Katie Dicamillo


Who? After graduating from the University of Florida in 1985 with a B.A. in English, she couldn't find a "real" job. Despondent, she ended up moving back to Orlando and working as an usher at Epcot. She kept writing, though, waking up every morning at five am to put pen to page. Years and years passed. Her mother endured telling all of her friends that her daughter "the writer" wasn't actually writing much. I'm sure people scoffed.

Now, however, after more than 500 rejection slips, she has been published, and just recently she won the coveted Newbury Prize for Best Children's Literature. Her two books, The Tale of Despereax, and Because of Winn-Dixie, are favorites of my young cousins.

Here, folks, is a glamour story. From rags to riches. From sweeping sidewalks to sweeping one of the most coveted awards in literature. She's freaking rich and famous. Because she believed in herself and refused to give up.

It helps that she had talent, too, of course.

The point is that there is hope for English majors and aspiring writers--even if you have to run the risk of working at Epcot for the rest of your life in order to maybe achieve your dreams.

I guess this is inspiring in a mild, sort-of-helpful way.