Category Archives: Interviews

Mar27

Interview with Luci Hollenkamp

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A very happy spring to you and your kin! Hopefully, it is starting to warm up and flowers are starting to bloom where you are. Our thoughts turn to hopeful tidings, and it is wonderful to reflect that with the literature we share with our children and students.

I have found a wonderful book that gives insight to a supportive structure to children in foster care. “Ronni Raccoon and the Foster Bunnies” is a picture book written by a former foster parent.  Luci Hollenkamp captures the nurturing and supportive environment created to support children in any type of family. She used experiences as a foster parent and as a capable auntie to help write the book. Luci Hollenkamp shares some of her story inspirations from participating in foster care and from her nieces and nephews in her interview below. Enjoy!

  • What is your favorite memory reading as a child?

Luci Hollenkamp: When I was young I was a bit of an insomniac. I used to hide under my covers with a flashlight and read late into the night. In the winter, when it was cold out, you could hear the wind howling and the windows rattling. It was especially comforting to be reading and settled into a good book.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Luci Hollenkamp: “Ronni Raccoon and the Foster Bunnies” has been something I have thought about writing for a very long time. I was a foster mom for a while and loved every minute of it. It was not easy, but it was rewarding and worth every effort.

The story is loosely based on some of my experiences. I plan on writing more books in the series. Some of the stories will draw from the adventures with my foster children, some from nieces and nephews, and some from my siblings growing up. This book is my tribute to those I love. They mean the world to me.

I also hope it helps people realize a little kindness and care can go a long way. Different families, even within the same cultural groups, have their own traditions and their own way of doing things. If we just open ourselves up and give other ways a try, it can help open doors of understanding and goodwill.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Luci Hollenkamp: Writing for me is a way to leave a legacy of love and kindness.

Book Blurb:
What do you do when two young bunnies get separated from their parents? If you are Ronni Raccoon, you open your home to them and keep them safe until they can be reunited with their parents. In this heartwarming tale, Ronni Raccoon learns about accepting others as they navigate these difficult times together and meet each other where they are. This beautifully illustrated story shows how family are the ones we let snuggle close to our heart.

“Ronni Raccoon and the Foster Bunnies” is available at Amazon.com, and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Luci Hollenkamp, please visit her author page here.

Oct6

Interview with Simone Chasey

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As we ease into autumn, the leaves are falling and there’s that need to want to go inside, cuddle in a good blanket, and read a good book. It is a great opportunity to share a moment with your child, and help establish community if you are doing read-alouds with your classroom. As many teachers know, this is the time of year you need to establish your classroom community for the rest of the year. So, it’s pivotal to include books like this in your read-aloud time or as small group reading. As a parent, it’s a great way to support your child’s social development.

Let me introduce you to Simone Chasey and her book, “Everlasting Life Lessons for Kids: Giving Children Moral Guidance Through Short Stories”. Simone has written a book that helps teach social morals to help give children a compass in being human. She has brought together a collection of stories that will be an awesome connection for children to find comfort and grounding in these uncertain times. I had a chance to talk with Simone about why she wrote this book and what her future projects may entail.

1) Do you think your book would be a nice addition in a classroom setting for teachers to read and discuss with the class?


Simone Chasey: I think any book that can transfer knowledge would always be beneficial for children. It would be a nice addition in a classroom setting for teachers to read up for discussion. I believe it can help children who lack life experiences so they can gain insight through short stories.

2) What do you hope for kids to take away from reading your book?


Simone Chasey: Children absorb the most through seeing, hearing, and asking questions. I hope the stories will teach children to express kindness, help others, and allow them to always remain curious and never stop asking questions. We, as adults, are simply children that stopped dreaming, stopped asking questions, and stopped being creative. With this book, I want children to embrace their curiosities, and to understand that failure is okay and that you can only ever go upward from there.

3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?


Simone Chasey: Growing up, I didn’t enjoy science. It was only after high school that I finally learned to like science. I would like to share knowledge and educate future generations. I want to promote science from a different perspective and show them that science could be fun!

