- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. My name is Portia Y. Clare. I am a left-handed only child who loves spending time with family, bowling, singing, and writing children’s books. I am the author of three children’s books – Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale, His Name is My Daddy, and Life is More Than This Covington Pond. I am a citizen of the United States and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I am grateful to be in my 32nd year of teaching. Simply put, I teach because I love children. I believe that I was born to teach.
- What is your inspiration behind your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?
A2. My inspiration for writing Life is More Than This Covington Pond is two-fold. First, this story is inspired by true events in the life of My Mommy, Jane Ann Easterling Clare. It is her story. Second, it is a story that inspires children and adults to dream big, to see beyond their immediate surroundings, and to imagine the endless possibilities that are available to them and through them.
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. I realized at a young age that I enjoyed creative writing. My writing journey began in second grade when I wrote a story about my visit to The Statue of Liberty. The story won first prize in a writing contest, which made creative writing even more special, and helped to spark my genuine interest in becoming an author!
- Please tell us something about your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?
A4. Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is a heart-warming story about a little girl named Nann who wonders and dreams with her eyes wide open, always imagining the possibilities. It is a story that sparks the imagination and motivates readers to dream big and believe that their dreams really can come true!
- For which age group is your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond” suitable for?
A5. I believe that Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is suitable for children between the ages of six and ten. It is also truly inspirational for those who are children at heart!
- What is your favorite Quote?
A6. My favorite quote is, “Choices are long-lasting and life-changing!”
– Episcopal Pastor John A. Cherry
- What do you like the most about your country?
A7. What I like most about our country is that it is a melting pot of many cultures that come together to enhance and create a beautiful tapestry known around the world as the United States of America.
- What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. My suggestion to parents is to begin to form the habit of reading in your children while they are in the womb. Reading encourages thinking, and everything begins with a thought. Make the habit of reading a family tradition that opens your children’s minds and that nurtures their abilities to dream and imagine and explore the wonder of it all!
- What does literary success look like to you?
A9. Literary success looks like a child at play who becomes the main character of a story that was read or heard, and is now acting the part and expanding on that part in his or her dreams and imagination! It is a story that becomes a part of that child and that is requested and selected and recommended over and over again by that child.
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. My inspiration for life and for beginning to write children’s books was My Daddy, Mr. Randolph George Clare, Jr. I clearly remember the afternoon when My Daddy asked, “Scoop, how is your writing coming along? I know that you said you want to write children’s books. Have you begun to write anything yet?” I told him that I had several ideas and stories in my head, but that I had not put them on paper yet. He responded, “Scoop, do it NOW. NOW is the acceptable time. TODAY is the day of salvation. You have so much on the inside of you that will help children to grow, develop, and learn. Begin to share that gift with them NOW.”
So, with My Daddy’s admonition, I began to write children’s books. My Daddy went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2020. My heart’s desire remains to honor My Daddy and My Mommy through my writing, through my teaching, and through my character.
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