Today we’re chatting with Susan K. Holt, author, former school librarian and Nonfiction Ninja. She’s also one of my critique group buddies.
Your new book, There Once Was a Cowgirl (TCU Press, 2026), marks a couple of milestones in your career. Tell us about that.
I feel as though I’ve come full circle! My first fiction picture book, There Was a Tall Texan Who Swallowed a Flea, was illustrated by the talented Deb Kadair Thomas. Now, 20 picture books later, I’m both the author and illustrator of There Once Was a Cowgirl (Who Swallowed a Cake) (TCU Press, 2026). Both books put a Texas twist on the familiar cumulative tale, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.
It’s especially exciting to celebrate this milestone with a book I’ve illustrated, using paper-and-fabric collage to bring my spunky little cowgirl and her Texas-sized appetite to life!
How did you connect with TCU Press?
My friend and fellow children’s author, Patricia Vermillion, published two wonderful picture books with TCU Press: A Reading Partner for Emerald [illustrated by Lily Thompson (TCU Press, 2023)] and Hound Dawg [illustrated by Cheryl Pilgrim (TCU Press, 2015)] . I loved both books, and Patricia always spoke so highly of her experience working with TCU Press that they became my dream publisher. When I began looking for a home for There Once Was a Cowgirl, TCU Press was at the top of my list. I was thrilled when they offered to publish it!
How would you describe your collaboration with your editor? Was there an editorial moment that helped you see your manuscript – or your own voice – more clearly?
I had an amazing experience working with TCU Press! They let me work with a wonderful editor and art director and collaborate with students who went over my manuscript and illustrations with a fine-tooth comb. They asked thoughtful questions and offered suggestions that helped make the story even better.
One of my favorite suggestions involved a root beer float. I was asked, “Since Big Red soda originated in Waco, Texas, why not make it a Big Red Float instead?”
What a great idea! It was such a simple change, but it added another layer of Texas flavor to the story.
You’ve illustrated most of your books. Can you give us a peek inside your illustration process and reflect on the ways your illustration style has changed over the years? (thinking in particular the cowgirl’s vest, scarf, etc.). Would you walk us through the process?
When I first began illustrating, I cut every piece of paper and fabric by hand, no matter how tiny or how many I needed. While illustrating Twelve Cowboys Ropin’ (Arcadia, 2015), I struggled to place 32 tiny armadillo feet. One sneeze sent them flying! I’d find myself crawling under the couch or a chair, searching for missing feet before giving up and cutting more. Even now, years later, I occasionally discover a miniature hand, cowboy boot, or pair of jeans hiding in a corner!
Once I learned to use Photoshop, everything changed. I can work with paper and fabric, but now I can scan my materials and manipulate them digitally without worrying about losing those tiny pieces!
My illustration process begins long before the manuscript is finished. I’m always collecting fabrics, textures, and objects that might find their way into a future book. For There Once Was a Cowgirl, I came across the barbecue-print fabric and knew it would be perfect for her shirt long before I’d finished writing her story.
I also love incorporating personal touches. My brother-in-law is a reining competitor, and I photographed his championship belt buckle. It was just what my cowgirl needed. I picked up the vest in a thrift shop and found the buttons in my mother’s button collection.
As I gather my materials, I sketch, experiment with different paper and fabric combinations, and bring the characters to life. And then, I revise, revise, revise!
Back in 2020 you visited Cynsations to talk about Nonfiction Fest, an annual online celebration of nonfiction where a different nonfiction author shares a craft-focused post filled with writing insight and strategies each day. Tell us how that project has grown and expanded over the years.
NF Fest has grown into so much more than a month-long celebration of nonfiction! Organized by the Nonfiction Ninjas, NF Fest offers a free crash course in writing nonfiction for children, featuring daily craft-focused posts from more than 20 authors and illustrators. Each post provides writing insights, strategies, and activities to get participants researching and writing.
Our NF Fest Facebook community has also become a wonderful year-round gathering place where writers ask questions, share resources, celebrate successes, and support one another. The conversations don’t stop when February ends!
NF Fest was the brainchild of our dear friend and fellow Ninja, Pat Miller, who dedicated her life to children, books, and learning. Pat believed in sharing what she learned with others. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive online resource, she created NF Fest.
To honor Pat’s legacy and continue her mission of helping writers, the Nonfiction Ninjas have begun an in-person Revision Retreat. The retreat gives writers a chance to receive feedback, strengthen their manuscripts, and connect with fellow children’s authors. Unlike traditional writing conferences, our retreat focuses on small-group critiques, individual manuscript revision, and the opportunity to put what we’ve learned into practice while surrounded by fellow writers.
The response has been so encouraging that we’re already planning our 2027 Revision Retreat, which will include opportunities to work with both an editor and a literary agent!
Pat always believed in helping other writers succeed, and we’re delighted to continue sharing her generous spirit with the children’s writing community.
Readers can learn more about NF Fest and the Revision Retreat and join our free, year-round NF Fest Facebook community.
Have you participated in any fun events lately?
One highlight of my year was the chance to attend an event at Taylor Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, with TCU Press!
I spent most of my time in the TCU Press tent, meeting people, talking about There Once Was a Cowgirl, and a few of my other favorite children’s books. Although I missed a few rodeo events, including the calf roping, I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting place to celebrate my spunky little cowgirl!
What are you working on next?
I’m currently working on The Power of Kindness: How Ten Women Changed the World. This is a collective picture-book biography celebrating ten remarkable women who used their time and talents to make a difference in others’ lives. From Clara Brown, known as the Angel of the Rockies, to Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library, these women remind us that philanthropy isn’t just about money. It’s about seeing a need and asking, “How can I help?”
Cynsational Notes
Susan K. Holt is the award-winning author of 20 picture books, including There Was a Tall Texan Who Swallowed a Flea and the bilingual The Book That Jake Borrowed. A former librarian and popular presenter at schools and conferences, she’s passionate about promoting reading and writing for children. Susan lives in Georgetown, Texas, where she spends her time writing, illustrating, and occasionally indulging in salted=almond chocolate bars.
Find printable activity sheets for There Once Was a Cowgirl here.
Gayleen Rabakukk holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and recently completed a Master’s in Library Science at the University of North Texas. She also has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has published numerous newspaper and magazine articles, and two regional interest books for adults. She is represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.
She’s a Librarian at the Lago Vista Public Library, where she leads a book club for young readers. She also teaches creative writing workshops and loves inspiring curiosity in young readers through stories of hope and adventure. Follow her on Instagram and Bluesky.