Book Blurb:
Short stories for kids are one of the best ways to teach them life lessons. Through storytelling, you can teach children lifelong morals and values without coming across as lecturing. Kids will be able to catch a glimpse into another world, allowing them to canvas various morals and life situations safely. Moral guidance and life lessons to children are crucial to child development while they are experiencing new things in life. These stories give them guidelines and signposts in their social development.

I hope that these short stories can teach your child the underlying message of being kind and compassionate. Short story morals point out messages such as bad habits, like lying and cheating, come with consequences. They also motivate children to develop better long-term habits such as being grateful and having good manners. Whether you are reading to your children or reading together with them, these inspirational short stories will be a fun, learning experience for your kids.

“Everlasting Life Lessons for Kids” is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

Amazon Kindle Unlimited Edition

It is also available as a Spanish Edition.

Spanish Edition
Sep14

Back to School Blog 2022 Canceled

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I’ve ended up having to cancel this year’s blog tour due to lack of sign-ups. Not sure if it’s the pandemic or what. I did have to push back the date to mid-September due to my vacation this year. So, that might have been something to do with it. Or just so much going on now that there are more vaccines to beat the Omnicron variant of COVID19, or who knows. But it feels kind of sad after so many years of running this event that I didn’t get much interest.

But I’ll try again next year, maybe pushing it up to end of August. It’s been 10 years since I’ve done this, and I love supporting teachers and students as they go back to school. But the pandemic has changed things a bit, gotten people out of routines. Plus, I’ve had a lot of personal things I’ve had to catch up on due to delays of the pandemic. I think most people have had to do this during 2022 too.

But hey, there’s next year. 2023 should be better all around. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years; take everything with stride. The pandemic has just made things have to be adapted and changed, and it’s taking awhile for all of us to return to some kind of normal. Until then, enjoy my features of Indie Children’s authors over the next several months. There is still a lot of great book and authors to find out about. Feel free to sign up for my blog and stay informed about all that is to come.

So, until next year, 

-Tiff

Aug8

Interview with Lee Erica Cruz

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As the summer starts to come to a close, I’d like to add in one more recommendation of a book that will help inspire your child at the start of the school year and all year long. Lee Erica Cruz loved to write as a child. It was her escape to create stories she could get lost in. Now, she is doing the same for other children as an author. “The Walking Butterfly” is a children’s book that encourages children to “spread their wings” to know how wonderfully gifted they are. The book helps children discover that they can have a purpose and to step out into the world in faith.

Lee Erica Cruz is the author of the new children’s book, “The Walking Butterfly”.

I got the chance to talk to Lee Erica Cruz about her memories of reading as a child, her writing projects and what inspires her, and words of wisdom for aspiring authors.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite memory as a child was reading “Dick and Jane” books. They took me on adventures that inspired my own creative writings as a child.


2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite author was Charles Dickens. I was influenced to achieve great things through my gift of written expression, because he had come from a background of lesser education. I also applauded his work in philanthropy with women and children.


3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lee Erica Cruz: My father taught me to just write my heart out and not overthink. It helped me to write freely and efficiently because I did not keep stopping to worry if what I wrote was grammatically correct or if I was descriptive enough. He would tell me to keep the creative process flowing – you could always go back and fix the details later.


4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Lee Erica Cruz: I would love to continue to write stories for children to inspire them to know their God-given gifts and be motivated to pursue their aspirations.

5) What were the reasons you enjoyed writing as a child?

Lee Erica Cruz: I grew up during difficult financial times for my family. I would write hundreds of small books on scraps of paper my father brought home from work. It was a way for me to express my feelings and a way to dream of all the places I wished I could go.


6) What would you tell an aspiring junior author about writing their own story?

Lee Erica Cruz: Do it. Simple as that. We all have a story to tell and an audience waiting to hear it. You are as unique as your fingerprint.


7) What things helped you overcome your personal battles growing up?

Lee Erica Cruz: I’ve overcome anxiety and fear. These two things kept me from living out what was on the other side of that wall . . . Life.


8) What or who inspires you?

Lee Erica Cruz: The life of Jesus inspires me. Most of his life he was rejected and looked down upon. Through it all he kept spiritually poised, humble, merciful, and loving. In Him, I have found my strength, salvation, joy and peace.


9) What other areas do you share your passion for creativity?

