(C) Abi Cushman, abicushman.com
Welcome, Sara! I'm super excited to have you here to talk about your debut MG, Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, which was released from Regal House October 14, 2025. It sounds like a perfect book for young readers!
Thanks, Dionna, for reaching out!
If I heard correctly, this project took you some 15 years to find its way from draft 1 to traditionally published book. Talk about not giving up! So what was it about Georgia and her story that helped you stay the course with this story?
First and foremost, I am lucky to have a strong, supportive network of writers, friends, and family members. They believe in me, listen to me when I whine, and help me celebrate the micro-wins along the way. Every writer needs support. Even one friendly voice in the void can light the path forward.
Second, I grew to love my characters and my story. Hence, when I found a way to improve the writing, I couldn’t not do it--even if it meant deleting half of my manuscript and rewriting from the bottom up (true story!). The promise of intensifying conflicts and deepening character arcs was intoxicating. It was impossible to give up.
Finally, the message of the story is profoundly important to me: we are all much more alike than we are different. In these troubled times, it’s an essential truth that is the antidote to fear and conflict. In fact, I volunteer with a group called Braver Angels, which works to depolarize politics in America. My novel is an extension of my deeply held beliefs.
Wow! Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign is obviously a story of your heart. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks, Dionna, for reaching out!
If I heard correctly, this project took you some 15 years to find its way from draft 1 to traditionally published book. Talk about not giving up! So what was it about Georgia and her story that helped you stay the course with this story?
First and foremost, I am lucky to have a strong, supportive network of writers, friends, and family members. They believe in me, listen to me when I whine, and help me celebrate the micro-wins along the way. Every writer needs support. Even one friendly voice in the void can light the path forward.
Second, I grew to love my characters and my story. Hence, when I found a way to improve the writing, I couldn’t not do it--even if it meant deleting half of my manuscript and rewriting from the bottom up (true story!). The promise of intensifying conflicts and deepening character arcs was intoxicating. It was impossible to give up.
Finally, the message of the story is profoundly important to me: we are all much more alike than we are different. In these troubled times, it’s an essential truth that is the antidote to fear and conflict. In fact, I volunteer with a group called Braver Angels, which works to depolarize politics in America. My novel is an extension of my deeply held beliefs.
Wow! Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign is obviously a story of your heart. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
(C) Abi Cushman, abicushman.com
What did you enjoy about working with your Regal House editor?
Many writers aspire for a contract with one of the Big Five publishing houses. However, I’ve found that being a bigger fish in a smaller pond is delightful. This is my third publishing house and I’m having my best experience yet. The process has been surprisingly collaborative. Not only were manuscript edits smooth, but my request for interior spot art was met with a “let’s see what we can do” attitude. I even made a few very minor book design suggestions that were embraced. Not all of my ideas were a go, but they were all truly considered. And emails are answered in a timely fashion! It’s been a bit of a revelation.
Sounds like a delightful experience! So why do you enjoy writing for middle-grade audiences?
Middle grade is a unique crossroads. It encapsulates a time when the innocence of youth starts to butt heads with the complicated nature of the world. It’s a period of profound growth, but largely still free of cynicism. Most alluring for me is the centering of hope. No matter how light or heavy the topic, there is always hope.
If we grown-ups need hope, how much more so our young ones! With Georgia's story now alive on bookshelves, what are you working on now?
I have two picture books I am submitting, one nonfiction picture book I am finishing, and the bare bones of a novel living in my head.
Ah, the delight of having new projects of the heart to pen! Well, Sara, thanks so much for stopping by. It was a pleasure getting to know you. May Georgia's story soar into the hands of many young readers for many years to come!
Thanks, Dionna!
Many writers aspire for a contract with one of the Big Five publishing houses. However, I’ve found that being a bigger fish in a smaller pond is delightful. This is my third publishing house and I’m having my best experience yet. The process has been surprisingly collaborative. Not only were manuscript edits smooth, but my request for interior spot art was met with a “let’s see what we can do” attitude. I even made a few very minor book design suggestions that were embraced. Not all of my ideas were a go, but they were all truly considered. And emails are answered in a timely fashion! It’s been a bit of a revelation.
Sounds like a delightful experience! So why do you enjoy writing for middle-grade audiences?
Middle grade is a unique crossroads. It encapsulates a time when the innocence of youth starts to butt heads with the complicated nature of the world. It’s a period of profound growth, but largely still free of cynicism. Most alluring for me is the centering of hope. No matter how light or heavy the topic, there is always hope.
If we grown-ups need hope, how much more so our young ones! With Georgia's story now alive on bookshelves, what are you working on now?
I have two picture books I am submitting, one nonfiction picture book I am finishing, and the bare bones of a novel living in my head.
Ah, the delight of having new projects of the heart to pen! Well, Sara, thanks so much for stopping by. It was a pleasure getting to know you. May Georgia's story soar into the hands of many young readers for many years to come!
Thanks, Dionna!
Sara Shacter’s debut middle grade novel, Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, is everything Sara loves—a heartfelt friendship tale, a scientific exploration, and a call for compassion. Sara also writes picture books, as well as magazine articles and educational nonfiction for kids. A former classroom teacher, she currently tutors kindergarteners through high schoolers. Sara is a passionate volunteer and works to turn the tide on climate change and political polarization. Visit her at sarafshacter.com.
After years of moving, Georgia’ s family is staying put. What’ s the best part of her new forever home? Fellow science fan Izzy! Georgia feels lucky to be starting sixth grade with her first true friend. But when Georgia’ s science project accidentally reveals a secret—one Izzy trusted her to keep— their friendship unravels. Even worse, Georgia’ s archenemy swoops in to steal Izzy away, leaving Georgia cut off and lonely. How can Georgia fix her mess? She's surprised to find the answer in a science fact: genetically, all human beings are more than 99 percent the same. Really? Georgia can’ t believe she and the friend-stealer are even one percent the same! But as Georgia fights to win Izzy back, she discovers that enemies can struggle with loneliness too—and Georgia is stunned to discover why. It will take a 99 percent campaign to make things right. (Synopsis from the publisher.)
Illustrations used here with artist's permission.
