KidLit ALERT!
Indigenous Author
Christine Hartman Derr
Hello again,
writers, readers, the curious and creative humans — today, I am happy to introduce you to an indigenous author and Vermont College of Fine Arts WCYA grad (a program I am currently lovingly surviving — he-he), Christine Hartmann Derr. If you know VCFA, you know that it's intense. Stacks of books, writing packets, studying craft until your eyes burn like coals, like I stared too long at the sun, like exploding lava in Iceland....oh, did I mention I'm studying metaphors?! With all this writing work, I wanted to know what happens after graduation? I reached out to Christine to ask and also talk about some other interesting things, like grief, Cherokee language, diverse books, and her upcoming middle-grade novel, Raven, Rising. This interview is for the curious and creatives....
Hello, Christine, and welcome to Teazurs Blogspot---
Our connection is through VCFA's MFA program, Writing for Children and Young Adults, which you graduated from. You know how intense the program is. What's writing like once you're out in the world? Any good news to share with my readers?
Yes, lots of good news! The program helped me solidify my writing routine, which has been immensely helpful since graduating. Choosing to attend WCYA also meant choosing to prioritize my creative life; this is something I’ve continued post-grad. The program also taught me how to deeply study the craft of writing in a way that I’m able to continue to do so independently now. For instance, I’ve done craft studies on concept picture books and long picture books since graduating. Finding mentor texts, studying what makes them work, and applying those skills to my own work are tactics I developed while at VCFA that continue to keep me learning and growing.
Oh, this is a tough one! Let’s see…My favorite part is that I found a writing community that is uplifting, kind, and supportive. While my time studying at VCFA has concluded, the friendships and community are ongoing—I’m very grateful for that! The toughest part…hmm. Waiting for feedback from advisors! Ha, but truly, that week between packet work was tough. It’s good practice, though, because so much of publishing is waiting! Also, learning to let go of feedback that didn’t resonate with me or work as a good fit for that story was a tough lesson, but one I’m thankful for.
For other writers out there hoping to snag an agent— how did you find yours? What actionable things can newbie writers do right now to give them the best chance?
I met my agent at a writing intensive
that offered one-on-one meetings
with agents and editors.
I really clicked with my agent on a personal level, and then her feedback on my work showed that we were on the same page there, too. My top advice for writers looking for actionable items to do is to read, read, read, read, and keep working on your craft.
Read like a writer, looking at why certain elements work or don’t work for you as a reader. Pick the craft apart, study it, and see how those tools work in your hands. When you’re ready to look for an agent, make sure you’re reading the acknowledgements of work you love. Make your work the most polished, shiniest version you can get from your own revisions and getting feedback from beta readers before querying. And remember, it isn’t a race. There isn’t a rush. Publishing is not typically a fast-moving river; some parts are rapids, sure, but others are long, languid, and full of unexpected curves. See where the water takes you, and choose a direction when you have the opportunity.
Grief is part of your writing. What craft choices help you write grief that stays readable for young kids?
I strongly believe in not talking
down to kids.
I personally remember that feeling of an adult treating me like my feelings were somehow less-than because my years were fewer. Kids feel things deeply, too, and while they may not have the perspective of older folks, that doesn’t diminish their very real feelings. Every hurdle kids face could be the hardest thing they’ve encountered yet in life, and they deserve to be treated with dignity as they discover how to build resilience and overcome that challenge. So when I write, whether I’m focusing on grief or joy, I honor the feeling as being true and real to the child character, just like it may feel to the child reader.
You are a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. How do you weave Cherokee language and culture into your books without making them feel like teaching?
Well, sometimes it is teaching! Native and non-Native readers alike may not have the opportunity to learn about the Cherokee people and history in school. But I don’t incorporate Cherokee history, culture, and language into my work with the goal of teaching. Instead, I see where these elements are woven into the character. For example, in Raven, Rising, the main character is dealing with grief and guilt. As a result, she pushes her community away. She pushes her language away. But both these things are a part of who she is, and so she cannot truly deny them. Being a Cherokee language learner means her way of seeing the world is influenced by that perspective. It shapes how she moves through the world. And, when she is pushed too far and uses the language in a way she ultimately regrets, she works to make it right. Centering the character centers the reader, and (hopefully) shows how this Cherokee character—and how individual people—live with their culture intertwined with their being.
You are proud of your Native Peoples' culture and being a part of this Nation - what would you like others to know about it? What would you like others to question?
I’d like folks to realize that...
Native people aren’t a monolith—
there are more than 562
federally recognized tribes...
within the borders of what is presently called the United States, not to mention state-recognized and unrecognized tribal Nations. Each Nation has its own culture and ways of being. I’d like people to question why certain stereotypes persist and who that stereotype benefits.
