GENRE: SEL, Informational Fiction
WORDS: 659
Query:
Hello Wonderful PB Party Judges, Agents and Editors,
I want to share my deepest appreciation to all of you for your involvement in this spectacular event. I’m always excited to be a part of it when it comes around and to cheer everyone on. I’m hoping to find representation and/or publication for my 659 words, SEL, PB, “Walking For Sissy” delicately navigates the loss of a sibling to suicide.
It’s hard to talk about the loss of Sissy, but for a Grandchild and Grandfather (“Papa”), a walk in Sissy’s honor helps to process feelings of grief and start the path towards healing. “Walking for Sissy” is a heartfelt picture book reminiscent of “The Remember Balloons” and “Abuelita’s Gift” that gently helps to foster conversations about loss, mental health, grief, support and healing.
I’m a licensed mental health counselor and neurofeedback practitioner from New Hampshire. Along with my brain-focused career, I am also a Mom to a 5 year old boy and my favorite moments are the ones that I get to spend with him and family! I have one traditionally published PB, “Otis Has a Bad Day”, that came out in August of 2023 and focuses on what children can do to navigate difficult emotions. In my spare time I enjoy drinking coffee, watching too many crime shows and scaring my husband with trips to Target.
I’m thrilled to share this story with you all. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Excerpt:
The sun hides behind the clouds.
The air is crisp and leaves crunch under my feet.
I forget and look for Sissy, but she is not here.
Sissy loved the fall.
If she were here, she would grab a pile of leaves and toss it up in the air, letting it fall all over us like she used to do.
I want to share this with Papa.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
I had been thinking about writing this story for years before I finally began typing it. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have worked with many clients who have experienced loss from suicide. I have also lost someone to suicide and I’ve noticed how impactful the Suicide Prevention Walks are in the grieving and healing process so I wanted to write a book about the experience. My hope is that it helps young readers and families who have already struggled with this type of loss (or any type of loss) and foster a sense of community and healing.
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