Hello Teresa. Your book is beautiful. Hi Beverly, thank you! I see that you have a busy life with two young children and a career beyond writing. When did you know that you wanted to write for children – did your own children play a large part in this desire, or was the desire there much earlier on? I feel that the desire to write has been with me for a long time. When I was in fourth grade I would write a lot during the school bus rides to and from elementary. At one point I wrote 100 pages, which felt like a great accomplishment to me at the time. As an undergrad I wrote a few original children’s book stories and even had a friends illustrate and insert typeface for fun. However, it wasn’t until I received a random Tweet from an acquisitions editor at Beaming Books that I realized I wanted to write for a publisher. How long did it take from the time you began seriously writing that you signed a contract for your book and how long did it take from the signed contract to your launch date? I initially spoke to Naomi Krueger, the acquisitions editor at Beaming Books, on September 9th, 2020. I wrote the first draft that week and sent it to Naomi on September 14th. I signed my contract on November 5th for my March 8, 2022 launch date. The art in your book is lovely. Did you have any say in the choosing of the artist or in the artist’s sketches and ideas? Naomi and I discussed several artists and styles that we both liked. Khoa Le, however, was my first choice. Naomi had discovered her and as soon as I saw her portfolio she vaulted to the top of my illustrator list. I did not have a say in the cover initially, as that stayed in house until we adjusted a few details and typeset. I was very fortunate to have considerable input in art direction, which is not always the case with picture books. Since the book is very specifically theological and I wanted to be very intentional about inclusion I requested numerous additions and changes along the way. In the description of your book, we see that the theme focuses on the feminine and nurturing side of God’s nature. In your bio you mention that you are currently a hospice chaplain and an ordained minister. How much has your calling in this area influenced or inspired the theme of your book? How did the process of this theme evolve? For this book I’m most inspired by my role as a minister. I was ordained in June of 2018 after I graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School in May. The following week our second child was born. There is a small growing number of progressive Christian picture books, but they remain few and far between. I can list the number of Christian picture books on feminine imagery of God on one hand. This was really disheartening to me as I have learned so much about theology and faith from the scholarly work of Womanist and feminist theologians. Naomi suggested I try to write a book on maternal imagery of God. I sat down at church one evening that week and the writing just flowed. You told me that you had an interesting story about how your book was acquired. Can you share that with us? Yes, I had posted some of my paper cut art on Twitter in September and two images really caught some traction online. They were illustrations of Shiprah and Puah from Exodus; and Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, the daughters of Zelophad, from their story in Numbers and Joshua, in the Hebrew Bible. I saw one comment from Naomi Krueger, who I did not know previously. She asked if I had ever considered writing a children’s book and I almost fell out of my chair. Do you have any other stories or projects that you are currently working on? I have a few picture book projects I’m revising and I am also one of three writers for the Shine story Bible coming out in 2023 from MennoMedia and Brethren Press. What has been the most challenging, enjoyable or surprising thing that you’ve learned along your path from story idea to your book launch? Waiting has probably been the most challenging part. I’m not very patient and publishing is very long compared to other endeavors and jobs I’ve had over the years. I’ve so enjoyed working with Naomi as my editor, especially as a debut author. I’m still surprised by the inequities in publishing in general, whether it’s celebrity authors, ghost writers, writers of color, accessibility for disabled readers, or advances with agented vs. un-agented authors and illustrators. Do you have any words of wisdom or something else that you would like to share with those who may be behind you on the journey of writing to publication? It seems like so much of published writing revolves around the right timing. Do your research when it comes to publishers, editors, agents, and contracts. Joining the #SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators) was initially very helpful to me. Later next month I’m looking forward to attending the Kwelli conference, a writing conference specifically for writers of color. BIPOC writers and illustrators are still woefully underrepresented in traditional publishing. Finding mentors, fellow creators, and places to hone your craft will all benefit you in your writing journey. Teresa, thank you for taking the time to be interviewed. All the best to you on your inspiring book. Thank you so much, Beverly. Mother God releases March 8th
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