Book: Sammi’s Worry
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Angela and I have been a professional, award winning artist for 30 years as well as a children’s art teacher. My art career mainly saw me focusing on painting portraits. After homeschooling my two children and teaching K-12 art in the homeschooling community, I began teaching in a Montessori school where I taught art from grades 1 to 10. I also studied Psychology at the University of Victoria, where I earned my degree. In my first children’s book, ‘Sammi’s Worry’, I wanted to bring together everything I knew about children’s psychology, my love of teaching, and my art background.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Sammi’s Worry’ book?
I strove to create a book that would be both useful for children suffering from anxiety, but would also tell a very compelling story. It was very important to me that the art be captivating, beautiful and panoramic. One of the struggles I had was to create a “worry monster” that wouldn’t be too scary for younger children. That is why he has cat like features. I modelled the Worry after my beloved cat, teeth and all!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
One of my favourite author/illustrators is Helen Cooper and I could read ‘Pumpkin Soup’ every day for the rest of my life. I also read ‘Jacob Two Two Meets The Hooded Fang’ by Mordecai Richler every couple of years. It’s an oldie but a goodie and was my favourite book as a child.a I still love it to this day.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live in a lovely little rural spot on Vancouver Island. Every morning I start my day with a morning hike along the coastline with my dog. I started walking this trail with my children when they were very young about 20 years ago. For that reason, it remains a sentimental spot for me.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
For me, I began by talking with my students about their fears and anxiety. The story evolved from a combination of those stories, as well as inspiration from my own childhood anxieties and nightmares. The longest part of the process for me was creating the illustrations.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Sammi’s Worry’ book?
Once I actually sat down to work on the book, it took about a year to write, edit and illustrate.
Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Sammi’s Worry’ book to buy?
Readers can buy Sammi’s Worry from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, and the Book depository
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Sammi’s Worry’ ?
The book cover (and title) depicts the part of the story just as Sammi confronts her Worry. He is huge and towers over her, yet that doesn’t stop Sammi from facing him eye to eye. Here, we see Sammi gathering all her courage.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I keep working with and for children. They keep me young, fresh, and on my toes! We have a million questions for each other, and sitting and listening to children express themselves is very important to me.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Well, I suppose if you don’t mind spoiler alerts, the reader may find it comforting to know going in that Sammi does find a way to defeat her Worry and get her anxiety under control. It’s up to the reader to discover how. So start reading ‘Sammi’s Worry’ today!
Book Is Available On Amazon
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