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Celebrate World Snow Day with Donna Marx and Lynne Marie PLUS enter to win a prize from their BIG Giveaway!
- Heather Macht
- Jan 18
- 10 min read
Happy 2026 parents, librarians, book fanatics, writers, and readers of all sorts! As snowflakes swirl across much of the U.S. (yes - there’s even a chance in Florida!), we’re celebrating World Snow Day in true winter style. ❄️
Join debut author Donna Marx and editor Lynne Marie for a frosty-fun joint interview featuring Good Luck, Puck! Puck can’t wait to dive into winter sports, but when others steal the spotlight, he feels lost in the snow. Through a whirlwind of icy adventures, Puck learns that teamwork is the secret to shining bright.
Want to know more about this heartwarming new book and enter our HUGE giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Good Luck, Puck! with book swag included, or a chance to win one of three editorial prizes with Lynne Marie? Read on... 🥅🏒
Q: Hi, Donna and Lynne! Thanks for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit! We’re excited to hear everything about you and your book, Good Luck, Puck! Also, I’d love to hear about the collaboration between you both as Lynne, this is your first acquisition with The Little Press and Donna, this is your first publication. Congrats, you two!
Donna, can you tell us about yourself and your path to publication? What inspired you to write this book?
A: After I retired, I spent a lot of time with my grandsons while their parents worked. Since I was a teacher, I liked planning our days with themed activities, like Dinosaur Day or Space Day, and we started calling it Camp Grandma. Of course, at Camp Grandma, we went to the library - ALOT. In fact, we would check out so many books that I finally bought a crate on wheels to haul them back and forth! We read so many picture books that one day I thought, "This can't be THAT hard - I think I'd like to write one!" (Wow - was I in for a rude awakening. LOL) So I started writing about our Camp Grandma Days, and kept track of ideas that came from my time with the boys.
The idea for Good Luck, Puck! came from a Camp Grandma day. It was Hockey Day and we were playing hockey in the driveway. The puck kept getting away from us and rolling down the street. So every time that happened we would shout “Runaway Puck!” (The story’s first title.) It reminded me of a book we read called The Runaway Pea by Kjartan Poskitt. It’s a story about a pea that rolls off the plate and into some adventures. So I started writing the story - with a similar pattern - that turned into Good Luck, Puck!
Q: Lynne, what made this book stand out to you most? Was it the concept, the originality, or anything in particular?
A: Great question, especially because I always remind writers that their book has to stand up against the rest (be as well written), AND stand out from the rest (be unique and different). First and foremost, because I had been Donna’s mentor on this book, I knew that she had done her due diligence and that there really weren’t any competitors for this book out there. That could mean two things – we need a book out there, or there’s no need for a book like this. In this case, with the Winter Olympics around the corner, I saw a need for this book. PLUS, it not only showcased this event, but it explored what it means to be part of a team and has great teamwork takeaway! This is something that is important for little ones to learn. Combine that with a main character kids can connect with and a problem they can identify with, as well as interesting sports, secondary characters, lots of action, a learning curve and helpful takeaway value, Good Luck, Puck! presented itself as a potential winner!
Q: Donna, can you explain a little about the editing process? Did much change from your original manuscript to its publication? And, if so, what tips do you have for authors going through this process?
A: I worked on this story over the course of three years. The first version was much more one-dimensional and lacked the extra layers that make a picture book appeal to editors. Puck was leaving hockey because he was bored. Well, this probably wouldn’t resonate with hockey players because the sport is NOT boring. However, when I changed the motivation to wanting to be the star of the team - that was a concept all readers could connect with. This was also very early in my journey of learning and investing in my craft. So in addition to sending it to critique partners and working on it with Lynne Marie, I continued to stay open to feedback and made changes. I’ve learned that it’s important to focus on the key elements of your story, i.e. strong stakes, the right combination of attempts and failures, world-building, multiple layers, a catchy title, kid-friendly language, etc. And then when the critiques become more about word choice and less about the story structure, you know you’re getting close to being submission-ready.
Q: Lynne, as an editor, what sort of things did you look at through an editing eye and what would you recommend writers keep in mind during this process?
