Interview with Author Glenys Nellist Part 3

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to have Glenys Nellist with us again today to talk about her latest book, WHEREVER YOU ARE, illustrated by Sian James, which just published with Beaming books last month. WHEREVER YOU ARE is absolutely stunning and lovely and I can wait for you all to take a peek.

So without further ado, please welcome Glenys Nellist!

It’s great to have you back!

It’s great to BE back, Lindsay! Thanks for having me.

Tell us about your latest book.

Published by Beaming Books and beautifully illustrated by Sian James, Wherever You Are explores the simple, but powerful premise… wherever you are, God is there.

I love that WHEREVER YOU ARE is so universal. It relates to so many situations and moments in life. What inspired you to create this book?

My inspiration came from a little moment I shared with my grandson eight years ago. He stood by the window watching the snow gently fall, and he was so still and quiet that I took a photo. After a moment, he turned to me and asked, in his three-year-old voice, Where’s God? I never imagined that this little moment would one day become the inspiration for a picture book, but it just goes to show that ordinary moments can become extraordinary.

With such an open-ended theme for WHEREVER YOU ARE, how did you organize the text for this book? Did you make a list of situations you wanted to weave together? What was your writing process like?

I knew that I wanted to start by referencing that little moment I shared with my grandson, and so the book begins in this way: God is in the whisper of the gently falling snow.. God is in the daffodil as she begins to grow. As soon as I started writing, the text just seemed to flow organically, without any kind of list. I didn’t really include any specific situations (all the ones you’ll see were created by the wonderful illustrator, Sian James.) Instead, I simply focused on exploring the fact that no matter where we are, or what we’re doing; no matter what time of day or night; no matter how we’re feeling… in happy times or sad times, in good times or bad times, God is with us. In this way, it was my goal to reassure the reader that God is with us in every physical space in which we find ourselves and every emotional space too.

Do you have a favorite spread in WHEREVER YOU ARE? If so, why is it your favorite?

Can I pick two? The first is the one featuring my grandson watching the snowfall. Can you believe that I was able to share the photo I’d taken that day with Sian James, and she used it as the basis for one of the first illustration in the book? 

Interior art from WHEREVER YOU ARE by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sian James, published by Beaming Books

The second is also based on a true incident. One autumn day, I was out raking leaves in the street with my neighbor, and I had such a powerful sense of God’s presence all around that I wanted to include that in the book too. I just knew, that day, that God was in the leaves, in the wind, in the sunshine, and most of all, in my neighbor. Sian used my photographs of our street to faithfully depict that little moment, and she even included the fire hydrant at the bottom of our driveaway! Here’s me and my neighbor raking leaves:

Interior art from WHEREVER YOU ARE by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sian James, published by Beaming Books

As an author, do you get to weigh in on the illustration process with your publisher?

Normally, no! It is my job to write the words, and the illustrator’s job, under the direction of the publisher, to create the illustrations. What a joy, then, to be able to collaborate with Sian James, via my editor, so that those special moments could be included.

What are some of your favorite picture books right now?

I am loving the recently published Sparrow’s Prayer, a title exploring all the different ways to pray, by Roger Hutchison, and Grandpa’s Window, a gentle book on grief, by Laura Gehl. 

What’s up next for you?

I’ll be releasing two more titles this year. Later in the summer, Little Mole is back in the fourth installment of his popular series! Published by Beaming Books. Little Mole Gives Thanks releases in August, and then in October I have a board book publishing with Zonderkidz called Read and Rhyme: The First Christmas. 

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

I’d love to share a word of encouragement about Imposter Syndrome, and the importance of battling it. I never, ever thought that I would one day be the author of over thirty books for children. So convinced was I, that I wasn’t good enough to be an author, that I gave up on my first book halfway through. If I hadn’t finished that book, I wouldn’t now be the author of all those other titles. So…whether you aspire to be an author or an illustrator, don’t quit! Work hard, keep going, improve your craft and chase those dreams—because dreams do come true.  

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Huge thank you to Glenys for stopping by Critter Lit today! Thank you for your wonderful insight and advice. It’s always lovely to have you. Congrats on your beautiful new book and exciting upcoming projects!

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GLENYS NELLIST  is the author of over thirty children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas  and the popular series Love Letters from God  and Snuggle Time. Her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Glenys, visit her online at glenysnellist.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE from Beaming Books?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 16th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Glenys Nellist Part 2

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are chatting with author Glenys Nellist for a second interview here on Critter Lit. I’m so happy to have Glenys back with us today to talk about her latest book in the Little Mole Series, LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL, illustrated by Sally Garland, and published by Beaming Books in July.

