Welcome to BookEnds, Becky Scharnhorst!

I am thrilled to welcome Becky and her hilarious picture books to the BookEnds Junior ranks. Her stories remind me of some of my favorite humorous picture book writers right now, and I’m excited to get her books in your hands! Learn more about her below:

What book do you wish you had written, and why?

There are several books I wish I had written, but two of my recent favorites are Elise Parsley’s Neck and Neck and Linda Ashman’s William’s Winter Nap. I’m a huge fan of Elise Parsley’s work, but I think Neck and Neck might be one of the funniest books ever written. The expressions on Leopold’s face are hilarious and her comedic timing is genius. William’s Winter Nap has perfect rhythm and rhyme and is such a sweet and charming book. I don’t write in rhyme, but this book makes me wish I did.

If you’re not reading or writing, what would we catch you doing? 

You’d probably catch me hiking, baking, paddle boarding, or spending time with my family. We try to play at least one Family Football game every week where we mostly follow the rules. I also like watching movies, preferably something with a happy ending.

Where can readers find you on the web and social media?

I love connecting with others! You can find me on Twitter at @beckyscharn and on the web at beckyscharnhorst.com.

If money were no object, what would be your dream writing location?

I live in the middle of the woods, so I actually have a pretty ideal writing location. My writing desk faces a window and I often see deer, porcupine, and other wild critters wandering though our backyard. That said, I wouldn’t mind upgrading to a cabin in the woods that is also on a lake.

What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?

 “It is a matter of persistence and faith and hard work. So you might as well just go ahead and get started.” Anne Lamott

What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?

One of the things I’m most excited about is working with James. We both love hilarious picture books and I think it will be a lot of fun to work together on my projects. I’m also grateful to be a part of such a top-notch agency. I’ve been following Bookends for a couple years and I’ve been impressed with the level of professionalism from all the agents.

What advice would you give to other authors in the query trenches?

I think one of the most important things to do when writing and querying is to find a great support system. This is a tough business and you will need people in your life who understand that. My writing friends have not only helped me become a better writer, they have been a constant source of encouragement and support. I can’t imagine being on this journey without them. Also, it’s important to keep working on your craft. Take classes, get professional critiques, and do whatever you can to continue growing and improving. Finally, don’t give up! You will eventually find the perfect champion for your work.