Meet Nancy Early, Author of Walter's Not So Peaceful, Definitely Not Relaxing But Oh So Awfully Courageous Adventure
What inspired you to become a children’s author?
As a child I had a vivid imagination. We had a tremendous magnolia tree in our back yard. My father removed some of the inside lower limbs so the outside limbs draped over. I would play under that tree for hours teaching school and writing little stories. My parents were wonderful and always encouraged me to do what made me happy. So I guess it all started under that big magnolia tree.
How did you come up with the idea for Walter’s Not So Peaceful Definitely Not Relaxing But Oh So Awfully Courageous Adventure?
I will never forget the day when it hit me and I knew exactly what I wanted to write about. My husband and I lived at the edge of a patch of woods. One day this very small, scared, and I’m sure hungry baby possum came out of the woods right at dusk. We watched him walk around as if looking for food. We went inside, put together a bowl of food and left it by the woods. As soon as we walked away he came out and ate it all. He stayed and ate each night for about two weeks then went on his way.
I can’t think of a better way to teach children about sharing, friendship, encouragement and family than through two cute animals!
How long did it take to complete Walter’s Not So Peaceful Definitely Not Relaxing But Oh So Awfully Courageous Adventure?
My husband and I own a business together. Before work, after work and in between customers, I wrote. From start to finish it took about a year and a half.
What was your favorite book as a child?
The Boxcar Children written by Gertrude Warner
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
From the beginning to the end of the story there are lots of lessons about responsibility, sharing, friendship, encouragement, bravery, and love for family and friends! Hopefully a child will learn from the lessons expressed in the book.
Children’s authors don’t always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?
Fortunately, I was able to choose my illustrator. Paula Knorr is an unbelievably talented artist. I explained to her what I wanted and she came up with the characters. Walter and Squirt look exactly as I imagined.
Are you currently working on any more books?
Yes. The Adventure of the Two Petunias
You can find out more about Nancy Early and her book by visiting www.nancyearly.net.
As a child I had a vivid imagination. We had a tremendous magnolia tree in our back yard. My father removed some of the inside lower limbs so the outside limbs draped over. I would play under that tree for hours teaching school and writing little stories. My parents were wonderful and always encouraged me to do what made me happy. So I guess it all started under that big magnolia tree.
How did you come up with the idea for Walter’s Not So Peaceful Definitely Not Relaxing But Oh So Awfully Courageous Adventure?
I will never forget the day when it hit me and I knew exactly what I wanted to write about. My husband and I lived at the edge of a patch of woods. One day this very small, scared, and I’m sure hungry baby possum came out of the woods right at dusk. We watched him walk around as if looking for food. We went inside, put together a bowl of food and left it by the woods. As soon as we walked away he came out and ate it all. He stayed and ate each night for about two weeks then went on his way.
I can’t think of a better way to teach children about sharing, friendship, encouragement and family than through two cute animals!
How long did it take to complete Walter’s Not So Peaceful Definitely Not Relaxing But Oh So Awfully Courageous Adventure?
My husband and I own a business together. Before work, after work and in between customers, I wrote. From start to finish it took about a year and a half.
What was your favorite book as a child?
The Boxcar Children written by Gertrude Warner
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
From the beginning to the end of the story there are lots of lessons about responsibility, sharing, friendship, encouragement, bravery, and love for family and friends! Hopefully a child will learn from the lessons expressed in the book.
Children’s authors don’t always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?
Fortunately, I was able to choose my illustrator. Paula Knorr is an unbelievably talented artist. I explained to her what I wanted and she came up with the characters. Walter and Squirt look exactly as I imagined.
Are you currently working on any more books?
Yes. The Adventure of the Two Petunias
You can find out more about Nancy Early and her book by visiting www.nancyearly.net.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012