Meet the Very Talented #kidlit Creative, Amanda Davis.

Carol Gordon Ekster: I met a fellow NESCBWI member, Amanda Davis, on social media and when I read her debut book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag , I was blown away. I knew I wanted others to discover her work, if they hadn’t already. And now with her second book out, it seemed like the perfect time to highlight her here on Writers’ Rumpus.

Amanda, I know you were an art teacher. Can you share your journey of how you became interested in creating picture books?

Amanda Davis: Hi Carol! Thanks so much for having me on the blog. I’m excited to be here to share more about my journey into kidlit. Yes, I taught high school art for eleven years, recently taking a step away from the classroom after having my daughter. I think the common denominator between my work as an educator and children’s book creator is storytelling. As both a teacher and writer/artist, I want to empower younger generations to share their stories and take time to listen and learn from the stories of others. We all have a story to tell.

In 2012, after taking a continuing education course at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston called Illustrating Children’s Books, with illustrator, Ilse Plume, I realized that children’s books combine all three of my passions: art, writing, and stories. After completing that course, I dove headfirst into the craft of writing and illustrating for children (while balancing my job as a full-time high school teacher). I joined SCBWI, 12×12, and found a local and online critique group. I tried to soak in all the knowledge I could about the kidlit industry. I began to query literary agents and editors with a few of my stories. Looking back, I probably queried those stories too early, but hey, that’s part of the learning process. The story that finally landed me an agent and later a deal is my creative nonfiction picture book titled 30,000 STITCHES: THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE NATIONAL 9/11 FLAG, illustrated by the amazing Sally Wern Comport, which released with WorthyKids/Hachette in 2021.

CGE: That book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag , Worthy Kids, 2021, is a gorgeously written and moving picture book. Can you tell us the story behind the story?

AD: Thank you for those kind words! I first learned about the story back in 2011 when I facilitated an art lesson around the story of the flag with my art students for the tenth remembrance of 9/11. While browsing through some magazines, I came across a blurb about a torn and tattered American flag that flew over Ground Zero in the days after 9/11 and later traveled across all fifty states to be fully restored, touching many hearts and many hands along the way. Later, it returned to New York on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 as a symbol of hope and unity. I knew I found my lesson. That year, students learned about the flag, and we created our own patchwork flag in remembrance. Years later, the story of the flag still lingered in my head, and I knew I needed to share it with more people. So, I decided to try my hand at crafting a manuscript for it. I have a background in journalism, so it was a delight getting to research and interview primary sources for the story. From the Ground Zero Superintendent to Flag Tour Staff, the people who I spoke to about the flag were incredible. I am honored to have spoken with such selfless, kind, and generous people whose dedication to helping America heal after 9/11 was inspiring. To this day, they continue to give back and be of service to others, which is truly exceptional. I feel so honored and humbled that I’m able to tell the story of the flag and make it accessible to children so they can be inspired by the themes of strength, unity, hope, and healing that are woven throughout the story.

CGE: Your newest book that came out recently, MOONLIGHT MEMORIES, 2023, Worthy Kids, illustrated by  Michelle Jing Chan, is also a touching and emotional story of loss.

Can you tell us how you came to write this title and its journey to publication?

AD: MOONLIGHT MEMORIES tells the story of a young girl who is dealing with the loss of a parent and finds comfort and healing through creativity. This story holds a special place in my heart as it was inspired by my own personal experience with loss. I lost my father at a young age. After his death, I was unsure of how to cope with the unexpected loss. It wasn’t until I found art and writing that I was able to fully process the thoughts and emotions surrounding his death. I found my outlet. I found my voice. Then I soon realized that my father would always live on through the memories I was creating with my words and visuals. I also remember that when my dad passed away, no one really talked about it. I wrote this story so that others who’ve experienced loss will be encouraged to find their own outlets for comfort and healing. Hopefully, they will reach out for support and talk about it. I wanted to remind them they are not alone. They will carry the memories of their loved ones with them always.

Considering my dad passed away many years ago, I suppose it was an event in my life that never left me. As they say, healing is not linear. I’ve written about the topic in a variety of ways but never thought about putting it into picture book form until I dove into the realm of children’s books myself. I knew it was a book that could potentially help others so even though it was tough to write, I kept reminding myself of the positive impact it may have.

