For her high school senior project, Kendra Stefan wanted to write, illustrate, and publish a children’s book, and I agreed to mentor her through the project. As writers out there know, a book is a lot of work. For Kendra, the challenge was over the top. She was suffering from heart failure.
We got an early start, working on the book between her other studies, her numerous doctor’s appointments, and rising fatigue. As we got her story down, her condition declined and her position on the waiting list for a donor moved up.
When the story was essentially done, but the illustrations just started, Kendra got the call. In July, she received her new heart.
Kendra’s work on the book continued while she recovered in the hospital – between rehab sessions, medication adjustments, and the hard and painful work of building up her strength.
When she was released for visits home, we worked on the book. Still unable to return to school, we inserted the artwork. Between her follow-up doctors’ appointments, we formatted. Between her naps, we uploaded and worked through the myriad of glitches that plague even seasoned authors.
And then Kendra hit PUBLISH. Jackie Moves to Bunsvill is live in print and ebook.
She’s running a sale today and tomorrow – the ebook available at the low price of $.99.
If you feel like giving this young writer a big smile, click this global link:
Amazon ebook or Amazon paperback.
Now back to Kendra. She was kind enough to do a mini-interview with me.
**
Hi Kendra, so you hit the publish button on your first book! How does it feel?
It showed me that I really did write a book. I was so surprised that I actually wrote a book! It was an adrenaline rush.
What did you enjoy most about writing a children’s book?
I think the thing I enjoyed most was drawing the characters for the first time and coming up with their personalities and how all of those different personalities would mesh together. It gave me so much creative freedom… there was no limit.
What did you like least?
Working with [the formatting program] and fixing grammatical errors. Just because it was so tedious and time-consuming. Diana and I spent three hours just to fix two words.
Was there anything that surprised you about the process?
Yes. There was a lot that surprised me. I never knew it would take so much time and so many computer programs. I was surprised by how easily I would make mistakes.
What might you do differently next time besides not having a heart transplant in the middle of the process?
I would work more at lining up dates and setting up plans to do readings instead of doing it at the last minute.
Any advice for other young authors?
As soon as words start flowing through your head, write it down because you can always organize those ideas into stories.
Any other books in your future?
I think so, but I don’t know when. I think that my books in the future will be more targeted towards teenagers and adults.
**
Thanks to everyone for stopping by to learn about Kendra’s journey and her book! I was so honored to play a small part.
Now get busy writing!
Myths of the Mirror 
Very inspiring story. It send a strong message of encouragement to aspiring writers. Congratulations to Kendra! Great teamwork! And it was so kind of you to mentor, help and encourage her to persist until the book was done. Wish you both a lot of success!
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Thank you, Matilda. She had a highly successful senior project and is now working on her college applications. 🙂 I was honored to be a part of her journey. I appreciate the visit and kind comment. Happy Writing!
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All the best to Kendra and her new book. I think it’s great you were her mentor for this project. 🙂 — Suzanne
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She worked so hard on her book, and I was immensely proud of her. Quite an accomplishment for a teenager. 🙂 Thanks for taking a peek at her book!
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Wonderful story.
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Thanks so much for reading. Kendra has to speak in front of the school and community about her project this coming Wednesday. Then she’s done – and I think she’ll be relieved! Ha ha. Have a wonderful Sunday. 🙂
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This is wonderful for both of you Diana. Teaching someone else and watching them excel is a gift – thank you for sharing your story and Kendra’s work! Happy New Year, may 2019 be the best yet!
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Thank you, Joan. It was great fun and Kendra did a beautiful job. I love seeing young people fall in love with words. I appreciate the visit and kind comment. Have a wonderful 2019!
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So wonderful, Diana! Just got the book, will read it with my eldest when I see her this summer. Way to go, Kendra! you guys are amazing xx
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Thank you so much, Inese. I hope you both enjoy it. 🙂 Sorry about the late reply – I’ve been offline for two weeks! Happy New Year, my friend. Sending warmth and hugs your way. ❤
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Thank you Diana! Hope you had great two weeks, and may 2019 bring you another 365 wonderful days. ❤
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Cheers for Kendra!!
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Thanks so much for the visit and learning something about this amazing teenager! Happy New Year. 🙂
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Indeed!
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This is fantastic, Diana, and truly inspirational. Well done.🌟🌟🌟
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Thanks so much for stopping by, K’lee. It was a lot of work, but Kendra was a trooper and never complained despite everything going on in her life. I was honored to be part of her journey. Happy Holidays!
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Happy Holidays to you as well, Diana.
