This is my second picture book, but my third children's book. I have a chapter book and two picture books. This basketball book was inspired by my award-winning poem about basketball. In 2023, my basketball poem received an award from Writer's Digest. I wanted to do more with it, so I explored picture books based on poems and felt I could create a unique book of my own.
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Too many to list just one! But, the majority of my initial support and encouragement came from my writing professors at Dominican College, now a University! Professor Stephanie Stiles, Phd, was extremely instrumental in my creative pursuits. In her creative writing class, she pushed all the students to write and encouraged us to keep going. I actually had some struggles early on in her class, but by the end, I had created the story that Lorian Hemingway praised. It was born in Stiles' class.
Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Enjoy it! Even though it is work, if you don't enjoy it, then why do it? Especially, enjoy any and all successes you have. Celebrate, share, and repeat and repeat!
I added fun facts to each page, and all the reviews are loving those tidbits! The poem was inspired by my lifelong love of hoops, especially the annual March Madness basketball tournament. Around 2010-11, as I was completing my bachelor's degree, I was working on several creative projects. One being the poem. For several years, I would tinker with it every March and loved doing so, but in 2023, I decided it was time to finish it!
Tell my readers about the story.
The book is about the love of basketball. It's about the heartbeat of the game and the love of the game. It's sort of a love letter to the game from every basketball player who loves the game and has lived on the court. Many of the pages also teach the game to those who may not know it very well. Of course, the wonderful illustrations by Bryan Werts bring it all to life!
The book is about the love of basketball. It's about the heartbeat of the game and the love of the game. It's sort of a love letter to the game from every basketball player who loves the game and has lived on the court. Many of the pages also teach the game to those who may not know it very well. Of course, the wonderful illustrations by Bryan Werts bring it all to life!
What are your writing goals for 2026?
I have two writing projects that I started years ago. One is a picture book about Joan of Arc. My research will bring to light a unique perspective on her life that has yet to be seen. The other project is a novella/short novel based on my short story: The Paladin. That story was praised by Lorian Hemingway during her 2010 short story contest. She loved the story and sent me a personal email after the contest. We corresponded for many months after that. What a treat that was, to have contact with Ernest's granddaughter!
I have two writing projects that I started years ago. One is a picture book about Joan of Arc. My research will bring to light a unique perspective on her life that has yet to be seen. The other project is a novella/short novel based on my short story: The Paladin. That story was praised by Lorian Hemingway during her 2010 short story contest. She loved the story and sent me a personal email after the contest. We corresponded for many months after that. What a treat that was, to have contact with Ernest's granddaughter!
What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Too many to list just one! But, the majority of my initial support and encouragement came from my writing professors at Dominican College, now a University! Professor Stephanie Stiles, Phd, was extremely instrumental in my creative pursuits. In her creative writing class, she pushed all the students to write and encouraged us to keep going. I actually had some struggles early on in her class, but by the end, I had created the story that Lorian Hemingway praised. It was born in Stiles' class.
Stiles's instruction and encouragement were the boost I needed to keep going after graduation! Professors Jim Ryan, Ellen Dolgin, Phd, Sister Nevins, and others kept pushing me and encouraging me to keep writing! I took many classes at DC at various times and on various days, but it all began with their "Weekend College" program! It was a very unique program that doesn't exist anymore. I am so thankful for that program.
Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
I am still working on this side of things. I never really focused on the marketing, as I was always so busy with the creative side. I am currently trying Amazon Ads and will continue to evaluate the opportunities to gain more sales. I believe the industry is overly saturated now that publishing has become so easy. I have heard many authors complain about slow sales...it's tough!
I am still working on this side of things. I never really focused on the marketing, as I was always so busy with the creative side. I am currently trying Amazon Ads and will continue to evaluate the opportunities to gain more sales. I believe the industry is overly saturated now that publishing has become so easy. I have heard many authors complain about slow sales...it's tough!
What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
I think I wish I knew more about setting up Ads on Amazon or other sites, and also how to pre-order and push your books way in advance!
I think I wish I knew more about setting up Ads on Amazon or other sites, and also how to pre-order and push your books way in advance!
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best advice is that it is work. There is no magic to it. Flat-out work. The harder you work, the better you'll get...period! And also to be consistent when you are working on something. Sit and work at it every day, even if the words don't flow sometimes, because they will if you stick with it every day. A piece of advice I can offer is to try researching when you're stuck. It has worked like a charm for me in all that I write.
The best advice is that it is work. There is no magic to it. Flat-out work. The harder you work, the better you'll get...period! And also to be consistent when you are working on something. Sit and work at it every day, even if the words don't flow sometimes, because they will if you stick with it every day. A piece of advice I can offer is to try researching when you're stuck. It has worked like a charm for me in all that I write.
Enjoy it! Even though it is work, if you don't enjoy it, then why do it? Especially, enjoy any and all successes you have. Celebrate, share, and repeat and repeat!
Here's a link to the wonderful review I received from Kirkus for another of my books.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/c-behrens/alexander-hamiltons-wish-for-battlefield-glory/
That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Chris's books, use the link below.
And here's a couple of special bonuses for my readers...Books for middle-grade and YA readers: https://books.bookfunnel.com/middlegrademarch/mfa6qpgxdr
If you like clean and sweet romances, you can get a few freebies here, but only through 3/6/26
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