Priscilla Gilman
writer of fiction and nonfiction for lapsitters to teens
experience
I start from what I know: The Maine island where I live. The Gulf Coast where I grew up. The chronic illness that disabled me. The wild places that sustain me. The children I love.Then I seek out more: I build electronics. Help frogs and salamanders migrate. Volunteer with kids at my local library.
research
I dig into archives. Learn from experts. Follow clues and questions and gaps and puzzles—until I start to understand. Then I go deeper.I order vintage machine parts. Study circuit diagrams. Return to that pond. Look for missed sources. Write to more experts. Document everything.
craft
I read, read, read. Take classes. Draft and re-draft. Make dummies. Seek feedback.When I’m stuck, I brainstorm fifty new ways to tell it, write five, pick the best, and revise to captivate. Even the antagonist should delight. Even a machine deserves wordplay. And above all, the story must satisfy.
But why?
I’ve always wanted to live in a world enchanted by…
joy, fascination, beauty,
creativity, connection
Galveston, Texas, 1976
And—in everything—there must be…
Play!
Creativity warm-up self-portraits, 2020–2023
Contact
I’d love to hear from you if you are interested in my work or in connecting as a fellow creator.I am represented by Emily Keyes.