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What an amazing gift you gave her, D! The illustrations are charming, and I’m sure the project not only got her (life-giving) endorphins going but also helped keep her mind off darker things. The perfect holiday tale, this story of a story. =)
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Thank you, Diana. I’m so grateful that you stopped by to check out this new author and her book. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and amazing new year. 🙂
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Book arrived today. It is the cutest book. I love the artwork too. Kendra keep writing, I’m definitely a fan. ❤️
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Thanks for letting us know, Anneberly! I hope your grandchildren enjoy it too. 🙂 ❤
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I still have three minor children at home as well, they enjoyed it. They took turns reading it.
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Congratulations and well done, Kendra. The book looks great, and it must give you such a buzz to see your hard work out there.
And to you, too, Diana. This is such a lovely interview. What a great Christmas present for both of you. Good luck with the sales.
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Thanks, Cath. Kendra had a lovely launch and reached #145 in her category. Not too shabby for a 17-year-old. It was my pleasure to mentor her through her senior project and she was such a trooper! Your visit is much appreciated!
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It’s lovely to see such a well conceived and produced project, a pleasure to read.
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Congratulations, Kendra – you set a goal and accomplished it – what an inspiration you are!
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Thanks for the visit, Teri. Kendra’s had a nice introduction to life as an author. 🙂 I’m so proud of her. And I’m certain she’s going to earn an A+ for her project. Happy Merry Holidays!
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide and commented:
What an amazing story!
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Thanks so much for sharing, Traci. I will never complain again about writing being too hard! Kendra had a book signing on Saturday, so she’s now a full-fledged author. 🙂 Merry Christmas! ❤
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Wonderful! Merry Christmas to you as well!
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Congratulations to both of you. She made a wise choice for a mentor. I’m going to go give her a smile right now!
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Thank you, Robert. You’re so kind. It was a fun project for both of us, and Kendra never complained once about all the work. I know she’ll have more successes ahead. Merry Christmas, my friend. ❤
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Have a great holiday, my friend. 🙂
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Wow, what an inspirational story from both of you. Congratulations, Kendra. Best of luck with your writing endeavors. ❤ Love the illustrations!
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Thanks so much for visiting, Mary, and for the sweet comment. Kendra was such a trooper through this whole project. Yesterday was her book signing at the library – the icing on the cake! 😀
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That’s just fantastic! She’s so lucky to have had your help.
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Wonderful!!!
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Isn’t this cool, Jennie? I know that you revel in the accomplishments of the children you work with, and I’m so proud of Kendra. Readers can turn into writers! Happy Holidays, my friend. ❤
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It really is cool. Such a great story. Best to you, Diana.
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What an amazing story and an amazing young lady, Diana. Kendra is an inspiration to us all, I certainly remember her story every time I think it’s not worth writing anything. Her illustrations are fantastic. I’m sorry I missed the offer on the book, but I’ll go ahead and promote this post on social media and hope she’ll get a few more sales.
Thank you, too, for being Kendra’s mentor. You did a great job.
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Thanks, Hugh! I had the same reaction – no more complaining when I think writing is hard. It was a huge project, far more time-consuming than her school required. Thanks so much for helping to spread the word. 🙂 It’s a very cute read for little kids. Happy Holidays!
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What an awesome story – not just for Kendra who is obviously a superhero, but also for you, Diana. You got to hang out with a superhero 🙂
What Kendra went through to publish her first book is …. I can’t even find an appropriate word. I think there is no question that she will be a major force to reckon with in the years ahead. Clearly she has the drive to see a vision through to completion. You must be bursting with pride to have been a part of that journey!! 💕
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I had so much fun, Joanne, and yes!- proud of her accomplishment. She never complained about the work, and it was a lot! She had a book signing yesterday with a lovely turnout. Thanks so much for the visit and Happy Holidays. 🙂
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congratulations, Kendra! I hope this is the first of many. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Andrea. I too hope Kendra has more books in her future. First she has to finish high school and then she’s off to college! I’m incredibly proud of how hard she worked on her book and wish her the best. Happy Holidays to you!
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Happy Holidays to both of you. Roll on the New Year!
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Way. To. Go. Kendra!!! 😀 … and you too, writing partner! 😀
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Thanks! Kendra made it easy on me with her hard work and enthusiasm. She had a book signing today, which was a blast. Happy Holidays and stay warm. 🙂
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What an inspiration you are, Diana. Congratulations to Kendra! That’s a huge accomplishment. I enjoyed the illustrations and interview also. Wishing you both and your loved ones the best holiday season ever!
❤ xo
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Vashti. Kendra was amazing considering all she had going on. She had a book signing today with a nice crowd. I’m so happy for her. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and Happy Writing!
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That’s wonderful! Good for her. Thank you. ❤
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