Dionna L. Mann: The Story Needed a Ton of Work
Dionna L. Mann is a kid lit author of fiction and nonfiction. Her work has appeared in Ladybug, Cricket, and Spider. As a work-for-hire author, she’s written for Scholastic, Lerner, Capstone, Sports Illustrated Kids, and other educational publishers. Dionna loves discovering lesser-known individuals who shine within the margins of African American history, and sharing their stories with young readers. Find Dionna blogging all things kid lit online at DionnaLMann.com.
Dionna L. Mann
Photo by Taylor Lynn Photography, LLC
In this interview, Dionna discusses how an anonymous reading of her first chapter became her debut middle-grade novel, Mama’s Chicken and Dumpling, her hope for readers, and more!
Name: Dionna L. Mann
Literary agent: Jacqui Lipton and Kelly Dyksterhouse
Book title: Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Release date: August 6, 2024
Genre/category: Middle-grade, historical fiction
Previous titles: Benjamin Banneker: a Colonial Genius Shining in the Darkness (Core Knowledge, 2023)
Elevator pitch: With a Man-for-Mama plan in one hand and a jar of chicken and dumplings in the other, Allie sets out on a West Main Street adventure to take her life from broken to perfection. All she needs is to find the perfect fix-it man for Mama, and for Mama to cooperate.
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What prompted you to write this book?
The kernel for this book started when I decided to write 100 words for a first-pages panel that took place during the 2011 Virginia Festival of the Book held in Charlottesville. The panelists (four published authors, one of whom was David Baldacci!) listened to writing samples pre-submitted by attendees that were read aloud anonymously. The panelists would then hold up paddles to indicate if they would or would not keep reading, and why.
For the event, I wrote a scene called Pennies. It had the historical setting of the South Side of Chicago back in the 1940s. It was based on a true story my mother told me about when she was around 10 and her white landlord, after collecting the rent, would throw pennies onto the street, then laugh facetiously as he watched the Black children scurry after them. As you can imagine, my mother recalled being angry over it, and was proud to report that she never ran after the pennies, not even for penny candy.
After my sample based on my mother’s recollection was read, the entire panel said they’d keep reading! They loved the voice, being transported to another place and time, and the scene’s emotional impact. So, I decided to write “Pennies” through as a book for young readers.
How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?
I completed the first draft of Pennies in 2012. My main character was nicknamed Allie Cat because her challenge was controlling her temper. The setting was 1941 Chicago, the South Side. Not having a clue how to write a novel for young readers, Pennies ended up being too slim—only 14,000 words! But ignorance is bliss, so I sent off about 10 queries to see if I could snag a literary agent with it. Much to my surprise, I began to get requests to read the entire manuscript! But afterward, personal rejections came rolling in. While they loved the voice, the plot was weak. The character’s motivations were unclear. The ending was lousy. And, yeah, it was too slight to be considered a novel. Well … not quite that harsh, but you get my drift.
Bottom line: The story needed a ton of work.
One particular agent replied with a revise and resubmit offer. She kindly sent me several pages worth of suggestions on how to turn my novella into a novel that kids would enjoy. She explained that while the voice was great, the story needed more—a stronger beginning, a muddy middle, and a satisfying end where the main character learns and grows from overcoming a specific challenge. I poured over her suggestions and got to work. Enter BIG REWRITE number one and “Pennies” became Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings. (Unfortunately, by the time I had it rewritten the agent who offered the R&R was no longer agenting.)
Long story short, it took about 12 years of rewriting, revising, and pulling at my afro for Pennies to become fleshed out and baked into Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings as it is today. Despite each major renovation, however, my opening scene stayed the same. Allie is sitting on the stoop of her home. The landlord comes to collect the rent, throws pennies onto the street, and laughs as kids scatter to pick them up. And Allie Cat’s inside-heat boils.
Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?
I was delightfully surprised when Margaret Ferguson, who became my amazing editor, emailed me after COVID-19 restrictions lifted. She had discovered my manuscript—pulled from the slush pile after I had sent it in 2018—still on her desk. She said she was interested in the story, if it hadn’t already been acquired!
Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?
I was extremely delighted to have been able to work with Margaret. Her editorial prowess, patience, attention to detail, and insightful questions gave me the tools I needed to turn my messy plot into a logical story I hope kids will love. I gained a true friend of the pen while working with her.
What do you hope readers will get out of your book?
Through my main character’s journey, I hope young readers will see that the antidote to being jealous and envious is being grateful and seeing that which is beautiful in our own lives. I also hope young readers will get a good laugh. We all need moments of levity in these stressful times, yes?
If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?
Don’t give up as lost that manuscript wasting away in your computer. Even a kernel of writing promise can be crafted into a real-live book, if you just keep rewriting.
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