Gently tapping into themes of fitting in, self-esteem and anxiety while teaching color concepts, A Colorful Beginning helps conquer the insecurities felt when children begin something new and unknown. Author Raven Howell talks to Book Glow about the children’s book about colors:

Describe the book in one sentence.

A Colorful Beginning is a cheerful picture book engaging children to learn about colors, animals, and the feelings that come with the first day of school.

What led you to write it?

I was inspired to write a story about the dreaded “firsts” with additional educational content. In A Colorful Beginning, students experience a wide range of emotions and anxieties before they are gently guided to embrace their individuality and discover how doing so creates a safe sense of “community”. Through the simple act of participating in an art activity together, the students learn how they “fit in”, and friendships blossom as happy memories of the first day of school take hold.

Which authors or books most influenced your voice and why?

I loved books, and reading, and writing as far back as I can remember. I still have my worn-down copy of Richard Scarry’s Word Book from my childhood. Classic gems such as Madeline, The Little Golden Books, I Can’t Said the Ant, P.D. Eastman books, and The Snowy Day influenced my writing. They epitomize a magical sense of wonder. I aim for that enchantment in my writing, offering hope, healing, playfulness, and whimsy.

How do you organize your writing day—do you have rituals or routines?

My days start super early. I work better, clearer in the mornings and I keep to a routine when possible. The phones are quiet, birds are chirping, and the household is usually mostly asleep when I wake and stretch and start off.

I never neglect a dawn hike. I live in the mountains and getting into nature while sorting and organizing my thoughts, projects, and schedule in my mind is a must.

When I get home, after checking my emails and skimming social media, I write, only taking a break to run any household errands. I usually begin with my priority list because I work under several deadlines as a journalist. Sometimes I flit back and forth from writing something like an author feature for a kids’ magazine to revising one of my manuscripts. But I write until dinner. I love to cook and bake, and then most evenings, I write a bit more before chilling out with my husband.

I have days where I write around a scheduled library story time presentation, or take a few hours out of the morning to travel to a school for an assembly or classroom visit. Overall, the pattern runs pretty much like a well-oiled wheel. I’ve been writing full time for decades and it’s the groove of my career.

Which character in your book was the most fun (or challenging) to write, and what made them so?

The most fun and challenging character in A Colorful Beginning is the kindergarten teacher, Mr. Mole! The teacher treats all the students equally and showcases the unique qualities everyone encompasses. I needed a strong character to get the students motivated and involved. In our world, moles not only utilize all their senses but are known for being surprisingly efficient diggers. If a teacher was going to put students’ anxieties at ease, Mr. Mole would dig in and resolve the issues.

What themes or questions are you most interested in exploring through your work?

Most, if not all of my writing, is uplifting, inspirational. Sometimes that angle is the basis of the entire project, and other times, my words may be encouraging on a smaller scale, sharing another more unique way of looking at something.

Is there anything that especially frustrates you about the writing process?

You mean, besides when I’m in the middle of a writing deadline, and Lilac, our cat, decides then and there to throw up a hairball on the rug? Ha! No, I write every day and some things end up in the trash, some are filed as work-in-progress, and some writing blooms and is quick to publish.

Any advice for novice writers?

The publishing arena is always evolving and changing. Do what you can to stay up to date with what’s happening in the present moment. I’ve been writing professionally for the kids’ community for many, many years. For instance, what publishers looked for in manuscripts was very different 25 years ago. People’s reading needs from 12 years ago have morphed into other desires.

Study the process of submission. Keep in mind each publisher’s guidelines differ. Research self-publishing, if you’d find it beneficial to acquire a literary agent, or what it takes to publish traditionally. Figure out what you think would work best for you.

As far as writing, you must not settle for less than the very best writing work you feel you can create to make a positive impact not only in the publishing and reading community, but to yourself. No skimping!

What do you hope readers take away from your book?

Maybe your child is acting out toward his or her younger sibling a few weeks before the start of kindergarten, or you find you’re binge-eating chocolate the days preceding your first big speech at an upcoming convention. Perhaps you’re having a panic attack as your official first date of early retirement approaches. The message in my book reflects the wide array of feelings and stress we may experience with the “firsts”. The story reminds us we’re all on the journey, side by side. And when we’re kind to each other and work together, our world becomes friendly, and we can shine bright in our own light.

What’s next?

I have a new picture book available August 5^th, titled Grandma Yogini. We’re celebrating several pre-release book reviews, and the pre-order here.

I continue to visit classrooms, bookstores, and libraries. Community literary events and connections with book lovers and children are incredibly heartening, and the best part of my work as an author.

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