Today I am happy to interview Amy Houts, author of God’s Protection Covers Me. This wonderful book released this week on Tuesday, May 21st. I had a chance to get a sneak peek at this adorable book even before it came out, and I know it is one that toddlers will love. It is full of sweet animals and their homes, and it uses the metaphor of our houses to show the way God protects us. What a great truth for children to learn. Let’s ask Amy some questions…Amy, I’m so glad you could join us today. Thank you very much for being here!
Tell a little about your writer’s journey. How did you get started in writing?
I’m not one of those people who always knew I wanted to be a writer. I started writing when my daughter, Emily, was a baby and I was at home with her. I wanted something fun to do while she napped. About that time, my parents had started a newsletter for parents of young children. Because I had attended cooking school, The Culinary Institute of America, they asked me to write a monthly cooking column, “Preschooler in the Kitchen.” My daughter and I would cook something together and I would write about it. I continued to write that column for 12 years. I learned discipline in meeting writing deadlines as well as the joy of writing down my experiences.
That had to be such a special time with your daughter. I am sure she treasures those cooking experiments! What are several more of your author highlights?
The first was my Christmas poem accepted for publication in 1985. I was paid $5. Someone else (besides my parents) thought my work was publishable. My dream come true–my first picture book, An A*B*C Christmas, was published by Standard in 1993. Writing several activity books featuring the cartoon character, Dora the Explorer, was memorable. As was working with educational publishers Pearson, Compass, and Stone Arch on assignment. In 2011 I started “Houts & Home Publications LLC,” publishing a few of my own books and board games. Writing Bible fingerplays (and more) for Group Publishing has been a joy. And, of course, my newest picture book, God’s Protection Covers Me, is so exciting.
You have had some very unique opportunities. I enjoyed browsing your website. It is such a fascinating snapshot of your many writing successes. I am curious, what was the inspiration behind God’s Protection Covers Me? What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Twenty five years ago, when An A*B*C Christmas was published, my editor from Standard, Diane Stortz, suggested I write about “God’s Big Umbrella.” I love that image! I tried, but it didn’t come together. Off and on, I would try to develop it, but it wasn’t until just a few years ago that it finally worked. I hope my readers take away the feeling of safety, comfort, and joy that is offered by God’s protective care.
I saw that you have a workshops coming up with the SCWBI. Can you tell us more about it and how we could register to be apart of it?
I’m teaching a webinar 7:30-9 pm (CDT) Thursday, June 6 through the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators on “Writing for the Christian Market.” I’ll be talking about what I’ve learned in the past 35 years since my first poem was published. I’ve worked both on assignment and freelance writing books, articles, and more. Kris Weipert, editor of the magazine for children, St. Mary’s Messenger, will be co-hosting. You don’t have to be a member of SCBWI to attend. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. You can find out more information and sign up here.
That sounds like a fantastic webinar, I know I’m going to check it out. Finally, do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Through my small publishing company, Houts & Home, I’m working on a children’s book about women’s voting rights for centennial celebration in 2020. Based on the 1913 diary of a young woman from my hometown of Maryville, Missouri, it follows a trombone player in a ladies band who march on Washington.
What a unique idea! I can’t wait to read the finished product! Thank you so much Amy, for being willing to answer my questions!
If you didn’t know, I am hosting a give-away for a copy of God’s Protection Covers Me. To enter, leave a comment on this blog post, or on my review of Amy’s book that is posted on the Christian Children’s Authors blog. Click here for link to my post on CCA blog. You may enter twice (once on this post, and once on the CCA blog post). I will announce the winner on both sites. Contest ends Monday, May 27 at 6:00 pm. ***Note: this date is different than my original post. I am postponing it a few days to allow for more entries.
Congrats to Melissa Henderson! You win a copy of Amy’s book. Amy will be contacting you soon with all of the details!
Click here to buy book on Amazon.
Thanks for the interview, Mindy. It was fascinating for me to learn that Diane Stortz, another children’s author who I met, was once Amy’s editor! Small world! Congrats, Amy, on your lovely new release.
It is a small world! Thanks for visiting my website! All the best to you!!
Glenys, I have never met Diane. Lucky you! I was remembering that very early success in my career. Diane was so supportive. I was fun to reconnect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks so much!
I meant, “It was fun…”