Welcome to this week’s edition of Tuesday Debut!
Today we have the opportunity to hear about a picture book that is a collaboration – something we haven’t had too many posts on – so that should be interesting!
But first, we have a giveaway winner to announce!
The lucky winner of Donna Marx’s giveaway from last week – a signed and personalized copy of her book, GOOD LUCK, PUCK! plus some fun swag, is. . .
christym1234 (Christy Clark)
Congratulations, Christy! Please email me at your earliest convenience so I can get your book to you!
For today, we have not one, but TWO giveaways! Stacy is offering 1) a signed copy of STRONGER THAN, and 2) a picture book manuscript critique OR an AMA chat – winner’s choice. So two giveaways with two winners! To put yourself in the running to be one of the randomly selected winners of one of these two giveaways, just leave a comment on today’s post by Monday January 26th at 3 PM Eastern!
Today’s book, which will be out next week, is called STRONGER THAN, and was written by Stacy Wells, our debut-ess, in conjunction with Nikki Grimes! Can you imagine how cool that must have been?! Please join me in welcoming Stacy!
Title: Stronger Than
Author: Nikki Grimes and Stacy Wells (me)
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Publishing House: Heartdrum/HarperCollins
Date of Publication: 1/27/2026
Fiction or Nonfiction: fiction
age range of your book: 4-8
Dante is a Black Choctaw boy who struggles with nightmares and finds strength in the example and history of his ancestors who survived the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa Race Massacre.
SUSANNA: Welcome, Stacy! Thank you so much for joining us today! We haven’t had too many author collaborations, so we’re extra excited to hear about your journey to publication! Where did the idea for this book come from?
STACY: The idea took root during Nikki Grimes’s research for Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman (Orchard Books, 2002). In that process she learned that Bessie was a Black Choctaw. Nikki then wrote the first version of what is now Stronger Than and put it aside. Years later as she was going through her writing files, she found the story and knew there was something there. However, she also knew it wasn’t her story alone to tell. Through a chain of phone calls and email introductions from Cynthia Leitich Smith (author-curator at Heartdrum, a Native focused imprint at HarperCollins), Nikki and I were connected.
As for the story, we kept Nikki’s original idea, a Black Choctaw boy who struggles with nightmares, but collaborated on how he would overcome those nightmares.
SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?
STACY: Early on Nikki and I established clear roles. We would brainstorm the story together, but she would write the narrative while I wrote the backmatter. Once we landed on how we would tell Dante’s story and other key elements, the writing itself came together quickly. Maybe a couple of months, more or less.
SUSANNA: That is quick, especially with a collaboration! Maybe it helped that it was a story that had been in mind for a while. When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?
STACY: Nikki is a legendary poet and writer, and I was squeaky-new to writing picture books. I followed her lead. There were a couple of back and forth conversations and outside critiques, including consulting again with Cynthia. Once we worked through those suggestions we both knew the story was ready to be shared.
SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?
STACY: Our collaboration was unique, and we knew where this book belonged. After working closely with Cynthia (and her championing of the story), Nikki and I both asked our agents to make an exclusive submission to Heartdrum.
Stacy’s writing buddy 😊
SUSANNA: How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions (if you did) or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?
STACY: The whole Stronger Than journey took well over four years, from meeting Nikki to holding the finished book. But hearing back from acquisitions? That was surprisingly quick, maybe a month or so (if I’m remembering right, lol).
SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”? (Best moment ever! 😊) and how did you celebrate (if you care to share 😊)
STACY: I got “the email” while I was working the circulation desk at the library one quiet morning (living my best youth librarian life) with my circ buddy right beside me. The second I read it, I turned and told her. Celebrating? Oh, I’m so bad at this. I think my husband and I went to dinner with friends? Honestly, I should’ve done something bigger.
SUSANNA: How long was it between getting your offer and getting your contract to sign?
STACY: Maybe three months? Maybe four? It seemed super quick at the time. For me, contracts since have not moved as fast lol.
Stacy’s writing snack 😊
SUSANNA: Was the contract what you expected in terms of advance, royalty percentage, publication timeline, author copies etc.?
STACY: This was my first contract outside of IP work, so I was pleased with the process and terms. I think it helped having a more experienced author walk alongside me. We have an awards clause (everyone should ask for this, you never know), our advance was split into two payments—signing contract and final delivery. As for advanced readers copies, I got 25.
SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?
STACY: The editorial process was pretty straightforward, and I’d say mostly line edits. We submitted a very strong story.
SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?
