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Update 4/20: Congrats to Steena Hernandez on winning Thelia's Book Swag Giveaway -We'll be in touch soon with more details!
A special thanks to everyone who read along with us on International Children's Day, too!
4/2/2024
Hi, readers, writers, and celebration lovers of all sorts! We have an extra special treat and reason to celebrate today. Debut author, Thelia Hutchinson, is here with us not only on International Children's Book Day but also on her book's birthday!🥳 Her beautiful book, More Than You Imagine, celebrates a parent's hopes and dreams for their child and expresses their unending love in fun and heartfelt way. Want to know more about Thelia, her debut book and path to publication, PLUS want a chance to win some amazing book swag? Read on...
Q: Hi, Thelia. Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit! We’re thrilled to have you with us, and hear about your beautiful debut book, More Than You Imagine. It's truly a lovely story!
Can you share a little bit about yourself and your book’s path to publication?
A: Thank you so much for having me. It really means a lot and I appreciate it very much. Hi everyone, my name is Thelia. I am a registered nurse and I was born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx. I always loved to write, but it wasn’t until a poetry assignment in school where I discovered the love of poetry. I wrote here and there and made up silly stories with my brother, but I didn’t get the major itch to dabble more into pictures until my daughter was born. My love for poetry then transcended into picture books. For my book, More Than You Imagine, I participated in a Twitter pitch and I highly doubt I was going to get any likes and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pitch at all. I had pitched and queried this story before, but nothing. To my luck I got 1 heart from an independent publisher, Soaring Kite Books and the rest is history.
Q: More Than You Imagine is a collection of parents' hopes, dreams, and promises of unconditional love for their children. This is such an important message for children and readers of all ages. What inspired you to write this story?
A: I wrote this story for my daughter. I love her very much and I wanted her to know that I will always be there for her no matter what. I totally agree that the message is important and can resonate with everyone. When I wrote this (following many revisions) I wanted to express to my daughter that I'm her biggest cheerleader and that she can do anything and be anything. Kids need to know that they are loved and supported and that makes a huge difference in a child's life.
Q: We absolutely love that your daughter inspired this!
What’s your favorite spread from your book and can you share why/what it means to you (and what you hope it means to young readers out there)?
A: I love all the spreads. I love that all the spreads showcased that all families are not alike and that there are different family dynamics. Adriana did an amazing job. The end pages are so awesome. The illustrations flowed so beautifully with the words. But I would have to say the spread with the father and the daughter gardening. The way the words flow and together with the pictures make it stand out.
PS, Readers, check out these end papers. See what Thelia means? These are STUNNING!
Q: Writing for children is such a challenging task, yet it’s so rewarding seeing your book get into the hands of and inspire young readers. What tip do you have for writers that are looking for their first YES?
A: It is such a rewarding feeling and I sometimes have to pinch myself to believe this is all so real. The best tip I can give is to not give up and keep trying. Keep putting yourself out there. I know everyone says this, but participate in all you can to help grow your craft. You never know, you will end up with a spanking brand new manuscript. Utilize critiques partners. I admit in the beginning I was just winging it, but once I got more critiques, I truly believe my writing improved. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your work. This business is very subjective, because for my book, More Than You Imagine, that one heart during the Twitter pitch was the only yes I ever got for that story.
Q: What's the number one thing that truly surprised you about your publishing journey?
A: The waiting game. I would like to know more about it and feel others would, too.
Why? Why so much waiting. Publishing truly is a long process. I know good things take time, but I never knew. You write, revise and write some more. Then there is querying, it feels like forever. I know the same waiting game goes when a manuscript is on submission as well. I’m still actively querying and hoping to find an agent to champion my work, so I know waiting is the best part (said no one ever). 😉
Ha, I couldn't agree more!
Thanks again for joining us, Thelia! It was so wonderful connecting with you and hearing about your new book.
Readers, want to know what we thought of Thelia's book? You can find our reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Q: Would you like to leave a special treat for our readers?
A: Yes! I would love to leave a treat of some book swag. Woot woot! A keychain, bookmark and stickers.
Thanks so much for such an awesome treat!
Giveaway Instructions: Readers, to enter this giveaway please 1) like and share/RT this post on social media (you'll receive an extra entry if you wish her book a happy book birthday!) and 2) thank Thelia for stopping by and for her sweet treat!
The giveaway winner will be drawn and announced on or about 4/16.
Note: Books will be shipped in the US only. Winners must have a US address.
About Thelia Hutchinson:
Thelia Hutchinson is a registered nurse, poet, and children’s author. Thelia was born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx, New York. With her love of poetry and the birth of her wonderful daughter, Thelia began to extend her love of writing to children’s books. When she is not writing, she loves to read, cook, watch Christmas and rom com movies, and spend time with her family. Thelia is a member of SCBWI, Mighty Kid Lit, PBbuds and 12 x12. More Than You Imagine (Soaring Kite Books, 2024) is her debut picture book.
For more about Thelia, check out the below links:
Instagram: Thelia Hutchinson (@thelia341)
Website: www.theliahutchinson.com
For more about Adraina Predoi, and their work, check out their Instagram: @adriillustration
To purchase Thelia's book on Amazon or to leave a review for it, click here.