A: Writers should definitely present their very best, submission ready work. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there will not be additional editing – usually there will. However, in this case, Donna had worked long and hard with me on this story before I ever took on the Editor position at the Little Press. It had already evolved substantially and was in excellent shape. So basically all we did was some tweaking to smooth out sentences and the way they sounded when read aloud, as well as smooth-out transitions and page turns. She was great to work with. But in general, I think that anyone at this editing stage should keep in mind that it is the editor’s job to sell the story to the marketing department and that making changes to make a story more saleable or marketable are worth it. The editor is on your team! I say this because I know that some writers give a lot of pushback during the process of bringing a story from idea to fruition, and also at this stage. Just consider, for a moment, that if an editor wants you to or needs you to change something about your story, there is a good reason, and it’s important to make an effort to understand why that is. Try it! Most times, you will end up agreeing.
Q: Donna, what’s your favorite spread and why?
A: That’s a tough question. I love so many things about the illustrations and how they took Puck’s story to another level. I am choosing spread 10. I love the dizzy look in Puck’s eyes after he’s been spinning in circles while speed skating. And then, as he daydreams about what sport to try next, it reinforces Puck’s determination and perseverance to find where he can shine.
Readers, check out this awesome work from illustrator Daniel Sulzberg!
Q: In today’s market, let’s face it, getting your book seen can be TOUGH.
Donna, what plans did you make to market your book? Did you have a marketing plan already created or is this something you and The Little Press worked on together?
The Little Press has been great. Since my book is the first release of the year, it’s getting a lot of love on their social media platforms. Brittany Pomales is the Social Media and Marketing Lead. She has been instrumental in building a full internal campaign and providing me with some things I can implement on my own. However, I have been brainstorming and researching ideas since the story was acquired. Most of my marketing and promotion is focused on my Facebook and Instagram accounts and the connections I have made over the years. Also, I am a retired teacher, so I have created an author visit presentation. Getting back in front of students has been so much fun. They think I’m a “celebrity” which is super cute. I’m in the midst of doing visits and scheduling more for this school year. I worked with a freelancer, Julie Hansen, on a full Educational Resource Guide for the book. Since I am a retired teacher, it’s my way of giving back to educators who are looking for follow-up and extension activities or ideas for planning a mini-Olympics unit for their classrooms. It will also serve as an incentive for booking an author visit. Now that we are less than 30 days out, my social media promotion will ramp up with a heavy focus on the upcoming Winter Olympics and, of course, the NHL hockey season. I’m also on a mission to get to as many #hockeymoms as I can!
Another exciting note is that a large bookstore company in Canada will be selling Good Luck, Puck! This is amazing since hockey is the most popular sport in that country.
Q: Lynne, what tips do you have for making your book stand out in this market?
A: Like Donna, do your research and see what other books are out there to stand up and out against. Then identify potential selling points and a strategy to sell. Start planning early and, especially with a holiday or seasonal tie-in book, hit the ground running with appearances, articles and more! Make friends with local book sellers who might hopefully carry your book and feature you as a local author. But I think the most important thing is having a book worth reading, and reading again, which has important takeaway value for the reader and also fun!
Q: Can you share more about the launch and learn promo you and Donna are hosting? What a fun idea!
As everyone knows, the picture book market is soft right now, and we all need to contribute to its strength by making an expanded effort to buy books. So I came up with the idea of getting a book PLUS a webinar for just over the cost of a book! There will be fun, fundamentals and prizes! It’s a win for the reader/writer, and a win for the author! I am hoping that this model will catch on and more people will do this. The book can even be gifted (sent to another address) or sent to a school or library or homeless shelter.
With that in mind, I am "OVER THE RINK" excited to announce this fabulous event for my first published acquisitions as Editor at The Little Press GOOD LUCK PUCK! Please join me, @Donna Marx and illustrator Daniel Sulzberg for this WIN-TERRIFIC event! Replay available to registered Rate Your Story Members only. Others must attend live. We hope you'll join us for fun, writing and publishing fundamentals and prizes! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9rjU6VBU-b1sw8miNO3rb_HAytwLE-MqTYpV6GoX7Or4O5w/viewform?usp=header
Q: Donna, what’s been your favorite part of seeing your book come to life?
