Author Wendy Dunham
A children’s therapist and middle-grade author, this mother of two and keeper of four-legged critters shares hope, encouragement, and love through her writing. Welcome to reader, gardener, and kayaker, Wendy Dunham!
Q. Hi Wendy, and congratulations on the release of My Name is River (Harvest House, 2015) and Hope Girl (Harvest House, 2016)! What was the most exciting part about seeing your first two middle grade novels in print?
The whole experience was incredible, but there’s one thing in particular that really spoke to me—if you have a dream, a wish, or a prayer, don’t ever give up on them . . . they’re placed in your heart for a reason. It might take a long time for a dream to come true, a wish to be granted, or a prayer to be answered (for me it took nearly twenty years), but when it happens, you’ll be glad you never gave up.
Q. Is there a third book planned for River?
Not at the moment, but since readers have said they want another one, the idea dances around my mind. I think I’d really enjoy writing another story about River. It’s kind of funny, I spent so much time writing about River, Gram, and William, that they almost became like family. And now that I’m working on a different project, I actually find I miss them.
Q. River lives in the town of Birdsong, her last name is Starling, and her Gram’s last name is Nuthatch. What is the significance of these and the other bird references throughout the novels?
When I started writing My Name is River, I didn’t intend to include the bird theme. It just sort of happened. It’s an interesting thing—sometimes a story or character has a way of taking over . . . it’s like River grabbed me by the hand and said, “It’s got to be like this . . .” For me, that’s one of the most amazing aspects of writing.
Q. Gram’s voice is uplifting and hilarious. Is she modeled after a real person? Are any of the characters in River’s world?
Gram is simply Gram all in her own right, as are the other characters. I will say however that many of the events in the story stem from my real life experiences—I can’t imagine writing a story without somehow weaving in bits and pieces.
Q. How has your work as a children’s therapist influenced your writing?
I believe it’s given me a strong connection with children, whether they have a disability or not. Both novels have a character with some level of disability, probably because that’s what is normal for me. These two particular characters demonstrate attributes of strength and determination—of course I had to create them that way, because that’s what they wanted.
Q. Have you considered writing novels for teens? How about picture books for children?
Right now I feel the writer inside of me is suited best for young children and preteens. But like life, everyone and everything changes, so it’s always a possibility. And yes, I have definitely considered writing picture books. In fact, when I first began writing that was my intent. Hopefully someday that will happen. Right now I’m working on a series of early readers, which has been great fun. I’m also working on a new middle grade novel, this time a historical fiction.
Q. What is the best part about being an author in the Rochester area?
I would say it’s the support Rochester has available for children’s authors. I’m one of many members of the Rochester Area Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (RACWI) who meet once a month. There’s great support when a group of like-minded people meet. And in this case, we are all about the love of books and the children who read them.
Q. What is your best piece of advice for young writers who wish to be published one day?
Read everything you can. And then read some more. Get involved at your local library. Take a writing class—there are many available specifically for young writers. Go to book signings and author visits, introduce yourself and ask questions. And lastly, never give up.
Visit Wendy at her website (www.wendydunham.net) and at the Rochester Children’s Book Festival (www.rochesterchildrensbookfestival.com) on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Monroe Community College.
Deena Viviani is a Rochester-based Young Adult Services Librarian. Read her book reviews at www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at DeenaViviani@hotmail.com – she loves to hear from readers!
