Guest Blog: Bettie Boswell and Finding Fluffy *Prize to Commenter--Surprise!
- ChristinaSinisi-Author
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Dear Readers,
Please forgive me. I had hoped to have all the blog posts ready before my trip. However, an author didn't get back to me and I'd hoped to have her ready to go today, but the timing isn't working. So, I am going out of order...
I am home, safe and somewhat sound, from my big European adventure--I'll share more about that in my newsletter. I hope all of you are well. Please share if you're going on a vacation down below!
Blessings, Christina
Introduce yourself--name, where you're from, and something people notice when they meet you.
I'm Bettie Boswell and I live in a small town near Toledo, Ohio. By the way, there really is a Tony Packos restaurant that Klinger mentioned in the MASH television show. We've been here for quite a while, but as a minister's wife, I've also lived several other places in the Midwest and Southern states. I enjoy traveling across the country.
Something that people notice right away is my expressive facial communication. I've used it as a teacher, an occasional community theater actress, and to make friends with a smile. Children and adults often make eye contact with me in stores, libraries, and in other situations. I communicate well with my eyes. I've even seen children quiet their fussing in in grocery store carts when I look their way with a friendly raised eyebrow. Communication is important to me, especially as I write for both children and Christian adults. I also illustrate picture books for the youngsters which involves visual communication. The eyes and eyebrows are important to illustrating a picture book character's emotions. Music is another way that I express myself. Singing has always been part of my life and it's a wonderful way to express my deepest thoughts. Many people notice me humming tunes as I go through my day. As an educator, I taught elementary music for most of my career. I know how to do that teacher stare too. I also wrote short musicals for my students and small church choir. Writing those musicals led me to wanting to write books.
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Tell us about your book--title and back cover blurb.
Finding Fluffy is the sequel to my first picture book called Lucy and Thunder. I wrote and illustrated both books. Lucy is a loveable creature, with a pet skunk named Fluffy. Lucy has to overcome her fear of Thunder in the first book. Thunder is actually a cloudlike creature that changes from bully to friend. In Finding Fluffy, pet Fluffy has a problem.
The back cover blurb says: When Lucy and Thunder become best friends, Fluffy feels lonely and leaves on a journey that will take him to places he's never been before. Will Lucy and Thunder be able to find their lost friend? Can they all be best friends?
Finding Fluffy has themes of sharing friendship and can also be a parallel to the story of the lost sheep from the Bible. When Fluffy runs away, Lucy and Thunder come searching for their lost pal. I've included a reference to the Good Shepherd passage in the family activities found in the back of the book. Parents and caregivers enjoy having some follow up activities and I've provided that in all my children's books.
Here is the beginning of the story:
Fluffy was Lucy's best friend. They did everything together. Then...
Thunder boomed into their lives. They had fun until...
Lucy and Thunder became best friends.
Fluffy was lonely. So...
The story progresses from there. I hope the beginning will keep readers wanting to turn pages.
Share one thing that you found difficult or challenging about writing this book.
Since I'm the illustrator, the most challenging part of this book was keeping the characters, and sometimes the setting, consistent. I also battled with finding a storyline that I liked. My publisher challenged me to write a sequel after the publication of the first book. I debated where to take the characters on their next adventure and had several ideas before I finally gave Fluffy his spotlight. I worked hard on creating wording that would keep the reader turning pages. One goal with any picture book is to have children wanting to hear it again. One family that read Lucy and Thunder told me about enjoying acting out the story, which told me I'd succeeded in creating a memorable tale.
Do you have any questions for my blog readers?
Three years ago, I challenged American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) group to add children's writers to their membership. It took a lot of work, and still does, but I and a few other dedicated people pulled it off. We now have an ACFW chapter called ACFW Kidlit. I'm currently the president of the group which is a challenge for me since I'm usually better at working behind the scenes. Do you have a dream that could change the world, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone?
Have you ever wanted to write for children? If so, what would your story be about?
Quirky question:Â As a child, did you ever have an imaginary friend? Was it like a person, animal, or a creative creature like Lucy? People often ask what kind of creature Lucy is. I have no idea. I just had fun making her fun features.
Share your social media and buy links!
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Thank you, Bettie, for being so flexible--and for an entertaining and informative post!