What was your inspiration for writing Blooming Rose?
I first came up with the concept of the Blooming Rose series when I left teaching in 2017. After four short years, I was burned out and exhausted, yet wanted a way to still contribute to helping and supporting both my students and fellow teachers. I feel strongly that using books about social and emotional support and situations can aid kids at home or in the classroom. If students can relate to characters and situations, then teachers and parents can build relationships to help nurture a more caring, accepting and trusting atmosphere.
Why do you feel it is important to instill positive thinking?
The real world is a tough place sometimes, and we can’t always shelter our children from complex feelings or rough situations, nor should we. When we can help children identify their feelings, relate them to their root causes, make them feel normal for feeling adverse emotions, and support them in navigating these experiences, they are able to think positively and less fearfully about the future. And every child deserves the hope and affirmation of a bright future.
Did you always like to write and want to be a writer?
Yes, I've always liked to write and it has always been my preferred means of communication, but I actually never envisioned myself becoming an author, much less a children’s author! It wasn’t until I became a teacher that I started realizing the importance and magic that comes from storytelling.
How did you choose a publishing route?
Routes to publication can be overwhelming to new authors like myself, but my first word of advice is always do your research! See what other authors are doing, and WHY. I knew I didn’t want to hand over rights and reins to my work to a more traditional publisher, and doing everything solo for the first time seemed daunting, so I landed at the happy medium of hybrid publishing. I’ve loved working with Mascot Books, and asked for valuable insights from other Mascot authors before crunching numbers and signing anything. I chronicle this process in greater detail in our Blooming Journey vlog series on our YouTube channel for anyone’s who’s interested.
What is your favorite snack or beverage when writing/working?
I usually like to sit down and work or write in the mornings once I get my kids off to school, so that means a latte or mocha is in order, and usually iced since I’m in south Texas!
Thank you to Sheri from My Reading Getaway for hosting this interview on her blog, original post found here.