Lee Erica Cruz: I write and sing. I just released a gospel album called “Releasing The Butterflies”. I also love being crafty and making my own personalized gifts for people.


10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lee Erica Cruz: Writing to me is healing and freedom.

Blurb for “The Walking Butterfly”:

“In a world filled with differences, we all are trying to find our place. Each of us is uniquely created, and wonderfully made. However, in this world, our differences can make us feel separated and alone. This story is about learning to embrace what makes us different and seeing the beauty and purpose in it. God gave us a fingerprint that no one else has so that you can leave an imprint that no one else can. It’s time to break through and fly!”

“The Walking Butterfly” is available at Amazon.com as a print or ebook edition.

For more information on Lee Erica Cruz, visit her on her social media at:

Instagram: @sheisabutterfly
Facebook: @sheisabutterfly312
YouTube: Aleeza

Jul31

Interview with Laura Bridle-Smith

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Laura Bridle-Smith is the author of the children’s book “Elizabeth Finds Her Brave”.

Summer is in full swing, and one of my fondest memories is going and learning about horses at the local stable with my Campfire Group. I never was an expert rider, but I got the basics down with activities through my girl group. It came in handy later when I was exploring and traveling, down to riding horses in Mexico along beaches and down steep mountain trails. I thanked my troop master for taking us to those stables so long ago.

But many children first experience obstacles and how to overcome them through books. Laura Bridle-Smith has written a book that combines her love for horse riding into a wonderful story of overcoming fears and obstacles. Elizabeth Finds Her Brave is a story collection in which horses and self-confidence combine in story telling expertise.

Laura Bridle-Smith attended university studying Creative Writing. Real life steered her into project management as a trade. But her love for writing, being a mom and helping to inspire her children helped bring this book to life.  Her story brings her experiences as a mom into her storytelling by crafting a collection of tales to overcome fear and uncertainty while documenting how to face the obstacles.

I am excited to bring you her interview and introduce you to her latest book, “Elizabeth Finds Her Brave”. I got to talk with her about childhood reading memories, her inspiring books and authors, her writing routine and what she has in store for future projects.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Laura Bridle-Smith: So many of my memories stem from reading. Whether it was as a child wrapped in a blanket reading the hobbit late into the night, having my breath taken away by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or walking across a moor in Yorkshire and sitting on a rock to read a chapter of Jane Eyre, books evoke so many memories for me. A most recent one is walking in on my seven year old crying as Charlotte has just died in Charlotte’s Webb! That book will now be a core memory for her.

The author’s daughter, Elizabeth, posing with the book “Elizabeth Finds Her Brave”.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Laura Bridle-Smith: Jane Austen will always be my favourite author. Her wit, humour and characterization just pops out of the pages of every novel. These were the novels that engrossed me into the world of reading as a young teenager. They introduced me to more classic novels. They influenced my interest in history, my focus on language and lyrics. There is a reason my daughter is named Elizabeth!


3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Laura Bridle-Smith: I usually write at pace. The story will pour out of me, and I will scribble everything down. I then walk away, and leave it for a few days before coming back and actually beginning the harder process of editing myself. I reflect on my rushed words and making more thoughtful changes. I find my children are also fabulously honest critics!!

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Laura Bridle-Smith: I’d like to continue to write about children’s fears and anxieties. These little people go through so much so quickly, and I really enjoy exploring difficult aspects I find interesting. Elizabeth Finds Her Brave is the first in the finding your brave collection which I’m really keen to expand and grow.


5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Laura Bridle-Smith: Writing is escapism. It’s freedom, and sometimes the only things that can turn my brain off. I think it’s remarkable that the written word is always out there. My little book is available now, and children in 10-20 years from now could pick it up and think, “Wow, this is about me!”

Blurb for Elizabeth Finds Her Brave!

“Trying something new can be daunting and scary.

All children at some point are nervous and wary.

But Elizabeth is determined to find a hobby to love,

To find new friends and a club to be part of.

But not all friends have two legs, some of course have four,

With hooves, a tail and big brown eyes to adore.

As a pony named Sara enters the stage,

Will Elizabeth ever find her Brave?

The first story in the ‘Finding your Brave’ collection by Laura Bridle-Smith.”

