Author Interview

Author Interview with Amberly Kristen Clowe

ღ(¯`v´¯)ღ About Amberly Kristen Clowe ღ(¯`v´¯)ღ¸

Along with reading books and writing stories, Amberly Kristen Clowe can often be found biking and hiking trails, paddle boarding on the lake, or cooking for twelve, when there’s really only four in her family. She writes children’s books from her fan back chair in Houston and loves teaching as much as writing, which is definitely saying a lot about both. Teeny Sweeney and the Cousin Calamity is the second installment in the award-winning Teeny Sweeney series. Learn more at http://www.amberlykristenclowe.com. 
Author of. . . 
TEENY SWEENEY AND THE COUSIN CALAMITY, Little Lamb Books, Spring 2021
TEENY SWEENEY AND THE MUSTACHE CASH, Little Lamb Books, Spring 2018
MY DOG IS THE EMPEROR OF A FARAWAY GALAXY, Tadpole Press, Fall 2016I
REALLY LOVE YOU, AVA, Willow Moon Publishing, Spring 2014

Can you share with us a book you have read recently, are currently reading?

I am currently reading Kerstin Gier’s A Castle in the Clouds. It’s an interesting read. The main character works in a posh hotel. I like the many and unusual characters. I’m also reading All God’s Creatures: 60 Days of Devotions for Animal-Loving Kids. My children and I are so enjoying the interesting animal facts, gorgeous illustrations, and Bible scripture discussion.

What age did you realize you loved books and when did you start writing?

I realized I loved reading books around third grade, which happens to be about the same time I began writing. I really enjoyed entertaining my teachers. I didn’t enter the publishing industry until my mid-twenties.

How long does it normally take you to write your books?

It really depends on the genre. It usually takes me a few months to write a children’s chapter book. I have a YA book that took me several years.

Do you normally use an outline for the books you write, or do you just start with a few ideas?

I am more comfortable using an outline. The story may deviate some, but I enjoy a solid starting point with some direction.

Is there a special place you like to write?

My computer overlooks a window that I love. I enjoy writing with glimpses of the trees.

Tell us about this book.

This is the second book in my Teeny Sweeney series. Teeny Sweeney is a bit of a Ramona Quimby and Pippi Longstocking-type character. She’s funny. She’s wild. She’s figuring life out with flair. In this second book, Teeny Sweeney and the Cousin Calamity, her cousin is visiting during a school break. He’s always really annoyed her, so immediately personalities clash. As she is dealing with her cousin, there is also something mysterious terrorizing the neighborhood. So, yeah, there’s a lot going on in this book.

What was your inspiration for starting this book or series?

I tend to relate to those well-meaning, bumbling characters. I also really enjoy humor. This series has all of that. It was super important to me, also, that the Bible scripture and lessons were threaded throughout the story, instead of in big, preachy chunks.

What did you learn about yourself through writing it?

I think that many of us can have temperamental moments. When Teeny’s words crushed Winston, I was reminded that once those ugly words are out there, life changes a bit. You can’t just say “never mind” or “just kidding.” It really is an important reminder.

What’s one thing you wish readers would take away from this book?

I hope readers remember that Bible scripture and being led by God aren’t only for church. We learn scriptures and carry them in our hearts for all the places we go, all the good times and the difficult ones. I hope this series can help kids to better understand this concept.

What project is next on your list?

I am ecstatic about the next Teeny Sweeney book. I can’t say much, but I can say that she will return with full-on zany. Readers will get to enjoy some of their favorite characters, while also getting to know a few new ones. 

Where do we find you and your books?

You can find the Teeny Sweeney books where books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.

In the second installment of the Teeny Sweeney series, aspiring graphic novelist Teeny Sweeney is surprised by a visit from her cousin, Winston Waddlesworth, ruining her mega-important four-day weekend before it’s even begun.

A vlogging sensation, Winston is Teeny’s biggest fan. Too bad the feeling isn’t mutual. Winston’s endless barrage of useless history facts-not to mention his radioactive breath-threaten to interfere with the biggest, most exciting and important event of the century: a local visit from super-talented graphic novelist (and Teeny’s hero) Samuel Williams. The only trouble is that getting there will mean surviving the most annoying person on the planet.

Unfortunately, Winston and Samuel Williams aren’t the only ones making a visit. Things take a turn for the worse (how is that even possible?!) when a mysterious creature wreaks havoc through Teeny’s neighborhood.It’s going to take all the help Teeny can get to crack the case and save the weekend-and her family.

Visits: 225