Celebrate World Peace Day with Tina Shepardson!

Hi, parents, librarians, book fanatics, writers, and readers of all sorts! Today is World Peace Day, a day where we are encouraged to be kind and peaceful to one another. What better way to celebrate than with Tina Shepardson, author of The Sorry Seeds. As we know, saying sorry can be hard at times. The Sorry Seeds showcases how with a brave heart, asking for forgiveness can extend an olive branch and be the sweetest thing. Want to know more about Tina and her new book, PLUS want a chance to win a AMA Zoom Session or Critique PLUS a Book Giveaway? Read on...

Q: Hi, Tina! Thanks so much for joining us today. We really enjoyed reading The Sorry Seeds. How did you come up with the story idea? The ending? Was this inspired by a real-life event? 

A: Thank you for having me today. I am very grateful for the opportunity to share a bit about The Sorry Seeds. During the pandemic, my first-grade teacher passed away. I was flooded with so many memories of her. When I was teaching grade 5, she had moved to grade 6 by that point. She loved telling her students the story about how I tried to take apples from her apple tree. In the fall of 1971, when I was almost 6, we were neighbors, and I thought she was still at school one weekday afternoon. I grabbed one of the branches without asking her permission, a few apples fell, and she caught me.

The kids thought it was a funny story. I remember it wasn’t funny to me because she walked me home to my strict European parents that day, and somehow, I had to face her in school the next morning. I thought about kids finding themselves in similar situations where they have hurt someone’s feelings and have to find a way to apologize from the heart. Easier said than done, and the seeds for this story were planted.

The ending evolved as a way to circle back to the beginning. I begin the story trying to take apples, and in the end, I saw giving her a packet with apple seeds as a way of giving back what I tried to take.

Q: Can you share a little bit about your book’s path to publication? What was it like working with Gnome Road Publishing?

A: Working with Gnome Road Publishing has been a truly professional experience from the very beginning. Communication is efficient, consistent, and thorough. Any questions I’ve had along the way have been answered promptly, and the private author group provides clear, regular updates for all writers involved.

Q:  What do you hope to plant in young readers with this story?

A: I hope readers come away with the understanding that we’re all human and that mistakes are a natural part of life. Mistakes offer us wonderful opportunities to learn. Saying sorry is never easy, and I wanted to explore just how challenging a heartfelt apology can be. But with patience, reflection, and empathy, the right way to apologize will eventually reveal itself—and it’s a unique journey for each person.

Q: Can you share some of your favorite spreads? Why are they your favorites? 

A: I love the suspense in this spread. Not only is the main character left wondering if the apple is meant for her, but readers are drawn into that same question!

Plus, the illustrator, Bong Hyun Shin, has created an emotional stage so beautifully crafted—it truly sets the tone for what’s to come. Her art is stunning.

Q: Please share why you loved apples so much and what you make with them?

A: Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons—second only to winter! I love the varied color changes, the crisp, fresh air, and the special memories of starting a new school year, both as a child and later as a teacher. September and October were always so much fun, filled with getting to know new students and building fresh routines. Apples, with their crispness and flavor, remind me of this seasonal shift. I love applesauce, store-bought, unfortunately, but I make a yummy homemade apple crisp. It’s the perfect weekend dessert after a long, busy week!

Thanks so much, Tina, for sharing all this great insight on your new book! We loved connecting with you!

Q: Would you like to leave a tip or a treat with our readers?

A: I am happy to offer a Zoom ask me anything or Zoom critique session and a book giveaway!!

Wow, thanks for such an amazing treat!

Giveaway Details: Readers, to enter to win this sweet treat 1) share this post on social media and 2) leave a comment below to thank Tina for by! Peace-filled GIFs are always welcomed and appreciated.

The giveaway winner will be drawn on or about 12/1!

Books will be shipped in the US only.

About Tina Shepardson:

Tina, an award-winning teacher of 33 years, now inspires children through her writing. Her journey began at age 8, crafting booklets with crayons and yarn. Author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds, and Canines Unleashed (Nov. 2024), she also hosts the @thelilleaderspodcast, celebrating young leaders and literacy. Tina volunteers with the Book Buddy Program to enhance students' literacy. When not writing, she enjoys Upstate New York’s winters with her husband, daughter, and two Akitas. Discover more at TinaShepardson.com.

For more about Tina, check out the below links:

Facebook:  Facebook

Website: www.TinaShepardson.com

IG: @thelilleaderspodcast

To purchase Tina's books on Amazon, or to leave a review for them, click here.

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