B is for Beatrix Potter

Lived: 28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943

Excellent Books:  The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and 20 others

From Her Life:  As a child Beatrix collected animals like snakes, mice, lizards, and birds with her brother Bertram.  These little critters inspired many of her stories.  Some of her first stories were actually written in letters that she illustrated.  She loved to paint and illustrated her own books.  She was also a great advocate for conservation.

Advice for Aspiring Writers:  Beatrix received so many rejections that she finally self-published The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1901.  In 1902 it was published by Frederick Warne & Co.  It has been in print ever since!  The moral of the story is to believe in yourself and keep writing.  You may not be able to self-publish, but you can find a home for your work.

Website:  http://www.peterrabbit.com/home.asp