Elizabeth Finds Her Brave is available at Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

For more information on Laura Bridle-Smith, please visit her website at http://www.lbridlesmith.com/. 

She can also be contacted at her Facebook page here.

Mar3

Interview of Noah Quill

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When I was teaching, I was always looking for cute holiday books to help the kids enjoy different seasonal holidays through the year. St. Patrick’s Day was always fun with the Leprechaun hunt through the school and different classrooms. I would leave a trail of gold glitter through the classroom, over and under desks and along counters, to show the Leprechaun had run through our classroom.

I’d seen a lot of Leprechaun books, but I think I’ve found the most unique one of all. “Jack the Farting Leprechaun and the Rainbow of Farts” really takes the cake of all the leprechaun books I’ve read. It’s a book that I think will really give everyone, kids, parents and teachers, some laughter and a few smiles that we may all need about now.

Noah Quill has created a humorous picture book to add to this fun pre-spring holiday. I had a chance to talk with Noah Quill about his childhood reading memories, writing and what future subjects he’d like to work on. Look into the mind behind the book.

  • What is your favorite memory reading as a child?

Noah Quill: As a child in my time there were no eBooks, only books. I remember one of my happy moments was when they let the kids go rampage over a pile of books on a table. We all had to be quick to get the title we wanted.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Noah Quill: I’d like to write some educational picture books for kids ages 3-5. Especially watercolor illustrated stories teaching an important life lesson, learning or simply an entertaining story.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Noah Quill: Writing to me is like giving someone else a glimpse into your world. I enjoy children picture books because a picture is worth a thousand words and children appreciate without judging.

Book blurb:

St. Patrick’s Day is coming. Kids will be excited to read a new story around this special celebration! In this cute watercolor illustrated storybook, children will follow the adventures of Jack the Farting Leprechaun. Jack farts a different color of the rainbow each day of the week (From Monday to Sunday) depending on the type of food he eats. The beautiful illustrations will surely captivate kids and makes learning fun!

Book Features:
*Cute Farting Leprechaun
*Pop-up text feature (Allows Easy reading even on small devices)
*Great educational book for children during St. Patrick’s Day
*Double click/Double tap objects to read their names
*28 Watercolor Illustrated Pages!
*Bright Colors that will peak kids’ curiosity and interest

Find out what happens when one day Jack stumbles upon a rainbow of farts!
Grab this cute St. Patrick’s Day farting leprechaun story today and create lasting memories with your kids.

“Jack the Farting Leprechaun and the Rainbow of Farts” is available at Amazon.com. This book is available as a Kindle Unlimited title and paperback edition.

For more information on the author Noah Quill, please visit his website at: https://www.noahquill.com/ .

Feb1

Interview with S. Marie Hawks

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As February arrives, I know you might be looking for a great Valentine’s Day read aloud to share with your class or little ones. I think I’ve found a great way to kick off this Valentine’s Day with a book by S. Marie Hawks. She has come up with a combination of a letter pattern book and folk tale to compliment any Valentine’s Day reading unit or celebration. She lives in Northern Utah with her husband and family. Her experience as a preschool teacher has given her a unique perspective on children’s literature, and loves to include her human development background within her books.

“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is a book that combines animals, letter patterns, holidays and Valentine’s Day in a unique way. It will help build vocabulary, create discussion about fighting for what you believe in, and put a few smiles on children’s faces. I got a chance to interview S. Marie Hawks on her childhood influences, reading memories, and what future projects she is working on. 

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
S. Marie Hawks: If my mom had a minute she would say, go get a book and I’ll read it to you. I would run to my room and bring back a laundry basket, my toy shopping cart, or a blanket full of books. Never was one book enough.


2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
S. Marie Hawks: As a child, I loved to check out Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog books. When I started reading on my own, I went crazy on Marc Brown’s Arthur books. I had the entire Arthur book collection and even the stuffed dolls of Arthur and DW. These books were inspiring to me because they focused on learning lessons and kindness, things I love to write about.

