Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Interview with Amie Darnell Specht & Shannon Hitchcock ~ Dancing in the Storm






Hello, Writers and Creatives of all genres.


Today, I find myself deeply inspired by this amazing interview featuring the remarkable collaboration between debut author, Amie Darnell Specht and the experienced and talented author, Shannon Hitchcock. Together, they have woven a poignant narrative into their latest book, inviting readers into the life of a child diagnosed with a rare disability. This story is a testament to resilience and hope, offering a window into the journey of embracing a new reality with courage and an open heart. Having had the privilege of attending Shannon and Amie's book launch in Asheville, NC, alongside their wonderful friends and family, I was touched by the warmth and community spirit present. The event was not only a celebration of their literary achievement but also an educational experience about Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, or FOP. Witnessing Amie's strength and the joyous way she approaches her extraordinary life left me profoundly moved. I am thrilled to host them on Teazurs Blogspot, and I hope their story will inspire and uplift you as much as it has me.



Amie, given your journey with FOP, what inspired you to embark on writing a book? 

    Most people have never heard of FOP, so opportunities to spread the word about it excited me.  When Shannon reached out, there was no hesitation.


What are your hopes for the readers of Dancing in the Storm in terms of the lessons they might take away from your story?

    We all are going through something, so try to help other people get through whatever their something is.


What was it like for you to collaborate with author Shannon Hitchcock, and how did you two find one another?

    She was amazing to collaborate with.  She made it so easy.  We met because Shannon knew my parents.


Your parents have shown remarkable support for your endeavors. What valuable lessons have you learned from their example, and what advice would you offer to other parents based on your experiences?

        My parents always let me just be a kid and tried to support me. 


I feel it’s important for parents to remember

that despite illness or disabilities, their child wants to

participate in activities

like their peers.


There are a lot of opportunities for disabled kids these days, so let your kid experience life!  They will only get to be a kid once!  



Your positive outlook on life shines through in both your personal experiences and in Kate's character in the book. If you could offer one piece of advice to readers facing their own challenges, what would it be?

    That we are stronger than whatever problem we are having at the moment, and we will get through it!



You have some amazing friends by your side. What would you like others to know about becoming friends with someone with a disorder like FOP? What can friends do that really helps?


    Talk to people who are different. Get to know them, and don’t treat a disabled friend any differently just because they are disabled.


Imagine you could swap lives with any fictional character for a week. Who would you choose and why?

    

    I always wanted to be a lawyer as a high school student, so Elle Woods.  I love Legally Blonde and her personality is so different from mine.  I think it would be fun!


What's the most unique or fascinating hobby you've explored? I recall from the recent book launch that you've dabbled in various activities.     


    The most unique is these juggling-type sticks I got at a Renaissance Faire.  They were so fun, and you could do tricks with them. 




I have no idea where they ended up, though.   


I also crochet, diamond paint, paint by numbers, and play games on the PC and Twitch.  I have also recently started learning French again and next will be Spanish.  I started learning coding a few years ago to learn HTML and other languages.


How do you balance your passion for gaming with your advocacy work for FOP awareness, and do you find any crossover between these two aspects of your life?

    I stream on Twitch, (though I have had to take some time off due to illness), and I use it as a platform for learning about FOP.

On Twitch, I am very open about FOP, so my community will ask questions and I answer. I do fundraisers for FOP and sometimes just days of Q&A. 

I share other resources too, like the trailer for a documentary about FOP called "Tin Soldiers." 

You can watch it at https://www.tinsoldiers.org


If you could have dinner with any three authors, living or dead, who would they be and why?

    My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks, absolutely love his books.  I still need to read a lot of his newer books, though.

Frank McCourt – I read his book as a freshman in high school and couldn’t put it down.  I would love to meet him and learn more about him.

Shel Silverstein – I grew up with his poems and can still recite one today.  His poems were so fun to us as kids.