I don’t know that I’d call it a rule, but like I said earlier, I really detest talking down to kids. I try to treat my readers like the smart, creative, interesting people they are. You don’t know what they know, or don’t know, so balancing making the story accessible without pandering is a tough but necessary path.
You write a blog with amazing book recommendations - what are your top reads so far in 2026?
Oh, man, buckle in because it has been a FAB reading year so far! Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan, A Good Hide by Karina Iceberg (another VCFA alum!)/illustrated by Natasha Donovan, Spirit Shadow by Ginger Reno/illustrated by Mary Lupton, One & Only by Maureen Goo, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman (as far as I know, we’re not related!), The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga, Stronger Than by Nikki Grimes and Stacy Wells/illustrated by E.B. Lewis, When You’re Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim (another VCFA alum!), and Ari Tison’s Together We See.
(Her blog is called: Paw Prints in the Sink - Go check it out!)
Writing across formats– like a blog, a book, or an anthology— is sometimes difficult for writers. What stays the same in your voice, and what has to change completely?
Great question! When writing nonfiction on my blog, I let my personal voice shine. If I loved a book, you’ll know…because I won’t stop talking about it! Whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction, I strive for an engaging tone. I’m still telling a story; it’s just whether that story is factual or fanciful. I write across formats and age markets, and typically, my voice changes based on the character more than anything else. Raven (Raven, Rising) is a first-person narrator, so everything is filtered through her experiences and the way she understands the world. Mariah (from Momentum, the short story I contributed to Legendary Frybread Drive-In) uses a second-person narrator; she’s on the tail end of high school, has moved frequently, and is feeling somewhat removed from herself. That weariness is reflected in her voice. TLDR: for me, the voice comes from the character more than anything.
You write about bullying in school – what did you learn about it that you did not know before you started this book? What would you like kids to know?
Bullying is a nuanced topic, and one I approach with care. No one escapes unscathed from this situation, whether they’re the one inflicting harm or the one experiencing it. I really detail this in my author’s note, but the gist is that I want kids to know that they don’t deserve to be bullied; it isn’t their fault. And while we may or may not know what is causing the bully to act this way, we can acknowledge they’re likely hurting, too, and still hold them accountable for their actions.
You promote diverse books – why do we need diverse books? What would you like to tell kids about reading outside what they know?
We need diverse books to learn about ourselves and discover what we don’t know about folks in our communities and around the world. You can find yourself and/or learn something in any story, whether that’s in the main character’s appearance or how a side character uses a fun catchphrase. Stories are portals that allow us to understand people more—and understanding brings so many more wonderful feelings and opportunities.
Raven, Rising comes out in July 2026 - what kind of release will you have? Will my readers get to meet you somewhere for a book signing?
That’s still being decided! The best way to stay in the loop is to check out my website, ChristineHartmanDerr.com, and follow me on Instagram, @ChristineHartmanDerr.
(Or pre-order her book Raven, Rising - just click the title here)
I'm learning a lot about titles at VCFA - Does Raven, Rising hold significance for you? How did this title become the one for your book?
This wasn’t always the title! I struggle with titles; thank goodness for a rock-star editorial team who helped brainstorm with me to come up with one that’s just right. We chose Raven, Rising because baking plays a significant role in the story, plus Raven decides if/how she’ll rise above her grief and struggles to do what she knows is the right thing. I love a title that works on multiple levels! And I especially love having an amazing editor in Alyssa Miele to keep chipping away at ideas until we find the right one!
You also have a debut picture book coming out soon – when is the release? Please tell us a little bit about this book and the power of language.
Yes, thank you for asking! My upcoming debut picture book is titled Until We Meet Again: Donadagohvi and follows one little girl as she connects through the Cherokee language to the grandfather she didn’t get to meet in this life. Language shapes how we perceive the world around us and how we connect with our human and other-than-human relatives. Millie feels close to her grandfather through the stories she hears and the Cherokee language—a language he taught to her mother and her mother teaches to her. The official release date hasn’t yet been announced, though it’s anticipated sometime in the next year.
(Pre-order her picture book: Until We Meet Again: Donadagohvi - just click the title here)
Last question --- would you like to use this space to promote your books?
I only want to say wado, thank you, for inviting me to do this interview. It’s been delightful!
_________________________________
Wow---Christine, thank you! You shared so openly about your writing life, your Cherokee heritage, and the care you have for your characters. I love hearing how VCFA continues to guide and shape your writing journey. I'm so glad I got to meet you via email, and I hope to do so in person someday soon.
Readers, keep your eyes open for Raven, Rising, releasing in July 2026 (my birthday month, which I will need to buy this book and a few more!) and also for her new upcoming picture book--- Until We Meet Again: Donadagohvi.
Until then....try reading something new, a book outside your norm---the more you learn, the more you will see we are all connected.
Write~on
Angie
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