For those of you who missed Glenys first interview with us, you can find it here.

So without further ado, please welcome back Glenys Nellist to Critter Lit!

It’s great to have you back!

Tell us about your latest book, LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL.

Thanks Lindsay! In this third installment in the popular Little Mole series, illustrated by Sally Garland, it’s Little Mole’s first day of school, and he’s nervous. What if he's the last to know his alphabet? What if he’s not good at anything? With a good bit of anxiety, Little Mole heads to class and begins to compare himself to his peers. How will he ever measure up? But soon a crisis on the playground reveals that he has everything he needs in his own two paws to save the day. Little Mole Goes to School is really a simple story about finding your unique gifts and using them for the common good.

Interior art from LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sally Garland, published by Beaming Books

I love that you address the anxiety of going to school for the first time in this book, as this is something so relevant for young children today. What inspired this story?

When we first met our little protagonist in the pages of Little Mole Finds Hope and Little Mole's Christmas Gift, he was living at home with his mama in their cozy underground burrow. If you're familiar with his character, you'll know that he's a little reticent, and I found myself wondering one day about how he would cope when the day came for him to venture out of his warm surroundings and begin kindergarten. There's so much anxiety in the real world for little ones who are starting school, and so I thought it would be good to address some of those issues in this next installment. I'm also thrilled that the book contains useful tips for helping a child who is anxious about starting school. These were written by a Child and Family Therapist.

Interior art from LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sally Garland, published by Beaming Books

Last we spoke, you had released LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, the first book in the Little Mole series. Now you are back with your third, LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL. How does it feel to be back with these characters again?

Well, it's so fun, because they feel like family! Sally Garland, the illustrator, has done a marvelous job of bringing these characters to life, and once you've met Little Mole and his friends, you feel like you know them and want to follow their adventures.

Interior art from LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sally Garland, published by Beaming Books

Will there be more Little Mole books in the future?

Yes! Everyone's favorite furry friend returns next year in a Thanksgiving-themed book called Little Mole Gives Thanks. Little Mole is excited because he's throwing a huge fancy forest feast, and he's invited three very important guests. However, what will happen when those special people can't attend? This title is another simple story that explores the importance of friendship and family.

You’ve worked on a few different series. Can you share a little bit about the process of working on a book series. What do you love about it? What do you find challenging?

There are two exciting things about developing a series. Firstly, you can show how a character grows and develops. Secondly, you also begin to accrue a whole 'fan family' of readers who follows your character from book to book and who is anxious to read about their next adventure. The challenging part in writing a series is finding fun new stories to tell!

Many of your books have a Christian theme to them. For those writers who are interested in breaking into that market, what advice would you offer?

Three things: firstly, read as many titles as you can that correlate with your genre or area of interest. Secondly, find support groups or critique groups to join. (There are many such groups on Facebook.) Thirdly, attend a Christian writers conference. (I'm a huge advocate for those, because that's how I became published.)

What do you find inspiring right now?

In the book world, I'm inspired by the plethora of wonderful children's titles being published by Beaming Books, the publisher of Little Mole Goes to School. Their purpose statement is 'helping kids thrive' and they really do achieve this, with both faith-based and general titles that are so timely and relevant to the world our children are growing up in. In the natural world, I'm inspired by the gorgeous fall colors that are all around right now! I think we all need to look up more!

Anything you are reading right now that you love and want to share with us?

If you're interested in writing, I am really enjoying Anne Lamott's book, Bird by Bird. She is funny, smart and very relevant.

What’s up next for you?

I'm SUPER excited about my next picture book releasing in February with Beaming Books, called Wherever You Are. It's based on the true story of an ordinary little moment I shared with my grandson several years ago. Anyone interested in that story can learn more here.

And last, but not least, favorite book character?

That's easy! It's a jolly little postman who rides his bike delivering letters to Nursery Rhyme characters (such as an apology note from Goldilocks to the three bears.) This ancient but innovative little book was published the year my first son was born, in 1984, and is still selling today. The Jolly Postman was the inspiration behind my first children's book, Love Letters from God.

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Huge thank you to Glenys for stopping by to chat with us again! Congrats on your latest book, we can’t wait to read what comes next!

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Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple award-winning children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That is You, and five popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, 'Twas, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David. Connect with her at www.glenysnellist.com

DOWNLOAD a free Activity Pack to accompany LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL here.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of LITTLE MOLE GOES TO SCHOOL?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 27th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author Glenys Nellist

Happy Thursday Critters! Here at Critter Lit our goal is to share interviews with authors and illustrators representative of all picture book genres in publishing. Today’s interview is with an author who has published over 20 books in the Christian market in just six years! Originally this interview was supposed to run back in February when today’s author released her newest book, but we rescheduled to June. Her latest book is titled, LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, illustrated by Sally Garland, and I can’t think of a more fitting title with everything that is going on in the world right now.