What was the most challenging aspect of incorporating your personal experiences with FOP into the story, and how did you overcome it?

    I had no problem sharing my experiences, but I had a bit of a problem deciding which ones to share and how we would make them unique to Kate. I was diagnosed at 4 ½, so I had a different middle school experience than Kate has in the book.


Dancing in the Storm sheds light on a rare genetic disorder that many readers may not be familiar with. What can my readers do to help raise awareness?

    They can go to IFOPA.org and learn more about it and host fundraisers in their communities!


Can you share a particularly memorable moment from your writing journey with Shannon?

    When she asked for my story, I thought it was ordinary, but she felt it was a great one to tell.


What message or feeling do you hope readers will take away from your book?

    That we can overcome challenges!  And you are strong!


If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen - what one sentence would you shout? 

    At about 11 years old, we had just moved to a different state.  My mom and brother were being made fun of, and my dad had long drives to and from work.  One day, we were at the dinner table, and they were complaining.  I banged my fist on the table and said,

“Stop complaining! 

This is where we live,

and we just have to learn to deal with it!” 

I would probably shout something like that but add in that we need to learn to accept everyone!



What would you like kids to know that might help them in their life, especially when they are going through tougher times?

    Don’t be shy and reach out to someone!  A teacher, school counselor, friend, or family!


Thank you, Amie, for providing such a profound and enlightening overview of your debut publication, sharing with us not only the essence of the narrative but also the journey and passion that led to its creation. Your insights truly illuminate the depth and dedication behind this book.

Now, we turn our attention to Shannon, a distinguished and accomplished author within the realm of children's literature. Shannon's reputation precedes her as a brilliant and inventive storyteller whose contributions to KidLit fiction have captivated young readers.


Let's dive right in... 

Shannon, your journey as a reader began with the patient guidance of Mrs. Pauline Porter. How old were you then? How did those early experiences shape your view of literature and storytelling? I was six-years-old when Mrs. Porter, our newly integrated school’s first African-American teacher, taught me to read. Because I was a struggling reader myself, the books I write keep struggling readers in mind. They are often described as “accessible.” Your sister played a pivotal role in igniting your passion for telling stories. Can you share a bit about how those bedtime stories laid the foundation for your future as a writer? Telling stories to my sister broadened my imagination. I liked to make her laugh, and I liked when she asked questions about what would happen next. What challenges did you face as you transitioned from a career in various fields to pursuing your dream of writing? I had to learn how to write for publication. That took numerous SCBWI conferences, Highlights Foundation workshops, and paying for professional critiques. The biggest challenge is to have patience—breaking in takes time. The loss of your sister must have been incredibly difficult. How did her passing influence your decision to pursue your dreams with renewed determination? When Robin died, I realized time is short and whatever dreams I wanted to pursue, it was time to do so. That meant taking writing classes, doing the homework and carving out time to write.


Dancing in the Storm, your latest novel, addresses the challenges of living with a rare genetic disorder. What inspired you to co-author this heartfelt and illuminating story? 

Curiosity was my first motivation. I knew my neighbors had a daughter in a wheelchair, but I had never asked why because I didn’t want to appear nosy or rude. 

One day Amie’s mom posted on Facebook about FOP Awareness Day. She said, “If you don’t know what it is—look it up.” I did, and spent the rest of the day researching.

Can you tell us about your collaboration process with Amie Darnell Specht and how your respective backgrounds and experiences shaped the narrative of Dancing in the Storm? The first time Amie and I worked together, we filled out a character worksheet. She decided on our heroine’s family structure—a brother, sister, and two parents. She named the characters, chose the setting, and shared stories about growing up with FOP.

A lot of things that happen in the book actually happened to Amie. For instance, she was kicked out of Girl Scouts because her troop leader worried about the liability of Amie participating in field trips.