STACY: Nikki and I were so fortunate to have E. B. Lewis as our illustrator. He did a wonderful job bringing the story to life. His talent with watercolor is breathtaking and blended beautifully well with the text. We did not have art notes. I’m still pinching myself about the art in the book, I love it so much.
text copyright Nikki Grimes & Stacy Wells 2026, illustration copyright E. B. Lewis, 2026, Heartdrum/HarperCollins
text copyright Nikki Grimes & Stacy Wells 2026, illustration copyright E. B. Lewis, 2026, Heartdrum/HarperCollins
SUSANNA: Did you get to see advance reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, etc?What was that like?
STACY: Weird. Joyful. Energizing. Humbling. It’s surreal to see and watch how other people react to your art. I wish there had been a workshop on how to prepare for this type of experience. Anyone want to write the curriculum with me????
SUSANNA: How long did it take from offer to having the first copy in your hand?
STACY: Four and a half years (eons really in my mind), and if Edelweiss is accurate, with a first print run of 50,000.
SUSANNA: How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?
STACY: About ten years. It’s been a long road lol. For writers still waiting for their first sale, hang in there and don’t give up. You got this!
SUSANNA: What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication? (Or what is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)
STACY: Take yourself seriously. Guard your writing time. Find a community who will champion you and your stories. And give back more than you have been given.
SUSANNA: Excellent advice! Thank you so much for joining us today, Stacy, and taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with other writers! We so appreciate the opportunity to learn from you and wish you all the best with this and future titles!
Readers, if you have questions for Stacy, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond! And remember, your comment below puts you in the running to be one of the randomly selected winners of one of Stacy’s two giveaways this week – a signed copy of STRONGER THAN OR winner’s choice of a picture book manuscript critique OR an AMA Chat – if you leave it by Monday January 26th at 3 PM Eastern!
Authors Stacy Wells and Nikki Grimes
Stacy Wells is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, a children’s librarian and author. She is passionate about meeting kids where they are and is drawn to tell stories that center community and family, with an emphasis on self-discovery and the power of finding your voice. Stacy is the co-author of Stronger Than with legendary Nikki Grimes, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Heartdrum). She also is the author of the Tana Cooks early chapter book series (Capstone). When not reading or writing (or recommending books), she lives life to the fullest in Texas with her family, which includes a red dog named Blu and two very adorable but very mischievous ferrets. Visit her at stacywellswrites.com.
Stacy’s website: stacywellswrites.com
Nikki’s website: https://nikkigrimes.com
Stacy socials on insta/threads: @stacyvwells
Stacy Bluesky: @stacyvwells.bsky.social
Nikki socials on insta: @poetrynikki
You may purchase Stacy’s book at:
(all links below are book-specific)
Indiebound/Bookshop.org
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
We can help our debut authors successfully launch their careers by:
– purchasing their books
– recommending their books to friends and family
– recommending their books to our children’s teachers and librarians
– recommending their books to our local libraries and bookstores
– suggesting them as visiting authors at our children’s schools and our local libraries
– sharing their books on social media
– reviewing their books on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and other sites where people go to learn about books.
Thank you all for stopping by to read today! Have a lovely, inspiration-filled Tuesday! Maybe today is the day you’ll write your debut picture book 😊
Missed any previous Tuesday Debuts? Check them out HERE!
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Thank you, Stacy and Susanna, for sharing and encouraging the process of writing and creating
My pleasure! I think we all have much to learn from each others’ process!
What a fascinating book journey. Congratulations on the publication of this beautiful book.
It really is a beautiful book, isn’t it, Claire? Both visually and in the writing and the message it delivers.
Congrats on your book Stacy! Can’t wait to read!
I’m looking forward to reading it, too! It’s a difficult topic, and I know they have handled it well, so I’m interested to see how!
Thank you, Stacy, for sharing your amazing journey! The prose is so beautifully written and the gorgeous watercolor illustrations bring the story to life. I especially, loved the spread about the Choctaw. I was unaware this happened. We need more stories like this!
So glad you enjoyed the post! It is an amazing book, and you’re right – we need more stories like this!
I loved hearing about the collaborative writing process! Congratulations to all the creators on this beautiful book, and to Stacy on her debut! I’ll definitely be checking it out.
Me, too, Danielle! I can’t wait to read this one! One week to go 🙂
It looks just beautiful! Yes, excited to see in person. And, what an accomplishment. Congratulations to the authors and illustrator. And, thanks for sharing, Susanna!
I hope you enjoy it when you get to read it, Barb! I’m looking forward to reading it, too. I think it’s a huge accomplishment to tell such a difficult story so lyrically and in an age-appropriate manner!
Thank you for this post, Susanna, and congratulations to you, Stacy! How exciting to collaborate with Nikki Grimes — I’d be fangirl-ing for sure. Looking forward to sharing this book with my children!