A: I think the most rewarding part of this journey has been the example I’ve set for my grandsons. They’ve seen me challenge myself to try something new. They’ve witnessed my personal perseverance through each and every revision. I was SO excited to share this acquisition news with my grandsons - my beta-readers! The oldest one, in particular, just couldn’t understand why no one “wanted” this story. It was totally like a pregnancy reveal for me. I bought some hockey pucks, added a face, wrapped them up, and surprised the boys with the good news. I think they may have been even more excited than I was - if that’s possible.
Q: Lynne, what makes this a perfect read for any time of the year? How will this fit into a classroom setting?
A: There’s no I in Teamwork and neither is there a season in Teamwork. Working as a team is an all-year round “activity”, no matter the sport, situation or the time of year. I think it particularly fits well into a classroom setting, because a class can be much like a team. Everyone must work together, and not everyone will get their chance to shine at the same time, or even at all. Sometimes your role might be cheering someone on, or helping someone in need. This still makes you an important part of the group. Teamwork is about working well together. And of course, sometimes there are wins – think field day teams and school challenges where the class wins an ice cream party for good behavior during the school year or selling the most candy! Every order counts!
Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat for our readers?
Lynne: Hopefully I’ve left many tips that can be mined, so I’ll leave a treat. Three winners can be chosen for either a 30 Min Ask Me Anything Session with me (www.thepicturebookmechanic.com) OR a Rate Your Story Speedpass (https://www.rateyourstory.org/become-a-member > Click Speedpass)
Donna: As an aspiring author who has purchased many picture books, I was always excited when I won a free one! So I am offering a signed and personalized copy of Good Luck, Puck! - along with some fun swag!
WOAH! Thanks for such a win-terrific giveaway! And thank you both for joining us. What a treat and fun way to kick off the new year!
Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter this amazing giveaway, 1) leave a comment below to thank Donna and Lynne for stopping by 2) share their post on social media, and 3) let them know which prize you're most interested in! Snow or hockey-themed GIFs are also welcomed and encouraged. The winner of this giveaway will be drawn and announced on or about 2/01.
Please Note: Giveaway's will be shipped in the U.S. only.
About Donna Marx:
Donna Marx worked with gifted children during her teaching career. She welcomed the challenge to nurture their thirst for knowledge and increase their love of literature. Donna has a heart for kids with multiple talents who struggle to discover their true passion. Her debut picture book, "Good Luck, Puck", was inspired by her grandsons. When she’s not writing, she watches them score goals or chase hockey pucks down the street!
For more about Donna, connect with her here:
AUTHOR WEBSITE:
FACEBOOK:
INSTAGRAM:
About Lynne Marie
Lynne Marie is a multi-published, award-winning author of picture books. BroomMates: A Brewing Boundary Battle (The Little Press 2024), is a 2025 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award honor book, a 2025 Children’s Book Council Favorite from Teachers, Kids and Librarians, and a 2024 Northern Lights Book Awards Holiday Category winner. She’s an Editor at The Little Press, Director of RateYourStory.org, Mentor at ThePictureBookMechanic.com, Creator of March On With Mentor Texts (www.rateyourstory.org/march-on) and Mentor Text Talk, Co-Host of #SeasonsOfKidLit (www.seasonsofkidlit.com) and Columnist at Children’s Book Insider (https://writeforkids.online/). Visit her at www.LiterallyLynneMarie.com.
For more about Lynne Marie, connect with her here:
AUTHOR WEBSITE:
LYNNE MARIE ON FACEBOOK:
LYNNE MARIE ON TWITTER: @Literally_Lynne
ON INSTAGRAM:
ON BLUESKY:
ON THREADS:
To purchase a copy of Donna's book or leave a review for it, you can find it on Amazon here. Also, you can check out their Kickstarter for extra special book deals! Good Luck, Puck! by Michele Cerullo McAvoy — Kickstarter
Thank you for sharing your journey, Donna. Congratulations to everyone involved in this debut launch! I'd love to win a speedpass! I shared on Twitter (X).
What a perfect book for this time of year! I'm collaborating with our PE teacher on several Winter Olympics themed projects and this book would be a great fit for what we have in mind. We'd love a copy for our school!
Good Luck Puck sounds like a FANTASTIC book! As a Canadian, I believe there cannot be too many books about pucks. As a writer, I would love to win a Speedpass!
I loved the pea story inspiration for your book!
Thank you to Donna and Lynne Marie for all the tips about the submission and editing process. Speedpass for me.