20 Mar Lydia Lukidis talks about DANCING THROUGH SPACE: DR. MAE JEMISON SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS plus a GIVEAWAY

EL: One of the best things about the kidlit community is meeting people who become friends, and Lydia Lukidis is one of those people. I am thrilled to have you back on the blog, Lydia! Welcome! 

I have to say that I absolutely love your newest book, DANCING THROUGH SPACE: DR. MAE JEMISON SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS for so many reasons. The story, the writing, and of course, Sawyer Cloud’s illustrations all blend to create a wonderful reading experience.   Before we get started on the book, Lydia, will you tell us a little about yourself, please?  

LL: Thanks for hosting me, Ellen! It’s a pleasure to be here.

I studied pure and applied science many years ago but decided to also study English literature because I had been writing poetry since the age of six. As a young adult, I saw those disciplines as distinct but have come to realize they’re connected. This relates to DANCING THROUGH SPACE because like Mae, I didn’t want to give up any of my interests and studied in many different directions. Science and art merge together, and now I’m writing books for children about science. No knowledge is lost!

When I’m not writing, I love baking. Especially fancy cakes (my daughter loved the piñata cake I made for her). I also believe in self-care so I take the time to meditate, do yoga, and journal. Self-reflection is the key to evolving your body, mind, and soul. And of course, I love spending time with my daughter. She’s 12 and I cherish each moment with her. We live in Montreal, Canada.

EL: I had to smile when I saw the title of your book. I was enthralled with your last book, DEEP, DEEP DOWN: THE SECRET UNDERWATER POETRY OF THE MARIANA TRENCH, and now you are taking us to the stars with DANCING THROUGH SPACE: DR. MAE JEMISON SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS. These beautiful books are similar, yet different. What draws you to these types of topics?

LL: What draws me to the deep sea and the deepest recesses of space is mystery. We don’t know that much about either of these realms, and it’s natural for us to be curious. With the Mariana Trench, I wondered what creatures can survive in those hostile conditions, in one of the most remote places on our planet. With deep space, I have a fascination with the universe and how we got here.

When I started researching Dr. Mae Jemison, I was immediately drawn to her because of her tenacity, but also because she sees life through the lens of not only science, but art as well. I appreciate her love for dancing and that she never gave it up, and she cultivated many qualities and skills as a dancer that helped her as an astronaut. That’s why I set the story up as a dual narrative, linking dance and STEM.

EL: That structure works so well. Please talk about your road to publication for DANCING THROUGH SPACE.

 LL: As you’ll see, it was quite the winding path, and this book took TEN years to come to fruition! There were moments I thought it would never happen, but I never gave up.

 TIMELINE

2014: Alli Brydon placed a call on Twitter looking for a story about Dr. Mae Jemison. Alli used to work for Bright Agency and is now a freelance editor. I was passionate about this topic and dove into writing the first drafts, I was a kidlit newbie.

2014/5: I did a million pitch festivals online and got hearts from agents and editors, including Alli! She loved the story and asked to see more work. Unfortunately, she didn’t resonate with my other books, and she passed.

2016: I queried other agents and got my first agent. Yay! We went out on sub with this ms but got rejection after rejection. Boo…

 2017: Unfortunately, I decided to part ways with that agent.

2018: I signed with my second agent, yay! But I put my ms about Mae aside. Looking back, those first versions were pretty terrible.

2018: I got re-inspired and finally crafted a great hook: the intersection of dance and science. I subbed a few editors and got more interest but they wanted me to go deeper with my hook, so I revised nonstop.

2019: Finally, I had a strong version. I did a bunch of other Twitter festivals and again got hearts from agents and editors. One editor was really gung-ho about it, it was Nivair H. Gabriel (from Barefoot Books at the time) so I sent her the ms. She loved it and wanted to acquire it, but asked for some revisions and I got to work. I really wanted to work with her.

2019: Things didn’t work out with my second agent so we parted ways amicably. But she said she would make recommendations to agents I liked, one of which was Miranda Paul. I also attended a conference with Erin Murphy so I got to sub her, which I did, with DEEP, DEEP DOWN. She said I would be a great fit with Miranda.

In other news, I revised the book about Mae but Nivair had just left Barefoot Books! I sent the revisions to the new editor but she didn’t share Nivair’s excitement and passed.

2020/1: Meanwhile, I subbed Miranda and she responded with interest. We set up a call and all was good, but it was the beginning of the pandemic so she paused me for a few months. I took part in more pitch fest and guess who liked my pitch about Mae? Nivair! She was now working with Albert Whitman. In the fall, I spoke to Miranda spoke again, and signed. Yay! (my dream agent.) We subbed my book about Mae but got rejections.

2022: We got an offer from Albert Whitman and accepted!

2024: After 42 revisions in total, the book was done and released!

EL: Now THAT’s an amazing, yet inspiring story. Do you have anything else in the pipeline you can talk about?

LL: Yes! I’m excited for another nonfiction picture book slated for release in January 2025. I can’t say too much as it wasn’t officially announced, but it’s expository and is a companion book to DEEP, DEEP DOWN.

And I’ll surprise people here but I also write, on occasion, fiction. After writing comics since grade 5, I’m excited for my first early graphic novel to be released sometime in 2025/6. My contract is a two-book deal so the second book in the series will be released a year later.

Plus, I have another STEM nonfiction picture book currently on sub (fingers crossed) and I’m currently working on my first novel in verse based on my personal experiences. Stay tuned!

EL: What incredible news! I’m so happy for you and all the kiddos who will read your books. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring kidlit writers?

 LL: KEEP WRITING.

It’s ok if not everything gets published, in fact, that’s certain to be the case, just like all of us. But it’s through that writing, and observing what you like to write and how you write that you discover your author voice. That voice is what will distinguish you from others so it’s an integral part of your journey.

EL: Lydia, all of this is just amazing! It’s inspired me to go back and look at some old manuscripts and keep going! I’m sure it has done the same for others. Here’s a bit more about Lydia. Everyone should check out Lydia’s website and look for her on her socials. You’ll be happy you did. 

LYDIA’S BIO

Lydia Lukidis is the author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was shortlisted for a Silver Birch Express (Forest of Reading) award, THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST (Kane Press, 2019) which was nominated for a Cybils Award, and NO BEARS ALLOWED (Clear Fork Media, 2019). A science enthusiast from a young age, she now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books.

Lydia is very involved in the kidlit community. She volunteers as a judge on Rate your Story, co-hosts the annual Fall Writing Frenzy competition, and is an active member of SCBWI, CANSCAIP, 12 x 12, and The Authors Guild. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program.

Lydia is represented by Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Social Media Links:

Web: http://www.lydialukidis.com/

Presale links: https://www.albertwhitman.com/book/dancing-through-space/

Blog: https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LydiaLukidis

FB: https://www.facebook.com/LydiaLukidis/

 OK, everyone, here it is! Time for a…

Lydia is happy to give away a free copy of DANCING THROUGH SPACE (US only)  Just comment on this post and let me know if you’re a subscriber or if you share it to get extra chances at winning. Happy reading! 

Until next time,

Ellen