Meet Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, Author of Charlene the Star and Charlene the Star and Hattie's Hero and other stories
What inspired you to become an author?
My parents always emphasized that anything is possible if you persevere. It happens that I was born with a handicap that affects walking. But, my dad decided we would defy the odds when doctors told him I would never walk. He taught me to ride horses. His decision changed my life and made it possible for me to realize my dream of becoming an accomplished equestrian. I hope to be a role model for children so they reach for their dreams and refuse to give up. My journey is described in my first book, Tails of Sweetbrier.
How did you come up with the idea for your Charlene the Star and Charlene the Star and Hattie's Hero books?
My book, Charlene the Star is about a beautiful red horse, who was born into a family of famous race horses. But Charlene finds she doesn't like racing. She thinks it's boring and she believes she doesn't have the talent for racing so she must find out what her natural abilities are. I think it's very common for children to feel they don't fit in if they have different skills than their friends so I wanted to write something that would show children that it's okay to be different than your friends. I wanted to write something funny, that still had important messages for children. Charlene and her friends can talk among themselves, so readers are able to enjoy their amusing thoughts and statements.
Once Charlene the Star was published I thought we could start a series of Charlene the Star books. I wrote my newest book, Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes to highlight the value of teamwork. Each of my books show children how the characters can learn through their mistakes and broaden their horizons. I have been fortunate that ideas for new stories seem to come to me once I think about them for a while. I don't really have a method for coming up with ideas yet. I'd like to mention that my sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, beautifully illustrates our books. She's extremely talented and she helps our books come to life.
How many books have you written?
I've written four books: Tails of Sweetbrier, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, and Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Since I was raised around horses, I loved equestrian-themed books like Black Beauty and a book called A Pony for Linda. I loved any books with horses, especially if they had happy endings.
What do you hope readers will learn from your books?
I hope that readers learn how important it is to set goals and reach for their dreams. I hope that they refuse to give up. I firmly believe that all things are possible if you don't quit.
Are you currently working on other books?
Yes, I'm working on another book in our series of Charlene the Star books called Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog. Holly and I will be discussing which illustrations we will include in it soon.
You can find out more about Deanie Humphrys-Dunne and her books by visiting www.authorsden.com/deaniehumphrysdunne.
My parents always emphasized that anything is possible if you persevere. It happens that I was born with a handicap that affects walking. But, my dad decided we would defy the odds when doctors told him I would never walk. He taught me to ride horses. His decision changed my life and made it possible for me to realize my dream of becoming an accomplished equestrian. I hope to be a role model for children so they reach for their dreams and refuse to give up. My journey is described in my first book, Tails of Sweetbrier.
How did you come up with the idea for your Charlene the Star and Charlene the Star and Hattie's Hero books?
My book, Charlene the Star is about a beautiful red horse, who was born into a family of famous race horses. But Charlene finds she doesn't like racing. She thinks it's boring and she believes she doesn't have the talent for racing so she must find out what her natural abilities are. I think it's very common for children to feel they don't fit in if they have different skills than their friends so I wanted to write something that would show children that it's okay to be different than your friends. I wanted to write something funny, that still had important messages for children. Charlene and her friends can talk among themselves, so readers are able to enjoy their amusing thoughts and statements.
Once Charlene the Star was published I thought we could start a series of Charlene the Star books. I wrote my newest book, Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes to highlight the value of teamwork. Each of my books show children how the characters can learn through their mistakes and broaden their horizons. I have been fortunate that ideas for new stories seem to come to me once I think about them for a while. I don't really have a method for coming up with ideas yet. I'd like to mention that my sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, beautifully illustrates our books. She's extremely talented and she helps our books come to life.
How many books have you written?
I've written four books: Tails of Sweetbrier, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, and Charlene the Star and Hattie's Heroes.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Since I was raised around horses, I loved equestrian-themed books like Black Beauty and a book called A Pony for Linda. I loved any books with horses, especially if they had happy endings.
What do you hope readers will learn from your books?
I hope that readers learn how important it is to set goals and reach for their dreams. I hope that they refuse to give up. I firmly believe that all things are possible if you don't quit.
Are you currently working on other books?
Yes, I'm working on another book in our series of Charlene the Star books called Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog. Holly and I will be discussing which illustrations we will include in it soon.
You can find out more about Deanie Humphrys-Dunne and her books by visiting www.authorsden.com/deaniehumphrysdunne.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012