I know, right, Jesse? I would LOVE to work with Nikki Grimes! What a talent! What a beautiful book Stacy and she have created together. I can’t wait to actually read it!
What an inspirational post! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Christy!
Thank you for this post, Susanna, and congratulations to Stacy on her debut! Such important stories to have out in the world. I cannot wait to read it!
I agree, Sharon! And I’m sure this story is well-told! I can’t wait to read it either!
What an incredible and unique journey. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations, Stacy!
It is a unique journey, isn’t it, Kim? Two people who each bring so much to a book, together at the right time and place to tell this much-needed story!
Congratulations on your PB debut, Stacy! Thank you for sharing so many insights and details about your writing journey on the road to publishing STRONGER THAN. Looking forward to reading this with my family–my husband is of Cherokee descent.
So glad you enjoyed hearing from Stacy, Lucretia! Hers has been a very interesting journey!
Thank you Susanna for sharing such wonderful stories. I first heard of Nikki Grimes in 2025 on my journey to read 300 PBs in one year. I read her book, A Walk in the Woods and absolutely fell in love with her story writing. I went to both Stacey and Niiki’s websites and there is so much to learn about writing and their inspiration for writing. Thank you for bringing Stacey into my book world. I’m eager to read one of her Tanya Cooks books and to get Stronger Than for my local library.
I used to live in Virginia, near William and Mary college and because I read your blog, and visited their sites, I learned that Nikki will be at William and Mary College in Feb, 2026. While I can’t go because I now live in Alabama, I have share that with all my writing friends and teachers.
It is truly my pleasure, Sonja, and I’m so glad you’re able to get so much out of what writers (and sometimes illustrators) share here on my blog. We really all learn from each other. And you clearly go the extra mile to get the most you can out of everything. How cool that Nikki is going to be near where you used to live and you can share that with friends. Hopefully she’ll come to Alabama soon! 🙂
Wow! What a journey! It leaves me inspired. Thank you!
That’s wonderful, Lisa! Any day you feel inspired is a good day!
What a wonderful book and I loved hearing about the process. Thank you for sharing.
I am lucky to get so many interesting, helpful and generous people here to share their stories, Deb!
What a wonderful gift to put into the world! Thank you for sharing your journey, Stacy. When I was teaching I used Talkin’ About Bessie in workshops with teachers and students. It’s nice to see something that grew from that research.
I love how connected everything is, Rose – that you used a book that sparked an idea that led Nikki and Stacy together to write a book that appeared on a blog you read!
I enjoyed reading about this collaboration. I’ve read and enjoyed Nikki Grimes’ books and know that this book will be a powerful read too. I’m also excited to discover a new author for me. I must go and visit both author’s sites now. Thank you for sharing about this book. If I’m chosen as a winner, I’d pick a copy of the book to read and review.
Definitely visit their sites, Danielle! Sonja above found them very enlightening!
I respect you and your nation. I am sure the book is fantastic. The artwork is amazing and the book would fit nicely in every NYC classroom library. The children need it. I already emailed my library director to acquire it. Congratulations! 🩷
So kind of you to request the book for your library, Robin! Good for the authors, but also great for all the kids who will benefit!
I’m such a fan of Nikki Grimes body of work. Now Stacy, I am a fan of yours. Congratulations. Thanks Susanna for sharing their inspiring journey.
My pleasure, Jeanine! I’m glad you enjoyed hearing from Stacy!
The story as well as the illustrations look amazing! Congratulations Nikki and Stacy! Thank you, Susanna for another great post❣️
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Susan!
What a unique journey to publication! There’s not a lot of opportunity to read about collaborations and this was really interesting. Thanks!
This was fascinating and so helpful! Thank you both for sharing/interviewing! Congrats on a beautiful debut!
So glad you enjoyed it, Dana!
Congratulations on your book! What an amazing collaborative journey. I’m looking forward to reading Stronger Than.
Stacy, your comment on taking ourselves seriously and to guard our writing time really spoke to me. I am new writer and there are definitely times I think, “What am I doing? Can I even do this?” I am training my brain to believe that I can do this and I WILL do this. Congratulations on your debut PB!
I can do this! I flip back and forth between that sentiment and thinking that I’m delusional. 🙂 But seriously, we will do this.
I can’t wait to read this! The illustrations are so beautiful. I’m just getting started on my picture book writing journey, and I’m so glad to have found this resource and inspiration. Congratulations! What a concept! 🙂
Congratulations on this wonderful collaboration! I’m glad you mentioned that the book took 4 years–my first PB will have taken 5–because I think writers new to picture books need to understand that it’s a slooooow business, but so rewarding when it finally results in a book!
It surely is a slow business! My book, ALPHABEDTIME, took over 9 years!