Hi Krissy!
Welcome to Bonnie Clark Books! I am so excited for your debut chapter book Teeny Sweeney and the Moustache Cash. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy and I can’t wait to read it with my kids! So…
Tell us a little about yourself!
“I live in Texas with my husband and two children. My husband and I work in the AWANA program at our church, and we also enjoy teaching a Sunday school class. I taught elementary school before staying home and then homeschooling my children. I have worked in the publishing industry for about ten years. I love, love, love writing the Teeny Sweeney series. My day is totally made when I can inspire a kid to laugh and also grow in his or her relationship with Christ.”
What does your writing process look like?
“With Teeny Sweeney, I brainstorm different story plots that have been floating around in my head for a while. For me, the zanier, the better. I then think about which plot would make sense for the next in the series. I know every author is different, but I’m a total outline-girl, so that comes next. After outlining, I’ll begin the manuscript. I like to write a chapter, re-read to make sure it works, and then continue until completed. Once done, I make a checklist of things that I felt could be stronger and to also ensure I have the needed elements, like enough scripture, interesting characters, and humor. Picture books are similar, but without the outline. The process for middle grade and young adult fiction is a bit longer. I will often even have a document for loose ends that need wrapping up. With all of the above, I like to also make a list of the characters and his or her attributes. I want to make sure that everyone is fleshed out and doing things that make sense for their characters. My writing process may be lengthy, but a polished product is totally worth it.”
Tell us more about your new children’s chapter book Teeny Sweeney and the Mustache Cash.
“I’m so excited to share this story with the world, you guys! It’s all about third-grader Teeny Sweeney. She’s spunky. She’s fun. And she’s figuring out life with God’s Word as her guide. Teeny is tasked by her teacher with creating a business idea, but in true Teeny fashion, she does so much more. Teeny has a tight-knit family, a special best friend, and of course, an arch-nemesis. Growing up, some of my favorite people were characters in stories. I really think Teeny Sweeney can be a favorite of your children or students or family members. And it completely thrills my heart to be part of a series that can help kids see the importance of scripture. God’s Word is the ultimate tool that can guide us all in this crazy life, and I’m beyond grateful for that.”
And lastly, Have you always wanted to be a writer?
“Hmmm. That’s an awesome question. As a kid, the thought never occurred to me. I just loved to read and write. This passion was pre-research papers and essays to prepare for the future. And it wasn’t until college and being exposed to children’ literature again, that I remembered my joy for the art. Now, ten years later, what would I do without my quiet time with the keyboard?”
Thank you so much for chatting with me today on World Book Day!! I can’t wait to read your books and get to know Teeny Sweeney myself.
-Bonnie