Good morning, everyone!
Welcome to another addition of Bookmarked, the blog for readers and authors alike. Today, I have a very special Q&A to share with you all with one of JCP's very talented authors, Raven Howell.
Raven has had an illustrious writing career, and she and Draco talk about that and more in this Friday's podcast episode! Be sure to give that a listen, because you won't want to miss it!
Raven's most recent book with JCP is called Seasons, which is a beautifully illustrated children's book that will teach kids about the various seasons and weather throughout the diversity of a year. You will joyfully encounter birds and butterflies for spring, adventuring at beaches in the summer, jumping in colorful leaf piles for fall, and dashing through the whitest winter snow.
You can purchase Seasons online here.
Now, please enjoy the following Q&A with Raven, and again, remember to listen to her interview on our podcast this Friday for a more in-depth conversation about her wonderful career.
BOOKMARKED: What initially inspired you to get into writing?
RAVEN HOWELL: Writing came naturally to me. I don’t remember a time I did not write something. Even as a young child, I jotted down stories, verse, and plays that had scripts for various characters. I loved creating whimsical little worlds! And I wrote songs which involved writing lyrics, too.
You've had quite the writing career so far... What have you learned throughout the years of being a published author that you'd like to impart to aspiring authors?
If you truly feel it’s your path and passion, don’t give up. There is a myriad of ways to enjoy a career in writing. Do you like story-writing? Are you more of a journalist at heart? Get up and shake it off when you receive rejections. Consider it a teaching tool. Can you improve your work by the critique or criticism? Keep polishing your words, because you will create pearls.
Where did you get the idea for "Seasons"?
I wanted to create a simple rhythmical picture book for the youngest readers to encourage interest in our climate and environment. I hope it contributes a spark for children to participate in seasonal outdoor activities and gives glimpses of the discoveries that nature surprises us with throughout the year.
If you could sum up "Seasons" in three words, what would they be?
Lyrical, sunny, marveling!
What do you think are the key ingredients to writing a children's book?
Here are several ingredients you can mix and match: mystery, adventure, wonderment, inspiration, fun, and a good dose of humor where applicable.
What would you like to say to all of your supporters and fans over the years?
Our communities are kind and loving, and I’m grateful. It makes me so joyful to share my own love of reading, writing, and books! Cheers to sharing smiles and inspiration!
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Thank you again to Raven for participating in this Q&A! We are so proud of your work here at JCP and absolutely can't wait to see what you write next!
To all of our Bookmarked readers, thank you for tuning in for another week's blog post. Again, this Friday, be sure to listen to Draco's full interview with Raven Howell... It's a very special one.
Have a fantastic rest of your week, everyone, and continue to enjoy the wonderment of reading!
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
Bookmarked