Katie Joy Blake

Name: Katie Joy Blake

Novel name: The Wishing Creek

Katie Joy Blake lives in the United States with her husband and two children. She dedicated her early career to working with at-risk youth, from those in foster care to those experiencing homelessness, and now hopes to reach children through their unbridled imaginations. She writes middle grade and young adult novels that involve fantastical elements or settings (and more than one talking bird). She’s lived in seven states across the country but loves the autumn leaves of New England best. She credits her children for all her finest ideas.

What made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize?

I first entered the Cheshire Novel Prize in 2023 with a YA fantasy set in a magical garden. I loved the idea of having readers/judges across the industry but also kids as readers. The feedback I received on that piece made me realize I had potential but needed to learn more skills. I joined two writer critique groups after that and took numerous online classes. When the 2024 entry period opened, I originally sent in a middle grade piece that I had just written to get more targeted feedback. On the last day of the competition, however, I spontaneously decided to send in The Wishing Creek, as well. Totally spur of the moment. Wow – thank goodness I did!

What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL?

I cried both times. Writing is difficult. You want the reader’s finger on the pulse of your story, but getting it there takes nuanced creativity and craft. You never really know you’ve achieved your goal until someone in the publishing world pats you on the back. The Cheshire Novel Prize LL and SL were massive pats on the back for me and I could not have felt more gratitude.

What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends?

A lot of shock and questions from friends. “You write books?” I have mostly kept my writing hobby private, but overcome with joy, I shouted this win from the rooftops. In my immediate family, we did a lot of happy dances and wiggly hugs. My six-year-old daughter immediately began illustrating a version of The Wishing Creek. I’ll forever cherish those pictures.

You were unrepresented when you entered the Cheshire Novel Prize, can you say what’s happened since?

I am currently unrepresented and very much looking forward to the agent showcase in August. 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

When my kids couldn’t sleep, my husband used to take them outside in their pyjamas to see the stars. One night, after seeing a shooting star and wishing quite seriously for a pet unicorn or something similarly fanciful, my daughter (four-years-old at the time) had sleepily asked, “Mommy, why do my wishes never come true?” I told her, “Wishes have rules.” That line became the first sentence I wrote for this novel.

What’s it about?

Beatrix is a stubborn twelve-year old with little imagination. She does not think crystals are magic, she does not believe in mermaids, and she certainly does not believe that the creek behind her house grants wishes, despite the town gossip. According to Beatrix’s scientific assessments, the creek is a natural stream of water that harbors no magical tendencies. But after the creek grants Beatrix’s accidental wish to disappear, she’s catapulted into the Alternate Plane where a mysterious wolf threatens her life, and a chatty crow teaches the three rules of wish making. Beatrix must discover the balance between science and magic (and grief and hope) in time to save herself and make her most significant wish yet: to see her father again.

What’s your writing routine?

I try to write a little every single night after I tuck my children in for bed. Writing grounds me. It resets my brain and eases my stress. I’m an avid hiker and use hikes to mentally organize my manuscripts. Monthly writing critique groups and competition deadlines force me to set page count goals and timelines for each project. I also love participating in Jami Attenberg’s 1000 words of summer for an extra push once a year. 

What’s next for you?

I am still revising my magical garden YA novel and working on a middle grade novel about funky contraptions and a feisty, goal-driven girl (inspired by my children’s ingenious and zany drawings). 

What are your favourite children’s books and why?

I love classic literature that dives deep into imagination and/or the wonder of nature, like the Secret Garden, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and A Little Princess. I also love modern novels that evoke the feel of the classics, like The Line Tender by Kate Allen, Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Greenglass House by Kate Milford, A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. And anything and everything by Neil Gaiman. I should note, however, that Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein inspired my dream of becoming an author at a very young age. My first poem written by me aged six or seven was delightfully witty and entitled “Eat Some Meat.” Perhaps, it foreshadowed my adult life as a vegetarian.

Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?

Hit send. Success in writing depends on myriad factors, many of which we cannot control. However, there is one thing we can do: keep trying. With the Cheshire Novel Prize you receive invaluable feedback that will designate areas of improvement but give you much needed pats on the back for the aspects of writing you’re already doing well. Sara and the CNP have created a sense of community for authors that I haven’t found with other competitions. So, hit send!