We were lucky to catch up with Susan Phelan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Susan, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.First of all, I think most of us have to overcome imposter syndrome again and again. Like COVID! But hopefully it isn’t as bad after the first time.
My tips:
– Know why you are doing what you are doing. When my sister was small, Mom encouraged her to eat by telling her she would grow big and strong like her Aunt Jean. To get me to eat, Mom would say things like, “Hurry and eat the little green men (peas) before they get to the top of the mashed potato mountain.” Story. I’m built for story and I remind myself of that on a regular basis.
-Make an Artist Statement. Mine, for writing, is this: I believe reading is one of the best ways to learn about life beyond our selves. Through this experience we build empathy and a sense of community, both of which have the ability to build a better world. As an artist, it is within my power to create the worlds where others can have growth through stories, while enjoying the experience along the way. As my story voice lends itself to writing for children, I feel honored and obliged to use that voice to create stories that will resonate with children and allow them to see the world as larger than themselves.
– And here’s the clincher. When Chicken Scratch Books accepted Miss Classified for publication, it felt like all of my imposter syndrome was gone forever. Someone else believed in me! But, why did I wait that long to believe in myself? I was the same writer the day before, even months before, I got that acceptance letter. I had unpublished writer friends whose work was at least as good as mine. Just because they weren’t published yet, had nothing to do with their talent. Where you are at in the process doesn’t change your talent, ability, or worth. Hang on to the belief in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let some rejection you felt years ago, even as a small child, influence your self esteem. You are worth believing in.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a wife and mom of five grown kids, which makes it seem like I should have much more time for my passions, but life is always pulling in multiple directions. I love writing, acting, family, horses and dogs and live in the beautiful Rocky Mountains but always long for the ocean.
Being both a writer and an actor (for film, commercials…), I have more control over writing than acting. So much of my energy is focused in that direction. At this time, I’ve got a YA romantic suspense novel out to editors and agents, and I’m working on a middle grade historical novel based on a real girl and what she did after the Battle of Gettysburg turned her home into a hospital.
The most exciting part, for me, is getting a story idea and feeling like I know who the main character is and what she wants. I’m afraid I get more story ideas than I have time to write, so I’ve always got characters in my head wanting to know when it is their turn to be put on the page.
I also love meeting readers and teaching story to both adults and children at schools. I’ll be teaching a class or two at a terrific conference in June called Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR).
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I could almost say Read, Read and then Read. To me, that is the most important. If you want to write picture books, read them until they are coming out your ears. Same with any other genre.
And reading works for developing acting skills as well. In learning acting and writing, you are cross training. They add to each other in magnificent ways. Both develop your skills at understanding character. Reading out loud helps you for the many times you need to do a cold read (reading out loud for people on something you’ve never seen before).
Second would be to study from people. All sorts of people. Remember Batman’s utility belt? You’re building a tool belt with a variety of tools and learning how and when to use them. Don’t go into any class thinking you already know what is going to be taught. Keep humble.
And third – practice. Shannon Hale says the first draft is like putting sand into a sandbox so that later you can build sand castles. Expect your writing attempts to stink. If they don’t, you probably haven’t developed a discriminating palette. In which case, go back to step one and read some more.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to work with some fellow published middle grade writers with a similar (not the same, just a similar ball park) sensibility as I have, who also love and know horses. I’d love to collaborate on a series.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesusanphelan.com
- Instagram: suepea5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.m.phelan/
- Twitter: @suepeaZQ
- Youtube: @UtahBookScene , @susanphelan7945
