question 5: What’s one book you think every kidlit author should read?
Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul.
I like the book because it's comprehensive. It helps the reader learn the importance of tightly focused writing that leaves room for illustrations. It emphasizes that children's picture books should be a joy to read out loud. It has wonderful revision exercises, and I love that it teaches to research book markets to know what's already been published and where your book may fit.
Bonus Question: What can fans look forward to next?
I have my fifth manuscript out on submission, which I hope will be published for the world to learn about a very special tree.
Danielle Dufayet teaches English and public speaking/self-empowerment classes for kids. She has a bachelor's in English literature and a master's in psychology. She has always been drawn to the beauty and simplicity of picture books and attracted by their powerful psychological impact on young minds. She believes that books are magic little gems that can change one's life. She lives in San Jose, California.
You can find her online on her website and on Instagram @ddaniwriter
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