Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello everyone. My name is Jenna Rector, and I am a wife, mother, grandmother, counsellor, blogger, and children’s author (among many other things). I have been married for nearly thirty years, I have two grown sons, two amazing grandkids, and a passion for helping people learn to be the very best versions of themselves.
Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Amazing Livy Loo and the Things She Can Do’?
My idea for this story came from my granddaughter, as the inspiration. I wanted to show her, that everyone, including kids, can face fears and doubts about themselves. But I also wanted her, and all kids, the message that they are all amazing, in their own way, and can be so impactful in their lives, just being themselves. My granddaughter’s name is Olivia, and her nickname is Livy Loo, so with a rhyming story in mind, the title came to be.
My amazing illustrator, Millie Bicknelle, worked with me to create the vision of what the story should look like and helped me bring my words to life. I had envisioned the idea of showcasing Livy Loo as a superhero, to again, remind kids how incredible they can be, and all the amazing things they really can do. I wanted them to see, they really are superheroes, when they learn to believe in themselves.
Q3. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
In this case, there was just the idea that came first; an idea of showing kids that it’s okay to be scared, but also share a message of hope. Once the idea was in my head, it was a rather quick process to start finding the words to share the message. I love the use of rhyming in books for younger kids, and therefore, spent most of the time trying to find the verses that shared the message and had a nice flow to them.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favourite place to visit is Sedona, Arizona. I live in Arizona, only an hour and half away from Sedona, and so I am fortunate to be able to visit often. It is stunningly beautiful, with its majestic red rocks that surround the small town. But there is something magical about being there, that you can’t help but feel peaceful and happy when you are there. It is a place I hope everyone can one day get to visit.
Q5. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Amazing Livy Loo and the Things She Can Do’ book?
I would say the process of getting the book from my mind into an actual book that can be shared with the world was a bit daunting. I chose to self-publish, because I truly believed in getting the message of this book out, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t challenges along the way. But I believe if you have a story to tell, and a message to share, you work to find a way to overcome the obstacles.
Q6. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I currently run a blog website, http://www.jennarectorwrites.com, which is focused on stories of hope, inspiration, and mental well-being. While Livy Loo is a story for kids, I believe everyone needs their own message of hope, and the blog is meant to be a source of inspiration for anyone needing it.
I also have a couple new children’s book ideas I am working on, hoping to continue to share other children’s books that encourage, inspire, and uplift young readers.
Q7. What does success means to you?
For me, success is mostly about doing something meaningful in your life, and being able to share your life with the people you love. I consider myself exceptionally blessed, to have such an amazing support system of family and friends, who are always there for me, and now, to be able to share my writing, in the hopes of making a positive difference in the lives of others. Success is about doing the thing that ignites your soul, and knowing, you have an amazing crew behind you, cheering you all along.
Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think, as a new author, that is something I am learning as I go. I work to consider the stories that both kids and adults need to hear most, and find a way to incorporate my experience, from my own life, and also from my background in counselling, to give new perspectives on sharing those messages.
Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
As a child, my favourite authors were Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. I loved the sweet rhyming style of both authors, and the inspiring messages often found within. As an adult, I have always been a fan of Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, and Stephenie Myer. While they are all so different as writers, they are all exceptional at getting you lost in the magic of their stories, and I hope, as I continue to grow as a writer, I will be able to do the same.
Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to someone wanting to write and publish a book?
Go for it! It can be daunting, but I truly believe, if something within you tells you that you have a story to share, the world needs to hear it. Everyone has a unique voice, and I believe every person has a story to tell (whether fictional or real). Never let anything stop you from doing that very thing you are driven to do!
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