An Interview with Ohio Author Tyann Altier
If you're looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or something to give as a small, but powerful gift, I highly recommend Tyann's new book Grandma, What's Prayer? A book for all ages, it is a lovely conversation between a
grandson and his grandmother about prayer. It was inspired by many of the
conversations the author had with "Linda" and her family. Many of the
colors used were chosen by the author's relatives and Linda's great grandchild,
Kaydence. Some colors were picked because they are the colors used in cancer
ribbons.
Welcome, Tyann!
GM: What is the premise
for your new children's book Grandma, What's Prayer?
TA: Everyone can pray.
Prayer can bring you comfort and remind you that you’re never alone.
GM: What would you like
readers to take away from your book?
TA: Most of all I want
readers to walk away with cherished memories. Memories of their parents or
grandparents reading to them. Not all kids get excited about religion and
praying but I hope they cherish the memories they make with this as much as I
cherish the memories of going to church early Sunday morning with my Grandma
Jennie. At the time I thought it was super boring but as an adult I can look
back and say I’m glad I went.
GM: Your book has
endearing characters. What was your inspiration for the characters?
TA: The inspiration for my
characters was my boyfriend, his grandmother, and his family.
GM: When you're writing,
how do you maintain creative scenarios and ideas?
TA: Once I get an idea and
start a project, it’s just something I think about and keep thinking about until
it’s done. I’ve always had a very strong imagination so coming up with the
images was the easy part. Putting things into words however has never been my
strongest talent. Luckily for this book I was able to look back on all the
conversations I had with Linda. All I had to do was put the words in order.
GM: Who is your favorite
author?
TA: I can’t say I have a
favorite author. But I’ve always been attracted to ghost stories, true crime, doom
and gloom. Probably sounds a little weird for a children’s book author to say
though.
GM: Do you have advice for
novice writers?
TA: Don’t be afraid to
mess up. You will… A lot. It comes with the territory. I lucked out and got
help from someone who was very patient and willing to teach me the ropes. Don’t
be afraid to step out there. Your first book won’t be perfect but when you’re
holding it in your hands and looking at it, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve
come from the first email you sent. You’ll be ready to start your next book to
put all you learned to the test.
GM: List 10 things your
readers may not know about you...
TA: 1.) I have reptiles. A desert kingsnake name Winifred,
a Mexican black kingsnake named Jack, a corn snake named Grim, a milkshake
named Winston, and a crested gecko named Igneous.
2.) I enjoy breeding and
keeping fish. I picked up the hobby in college and plan on breeding at least
guppies again after I purchase a house and have the room to do it. I’ve bred
guppies and betta fish.
3.) Fall is my favorite
season; I love the leaves and the weather.
4.) Halloween is and
always has been my favorite holiday. I’ve given out candy with my grandma
Jennie every year since I stopped trick or treating.
5.) I like frog “hunting”.
Every spring I go out into my grandparent’s horse field with a bucket and see
how many frogs I can get. At the end of the evening, I’ll count them up and put
them all back.
6.) I like house plants,
but I don’t have a green thumb and so far, the only three I’ve been able to
keep alive for more than a year are a lucky bamboo, a pitcher plant, and an
aloe.
7.) I like fishing.
8.) This book was one of
the first real projects I did with digital art. It was definitely a learning curve,
and I came out a better digital artist.
9.) Every time I get roses, whether it's one or a dozen, I dry them out and put them in a vase on top of my
fireplace.
10.) My favorite color is
purple.
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