Debbie Stewart Hoskins

	Debbie Stewart Hoskins Send Email to Debbie Stewart at: dhoskins@grpl.org See her art at: http://www.slantville.com Read another interview with her at: KidsBooksLink.org
*Authors Among Us - Children's Writers Who Are or Who Have Been Librarians*

What influenced you to become a librarian, or to work in a library?

Since I wasn't making enough money from music jobs to eat, I was looking for a job. There was an opening in the audio-visual department of the library. They loved my music degree, college radio station experience, and interest in movies. I was hired. Working with books and ideas all the time has guided, nurtured, and inspired me.

Do you have a library/information science degree?

After working in libraries for 5 or 6 years, I needed to make more money. After doing a massive job search for any position not necessarily in a library, I decided I needed to get the library degree.

From which school?

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. Worked full time & went to school

What kinds of library positions have you held and where?

Audio-visual Assistant, Upper Arlington Public Library, OH
Reference Assistant, College of Physicians Of Philadelphia, PA
Special Projects Librarian, Delaware County, PA
Youth Services Librarian, Yankee Clipper Branch, Grand Rapids, MI
Youth Services Specialist, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

How long were you, or have you been, a librarian?

Working in libraries 17 years. Professional librarian for 11 years

Are you currently working as a librarian? Yes.

Do you plan to continue in the profession?

I would really love to be able to freelance by writing and illustrating, but realistically because I have a wonderful salary and benefits I will probably stay in the profession and aim for early retirement.

Which came first in your life, your work or career as a librarian, or writing for children?

I was working in the library wondering what I was going to do when I grew up and I fell in love with picture books!

Did your library work have anything to do with becoming a children's writer?

Yes, I have learned quite a bit at the library about being a children's writer and illustrator.

Did your library work directly influence your work as an author?

Yes. I'm surrounded by books the majority of my waking hours. When I did decide to get my library degree I studied children's literature because it was what I wanted to write and illustrate - so I was able to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Did you respond to children’s books in your library collection, or to the lack of books of certain kinds or on certain subjects, or to your interactions with young library patrons and their families?

I was inspired by the books of Vera Williams, Elisa Kleven, Dayal Kaur Khalsa. I wanted to do something that would excite others as much as I was given joy by their work.

I've written a May Day story (I haven't sold yet) because there aren't many books on May Day and it's a holiday I like to do programming with at the library.

Did librarianship increase your knowledge of children's literature and influence the kinds of things you chose to write?

I do have quite a knowledge of children's literature. If I'm wondering about chess books I just go to the shelf. I know our collection pretty well so that gives me an advantage in knowing what's out there and what publishers do what.

I am also active in some committees in ALA and have had opportunities to schmooze with editors, art directors, and others in the children's book biz - so my knowledge helps me to know where to market my work and what Art Director and/or Editor I should send it to.
The stuff I choose to draw and write comes from within from my heart and my life. I've read a lot of Young Adult books because I'm a librarian. My journaling is kind of like a YA book, so I am also trying to write them.

Did incidents from your library work ever make it into your books?
Did you ever set any scenes in your books in the library?

The library doesn't show up too often in my work. Though in my contemporary YA novel in progress there is a librarian character.

I started a library hidden picture.

I did a drawing for a flyer for a county library program and drew kids at a library storytime.

What are/were the greatest benefits of being a librarian to you as a writer?
Steady paycheck, insurance, vacation, sick days.

I keep up with the literature, editors, art directors, publishers. Programming and storytimes can be fun and challenge me. I do some networking with children's book people because of my job.

Are there any drawbacks to being a librarian and also a writer?

Because I'm working 40 hours a week at the library I don't feel I have as much time to work on writing and illustrating. However because I do have to make a living, if I worked at home I might have to spend my time doing projects I wasn't excited about just for the money and I certainly would not have the security I have now. As a librarian I'm a city employee and I work in a bureaucratic environment. My free spirited side gets really irked, but I am learning discipline and maturity.

If you write while working as as librarian, how do you manage the time-juggling act? How does your employment impact onhow much you write and when you do it?

I only work on projects that deeply move me and truly stimulate me creatively!

I write during lunches and breaks. I squeeze in time while my son is sleeping, at sports practice, or school. I'm a big believer in setting and completing realistic goals. Taking "small steps" helps me too. It is a constant struggle to keep going with writing and art. Sometimes I get frustrated and feel zapped of energy to keep going. I wonder if I have enough talent to ever get published. When writing and illustrating is difficult, I'm stressed, and I don't have time to brush my teeth, it doesn't seem worth it. But writing and illustrating can be the most enjoyable activity life has to offer. I like to see what I come up with.

Did you find any conflicts or job-related difficulties in being both a writer and a librarian?

No, the biggest thing is the jobs start to overlap - it's hard for me to know when one ends and the other begins. So I have had to ask my boss - "Is this something the library would consider my job?" - I review for SLJ and I had to call them. My boss said yes that was a
library activity. I have been asked to lead a discussion group on collage in picture books in Detroit at a library conference and that was also part of my librarian description though it's also part of what I do as an artist.

How do your library/school administration and colleagues view your authorship? Is it appreciated and encouraged? Are the library patrons/students aware of your writing?

Since I'm not published I keep it quiet. I am appreciated and encouraged by individual colleagues. My library administration is paying all expenses to be involved with ALA committees, which is more than I have been allotted for travel and training expenses (1998-2001). Through the ALA committees I have had made some contacts in the children's book business which I think will prove to be fruitful.

Do you feel that librarianship has specific benefits to you as a writer?

I keep up on the literature. I'm so immersed in children's books I can't possibly quit now. It's my whole career. I was a member of the Caldecott 2000 Committee, but that was because of luck and I was a librarian and an artist. The combination of being a librarian and
an author/illustrator has provided me with quite a deep & powerful arsenal of knowledge and experience which helps me navigate in the business of children's books. My job gives me the security and perhaps some freedom to pursue my writing and art interests.

Are there any other comments you would like to make about librarianship and writing for children?

Librarianship and illustrating & writing for children are compatible. I am disappointed that I can not make a living making music or by writing and illustrating. When I'm in the old folks home, I'll remember the people I loved, be proud that I wore lots of purple, danced, and enjoyed a lot of flowers. I'll care less that I was a librarian - I'll be glad I
raised my son and stayed somewhat responsible. I won't be able to rest if I haven't finished and marketed some of my picture books and novels and pursued the picture ideas that haunted me. If I'm not published, I'll rest easy in the fact that at least I tried.

When you get beyond the librarian stereotype of all that shushing, sturdy shoes, and never getting laid, librarianship can be quite magical. We are the fairy godmothers guiding others through the world of books. We get to work with anybody who stumbles into the library and I believe we touch people in ways we aren't even aware of.

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Last Updated March 21, 2005.