DWR Award Memoir and Children's Book Finalist Marty Graham

This week’s Writer Wednesday is author and DWR Award memoir and children’s book Marty Graham from Ludington, Michigan! 

Marty has been a freelance journalist and cartoon scribbler. She played with illustration, was a pre-law student and then wife and mother of four boys. She joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators 25 years ago where she met the most fascinating and interesting people of her life. In 2016 she enrolled at The Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier, Vermont and graduated in 2018 with a Masters in Writing for Children and Young Adults. 

Marty took 1st place in the memoir category and 3rd place in the children’s book category at the 2022 DWR Awards. Learn more about her below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I love the terrific sense of permission I am given to create and watch and judge and learn from characters in a universe. I think it employs all of me, all my senses, my conscience, my heart. Storytelling is a powerful gift we all share. Pretty amazing.

What does your writing workspace look like?

Haha. Lots of light and window(s) to hold sky and trees, and several neighborly books at my side, offering advice now and then or sparking me when I am hang-dogging. I keep several affirming messages to glimpse, and depending how into the thick of it, there are research notes and papers near me with suggestions of some kind for the current project. I have a great desire for community, so my workspace must look like that. 

Which piece did you enjoy writing more: the Children’s Book or the Memoir?

One time I asked my mom to name, no, I actually insisted she tell me that of my many siblings, who did she love more, and during my recitation, at one name she faltered. Ouch. So with that in mind, I would have to say I enjoyed writing both pieces equally. The children’s book allowed me to work with a huge sense of place and to tinker with words and scenes I hoped would make this special setting accessible, while the middle grade memoir put me on the playground with all the drama, probably an easier catch. 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Running, and friends’ dramas. 

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Rule. Number. One. You. Desk. Chair. Timer.

What writing projects are you currently working on?

Finishing touches on three picture books that are ready to go out, a GN hybrid chapter book featuring a third grade bug and the memoir.