3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

S. Marie Hawks: I love to write about happy, healthy joyful things. I have an allergy-friendly/paleo cookbook that I hope to finish up soon. Also, I’m working on multiple children’s books and two adult fiction novels 🙂

“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is a wonderful combination of letter patterns, holidays, and folk tales all in one book. It starts with an introduction to how animals celebrate the holidays through the year, leading to how Weasels do not get any Valentines for Valentine’s Day. In which, of course, they decide to lead a movement to make change. It’s a delightful way to create discussion around traditions, vocabulary building, and enjoy a holiday themed book in a new way. This unique story will bring lots of smiles to any child or classroom.

“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is available at Amazon.com.

It is available as a print edition or as a Kindle Unlimited title ebook.

Dec17

Interview with Lou Jenkins

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As we get closer to the 25th, you might find yourself browsing the Internet looking for gift ideas for the grandchildren, niece or nephew or other little ones on your Christmas List. Well, I’m sharing some new authors this week to help give you some perfect gifts for this year’s holidays.

Let me introduce you to Lou Jenkins. Having worked as an RN for decades, she earned her MFA in literature and writing after many years of service to her community. She loves to write stories that nurture and connect with nature, animals, and that promote science. In her book, “Goodnight Dear One”, she builds a night of peaceful thoughts as the animals around the world fall asleep, passing gentle comfort and wishes to each other. I had the chance to talk with Lou about her favorite childhood reading memories, author influences, writing routine, and what she has in store with future projects.

Lou Jenkins is the author of the picture book, “Goodnight Dear One”.
  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lou Jenkins: My favorite childhood memories of childhood reading are not from my childhood, but more from the years I read to my children. Some of my favorites: Turning pages with a giggling toddler we read ‘The Monster at the End of this Book;’ going to the library or bookstore with my selections of nature essays while my kids finding their interests in classics, silly books, as well as the popular Harry Potter series and

Jerry Spinelli books: and talking about what we are reading together. I still do this today with my grown kids. Sharing a love of reading builds a rich relationship. When I write a children’s book like ‘Goodnight Dear One,’ I imagine the experience of reading to a little one and the possible alchemy of emotion present while the book is read.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Lou Jenkins: One favorite author? Impossible. One of my favorites is Barbara Kingsolver. There is an authenticity to her work that inspires me to find truth on a path to self-actualization. Her essays, memoirs, and fiction all resonate with a love for language, a reverence for the natural world, and a spiritual seeking that seeks to love rather than judge or control. I need to mention another writer. Shel Silverstein’s children’s books helped me to feel free to write for children as well as adults. He was a tough guy who could be silly and loving and stoop down to look into the eyes of a little one and see an important human. He reminds me to respect all readers.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lou Jenkins:

I learned from Natalie Goldberg that I need a writing routine and that, for me, routines sometimes stop working. I used to write in the middle of the night when the house was quiet. Now I write in two blocks of two hours on most days. If things dry up, I switch it up and go to a coffee shop or change rooms. When something works, I stick with it. I write

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Lou Jenkins: I write memoirs, nature, and literary criticism. I’m writing a series of writing courses now for JackWalkerPress.com. I write book reviews for the Sierra Club.  I also write for children as they inspire me, and I have two other titles in the works. See what I’m up to at AmyLouJenkins.com.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lou Jenkins: Writing is an art that can create a contract with the reader that is fulfilled when the words and story become part of the life of a reader.

Book Blurb:

“Goodnight Dear One” is a bedtime story that fills the room with a world of love. The tall Giraffe’s wishes for sweet dreams drift in the breezes above the African plains. The fishes send their good night words of comfort from deep in the water. The lovely moths brush at the window as they offer their evening wishes. All around the world, animals say goodnight with caring words of comfort.

Fill your home with love for your dear one. This is bedtime reading for a bonding, calming, and loving bedtime ritual.

“Goodnight Dear One” is available in eBook and paperback at Amazon.com.

***Hardcover edition will be released on Jan.2, 2022.

Nov25

Interview with Dralan Pierce

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Greetings everyone! This is the time for thanks and for being grateful. I am so grateful for so many things this year, including to all of you for following my blog and making it through this pandemic together. It has been a crazy year, and I am so happy to finally be able to spend it with my family this year. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends as well.

Along those lines of giving and family, I wanted to introduce my next author. Dralan Pierce is an ambitious author that likes to write about redefining family relationships to build a better society while inspiring our youth. He has written a fabulous book called “The Catch”. It deals with building a healthy relationship between fathers and daughters, something I’m thankful for that I had a chance to do with my own father before he died a few years ago. So this story goes to my heart immediately.

