Meet Jannifer Powelson, Author of Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie and Rachel and Sammy Visit the Forest
What inspired you to become a children's author?
Although I work as a conservationist, I have always enjoyed writing. It was after my older daughter was born in 2003, that I came up with the idea to use plant photos I had taken over the years as part of a children's book to educate children on the prairie. When my daughter was just a few months old, I began writing my first chilren's book. I now have two daughters, and they continue to be my inspirations for writing Rachel Raccon and Sammy Skunk books. I also use the books for educational programs I do through work and for book events, and I enjoy watching children get excited about nature and learn about plants after reading my books.
How long did it take you to write your first book, Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie?
The first draft of "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie" took approximately two months. I then spent much time doing minor rewrites.
There are 2 books in the Rachel and Sammy series with the 3rd coming out soon. Did you intend to write a series of books with the same characters when you first started writing or did the idea come to you later on?
When I first wrote "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie", I was only focusing on writing that book and then looking into publishing options. However, I soon began to think of other possibilities for future books, and I began working on "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Forest" shortly after my first book was released. I hope to keep writing Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books about other nature topics.
How long was the process of getting your first book published?
Like many inexperienced authors, it took me a long time to explore publishing options and find a good fit for my books. I received plenty of rejection letters before finding a publisher in 2009. It took me about five and a half years to find a publisher, but I only sent out occasional queries when I had time.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
I love writing Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books about plants and nature and will continue to do so. Eventually, I would like to have Rachel and Sammy Visit...national parks, cities, and other destinations.
What do you hope children will learn from your books?
I hope that children will learn to explore, observe, appreciate and enjoy the outdoors and nature. Whether or not children remember specific plants featured in the books is not as important as children gaining an overall understanding of nature.
Did you do your own illustrations?
No, the illustrator for my books is Kalpart, a team of artists, and they provide high quality, beautiful, and realistic illustrations. I take the photographs featured in Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books.
Are you currently working on any other books?
I have been busy lately working to finalize "Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees" and marketing all three books. I have ideas for more books and will choose my favorite idea and start writing my next Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk book this summer. I will also start taking photographs for my next book.
Find out more about Jannifer Powelson and her Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books at www.janniferpowelson.com
Although I work as a conservationist, I have always enjoyed writing. It was after my older daughter was born in 2003, that I came up with the idea to use plant photos I had taken over the years as part of a children's book to educate children on the prairie. When my daughter was just a few months old, I began writing my first chilren's book. I now have two daughters, and they continue to be my inspirations for writing Rachel Raccon and Sammy Skunk books. I also use the books for educational programs I do through work and for book events, and I enjoy watching children get excited about nature and learn about plants after reading my books.
How long did it take you to write your first book, Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie?
The first draft of "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie" took approximately two months. I then spent much time doing minor rewrites.
There are 2 books in the Rachel and Sammy series with the 3rd coming out soon. Did you intend to write a series of books with the same characters when you first started writing or did the idea come to you later on?
When I first wrote "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Prairie", I was only focusing on writing that book and then looking into publishing options. However, I soon began to think of other possibilities for future books, and I began working on "Rachel and Sammy Visit the Forest" shortly after my first book was released. I hope to keep writing Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books about other nature topics.
How long was the process of getting your first book published?
Like many inexperienced authors, it took me a long time to explore publishing options and find a good fit for my books. I received plenty of rejection letters before finding a publisher in 2009. It took me about five and a half years to find a publisher, but I only sent out occasional queries when I had time.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
I love writing Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books about plants and nature and will continue to do so. Eventually, I would like to have Rachel and Sammy Visit...national parks, cities, and other destinations.
What do you hope children will learn from your books?
I hope that children will learn to explore, observe, appreciate and enjoy the outdoors and nature. Whether or not children remember specific plants featured in the books is not as important as children gaining an overall understanding of nature.
Did you do your own illustrations?
No, the illustrator for my books is Kalpart, a team of artists, and they provide high quality, beautiful, and realistic illustrations. I take the photographs featured in Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books.
Are you currently working on any other books?
I have been busy lately working to finalize "Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees" and marketing all three books. I have ideas for more books and will choose my favorite idea and start writing my next Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk book this summer. I will also start taking photographs for my next book.
Find out more about Jannifer Powelson and her Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books at www.janniferpowelson.com
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012