Children’s book writer Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler chats with me today about her new picture book, When Mama Grows with Me.
Rebecca is doing a book tour with Wow! Women on Writing – the tour stop details are below.
Bio:
Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler grew up in the Tidewater region of Virginia. After submitting her first short story to a young author’s contest in second grade, Rebecca knew she wanted to be a writer. Her love of writing led her to earn a BA and MEd in English and later a MA in professional counseling. She spent several years as a high school teacher and school counselor. Rebecca currently works in school-based mental health and as a college adjunct psychology instructor.
Rebecca also teaches yoga, and she enjoys infusing yoga in her writing and work! She believes the most valuable use of her time is teaching youth how to love and care for each other and the natural world. Her stories share this focus on positive relationships and appreciation of nature. Rebecca has published two picture books and a YA novel. She lives in central NC with her husband, two kids, and two spoiled Siamese cats.
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
I love the layers of children’s books. For instance, my book When Mama Grows with Me incorporates a science lesson, exercise, bright illustrations, and a message about the value of patience and the parent-child bond. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in 1000 words or less!
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
The tagline for my newly released picture book, When Mama Grows with Me: Practice patience, reflect on life, and watch the flowers grow with this loving mother and son duo, all while learning playful yoga poses inspired by nature.
When Daddy Shows Me the Sky is the first book in the yoga series. In the first book, a father and daughter spend their evenings practicing yoga together under the night sky. Through spring, summer, fall, and winter, they learn the names of the constellations and model their yoga poses after the stars’ unique shapes.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
When writing for children, I gravitate toward modeling healthy relationships with a bent toward the natural world.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I always intended for a trio of yoga picture books. Two down and one to go. I wrote a draft of the third book, and this time, Grandma is doing some backyard yoga!
I also completed the draft of a second contemporary YA novel, and it’s off to a critique at an SCBWI retreat!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I remember distinctly the first time one of my poems was published for my college literary magazine (the poem won 3rd place in the competition as well). I fought with Imposter Syndrome (and still do), and the fact that the poem was judged anonymously helped me to believe that yes, I am a writer, and what I have to stay matters.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
My biggest piece of advice: consider your audience, and who buys books for your audience. Ask yourself: Who will be purchasing the book and how will it be used? I write for children and youth, whose books are typically purchased by family members and educators. I focused my marketing on parent groups, educators, yogis, and people interested in gardening. I was pleased to be included in the Dragonfly Nature Programs classroom booklist. I also approached two local garden nurseries to host book launch events, and both venues were excited to schedule.
I also recommend joining the Society for Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) for any author who writes for children and youth. SCBWI offers many resources and workshops on marketing for members.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I hear the words in my head as I write. When writing a new scene, particularly one with dialogue, I often “write” the scene first in my head as I’m out for a walk, driving, or working in the yard. I cannot write while listening to music with lyrics because the singer competes with the words in my head!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
From second grade on I knew, somehow, I would be a writer; it’s one thing I always believed about myself.
My other childhood aspiration was to live in the 123 apartment building and work on Sesame Street.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I will always be an educator at heart! I am open to virtual author visits for K-12 audiences. If you would like to discuss a visit submit a message through the contact page on my website.
Links:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Flyleaf Books
Purchase a copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Thrift Books, or Bookshop.org. Make sure you add it to your Goodreads reading list.
Blog Tour Calendar
September 25th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of When Mama Grows With Me by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. Read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
September 25th @ Rockin’ Book Reviews
Join Lu Ann for her review of When Mama Grows With Me. https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
September 27th @ What Is That Book About?
Visit Michelle’s blog to find out more about When Mama Grows With Me. https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/
September 27th HERE!
September 28th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog for her insights into When Mama Grows With Me. http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
September 29th @ The Mommies Review
Visit Glenda’s blog for a guest post by author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about why her book is dedicated to Grandma Helen. http://www.themommiesreviews.com/
October 1st @ The Mommies Review
Join Glenda for her review of When Mama Grows With Me. http://www.themommiesreviews.com/
October 2nd @ One Writer’s Journey
Visit Sue’s blog for a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about using picture books to teach SEL (social emotional learning). https://suebe.wordpress.com/
October 4th @ The Faerie Review
Join Lily as she reviews When Mama Grows With Me by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
October 7th @ School Librarian in Action
Visit Zarah’s blog for her review of When Mama Grows With Me. https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/
October 9th @ One Writer’s Journey
Join Sue for her review of When Mama Grows With Me. https://suebe.wordpress.com/
October 11th @ My Beauty, My Books
Nichole reviews When Mama Grows With Me by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. https://mybeautymybooks.com/
October 15th @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories
Join Linda for her review of When Mama Grows With Me by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/
October 17th @ A Storybook World
Deirdra shares a spotlight of When Mama Grows With Me. https://www.astorybookworld.com/
October 20th @ Chapter Break
Julie shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about finding inspiration in the everyday. https://chapterbreak.net/
October 21st @ Of History and Kings
Visit Helen’s blog for a guest by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about making the most of waiting. https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/
October 22nd @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda’s blog again for a guest post by author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about what to do with your garden in the fall and winter. https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/
October 25th @ World of My Imagination
Join Nicole as she reviews When Mama Grows With Me. https://worldofmyimagination.com
October 27th @ Fancy That!
Visit Nicole’s blog for a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about teaching kids a healthy respect for bugs. https://fancythatblog.com
October 29th @ Jill Sheets’ blog
Visit Jill’s blog for her interview with author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/