I had the chance to talk to Dralan about his favorite author, childhood reading memories, his writing routine, and what future projects he has in mind.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Dralan Pierce: Being able to imagine the book being a movie that I’m a part of is a favorite memory of mine as a kid.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Dralan Pierce: Lance Peeler. I felt like he was writing my life story before I start living my life.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Dralan Pierce: Yes, all I need is a desk and some jazz music.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Dralan Pierce: I’d like to write about my family relationships, especially redefining them from all aspects from my dad to my mother, sister and brother.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Dralan Pierce: Life.

Book Blurb:

“The Catch” is a heart-warming story about a father and daughter bonding during a fishing trip. Together, they learn to enjoy each other’s company and build a healthy relationship that will sustain them through their lives. A great gift for the holiday season, “The Catch” will touch any father and daughter and make a great gift for Father’s Day.

To purchase “The Catch” or for more information on Dralan Pierce, please visit his website at piercetheheart.org.

Nov15

A Second Interview with Stephanie Jane Markham

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As we head into November, it is time to start thinking about the Holidays and what gifts your little one may love. Plus, with supplies for toys dwindling, maybe considering a fabulous book for your little one this year is a great solution. So, I’m looking high and low for the right gift books to recommend for this Holiday Season.

Stephanie Jane Markham is a children’s author, actress, director, and musician. Her second book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is available now.

I’d like to start with a previously featured author on my blog. She has a new book out, and I can’t resist recommending it for your next purchase. Her new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn” is the next book in her Second Street Series.

Stephanie Jane Markham is an actor, filmmaker and singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her Sunnyside Street Series draws from her memories from growing up in Scotland and Kentucky. I had the chance to ask more in depth questions on how Stephanie’s acting career has affected her writing, her reasons for writing children’s books, and what advice she has for aspiring writers.

  1. What was your inspiration for writing your new book, “Duncan and His Unicorn”?

Stephanie Jane Markham: Duncan is Maisie Mae’s best friend. I like the friendship between the two. Maisie is this overly tall, outgoing girl and her best friend is a younger boy. Growing up with two brothers and five boy cousins, I can relate. The book touches on Duncan’s anxiety when he is separated from his unicorn, Letty Lou. I have struggled with anxiety since I was a child. I want to give my son, and any kid who reads the book acceptance. I want them to know they are not alone, even when it seems like it.

2) Why did you decide to start writing children’s books?

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’ve always had ideas, but never took the time or committed to writing a book. Also, I’m writing them for my son, Henry. It’s so fun to hear his feedback. He has lots of opinions.


3) Has working as an actress helped you as a writer? If so, how? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: I’m not sure. I have always had a flair for the dramatic and a sense of storytelling. Probably.

    
4) What advice do you have for aspiring children’s authors? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: Just tell your story. Don’t take it too seriously. Kids don’t put limits on their imaginations. It’s so freeing to let go of that inner critic that comes with being an adult.


5) What other future writing projects do you have in store next? 

Stephanie Jane Markham: In December, Maisie Mae’s Christmas Cheer will be released! It’s Maisie and Duncan and the whole Sunnyside Street gang. I had so much fun writing that one, Christmas is my favorite holiday. 

Book Blurb:

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is a tender story of childhood anxiety and true friendship.

Duncan and His Unicorn, Letty Lou, go everywhere together. They climbed Rainbow Mountain all the way in Peru, swung on the vines in the jungles of Kanha and flew to Cebu just to eat a banana!

Then, Duncan’s unicorn ran away. Duncan feels anxious without his favorite toy. He’d always been able to count on Letty Lou. Follow Duncan and Maisie Mae as they search high and low for Duncan’s lost unicorn. Will they be able to find her or has she decided to run away forever? Filled with the fearfulness of a lost pet, this story will show the bond of friendship during times of anxiety.

“Duncan and His Unicorn” is available at: Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

To read the first interview with Stephanie Jane Markham on my blog, please link here.

For more information on Stephanie Jane Markham, please visit her social media links below.

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/MaisieMaebooks/


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/maisiemaesunnyside/