What inspired you to start writing The What-If Kid series, and how much of your son Kale’s experiences influenced the stories?
My inspiration of course was my son Kale and his own anxiety and worry when it came to anything new in his life. It was apparent that he was struggling and needed help to share his feelings with someone he could trust.
Can you tell us more about Kale and how his struggles with anxiety shaped your approach to writing these books?
Kale started asking many “What-If” questions that frankly were a little hard for me to answer. I did however know that his worries were very real to him, and I wanted to reassure him that it was okay and completely normal to feel that way about the unknown. I wanted Kale to always know that he was not alone in his feelings of anxiety and worry.
How do you balance creating engaging stories for children while addressing serious topics like anxiety and emotional challenges?
Truthfully, my stories relate to so many families that are also going through similar struggles. I have heard many times that my books explain exact situations parents had gone through with their own children, but in a lighter way as to start a conversation within the family about feelings.
What message or lesson do you hope children take away after reading your books?
The message I hope children take away from reading my stories is that it is okay to feel those feelings and that they are not alone. I want children to talk freely about their anxious thoughts and to relate to Kale’s character in a way that makes them feel safe enough to have a conversation without stigma.
Your series has won multiple awards related to social and emotional learning. Why do you think SEL is so important for children today?
The world today is much different than it was when I was a child. With internet and cell phones, children can access all sorts of news and horrific stories that can make them feel things like anxiety, sadness, anger, and they try to cope daily with these feelings all alone. Social and Emotional Learning Books create an environment where they can read about characters like themselves, go to places where they feel secure and safe. It makes children want to share more about what they are feeling inside.
How have educators and parents responded to your books in schools and libraries? Any memorable feedback?
Teachers, counsellors, and parents have all given me amazing feedback. Sharing our stories with other children was the entire reason for writing this series. I have had teachers tell me that my books brought in a conversation about, kindness, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. It is an empowering feeling for a child to be able to share their own thoughts and emotions with others in aclassroomsetting.
Can you share some of the challenges you faced when writing and publishing your book, “The What-If Kid: First Day of School”?
‘The What-If Kid-First day of School’ came to me quite effortlessly. Once I started writing, I could not seem to stop. It was at once that I realized how important this story was and that I was meant to write and publish it. Of course, it took time and patience, and before I knew it, there it was out for the world to read and embrace.
How do you incorporate kindness and emotional intelligence into your storytelling?
All my stories in this series come from a very personal place. When I write about kindness or emotions, it is based on how I believe the story should be told. These books are meant to educate kids about the importance of being kind and being a friend, but most of all, how to communicate their feelings.
Your third book, “Carnival Chaos” was recently released and already won awards — how do you keep the series fresh and meaningful for your readers?
Every one of my books in this series has been based on factual events that not only myself, but others have endured with their own children. When a parent reads my book or books, I think they can see themselves in those same situations but have never had anyone write about it and that makes it a great read for not only the kids but adults as well. It is a form of bonding and communicating that keeps these stories so alive and relatable.
Do you have plans for future books or expanding the series?
I always have ideas. Bringing them to fruition is another thing all together. I am working on an incredibly early manuscript for book 4 in this series, but a timeline I cannot give at this stage of the process.
How has your journey as a parent influenced your writing process or the themes you explore?
As a parent of three boys, I can tell you that no two children are the same. Some like sports, some like music, and some come with extra sensitive needs. Its all just life and all you can do as a parent is, be there. Be there to encourage, be there to listen, and just be therefor them every step of the way, no matter what. That is what makes a parent.
What advice would you give to other authors who want to write children’s books about mental health or social issues?
I think if you want to write about mental health or social issues, you should absolutely do it. But I will say to try and pull from your own life lessons or do a lot of homework before writing. Those issues are extremely personal and cannot be brought forward unless they are not only relatable but also lighthearted. So, keep that in mind as you write your masterpiece.
What role do you think children’s literature plays in normalizing conversations around anxiety and emotional well-being?
I love the fact that my books have started so many meaningful conversations in not only the classroom but in homes as well. When I started this series, I knew it was meant to be published. I have been writing forever but never had such an urgent feeling pull me to publish before. ‘The What-If Kid’ Series aims to educate and encourage families to have important discussions together.
How do you envision your books being used in classrooms to support teachers and students?
I would love to see my books in every primary classroom as a reference for children and educators to talk openly about feelings and to find ways to support them. I recently had a grade one teacher use my ‘The What-If Kid-First Day of School’ as a worksheet and lesson plan for the first day of school this year. She said the children loved the book and had so many questions that sparked a real conversation in the classroom. I love that!
How has being featured on AllAuthor helped you in connecting with readers and promoting your books?
AllAuthor has been a fantastic experience. The mock-up banners and the showcasing of my series really helps with making more connections to not only potential readers but other authors as well. It is a wonderful way to market and promote not only your books but yourself. Readers learn about the author and
their motivations for writing.