What I brought to the table is experience. I have four previously published novels and so could help Amie shape her experiences into a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Writing about sensitive topics like rare medical conditions requires empathy and understanding. How did you approach the research process for this book? I started with the official website ifopa.org. From their website, I was able to download the FOP Handbook. After reading the handbook, I read a memoir by FOP mom, Carol Zapata-Whelan called Finding Magic Mountain, Life With Five Glorious Kids And A Rogue Gene Called FOP. And, of course, a lot of my research came from talking with Amie herself. Because diagnosing FOP has changed since Amie was diagnosed, I needed to consult an expert, and Dr. Frederick Kaplan generously helped me with that aspect.

Can you share with aspiring writers how they might go about research for their projects? And how important is research for a fictional novel overall? I think research depends on the project. Almost all my novels have required a ton of research. I have written about the tuberculosis pandemic of the 1920s, the Civil Rights era, Anita Bryant’s Save Our Children campaign, the Syrian Civil War, and now FOP. I always start my research on-line, and then move to print sources. I often find the best information comes from interviews. As a writer, how do you balance the need to inform readers about important issues with the desire to create engaging and relatable characters? I try to create compelling characters and then put them in the middle of an important point in history, or in the present day. Story comes first, and the important issue is woven into the narrative. If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen, what one sentence would you shout?


Treat Others the way you would

want to be treated.


Dancing in the Storm has received acclaim for its candid portrayal of living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). How does it feel to see your work making a meaningful impact on readers? 

 For me, there is no better feeling in the world, at least not from a professional standpoint. 

You mentioned that you and Amie started working on the book right before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Did navigating the challenges of remote collaboration bring any unexpected benefits to your writing process?

Honestly, working on this novel saved my sanity during the pandemic. It gave me a reason to get up in the morning, and something to look forward to. 

Beyond writing, what are some of your interests or hobbies that inspire you creatively? 

Going to the beach, long walks, cooking with my husband, and attending Wake Forest basketball games.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who may be facing challenges or doubts on their own writing journey? Examine how badly you want to be a published author. If you want to badly enough and are willing to work your tail off, it’s probably achievable. Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you're currently exploring that you can share with us? I have a picture book biography coming on April 16th. It’s called OF WORDS & WATER—The Story of Wilma Dykeman—Writer, Historian, Environmentalist.

How do you like to unwind and recharge when you're not writing?

I am a voracious reader, not only for research, but for enjoyment as well. The biggest way I unwind is going out to dinner with my husband.

Looking back on your journey as a writer, what do you wish you would've known then that you know now? I wish I’d understood from the beginning that it would take much longer to break in than I had thought.

But remember this—you wouldn’t just pick up a paintbrush and expect for your work to hang in a gallery. You wouldn’t take a ballet lesson and expect to become a prima ballerina.


Anything worth doing requires a lot of work.

If you could collaborate with any author, living or deceased, who would it be? Appalachian food writer, Ronni Lundy.

What elements do you think are essential for crafting a compelling and relatable character in middle-grade novels?

For me, I have to like the main character enough to want to follow them on a journey.


Finally, what message or feeling do you hope readers experience when they pick up Dancing in the Storm?

All of my novels have a social justice theme. My latest picture book, Of Words & Water, says it best:


“Be good to the earth, kind to other people,

and use words to fight injustice.”

Thank you so much, Shannon. But before you head off to your writering space...

Do you have any upcoming book signings or conferences? How can my readers support you? I will be at the North Carolina Reading Association Conference on March 18th. I would love for your readers to read and review Dancing In The Storm.

Wow, you two rock! Thank you both for such a great interview. I learned a lot about your writing habits, how to collaborate, and how to research fiction. Thanks for sharing so much with Teazur's Blogspot Readers.


And if you'd like to follow these lovely writers, you will find them here:

Shannon Hitchcock : Website









Amie Darnell Specht: Pinterest.









And as always, if you'd like to be interviewed, reach out.


