Terri Hoover Dunham

Occasionally I will hear from an author around a holiday to promote their holiday book. Such is the case with Terri Hoover Dunham and her darling Christmas picture book illustrated by Laura Knopp, The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story. I give you Terri Hoover Dunham.
 

When and why did you start writing for children?

I've written stories and poems since I can remember.  But when my sons were small, I had been reading lots of picture books to them.  I so enjoyed those times, my sweet boys curled up on my lap, mesmerized by the stories and the illustrations.

  Then one day my three-year old did something that gave me an idea for a children's book.  That was twenty years ago and I have been writing for children ever since.  (And I haven't given up on that book I wrote 20 years ago.)

What is the most valuable advice you can give to a newly published writer? 

Get out there and promote yourself and your book.  Even if you are shy, you need to step out of yourself and form connections with readers, booksellers, media and anyone who can help you promote your book.

What is one of your favorite children's books that you'd like to recommend? 

That ís difficult to answer.  There are so many wonderful children's books.  In a picture book, I love, love love Dr. Seuss.  His books are so much fun!  And though I'm not writing middle grade or YA, there are so many wonderful authors and books in those genres now.

What are you working on now?

I'm revising a picture book.

What is your favorite dessert and why? 

I love anything chocolate, especially dark chocolate.  Mmm . . . maybe strawberries with chocolate syrup.

Terri Hoover Dunham is the author of The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story, released by Sleeping Bear Press in September of 2006.  Her work has appeared in Louisiana Literature, The Louisiana Review, 2006 Jubilee Anthology, 2007 Jubilee Anthology, Whispering Wind, St. Anthony’s Messenger, St. Anne De’Beaupre’, Victoria, Backwood Homes, Mississippi Magazine, Cappers and Grit.  In addition, she has written book reviews for the Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate for twelve years and is pursuing her degree in Liberal Arts, with a focus on Literature.  Terri also worked as a substitute teacher for eight years, before deciding to write full-time.

You can learn more about Terri Hoover Dunham and The Legend of Papa Noel: A Cajun Christmas Story by logging onto her website: www.terrisbooks.com.

Comments

[Rae Ann Parker]

Hi Terri! It's great to see you here. I love The Legend of Papa Noel and look forward to bringing my copy out each Christmas. Tina: Thanks for posting Terri's interview!