Interview with Author Savannah Hendricks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

​When Savannah Hendricks is not writing, she is a medical social worker. Prior she worked with special needs preschoolers and spent seven years as a nanny. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Criminal Justice. Her stories have been included in over 30 children’s magazines, and is the co-author of Child Genius 101: The Ultimate Guide to Early Childhood Development: Vol 1 & 2. She has two new picture books releasing this year, Winston Versus the Snow and The Book Who Lost its Title. You can find out more at her blog: https://theseashellsoflife.wordpress.com

Question: What is the title and genre of your novel?  Why did you select them?

Answer:  My first sweet romance novel is Grounded in January. The title came to me when I thought about the plot of the story. I wanted a title with multiple references throughout the story, and Grounded in January does just that! I enjoy light stories and shy away from hardcore emotional fiction and sex scenes, so sweet romance was something I could naturally write. The world can often be upsetting and I want my stories to be realistic, but also give some level of hope and happiness.

Question:   What inspired this novel? How did it come about?

Answer:  My mom’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was the inspiration for the story. I also wanted to write something set in the snow, and when I started plotting it out, I was missing the snow back in Washington. As I started writing out each chapter I wanted to make sure there were funny moments to give it a lighter feeling love story.

Question:  Could you tell us a little bit about the heroine and/or hero of your novel?

Answer:  Kate and Ox are the main focus of the story and their differences drive the story forward. Kate has a horrible fear of flying and Ox is a pilot, talk about opposites. They both have a very strong sense of what they want, but lack the courage to obtain it. The independence makes them who they are but, also helps them push aside their dreams because no one is there to say, hey, go after that!  

Question:   Can you tell us about some of your other published novels or work?

Answer:  My first picture book, Nonnie and I (Xist Publishing), set in Botswana is a story about making new friends, but keeping the old. It centers around a little girl, her pet giraffe, and the first day of school. I started my writing career in children’s literature and have over thirty pieces in magazines and anthologies. I have two more picture books coming out this year, Winston Versus the Snow (Brother Mockingbird Publishing) and The Book Who Lost its Title (Big Belly Book Co.)

Question:   What are you working on now?

Answer:  I’m wrapping up two other sweet romance novels, one set in the summer out in the desert and one set at Christmas time in Minnesota. The summer set one is almost ready for submission, and the Christmas one should hopefully be ready come mid-summer.

Question:   What made you start writing?

Answer:   I worked as a nanny for about eight years and I started reading massive amounts of picture books and children’s magazines on a daily basis. Seeing children react with such joy made me take a leap. And I was not sure I could actually be a writer, because I was illiterate until about fourth grade and honestly hated reading until I became an adult. I’m so grateful I decided to be an author, hone my craft, and never gave up.

Question:   What advice would you offer to those who are currently writing novels?

Answer:  Never give up! Write your way! These are the two things that stand out to me over my writing career. I lost track of how many times I wanted to give up. It’s a tough business and most don’t make money from it, at least not enough to quit their full time jobs. Rejections sting and unless you have a support system, it’s hard. Also, write the way that works best for you. If you can’t write every day, that’s alright. Whatever makes your story great is all that matters. Seek out advice and work on your craft, but don’t assume you have to do everything just as everyone else does.

Question:  Where and when will readers be able to obtain your novel?

Answer:  

Grounded in January is available via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound, Books-A-Million, and the publisher (Brother Mockingbird).

Nonnie and I is available in English, Spanish and bilingual editions via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound, Books-A-Million and numerous apps for children such as Epic and Reading Rainbow).

          

Comments and question for Savannah are welcome here!