Write~on

xo Angie




Saturday, February 24, 2024

Best Published Author Advice of 2023

 


This is The LIST of the 

Best Advice from 

Published Authors in 2023!


At the start of 2023, I wasn't sure if I was still going to publish this Writing Teazurs Blog. I felt it took time away from my own writing. I had stepped away from children's book writing over ten years ago to move to Bend, Oregon, and help my husband in his new endeavor, Paleo Magazine. During that time, I lost myself in other worlds far away from kid's books. 


But after reaching out to a few amazing new authors, feeling their excitement for their books, and receiving their awesome advice, I knew I had to keep it up!


Promoting authors is a passion of mine.


I absolutely love reading about their journeys and cheering them on through publications, school visits, and conferences. Their enthusiasm feeds my creativity and helps me keep writing, editing, and going. 


Someday, I will be a published author, too. But until then, I am here for you, authors! Cheers to your success. May there be many!


Our first author interview of January 2023 was the lovely and talented...


Sydney Dunlap and her book,  It Happened on Saturday.  

Interview with Sydney Dunlap KidLit Author 


Advice for new writers:
 My main advice for aspiring authors would be to do what works best for them and not feel that they have to follow a certain strategy just because it works for someone else.






Also in January, we heard from Heather Murphy Capps and her book INDIGO & IDA.

DEBUT Author Heather Murphy Capps


The best advice I have for querying is to be thoughtful about reaching out to agents who are specifically looking for elements in your manuscript. It’s not worth your time to just throw a million queries into the wind without researching who is looking for what. The Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL on Twitter) website is invaluable as a starting point, as is social media.








Heading into March, we spoke with Lindsay Fryc and her debut Emma and the Queen of Featherstone. 

Debut Middle-Grade Author Lindsay Fryc



I love Save the Cat Writes a Novel and The Emotional Craft of Fiction. 
I am a huge plotter when writing, so save the cat makes plotting the beats easier for me so I can continue to write the novel. If I don’t have those beats, it's nearly impossible for me to finish a project. Also, the Emotional Craft of Fiction is great when you are crafting emotional scenes and want them to be impactful on the reader. Those two books are must-haves for aspiring authors.








Next up is our interview with Constance Lombardo and her book, Tiny Spoon vs Little Fork and Everybody Says Meow!

Interview with Constance Lombardo


It's vitally important to have your work critiqued by peers (and to listen and be open to change.) I believe anyone who wants to write professionally should either join a group or find beta readers. 





In May, we start off with one of the youngest authors I've interviewed...Emilia Ramos Samper and her book Crown of Scales and Wonder.

Author Interview with Emilia Ramos Samper





For writer's tools, I use Dabble, a plotting tool for writers. Another thing that helps quite a bit is sticky notes: I jot down ideas that come to mind on sticky notes and paste them straight on the wall! It’s useful to get my thoughts organized.



We also interviewed an amazing mother, Tine, who is promoting her late son's debut book... 
Aboard the Time Line





 When talking to kids about depression...

I think the most important is to 

keep a dialogue going. 


And also to take expectations off the table. By that, I mean if your child says that they cannot continue at Uni/school - whatever, etc., then listen! Support them- get professional help.  Try and build up interests/hobbies… go for walks with them (if you can get them out). And sometimes think radical. 





We also checked out Jennifer Bosma and Christian Children's Books, 
I Know the Plans & The Baby Garden

On having a long marriage:love giving advice for marriage. I would encourage the couple to continue being adventurous and visit new locations together. This summer, we are going to a music festival in Montana on our daughter’s recommendation; usually, we hike, float, or fish there. This is mixing it up


Ending our month of May was Savannah Hendricks and her books on coming of age, wholesome romance, and picture books. 





On Book Bans: We need to take off the kid gloves instead of putting them on. As a writer of wholesome and clean, I would say that yes, books should have an age-appropriate label that mirror movies and TV. Doesn’t mean kids won’t read them. We all know kids watch movies that are not rated for them. But guidance is important, and then parents or a reader can make an informed decision. 