I’m thrilled to share her work with you today so without further ado, please welcome picture book author Glenys Nellist!

Where do you live?

I was born and raised in England, but for the past 20 years I've been living in Michigan, the Great Lakes State.

How many years have you been in publishing?

Six. My first book was published in 2014.

How did you first get published?

In 2011 I attended a Writers' Conference, where I pitched my first book proposal and manuscript to an editor. I waited a whole year before the publisher offered me a contract, and then another two years before the book was published. But the wait was worth it, because that book turned into a series.

Do you write full-time?

Yes. In addition to writing children's books, I also offer editing services to aspiring children's authors.

What inspires you to create picture books?

As a former elementary school teacher, I have always loved picture books and their ability to transport readers, of any age, to another time and place. 

What surprised you the most working as an author?

As an author, I'm constantly surprised by, and enthralled with, the creative process and where it takes me. So often, I find myself reading something I've written and being amazed at where the words came from.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

My favorite thing has to be holding one of my books in my hands for the first time. It's like examining your brand-new baby from head to toe and marveling at every precious, minute detail.

What do you find difficult working as an author?

For me, edits are always hard. It's not easy to change or erase words you worked hard to create! But I have learned to trust my editors, and now it helps me to view editing as the haircut you never wanted. You don't like it at first, but after a week or so, you realize how much you needed it, and how much better it makes you look and feel.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

When I get stuck in a rut, I try to go for a long walk! I love the great outdoors and find creative energy there.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

As a Christian writer, it's my habit to pause and pray before beginning any new project, or when I'm stuck in the middle of one.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

I have found that authors in the Kidlit community really support each other and cheer each other on. I have the privilege of meeting a few times a year with three other Beaming Books authors and I love the creative energy and support that ensues from our conversations.To share publishing joys and frustrations with like-minded colleagues is a truly wonderful thing.

Recommended reading?

Anything by the wonderful Sally Lloyd-Jones, who writes for both the secular and Christian markets. She has a great sense of humor that shines through her writing. Her Jesus Storybook Bible is what inspired me to write. Also, I would recommend anything by the indomitable Roald Dahl. His work is not always politically correct, but as a Brit my family were raised reading his hilarious and fabulously penned tales, such as Fantastic Mr Fox, George's Marvelous Medicine and The Twits; along with perennial favorites like The BFG, The Witches and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

The highlight of my career has to be publishing twenty books in the space of six years. That is incredible to me.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing?

I wish I had known how wonderful a launch team is! It seems ridiculous, but this is something I only recently discovered. Even though my newest book, Little Mole Finds Hope, is my 20th published title, it was only for this book that I assembled my first, official launch team. For my previous titles, I always had the help of influencers, endorsers and bloggers, but assembling an official 'team' where members have expectations, and where they all work together to create momentum around release day really did help to launch the book. I'll never publish another book without the help of a launch team!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Little Mole Finds Hope, published by Beaming Books, tells the story of a little mole who is feeling sad in his dark, underground home. Mama takes him on a journey to find hope and together, they find it, even when it’s hiding in the darkest place. This new picture book, written for children 3-6, has a spring theme and includes tips for parents to help a child who is feeling sad.

Interior spread from LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE, written by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Garland

What’s up next for you?

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, which has a kindness/Christmas theme. Little Mole's Little Gift will be published in October this year, and in 2021 I'll have three new books published with Zonderkidz, so that's exciting!

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

When I was writing my first book (Love Letters from God) I became discouraged and gave up half-way though. I put the manuscript on the shelf, where it sat for over a year. If it hadn't been for my husband, who encouraged me, I would never have picked it up and finished it. And without that first book, I would never have written twenty more. I often think about all those half-written manuscripts, lying on dusty shelves in hope-robbed rooms. So, my advice to all aspiring authors would be.. don't give up!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

My four children were all born in the 1980’s! When they were a little older, we had fun watching Ghostbusters, ET, and Back to the Future, with Marty McFly and Doc Brown!

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Thank you Glenys for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congratulations on all your publishing success!

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GLENYS NELLIST  is the author of multiple children's books, including the bestselling 'Twas the Evening of Christmas  and the popular series Love Letters from God  and Snuggle Time. Her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Glenys, visit her online at glenysnellist.com.

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of any of Glenys Nellist’s books, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of LITTLE MOLE FINDS HOPE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, June 11th! US addresses only please.