Sarah Wynne (right, with co-author, Katie Clark on left), joined the Writers’ League of Texas last May. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Sarah Wynne: Katie Clark and I write the River Royals children’s picture book series. We recently won the Mom’s Choice Award® with our first book in the series, River Royals Master the Mississippi. With this book we enjoyed a six state and Washington, D.C. book tour and visited over 100 schools! Our series aims to introduce geography and patriotism to children in a fun and engaging way through the rivers of the country. All of our stories follow the adventures of a brother and sister, Henry and Eliza Jane, and include a colored map on the inside of the dust jacket that allows little readers to follow along. Our manuscripts are longer than most traditional picture books and have often been compared to educational, narrative non-fictions. The beautiful and lively illustrations of New York artist Penny Weber, capture the imaginations of young children.
Scribe: What authors would you like to have coffee or a beer with and which beverage?
SW: Is wine an option? Ha! I’d love to enjoy a glass of red wine with Kristin Hannah. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of her new book, The Nightingale that will be released on February 3, 2015. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Her research of the time period, writing, characters, plot and pace are all exceptional. If I could go back in time, I would also cherish the opportunity to sit down for an hour (or many) with C.S. Lewis and/or Robert McCloskey.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
SW: Were I stranded on a deserted island, I would want my ESV bible with me.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers’ League?
SW: I was introduced to the Writers’ League of Texas through the Agents and Editors Conference in Austin last year. I was impressed with the organization of the conference, as well as the valuable information presented on both the craft and business of writing. I’ve since Tweeted and made Facebook posts encouraging all writers in Texas to join the organization. In addition to the SCBWI for children’s book authors, membership in the Writers’ League of Texas is a must!
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
SW: We met our agent, David Hale Smith, at the 2014 Agents & Editors Conference. We are thrilled to be represented by David and Inkwell Management. Katie and I are excited to see what new doors David will be able to open for us pertaining to print and film rights. While David is working with the second manuscript in our educational series entitled, River Royals Paddle the Potomac, Katie and I are writing the remaining four books in the series that will traverse the Colorado River, Thames River, Nile River and Amazon River. In short, I am optimistic about 2015 and can’t wait to see more children having fun while learning!
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
SW: Thank you for asking! One thing about our series which we are especially proud of is our partnership with Our Military Kids, Inc. A portion of proceeds from book sales goes directly to this wonderful nonprofit organization providing support and recognition to children of deployed National Guard and Reserve service members, along with children of Wounded and Fallen Warriors from all branches of service. We are especially drawn to this organization because our book series grew out of a love for our country borne from our families’ military backgrounds. Both of our fathers served as Army and Navy officers during The Vietnam War and our grandfathers served as officers in World War II with the Air Force, Army, and Navy. We grew up realizing the value of freedom and appreciating the sacrifices soldiers make that enable us to live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” It is our joy to partner with an organization supporting our military families. Katie and I were honored to join the Rumsfeld Foundation in sponsoring OMK’s tenth anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C. in September.
In the interest of further self-promotion, we would love to invite our readers to visit www.riverroyals.com to learn more about the series, the RR blog, and our book tour schedule and read favorable press we have received. Additionally, please keep up with the River Royals’ adventures through Twitter (@River_Royals) and Facebook (River Royals).
