Q: First tell us something about yourself ?
I am a children’s author and a Canadian-born with Ghanaian origin. I am a French Immersion Elementary Teacher. I’m from Montréal and currently live in Edmonton Canada for about 6 years now.
Q: How and when your journey started as a writer?
I’ve always written and told stories! It started when I was in Elementary school and I would make my own books out of construction paper and staples. However, after becoming an adult and moving across the country, life became very busy (university, church & volunteer, choir, ect.) I still had my ideas, but I always was on the go and writing soon never happened. Yet, when the pandemic hit and I started teaching online, I realized that for the first time in years, I had abundant time with nothing scheduled to do. I thought of what I could do to keep myself busy. I soon discovered that in the midst of the uncertainty, I certainly wanted to be productive rather than a busy body. Therefore, I returned to writing and started doing research to self-publish. In the Spring, I became a self-publishing author and this fall I published my first book!
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
My first children’s book is called “Go to Sleep Little Peep.” I wrote my first book years ago when I started college. However, it’s when I started writing again that I had the chance to make modifications and edits. It took me some tries and errors to get back into the groove. As soon as I knew what I was looking for, everything fell into place. I published my first book this fall October 25th, 2020.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
My book is a children’s book and it is written in rhymes. It is a bedtime story about a little blue bird that doesn’t want to fall asleep and he makes excuses as his Mama tries to get him to bed. It is illustrated by Jonathan Velasco who really captured my vision of this book! My book is available on my website and Amazon in both English and French.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
I decided to write to children because of the experiences I have had with them through work and volunteering. I remember loving books as a child because of the way amazing authors have brought their stories to life with words and descriptions. I hope to do that for children too! I have read my book to children in grades 1,2,3 as well as my grade 5/6 students! The book may be geared to a younger audience but kids are kids! Close one’s with children have also shared how they enjoyed the story!They loved the illustration and can very much connect with the main character Peep! It’s a beautiful thing to see! (Parents connect with the Mama bird!)
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
I believe it came from my time babysitting my siblings, working at sleep away camps and the stories I heard from my mom about my bedtime routine. I may not have been a big hassle before bedtime, but I can imagine the efforts my mother had to make to find ways to get me to fall asleep. I started writing some words and with some time, I had an idea for my book!
Q: Do you want to give any message for your readers?
I hope you connect with and enjoy reading my book! It was a pleasure writing this book and I can’t wait to write the next one! My book is available in English and in French on Amazon and my website! Check out herwebsite www.authorbrendilynnma.com for more info or follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Merci! Thank you!
