Meet Penny Schneider

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Penny Schneider. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Penny below.

Hi Penny, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Overcome it? This makes me laugh. I’m not sure I ever will be completely over it, but…. What helps me is when I see the effects my work has on others. When I am doing a read aloud and my audience laughs loudly at all the “right” parts. When kids come to my events hugging their book and tell me how much they love it. When kids excitedly add their illustrations to the draw in pages of my book because they want to add to the story too and my artwork inspired them. When kids’ faces light up as they tell me their favorite parts. When I read tear jerking reviews of my books. These things help me a lot. Currently I am working on the second in the series. There is always a moment when I think, will they love this one too?

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Long Island, New York based author illustrator that has loved doodling my entire life. Recently retired from a 32 year career as a high school art teacher, now turning the page to full time author illustrator. Sprinkles on top, now also the art director for my amazing publisher Monarch Educational Services. Monarcheducationalservices.com
My love of art and making children laugh and happy is what led me to my career as an art educator and now writing and illustrating children’s books. If you asked what my favorite medium in creating artwork, I would simply say a paper and pencil.
I am thoroughly enjoying library and school visits where I can share ARTY and my artistic process with children. Doing this I feel like like my 2 worlds melt happily together.

My debut children’s graphic novel ARTY (September 10, 2024) took about 5 years to complete. Arty is not your typical see a fish you fight betta fish. He knows how he is supposed to be, but he has a secret wish. Arty wishes for a friend. Along comes a silly sea slug and his world flips upside down. Currently I am working on the second in the ARTY series, ARTY TOO. I can be a bit of a perfectionist, so sometimes progress is slow, but I am making great progress. I am so excited to be able to share the next adventures of Arty, and Slug, and the new places, creatures and laughs they share ….together.
PennySchneider.com

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three things that I feel were most impactful on my journey would be persistence, training in art education and creativity.
Writing and illustrating a graphic novel is quite an undertaking. For me, the story has to be engaging, entertaining, and speckled with humor, fun and heart. The characters have to make you fall in love with them, root for them and laugh with them. The art has to be narrative, engaging and full of expression and movement. For me, everything needs to flow and check all of the boxes. Never giving up and knowing when to say when along the way. Then the querying process, oh the querying process. This is not for the faint of heart. This can be long and grueling. Again, never giving up. The end is in sight…..your goal of being a published author illustrator. Then there is marketing, getting your beloved book into the hands and hearts of as many as you can to experience your work. Persistence is a long process, but never give up….
My training in art education not only helped in my illustrating craft, but how to get my points across successfully to my audience. How to communicate to my audience well. How to engage my audience. This was especially useful, in addition to my years of teaching experience, when I am doing appearances and book visits.
Creativity, oh what would I do without you? My mind just keeps going…. Always problem solving and working. I love to find the humor in things, or even create some where none is to be found. How could I do this differently? better? funnier? Creativity to me is the height of intelligence.
My best advice to new authors is to just keep writing. Don’t give up, just keep going. Also a big one, read a LOT of books in your genre. Critique groups are also great! I am in a writing critique group and an illustrator one. Joining SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) is another great thing that has helped me a lot! Querying can be tough, but do not give up if this is what you really want. Just keep refining your craft and it will happen. Positive thinking!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Arty is named after my dad Arthur. He was a 9th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Tough on the outside, with a heart of gold. My father was my best friend, my role model and my hero. He was also a high school science teacher as well as a karate instructor. He was extremely hard working, he would give you the shirt off his back and was always there to help those in need. He enjoyed constantly learning. He meant so much to those who knew him. His impact left a mark even if he never knew it. He wrote multiple books himself as well in fields of karate and self defense. One of his black belt students told me about my father that his impact was endless, like ripples in water. This was my dad. I was so blessed and fortunate to have such a role model for a dad.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PennySchneider.com
• Instagram: @_pennysdoodles
• Linkedin: Penny Schneider
• Twitter: @pennyschnei
• Other: BlueSky. @pennysdoodles