Just One Question for Alison McGauley — THE NEEDLE AND THE KNIFE

Debut author, educator, and chronic illness advocate Alison McGauley.

Meet Alison McGauley, a special education teacher and the author of Kenzie’s Little Tree (Orca Book Publishers), illustrated by Emilie Leduc. As a chronic illness warrior, Alison is passionate about writing stories that speak to children and caregivers who are impacted by illness or disability. She also loves creating books that feature humor, SEL, and the natural world. Alison resides in Ontario, Canada with her family.

Q: I’m so privileged to be in a writing group with you, Alison. Over the past few years, not only did I get to see Kenzie’s Little Tree evolve from manuscript to finished book, but I’ve gotten to read, think about, and discuss lots of your work. I’ve also received feedback from you on my work that has helped to push me forwards in my craft. Can you talk a little bit about the role literary friendships and writing groups have played in your journey, and why you think they are helpful for writers? What makes for a great critique group?

A: Hi, Kate! Huge thanks for the kind words, for having me on your blog, and for your friendship and support over the past few years. I’m thrilled to be here.

I absolutely love this question because critique groups play a crucial role in the writing process, yet these groups are not something that we discuss too often, nor are they something that people outside of the writing community know much about.

I am a member of two critique groups, and I occasionally swap manuscripts with other partners. In my local group with you (Kate Jenks Landry) and Jennifer Harris, we provide written feedback and meet for video chats. In my other group, we swap manuscripts monthly and provide each other with detailed written feedback.

Funny story. Alison sent me and Jennifer a message asking if we had any pictures of the three of us together, and all we could come up with between us was this single photo I took of Alison, Alison’s children, and my children listening to Jennifer read at a local event. While the picture itself is less than stellar, it’s evidence of the way’s in which we show up for each other whenever we can.

I’m grateful to work with incredible creators who are each unique with their writing style and feedback. It’s helpful to have this variety because I gain a wealth of insight when I read and critique their pieces and when I receive a range of feedback such as suggestions at the line level versus big-picture advice, or thoughts about how a manuscript fits into the marketplace. With all our different interests, perspectives, and backgrounds, we learn from each other and grow together. To me, a great critique group is one where each member is passionate about their craft and open to providing and receiving feedback that will move their writing forward, and where members respect each other’s ideas and are supportive friends. I’m fortunate to have found this with both of my critique groups.

Speaking of friendships, Kate, you mentioned “literary friendships”, and I want to highlight how important it is to have strong connections with other creators. My friends and family know that I love writing, but just like with anything in life, you don't truly understand something until you experience it. Only those who are on the path toward publication truly get the rejections, the waiting, and the passion for the craft. It’s amazing to have the support of literary friends as they truly understand the feelings involved in this process.

Above: Alison with writing friends at launch events for Kenzie’s Little Tree. Left to right: with Dana Church, with Anna Humphrey, with Erin Silver, Deborah Kerbel, and Maria Birmingham.