As we warmed into June, Suma Subramaniam gave us some great advice as we checked out her book The Runaway Dosa & She Sang for India & Namaste is a Greeting. 





On Time Management: Write every day
 and to write for the child in me even if it is only for fifteen minutes. 
Slowly, the ideas will form, the revisions will happen, and the manuscript will fly off the nest when it finds a home in the big, wide world.





Rounding out June was Ellen L. Ramsey with her debut, A Book for Bear. 




Why read? Books are windows into worlds I may never experience, but I love learning about characters who are different from me as well as characters similar to me. I value books, which are a reflection of people’s thoughts, feelings, and interests. 





Next in July comes Jasmine A. Stirling with Dare to Question



Are you a daring person?
No, but I have absolutely
no problem daring to question authority, whether that be a boss, a school system, a cultural norm, or a reflexive habit.















Next, we learned some amazing ways to illustrate and map with Maria Oglesby Illustrator, Textiles, & Design Artist...

Interview with Maria Oglesby 


Why be an artist?
A career doing work I enjoy has always been more important to me than making a lot of money.










Ending July was our interview with Traditionally Published Debut Middle-Grade Author of Peril at Price Manor, Laura Parnum



If you could go back to your younger self and tell her three things that would help her get published - what would those be?

Number one: It’s not impossible.

Number two: Diligence and patience will pay off—keep going.

And number three: Have fun with it!






Heading into the end of August was our

Karen S. Chow....Traditionally Published Debut Middle-Grade Author of Miracle 



Did you grow up seeing yourself in main characters, in books, or not so much, and how did this influence your work?

I did not see a lot of Asian-American characters in books when I was young. (Mind you, this was in the 80s-90s.) So when I read Grace Lin’s Year of the Dog, I absolutely loved it, and had the realization that I could write about my own life. That’s when I started to write Taiwanese-American characters.


In September 
Ree Augustine was interviewed for her traditionally published debut Hangabout Far From Home


Interview with Ree Augustine and her Debut Hangabout Far From Home


If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen - what one sentence would you yell?


I don’t like to call attention to myself, 
so perhaps I would whisper...

“Laugh every day.”




We skip ahead to November with an interview with a former Editor of Harcourt who is also an award winning author and business owner, Deborah Halverson. 

Interview of Deborah Halverson

When should writers stop revising and editing?

When you're just moving commas around...

For me, that says it all. When the changes you’re making are sentence-level ones that are more about perfecting than anything else, you’re ready to either submit to agents and publishers or hire an editor to bring in a fresh, trained eye to help you know what more needs to be done, if anything, to make it submission-ready.







Finally, we reach December 2023 with an awesome interview with Debut Author Leah Moser
I Am a Thundercloud


Interview with Debut Author Leah Moser - I Am a Thundercloud

Can you share a piece of advice that you've received on your journey to becoming a published author?

Believe in yourself and your stories. Your voice matters!














Thank you to all the authors!

In reflecting on the whirlwind of interviews and insights gathered from the talented authors of 2023, one thing stands out: the unwavering passion and dedication of writers pursuing their dreams.

From seasoned veterans to fresh faces in the literary world, each shared a piece of wisdom that resonated deeply. As I look back on the year, I'm reminded that the journey of a writer is not just about reaching the destination of publication, but about embracing the process, learning from others, and believing in the power of our own stories.

So here's to all the authors who generously shared their experiences and advice, and to the countless stories yet to be written.

As we venture into the new year, may we continue to uplift and inspire one another, knowing that each voice adds richness to the tapestry of literature. Cheers to a future filled with creativity, perseverance, and the boundless possibilities of storytelling.

Write~on,
Angie

And apologies for this coming out in Feb. instead of Jan. - Goal next year - ha!