A Sunflower Story: An Interview with Elissa Kerr, author of Sunkissed
Kristen Hardin: How did you get started writing children's books?
Elissa Kerr: Writing first started for me as a hobby. I would read books and tell my children stories but I would find myself continuing to work on these stories long after my boys fell asleep at night. I decided to turn my dream into a reality and my first book was released in December of 2019.
Kristen: Sunkissed is about a little girl growing sunflowers. Why sunflowers?
Elissa: I loved the idea of the garden growing alongside the main character as she learns skills like patience and perseverance. Sunflowers can be so large and impressive that I think they perfectly mirrored kids' potential to grow if just given the right conditions.
Kristen: What is one of the hardest things about writing for children?
Elissa: Rhyming and meter. I always wanted to make a book that rhymes. Some lines came naturally, while others I would constantly rewrite. Of course, not all children's books need to rhyme so I guess I must just like a challenge!
Kristen: What is one of your favorite things about writing books?
Elissa: My books have an element of fiction and nonfiction. Some topics have required more research, such as my debut book about making maple syrup. All kids are naturally curious and writing has helped me rediscover my inner child. I can be inquisitive, ask questions, and learn about things that interest me. Then I get to share that knowledge in a new and creative way. I am researching a third book and learning is half the fun!
Kristen: Where would you recommend readers purchase your books?
Elissa: My book is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. If you have enjoyed it, please leave a review. I love hearing from happy readers.
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
If you asked me 5 years ago, I would have never said that writing children books was in my future. It has provided me with a fulfillment, confidence, given me a goals to strive for. I feel like God has a path for us that is bigger then what we can see for ourselves.
Kristen: Thank you so much, Elissa!
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I hope you enjoyed the interview with Elissa! And I hope that you enjoy Sunkissed even more. The randomly-selected winner of a copy of Sunkissed will be contacted via email on June 1. (The winner will have until 11:59pm CDT on June 8, 2021 to respond. If the winner does not respond by 11:59pm CDT on June 8, 2021, a new winner may be randomly selected and contacted via email.) To be eligible, subscribe to the Miss Mary newsletter by 11:59pm CDT on May 31, 2021. Subscribe here.
