Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with a debut author whose book, WALKOUT, illustrated by Terry Sirrell, takes on the topic of school safety for kids. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her road to publication and process of taking on such a difficult topic in a picture book.
So without further ado, please welcome Tina Shepardson!
Where do you live?
Syracuse, New York.
When did you know you wanted to write picture books?
Since grade school in the 70s, I wrote stories, tied them with string, and shared them with children I babysat for. After college, I started teaching. I was so busy teaching my students books, I didn’t have the time to write my own, but I did keep a journal of ideas for a some day.
Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?
In 2016, I began to carve out consistent writing time. In addition, I began looking for courses to learn the craft and for critique and professional writing groups. This way i could learn from them as well as help them with their craft. I participated in The Children’s Book Academy The Craft of Writing Picture Books and joined the 12x12 Writing Group. Both were so instrumental in me learning from others and meeting my current critique partners. I wrote several different drafts and was open to all the ways the piece needed to improve as well as the ways I needed to grow as a writer.
Can you share a bit about your process?
Sure! I have taught English Language Arts for 33 years so I have many planners to choose from when brainstorming a story. Once I have notes organized onto a graphic organizer, I let it sit while I look at several mentor texts to help me determine a possible structure or format that may work with a particular piece. After the first draft is written, I leave it alone for a week so that when I return, I am reading it with fresh eyes. Once I revise it to the best of my abilities, I submit it to my critiques groups and look forward to their wonderful suggestions. So often they see things that I may not see on my own. Once I have their feedback, I continue to revise and then write it out on Post-its. I have a PB template on my wall so once all the Post-its are on the pages of the template, I can read it aloud, listen to the pacing, etc.
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
Teaching and parenting have been amazing opportunities to find ideas. Simply listening and working with children there are so many ideas. Also, participating in Tara Lazar’s Story Storm each January is such an inspirational experience. Each day, a different author presents an idea for finding ideas and topics to write about, These talented and diverse authors provide so many creative strategies for spotting more ideas.
Anything you can’t live without while you write?
Great question! I have to have The Children’s Word Book and The Emotion Thesaurus. Of course there has to be a few snacks, so chocolate chip cookies or Lindt’s dark orange chocolate squares are nearby but only if I have completed section or accomplished a certain goal.
Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?
Yes! When I was a child, my favorite characters were found in E. B. White’s books Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web, A. A. Milne’s Winnie The Pooh, and Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series. These characters were staples in my life. I adored their stories, the illustrations and their journneys, and the messages they shared. Throughout my teaching career, I bring these stories into lessons and our character education programs.
Dream project to work on?
I would absolutely love for a book to become a series and eventually a program for kids. This would provide more opportunities to make a difference and be in contact with children in ways that help them grow and become their best version of themselves. I think about this all of the time!
Tell us about your debut book.
In 1999, when Columbine experienced tragic school violence, my students and I sent them (and other schools like Sandy Hook) care packages of poems and seed packets to express our care and compassion to the communities. By the time the shooting in Parkland, Florida occurred in 2018, I was taking children’s writing courses. I didn’t find picture books helping kids understand they could advocate for safe schools in positive, proactive ways that united others and thought perhaps I could write one. Once I did, around that same time, I found a NYT article that really helped me structure it the way it needed based on the true events of the article itself. I was so excited to find this.
Interior art from WALKOUT by Tina Shepardson, Illustrated by Terry Sirrell
Interior art from WALKOUT by Tina Shepardson, Illustrated by Terry Sirrell
Walkout is a picture book inspired by a true story. Walkout shows democracy in action as Maddie organizes a safe school’s anti-violence walkout. Other kids throughout the States are walking out. But Maddie’s principal has announced that only older grades can participate. At the same time, Maddie’s best friend Stella is too scared to help. Readers wonder if Stella will find her courage and join Maddie in walking out.
Interior art from WALKOUT by Tina Shepardson, Illustrated by Terry Sirrell
What’s up next for you?
In early 2022, I have a chapter book releasing with Clear Fork Publishing entitled Canines Unleashed. Hank, an Akita, finds himself in Canines Unleashed, a doggie daycare, when his owner starts kindergarten. He is nervous about this new adventure. How will he surf the kitchen counter for crumbs after lunch? Hank must find a way to face his fears, take responsibility for his actions and accept new challenges he never experienced in his once sheltered world. Follow the real Hank on Instagram @hank_madeleine. This project is near and dear to my heart because I was able to incorporate my daughter and akitas as main characters. I am working on creating a podcast to accompany this as well…. and hopefully more books!
And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?
That is a tall order! I will have to go with 1989’s When Harry Met Sally. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan together create such a heartwarming and hilarious story line. The soundtrack is beautiful. I love films that entertain and share a lesson.
Huge thank you to Tina for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your upcoming books!
An award-winning teacher for 33 years, TINA SHEPARDSON has shared thousands of books with children. As a passionate advocate for children and reading, she finds her best stories are inspired through her favorite roles in life: mother and teacher. Find her in Upstate New York with her family, enjoying the latest snowstorm with her akitas.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Tina or her books, visit her website, or follow her on social media:
Twitter: @ShepardsonTina
Instagram: @hank_madeleine
Facebook: TinaShepardson
ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of WALKOUT click here.
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