When I finally sat down to put pen to paper, it seemed to flow out of me. It was almost freeing-like the words were wanting and needing to be released for a long time. I’m so grateful it’s out of my own head now and into the hands of readers to interpret and enjoy.

CGE: Amanda, I looked at your portfolio on your website. Your art is wonderful! Did you write your manuscripts hoping to illustrate? Can you address your feelings about this and how it feels to have another illustrator work on your manuscripts?  

AD: Great question! For 30,000 Stitches, I didn’t submit any art for consideration to my editor. I envisioned a mixed media style that could capture the torn and tattered nature of the flag and the eventual healing of the flag and people. I also knew that we needed someone who had a depth of experience illustrating more realistic renderings of famous people and places. My art is more whimsical and imaginary. I knew a different style could suit it better and Sally was actually an artist who was at the top of my wishlist. I was beyond thrilled when she was selected and knew she was the perfect fit with her style and breadth of experience.

For Moonlight Memories, I did submit a few illustrations for consideration but my editor felt there wasn’t enough there to move forward. Again, I was thrilled when Michelle was chosen as her work is so dynamic with light and warmth. She brought so much hope and love to the story with her visuals.

I get excited to collaborate with other artists and my publishing team has always taken my feedback and artistic ideas into consideration and relayed them to the artist, so I feel like I have a voice in that part of the process, which is important to me. I will say, I have a possible author-illustrator debut in the works that I’m excited about (fingers crossed). Hope I didn’t jinx it! Ha!

CGE: I’m so excited for this possibility of your author-illustrator debut! Good luck. Can tell us what has been the most surprising for you in your journey as a creative? What do you enjoy most? What do you enjoy least?

AD: What do I enjoy the most? I’m surprised at how meaningful my work can be to others. That is always your hope, when you send it out into the world, but sometimes you forget the impact you can have until you get a kind note or hear personal stories from readers. Once our stories leave us, they become a part of others’ stories, which is something so special.

What do I enjoy the least? The waiting, ha! Many parts of this process and industry entail a lot of waiting. I suppose it teaches us patience and gives us time to craft other projects but at times it can be both a blessing and also a point of frustration!

CGE: I also find the waiting frustrating. I know we’re not alone in that! Do you have any advice for our writers and illustrators out there during these tough times in the publishing industry to help keep us going?

AD: I’m someone that needs to have accountability and deadlines. Without them, I seem to flounder and get distracted during my days. Find a group or even a person that can hold you accountable and help you focus each day. I was recently introduced to the London Writers’ Salon’s Writers’ Hour. It’s a free working meeting held virtually each weekday morning at 8am across four time zones. Pretty cool to start the day by connecting with so many creatives across the world!

In regards to keeping morale up, I have my daily practice of journaling my gratitude and a happy memory from the day.  Before I sit down to create, I’ve begun centering myself. Taking a few deep breathes and trying to create from a place of feeling instead of getting caught up in my headspace. My ideas tend to flow best when my mind and body are relaxed, so this has helped me tap into that state of being a bit more and give myself permission to play and have fun.

CGE: What does the future hold for Amanda Davis?

AD: I have another (unannounced) nonfiction picture book slated for 2024, which is about the human-animal bond. The book also has themes of loss and healing in it as well. I love nonfiction and animals, so this was a fun one to write. I also tried out a new story structure, which was both challenging and exciting to create! As mentioned, my author-illustrator debut is also in the works-fingers crossed acquisitions go smoothly.

I love sharing what I’ve learned on this journey and helping other writers and illustrators develop. I offer mentor and critique services through The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.

I’m also excited to get back to participating in some local fairs and festivals in the fall. I’ll be showcasing some of my art and books at the Hingham Arts Walk in October, which is always a blast!

Great to chat with you, Carol!

CGE: Thank you, Amanda, for your inspirational and beautiful books that I know will touch many lives.

 Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. Amanda is the author of the award-winning picture book, 30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag, Moonlight Memories and a yet to be announced forthcoming title. She also has poetry and illustrations featured in The Writers’ Loft Anthology: Friends & Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children. Amanda has over ten years of experience as a classroom teacher and was selected as Massachusetts Secondary Art Educator of the Year. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her family and her rescue pup, Cora. You can learn more about Amanda at her website or follow her on Twitter or on Instagram.

Signed copies of Moonlight Memories and 30,000 Stitches can be purchased here.