Dianne White

Oh so many years ago… I dreamed of writing picture books.

I took many many classes at UCLA extension with wonderful writers: Ann Whitford Paul, Kristine O’Connell George, Sonia Levitin, Caroline Arnold, Madeline Comora, Alexis O’Neill, and Barbara Abercrombie.

I signed up for more classes – online, this time – with Anastasia Suen, Barbara Seuling, Dennis Foley and Lynn Hightower.

I completed an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts and worked with fabulous advisors: Phyllis Root, Marion Dane Bauer, Jane Resh Thomas, and Tim Wynne-Jones.

I went back to Vermont again (!) to finish a post-grad picture book semester with the amazing Kathi Appelt.

I met many wonderful people who supported my growth as a writer, including my Whirligig Vermont College classmates and my dear “Cookie” friends: Ann, Candy, Debbie, Nancy, Miriam, Texas Steph, and Stephanie G.

Then, after all those years, and all those classes, and all that writing, in January of 2009, I received a lovely phone message from picture book editor par excellence Allyn Johnston of Beach Lane Books re: a manuscript I had sent her after attending a weekend class she and Ann Whitford Paul had taught at UCLA.  Allyn wanted to buy my book!!

In June of 2009, I received the official offer for BLUE ON BLUE.  I was at the movies with friends (“Away We Go”).  My good friend, Cheryl, was there when I heard the news.  We celebrated!!

Many months passed.  I waited.  I worked.  I took more classes.  I revised other stories.  And then, a contract!  (Which I promptly signed!)

Soon, an officially official “signed-by-both-parties” contract found its way back to my doorstep. HOORAY!!

Time to celebrate again.  This time, with my dear husband, the one person who has been there all along, encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

THANKS!