WELCOME OUR NEW CHILDREN’S AUTHOR-AMANDA FLINN!
As previously mentioned (here), we signed three (3) new authors in the first quarter, and it’s time to introduce our newest addition. Please help us welcome children’s author Amanda Flinn and get to know all about her by visiting her website and reading more about her and her picture book tentatively titled The Maker right here.
Often, we can have multiple interactions with an author before we sign them. This doesn’t dismiss any interaction as invalid, but it does support the important truth that timing is everything. The opportunity to partner with Amanda was quite like that. In March 2018, Amanda participated in and received a heart (from us) during #FaithPitch. We flagged the manuscript for review, but it wasn’t until after she attended the Write to Publish conference and signed with her agent, Cyle Young, that we had another opportunity to review her manuscript and realize why we had liked it in the first place. Pursuing your calling in publishing takes determination and patience, and we are blessed to have signed Amanda to bring her amazing picture book, The Maker, to life in 2020.
Amanda has won several writing awards and is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers, including B Magazine, Southeast Missourian, and Flourish, a quarterly women’s magazine. So, we sat her in the hot seat and asked her to reveal a bit more about herself in our quick 10-question Q&A.
Where do you call home? Jackson, Missouri
Describe your family. My husband’s name is Andy. We met in college and dated for five years before getting married. And, we have three boys, including Ashton (15), Adler (11), and Abram (5).
What do you think makes a good story? I love a story that feels good or at least invokes feeling. I want to connect with the character and to grow with them. In novels, I love a twist. In picture books, strong emotion or humor.
Who is your main audience? I am writing for children (up to age 8), but since parents are typically the readers at this stage, I wanted a book that has a positive message for them as well.
What is your picture book, The Maker, about? The Maker is a story of journey and adventure. It’s about meeting the One who made you and having your eyes opened to see the world in a new way.
Where is your favorite place to write? My husband made me a desk this past year and now I have my own little spot in the house—I love it!
Who are your favorite children’s authors? I’ve always been inspired by authors like Sandra Boynton (The Going to Bed Book, Moo Baa La La La!) and Tad Hills (Duck and Goose series). I think Mo Willems is funny and brilliant. The Wonkey Donkey, by Craig Smith, cracks me up. And classics like You are Special, by Max Lucado, are always a favorite.
What is something that might surprise us to know about you? I was a huge fan of the reality TV show, Survivor, and interviewed to be on it. Thank goodness I didn’t make it!
Who or What was the most influential in your growing up years? My dad was the greatest influence in my faith journey. My mom taught me about being a great mom, running a household and cooking for my family.
Do you prefer coffee or tea (or both, or neither)? Coffee 100%, though I do love an unsweet iced tea from McDonald’s!
Thanks Amanda for helping us get to know you better! God’s timing is so awesome, and I am really excited to bring The Maker to life and share it with all of you. When God calls you to a purpose, He makes the way so interesting, and I’m quite thankful that He connected Amanda and I … not once, not twice, but three times to get my attention. We will keep you posted on the plans for The Maker, so stay tuned for more news throughout the year by signing up for our monthly newsletter! And, I invite you to follow Amanda through her website as well as through Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Lambie Love,
Rachel
*Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Little Lamb Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. If you have any questions, please reach out here.