Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to introduce you to this week’s Critter Lit author, Amber Hendricks! Amber has four books out in 2020— two picture books and two board books! How exciting is that?! Her first picture book this year, EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY ELLA, illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell, comes February 25th.
So without further ado, please welcome Amber Hendricks!
Where do you live?
I live in a small rural farming town in Missouri near Kansas City.
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
Books have always been a big part of my life. I was blessed with parents who were readers and books were plentiful in our home. And if I ran out of books at home, I could just stop by my Grandma’s used bookstore where I spent countless hours sharing my latest story ideas with her. But when I started pursuing publishing, I wasn’t writing picture books. After researching the industry, I realized that picture books were deceptively complex and I challenged myself to learn the craft. I hoped that if I could succeed in writing a picture book, I could succeed in any area of publishing. The joke was on me though, because I quickly fell in love with picture books and I haven’t looked back since!
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
My journey has been a whirlwind of an adventure! I’ve had the privilege of working with two agents over the years and, although painful, breaking from those agents was a necessary step for me to grow as a writer. It forced me to look inward, reassess my goals and desires, and dig deeper than I ever thought I could. I didn’t give up, and thankfully, my stories landed with some amazing publishers.
Can you share a bit about your process?
I don’t follow the conventional advice of writing every day. But I do spend a lot of time in my head, imagining characters, or thinking over plots. In fact, most of my ideas are fairly fleshed out before a word goes on the page. Usually, it all starts with a title or character streaking across my mind and I build upon the idea, snipping here, rearranging there, until I think the story is strong enough to send to my critique partners. Once I get their feedback, I’ll cut, rewrite, and piece back together the manuscript until it sings.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
Read. Spending time in other people’s stories is a great way to find inspiration and refill your creative well. Reading is also an invaluable tool as it can open a window to another writer’s process, especially if you’re stuck. If I’m still puzzling over a plot hole, or haven’t found the right inspiration, I love to go for walks, allowing my mind to wander while I enjoy nature.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
I’ve always needed some sort of background noise, so I usually turn on a few episodes of The Office.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
So many! When I started, I adored Jane Yolen and Anna Dewdney. I still do, but now I’ve had the joy of getting to know so many amazing authors and illustrators who never stop pushing for their dreams.
Dream project to work on?
I’m a big comic book nerd and would love to do a tie-in book or series based on my favorite superheroes.
Tell us about your newest book.
My newest picture book, EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY ELLA, publishes in just a few days from Amicus Ink! My main character, Ella, struggles with feeling ordinary and is determined to find what makes her special in time for her school’s talent show. But when ordinary acts of kindness steal the show, Ella discovers just how extraordinary ordinary can be!
I’m so proud of this little book and couldn’t have asked for a better partner in the illustrator, Luciana Navarro Powell. Her wonderful illustrations bring Ella and her friends right off the page and into your heart.
What’s up next for you?
2020 is going to be a wonderful year! Not only is my next picture book, SUPERHEROES DON’T BABYSIT, illustrated by Kyle Reed, publishing on June 2nd, from Beaming Books, the first two board books of my LITTLE NATURE EXPLORERS series, illustrated by Gavin Scott, will publish in August from Amicus Ink.
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
The Goonies, always and forever. My motto in publishing (and life) is, Goonies Never Say Die!
Huge thanks to Amber Hendricks for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats such a fantastic 2020!
Born and raised in the Midwest, AMBER HENDRICKS grew up reading everything she could get her hands on- including the morning cereal boxes. That passion melded into writing as well, and by the age of 11 she was writing and binding her own “books”. Amber has worn many hats in her life, but she has always circled back to her first love of telling stories. Amber currently resides in Missouri with her husband and two children.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on Amber, follow her online:
Twitter: @ashayhen
Facebook: @AmberHendricksAuthor
Instagram: @henamber
BUY THIS BOOK To purchase any of Amber’s books, click here.
BOOK GIVEAWAY!
Want a chance to win a copy of EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY ELLA?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, February 27th. US addresses only please.