Author Deborah Myers chatted about her new children’s book “Helping a Friend: The Adventures of Jack and Billy.”
She shared her thoughts on children’s literature, her inspiration to write this book, and she opened up about being an author in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology and social media are so prevalent.
Synopsis of the children’s book
The book is a story of two rabbits named Jack and Billy. As their friendship grows they learn valuable life lessons about what happens when taking something without asking, honesty, and the meaning of forgiveness.
Upon its release, the book peaked at No. 2, No. 6, and No. 2 on the Amazon best-sellers lists for the sections of “Children’s Rabbit Books,” “Children’s Imagination & Play Fiction,” and “Children’s Book on Values” respectively. In the “Children’s Rabbit Books” category, she was sandwiched between such children’s classics as “Goodnight Moon” (No. 1) and “The Velveteen Rabbit” (No. 3).
What or who inspired you to write this book? How did you navigate the process of getting your first book published?
I grew up surrounded by children’s stories. I went to what was, at the time, the only elementary school named for Walt Disney. We had Disney art, Disney stories, and Walt Disney even visited the school.
At that time I had my heart set on getting to be a character in a Disney movie. Then 30 years ago, I saw an ad on how to become a children’s book author. That seemed like the next best thing, a way to bring children’s stories into the world, so I filled out the enrollment card.
“Helping a Friend: The Adventures of Jack and Billy” was my very first story that I wrote as an assignment for a writing school.
I was a new mother when I wrote it, thinking about the kind of parent I wanted to be and the kind of parenting I wished I had, so truly my newborn daughter and my love for her was the inspiration.
Children’s literature often includes important themes of friendship, kindness, and empathy. How do you approach developing relatable characters and storylines that teach these values to young readers in ‘Helping a Friend: The Adventures of Jack and Billy’?
This came easily and didn’t realize at the time of writing this book that there were many themes that were covered in the story. Those are all themes that are so important to me as a parent, grandparent and a coach, I’m not surprised that they came out in my story telling.
Can you share some insights into your writing and creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for children’s stories and characters?
Every story I write is centered around what I want to bring into the world, the creation of the kind of world I want to live in. When I write stories I get quiet, close my eyes and just see where a character or a storyline wants to go. Then I begin typing.
The story comes alive with characters that want to be enlisted in the tale.
What is it like for you being an author in a digital age? How did you navigate the process of getting your first book published?
In some ways, I found it was easier that the book is available all over the world and can be downloaded in an instant.
In navigating this publishing process I was fortunate to be working with a publisher that understood the priorities of both digital and print so this book is available in a light, easy to carry around with you, paperback version, a gorgeous hardback version, as well as a digital version.
How do you handle challenges such as writer’s block or self-doubt during the creative process, and do you have any strategies for overcoming them?
My creative process isn’t just writing. I spend time in nature gathering inspiration for characters, I observe the world, I meditate, and all of that ends up in the stories.
When I doubt myself I spend time with good friends who inspire me and encourage me through it. They hold the space of the greatness in me till I can see it within myself.
When you finished the book, how did you celebrate? How will you celebrate your next book?
I celebrated by giving copies of the book to my children and grandchildren. My husband took me out to a lovely celebratory dinner as well as celebrating with my circle of friends, coaches, editors, and my illustrator.
I also celebrated myself by spending time hiking outdoors and communing with nature.
All of these are dear to my heart, so I will celebrate the next book most likely the same way.
“Helping a Friend: The Adventures of Jack and Billy” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
