The Funny Thing about Aspens (and Writing)

Guest Blog by Pam Vaughan

The image commonly associated with synergy is an aspen grove. Aspens are found in the mountains growing side by side. To the casual observer, these slender trees might look flimsy, especially when they bend and sway in the wind. But they have an extensive root system that unites the grove, making it a strong, single organism.
 
As an athlete and coach, I’ve always embraced the concepts of synergy and team: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
 
When I started my expedition as a children’s book author, I was a fish out of water. Everything felt new, unfamiliar, and solitary. But somewhere along the way, I leaned into my athletic self. I surrounded myself with people who knew more than me (which was everyone). I listened when they said I should join SCBWI and attend meet-ups and conferences. I volunteered. I joined The Writers’ Loft. I went to the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreats. I found critique groups and attended workshops and classes. I connected, collaborated, and elevated my craft. And soon, I found myself part of something greater than myself.
I found a team: Teammates who pushed me beyond my comfort zone; who inspired me and instilled confidence when I was discouraged; who saw in me things I couldn’t see in myself.
The team included:

• Feedback Friends
• Accountability Allies
• Brainstorm Buddies
• Confidence Companions (They’re louder than the voice in my head!)
• Motivational Mates
• Tough-Love Teammates

These people held me accountable and showed me how to persevere in this unpredictable industry.
They still do.

Fast forward many years…

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Seeing my name on the cover of my debut picture book, Missy Wants a Mammoth (Pixel+Ink/Holiday House, 2024) feels like an incredible – mammoth – achievement.
I DID IT!
In that same breath, however, I can’t look at the cover and NOT think about the other people who were part of my journey - who became my teammates:

• Masterful Mentor: Anika Aldamuy Denise
• Amazing Agent: Brent Taylor Hunt
• Exceptional Editor: Alison Weiss
• Incredible Illustrator: Ariel Landy

Ariel brought my words to life! She created a sister and brother who are expressive, vivacious, and relatable, and a mammoth that every child would want. I could not have imagined more perfect illustrations!
It’s true that creatives spend a great deal of time alone. It took me a while to realize, though, that as I created my craft and stories, I was far from alone. I was surrounded by a team, with synergy, helping me accomplish much more than I ever could on my own.

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​It’s a funny thing about aspens. They are a surprisingly supportive and resilient. It’s unlikely to see one growing alone. If you look at their leaves you might notice their saw-toothed edges, but if you look closer, you’ll see that their leaves are shaped like hearts. ​

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Bio:
Pam Vaughan lives in Massachusetts and never had a pet mammoth – if she did, she wonders if her mammoth would enjoy doing some of her favorite things with her, like picking apples and playing ice hockey. Pam directs the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat and is co-assistant regional advisor for NE-SCBWI. Missy Wants a Mammoth, illustrated by Ariel Landy, Pam's debut picture book hits the shelves August 6, 2024, and Tenacious Won’t Give Up, illustrated by Leanne Hatch, launches in 2025. 
Learn more about Pam here and read a review of Missy Wants a Mammoth here.

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