"When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful" and Kate Rietema

I’m excited to introduce you to Kate Rietema today. Kate is a busy mom, registered nurse, community educator, amateur potter, speaker, and author of over 50 articles and poems for various magazines. Welcome, Kate, and thank you for taking the time out of your packed schedule to discuss your newly-launched debut picture book, When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful (illustrated by Jennie Poh, published by B&H Kids).

Sue: Please tell us the story behind the writing of When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful. What were your goals as you set out to write the book?

Kate: This story came on the heels of an extra special foster placement. He had limited verbal skills and a long list of medical diagnoses. We all adored him, but wow, his life seemed really unfair. He was sad much of the time, he suffered pain, and although he couldn’t articulate it, I’m sure he missed his family. I worried about his health, his future, and what would happen when he left our home.

I felt the tension of believing in the goodness of God, but wondering where that goodness was for our foster son. So, one day, I sat down and typed out all the things I knew to be true, even if I didn’t feel it. It started as a pep talk to myself, turned into a prayer for my foster son, and then it became a children’s book.

Because I didn’t set out knowing that it would become a children’s book, I’ll tweak your question to, “What is your goal for this book now?” The answer is to get it into the hands of as many kids in foster care as possible! To do this, I’ve done a bit of fundraising, and have been able to partner with some great organizations.

Side note: When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful isn’t directly about foster care—it’s generic to any hard thing—the death of a loved one, parents’ divorce, moving, being bullied, feeling left out, natural disasters, illnesses, homelessness, the list could go on and on.

Sue: Yes! I can see how adults could use When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful to spark conversations with little ones about big issues, reassuring them of God’s promises to be with us through it all.

Your “100 Rejections” personal challenge is a great strategy for both new and experienced writers. Could you please share that with our readers?

Kate: Yes! Prior to 2020, I had exactly zero experience in professional writing. With my new desire to write for children, I was hungry to get some credentials under my belt, so I started writing and submitting to children’s magazines. I made a goal that first year to earn 100 rejections. No one can control how many pieces of work get accepted—but you certainly have control over how much you write and submit.

Another benefit of my goal was that it allowed me to view rejections in a positive light—every rejection brought me closer to my goal. I had no idea if any of my pieces would be published, but of course, many were!

Sue: I love that. Your plan to pitch and persist really paid off. Encouraging words for writers, for sure!

Now, let’s do a lightning round…

Favorite color?

Green. So, the cover of my book makes me feel extra happy!

Plotter or pantser?

Both? Neither? Depends on the book!

Lego or Rubik’s Cube?

Lego

Pen or pencil?

Pen

Favorite picture book as a kid?

I loved the thrill I felt when my dad read The Biggest Bear by Lynd Ward.

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

My favorite creative outlet is pottery.

I wish summer stretched a little longer.

I was hoping you’d ask… about my next book! I have a board book called All the Babies: A First Book About Adoption that will be releasing in October (also from B&H Kids). I just saw the final art and it’s absolutely perfect—I can’t wait! Find out more on my website, www.katerietema.com.

Sue: That sounds like a fun book. We’ll be watching for that in the fall.

It was great chatting with you today, Kate. Thanks again for joining us! Readers, be sure to check out B&H Kids for free downloadable resources to accompany When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful, including a “Parent Connection,” “Promise Cards,” and a peek inside the book!

This interview first appeared on May 30, 2024 on the Write2Ignite blog.