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An Interview with Ohio Author Rebecca Elkins
First time author Rebecca Elkins is excited to
announce the release of her new children’s book Max’s Great Big World! I
first met Rebecca at my barn office in 2020. It was a super sunny day as Rebecca
shared her story of Max, a boy who has a big imagination and loves playing outdoors!
When Max moves to a new neighborhood, he doesn’t know why his next door
neighbor, Ellie, is always playing on her digital devices. Trying to convince
Ellie that playing outside is much more fun than the virtual world is a
challenge for Max!
When Rebecca showed me her storyboard, I knew the story
would intrigue both parents and children and keep them engaged. I met up with Rebecca and asked about her writing process and much more…
Welcome, Rebecca!
GM: What is the premise for your new children’s
book Max’s Great Big World?
RE: Max’s Great Big World celebrates and
encourages kids to use their imagination, amongst our very digital world.
GM: What would you like readers to take away from
your book?
RE: Your imagination can be an important tool for
you to use. No matter what age you are!
GM: Your book has endearing characters - Max and
Ellie. What was your inspiration for the characters?
RE: My two young children were my inspirations! My
son, three at the time, always wanted to play outside. I noticed that while he
played, he could make the simplest of things fun, like a dirt pile! On the
other hand, my daughter who was six just wanted to stay inside and play on her
tablet or watch TV. I also was seeing this in my classroom as a third-grade
teacher. During indoor recess, students would choose Chromebook games over
board games or making a game up with friends. I began to realize that in the
age we were living in, kids were choosing the “easier” choice of quick
entertainment. For many years I had the thought of writing a book and when this
idea popped in my head, writing the story came naturally!
GM: When you're writing, how do you maintain
creative scenarios and ideas?
RE: I am constantly rereading what I write, and I
take a lot of breaks. When you become stuck on a certain part of your story it
can be extremely frustrating. So, I just put the writing away and continue on
with life. Then, something that happens will create a spark and bring me back
to that part of the story. I either jot the idea down right away or if possible,
open up my story and continue on! My ideas come from things that happen around
me. As a teacher and a mother, I know kids. I understand their worries and
thoughts and use those to come up with stories that can help them understand!
GM: Do you have a favorite scene from the book?
RE: I love when Max becomes King of the Yard!
GM: Who is your favorite author?
RE: I loved Roald Dahl books growing up. Matilda
is still one of my favorite books. His stories catch your attention right away
and keep it until the very end!
GM: Do you have advice for novice writers?
RE: Never give up on yourself! For many years I
only dreamed of writing a book. Even after I had my story written, to me it was
still only a dream. I didn’t view myself as anyone special, how could I get
published? But, with the support of my husband, I just went for it! You can not
let a “no” scare you away! Believe in yourself and your story!
GM: List 10 things your readers may not know about
you...
RE: 1) I
love to bake! However, I have a hard time cooking anything else!
2) I played the saxophone when I was in middle
school and high school.
3) My favorite part of high school was the drama
club and the debate team!
4) I have five pets - a dog named Diesel, two cats
named Izzy and Mittens, and two fish named Pizza and Sparkles. The cats and
fish were named by my two children.
5) I lived in Las Vegas and taught third grade for
one school year.
6) I went to Marietta College.
7) I drove cross-country with my mom, from Las
Vegas to Ohio in a car that had no cruise control and a very hard time climbing
the mountains.
8) My shining moment in elementary school was
stealing the basketball from a very tall boy and then running down the court to
make a basket.
9) I like to go hiking with my husband and two
children.
10) My husband and I drove our Harley through the
mountains of Tennessee on our honeymoon.
Connect with Rebecca…
Max’s Great Big World is available in beautiful
hardcover edition from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. If you would like to
receive an autographed copy, email Rebecca rlelkins12@gmail.com
!
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