Introducing Children's Author, Journalist, and Poet Raven Howell.
I met Raven last year at Beekman Library in Hopewell Junction, NY, during their Children's Literary Festival.
I'll never forget that day. I got up at 5:30 in the morning to make the trek from Rhode Island to New York for my first long-distance book festival. To be honest, I only wanted to go because I grew up not far from there, and I had plans to see my family afterwards. I don't make many trips out of my local area to sell my books, but in this situation, I was happy too.
Raven was one of the first authors I met while there, and I have to say, like a little kid, I was thrilled. I had been following her on social media, especially LinkedIn, where she consistently shares what she has been doing and what she is working on. I was immediately drawn to her books, her knowledge of picture books and the industry, as well as the organizations she collaborates with.
You aren't here to listen to me go on and on though, you want to hear from Raven herself, so let's get to the reason you are here.
Cynthia: Hi Raven, I'm so happy you were able to make time in your busy schedule to sit down with me. I know you have a lot on your plate right now, working on so many different projects. I know that for you, being an author and a journalist is a full-time job, but it wasn't always that way. Tell me:
What is your professional background?
Raven: I was in music publishing and songwriting when I started my career after graduation. From there, I transitioned to writing verse for greeting cards, then children’s poetry for kid-lit magazines, and finally to writing books for children. These years I have worked as a children’s journalist as well.
Cynthia: That is so interesting. Over the years, I've often thought about writing for greeting cards, but it's never been something I was very passionate about. What made you decide to become a writer?
Cynthia: That is so interesting. Over the years, I've often thought about writing for greeting cards, but it's never been something I was very passionate about. What made you decide to become a writer?
Raven: I can’t ever remember NOT writing! I grew up in a family involved with various creative arts. It’s what I naturally fell into and followed.
Cynthia: How long have you been writing?
Cynthia: How long have you been writing?
Raven: I was songwriting since my youth. I have been a full-time writer for over 3 decades now.
Cynthia: Wow, that is a long time. It takes a lot of dedication and persistence to write for that long. Congratulations on such a long, strong stride. Tell me, after writing all these years, how do you get over writer’s block?
Raven: I dive into other creative things I enjoy, like baking or spending lots of time in nature!
Cynthia: Ah, the kitchen. My happy place. I'm the same way, I love cooking big meals for my friends and family and baking. As for nature, I believe it's earths best remedy. I love spending time in the woods. It calms the soul and inspires you from within. Many of my stories from my Nicky Series came from nature and spending time with my boys. Where do your story ideas come from?
Raven: Over the years, my ideas have sprung from a wide range of places. Over recent years, many of my themes have been motivated by what children and students reflect to me during my school visits and time in classrooms and libraries. I write inspirational text in whatever subject or angle I’m approaching from.
Cynthia: That is great. Children teach us so much. I love how they force us to take a step back and look at the world with fresh eyes. Where did the idea for this book come from?
Raven: Over the years, my ideas have sprung from a wide range of places. Over recent years, many of my themes have been motivated by what children and students reflect to me during my school visits and time in classrooms and libraries. I write inspirational text in whatever subject or angle I’m approaching from.
Cynthia: That is great. Children teach us so much. I love how they force us to take a step back and look at the world with fresh eyes. Where did the idea for this book come from?
Raven: The reason I wrote The Charms of US Farms is that I found many students and younger generations didn’t know or appreciate the food and countless products we buy and use because of farms and farmers.
Cynthia: I hate to admit it, but I have noticed the same thing with our children today. Many children need to spend more time outdoors. I hope The Charms of US Farms encourages families to explore nature and spend time outdoors.
Do you have a writing routine?
Raven: Yes. I first catch up on emails and administrative tasks in the early morning, and then I tackle my writing assignments and check my deadlines – much of my writing is freelance work. After THAT, I move to my own agenda and ideas I’m playing around with.
Cynthia: Which is always hard to do. Getting caught up on administrative tasks can take up a lot of time. Sometimes having a partner helps. Do you have a writing partner or editor?
Raven: I do have an editor of a children’s magazine I write for, with whom I am close.
Cynthia: What would you tell your younger self when it comes to becoming an author?
Raven: “Young lady, you will hardly recognize the book business, let alone the world at large, when you are older....” says the me today with a big smile.
Cynthia: Nicely said. Speaking of the book business, how long did it take you to write this book?
Raven: The Charms of US Farms was written over several months.
Cynthia: Wow, that is great. Most books take a lot longer than that. How many revisions did you go through?
Raven: The book was revised several times – like, probably up to ten times. The illustrator and I kept going back and forth with ideas, and sometimes her vision and illustrations would tweak my text.
Cynthia: I get it. I worked with my illustrator for a while on perfecting each picture until we were both happy with it, before we both decided we were done. What was the editing process like for you with this book?
Cynthia: I get it. I worked with my illustrator for a while on perfecting each picture until we were both happy with it, before we both decided we were done. What was the editing process like for you with this book?
Raven: I found the editor at my publishing company beautifully polished the copy! I’m grateful for someone else’s eyes on the work and felt super appreciative of the revisions made.
Cynthia: It's never easy to find an editor you are completely comfortable with. I'm glad you found someone you can trust. Finding an illustrator is just as hard. How did you pick your illustrator?
Raven: Ann Pilicer and I have been working together for many years now. This is not our first collaboration. When I initially shared my idea for the book and showed her my draft, Ann found a visual connection – and that was the green light!
Cynthia: It always helps when the author's and the illustrator's visions are the same. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Raven: My hope is that The Charms of US Farms inspires young readers to care for and appreciate our amazing planet, nature, and land that our farmers are caretakers of. They offer us incredible gifts!
Cynthia: I hope they do. One final question: What are you working on now?
Cynthia: I hope they do. One final question: What are you working on now?
Raven: Right now, I’m in the middle of a big book tour for a picture book released in February, titled Word Up!
It’s always fun meeting children, and I’m enjoying book signings and traveling a bit in the northeast. I have more children’s books on the publishing roster over the next year, so with a full schedule, I balance my time hiking on the mountain and loving quieter moments of contemplation and meditation, too. I’m looking forward to warm weather and sunny strolls at the seashore this summer.
Cynthia: Where can your books be purchased?
It’s always fun meeting children, and I’m enjoying book signings and traveling a bit in the northeast. I have more children’s books on the publishing roster over the next year, so with a full schedule, I balance my time hiking on the mountain and loving quieter moments of contemplation and meditation, too. I’m looking forward to warm weather and sunny strolls at the seashore this summer.
Cynthia: Where can your books be purchased?
Raven: My books are available through all bookstores, online or in-store, and can be ordered directly from most of my publishers.
Cynthia: Where can our readers find you?
Cynthia: Anything you would like to add before we go?
Raven: Thank you so much for this fun opportunity to connect with everyone! Sending warmest wishes and much sunshine for every heart.
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Until next time,
Enjoy the Moments, Cherish the Memories!
- Cynthia
Please note: All photos and illustrations are the property of Raven Howell and used with the owner's permission.
Enjoy the Moments, Cherish the Memories!
- Cynthia
Please note: All photos and illustrations are the property of Raven Howell and used with the owner's permission.
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