Available in Hard Cover
from Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com
Writing Myra and Elmyra:
An Interview with Ohio Author,
Tonya L. Davis
On May 4th of
this year, Lower Salem, Ohio, author, Tonya L. Davis, launched her first
children’s literature - Myra and Elmyra: The Tale of Two Sisters (illustrated
by Elisabeth A.R. Davis, Monday Creek Publishing LLC). I met up with Tonya and
we talked about her current and future endeavors…
Welcome, Tonya!
GM: Congratulations on the
success of your first children's literature Myra and Elmyra: The Tale of Two Sisters!
Beautifully illustrated by your daughter, Elisabeth, Myra and Elmyra is gaining a folklore following! What is the
premise for Myra and Elmyra and how did you come up with the
storyline? Do the names Myra and Elmyra have significance for you?
TD: I
used to tell my daughters stories at bedtime, something that can be hard to do
night after night and year after year and be original. I just made up the
names and the premise one night while trying to tell my youngest a story.
GM: Do you
believe your country lifestyle motivates your inspiration for writing? In what
way?
TD: There
is a lot to see and learn about in the country - life cycles of animals, how
things grow, a closeness to nature. I've always wanted to know how to use
natural things and incorporate them in to my life, whether it is using
plants for soap making, salves, dyeing fiber, or eating! There is so much
to learn and the more I find out, the more I realize how much there is to know.
I enjoy learning new things.
GM: Your
daughter, Elisabeth, illustrated Myra and Elmyra. I love the
illustrations! Did you have input on the illustrations, or did you allow
Elisabeth to illustrate without your guidance?
TD: She
asked me how I envisioned things and I mentioned that I liked some tiny
illustrations along with the larger ones to give children things to look for
while reading. Otherwise, she developed her own style.
GM: Myra and Elmyra has several intriguing
concepts as well as a folklore twist, along with moral values. Who is your
favorite author/storyteller?
TD: In
children's literature, my favorites would have to include Beatrix Potter, A. A.
Milne, Elsa Beskow, Howard Pyle, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
GM: What are you
currently reading?
TD: Striding Folly by Dorothy L.
Sayers, Close Quarters by Angela
Thirkell, 12 Rules for a Good Life by
Jordan Peterson, and Reading People by
Anne Bogel.
GM: What are you
currently writing?
TD: I'm
working on some magazine articles and some writing in my daughter's baby book
that I'm only now finishing (she's 17!).
GM: When
storyline ideas come along, how do you maintain thoughts and ideas?
TD: I
have notebooks on my desk and in my purse that I use for jotting down
ideas. I usually try to write a quick rough draft and then let it sit for
a few days before returning to it. I also try to do some sort of writing
exercises every day - short character sketches, list synonyms of words I use
frequently, and I'm a letter writer.
GM: What is your
goal as an author?
TD: I
want to entertain and introduce children to some words and thoughts they may
not have been exposed to before. I never want to talk down to them. I
didn't do that with my own and, now that they are adults, they are able to
articulate well what they wish to say and can talk with anyone.
GM: Do you have
advice for novice writers?
TD: Do
some interesting things in life so you have interesting things to write about.
Look for news about Tonya and Elisabeth's new children's book launching this Fall.
Visit www.mondaycreekpublishing.com for updates and event dates.
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