Book Details Book Title: God, I Feel Scared Series Title: God, I Feel Publisher: Zonderkidz Back Cover Copy: Kids have big feelings, but none of their feelings are too big for God. Through kid-friendly text and bright illustrations, children can safely explore what it means to feel scared, discover ways to process their emotions, and learn that being afraid is something they can face, especially with the help of God and those around them. Audience: Children ages 4 to 8 Genre: Picture Book Release Date: October 3, 2023 InterviewBrock: What was your inspiration for writing this book or series? Tama: The idea for this series actually originated with Michelle. As a licensed counselor, she saw the ever-deepening need for kids to have a way to process their emotions. While there are secular books about this and faith-based books about this, none combined the two—a practical approach to managing emotions that pointed kids to God as the primary healer. When she approached me to be the co-author on the project, it was an instant “Yes!” Brock: Tell us about the main characters. Who are they, and what makes them unique? Tama: Because this is more of an education book than a storybook, I suppose the main character is actually the child reading the book (or having it read to them). And God has made every child wonderfully unique! In God, I Feel Scared—and its companion book, God, I Feel Sad—the reader learns to explore how they feel and process their emotions in healthy ways. Brock: I love that, the main character being the child reading the book. What is something unique readers experience when reading this book? Tama: I think one of the things that most surprises the grownups reading this book to their child is how much they themselves learn from it. Brock: It is amazing, how often the stories I read with my kids, have moments for me the parent as well. In three sentences what is this book about? Tama: While scared is a feeling that can be hard to face, if we listen to it, we can learn from it. Scared isn’t an emotion kids have to avoid; rather, it is something they can use to better understand themselves and grow closer to God. The included practical tips and techniques help young children learn to process their feelings in healthy ways while turning to God in the process. Brock: Do you outline the entire book before starting, or do you write as you go and let the characters take control of the story? Tama: I’m definitely an outliner! I need to see where the book is going and how I’m going to get there. That doesn’t stop it from taking an unexpected detour now and then, though. Brock: Oh the unexpected detour, a fun way to learn more about your characters, or dive into a moment of inspiration. How do you believe this story relates to the lives of readers? Tama: We all experience fears, regardless of our age. God, I Feel Scared not only offers tools to manage those fears, but it also reminds us (including this writer!) that God is always with us, ready to comfort, strengthen, and carry us through whatever comes our way. Brock: I like how you include, you the author. How often do I write a book that I need myself, or about something I am experiencing with my kids, and the book is my way to work it out. What is your favorite genre to write for? Tama: Whatever I’m writing at the moment! Right now, I’m working on a new genre for me—an early chapter book and completely fictional. After having written so many nonfiction and science-based books, I am loving the chance to let my imagination run wild! Brock: My favorite answer yet! Variety is such a fun way to explore our imaginations, and also be open to where God leads us. Please let me know when your chapter book series gets published! What is the biblical background or basis for the series? Tama: Both Michelle and I firmly believe that everything in life should be rooted in God, including—or perhaps especially—the emotions we feel. When you dive into the Bible, God speaks so often about our emotions. It’s His words that shaped the guidance offered in the book. Brock: Amen. How many books are planned for this series? Tama: Michelle and I do have plans for more books in the series. Some would explore more of the “negative” emotions that kids struggle with, and some would dive into the more joyful and “positive” ones. Brock: I'm glad to hear you will continue to expand this seires. My wife is a school counselor and working on her masters degree right now. Resources like this will go along way to change how we view mental health for kids, and strengthen their foundations and emotional wellness. Any certain research required for the book, or is it all from your imagination? Tama: As a licensed counselor, Michelle is my source for all the information. In an interesting twist, these books began with her relaxing on my couch while I sat in a chair and asked her all sorts of questions and took furious notes. Brock: Are you working on the next book in the series? Tama: I am always working on the next book in the series—even if it’s only in my thoughts. Brock: How do you hope parents will use this book with their kids? Tama: Our goal for the God, I Feel series is that parents and children will sit down together to read and talk through the pages before these big emotions hit their lives. Then, they (both the children and the parents) will have the tools they need to better process those feelings when they do come. Brock: What do you hope kids take away from this book or series? Tama: More than anything we want kids to know that “God’s love and protection are everywhere and all around you . . . even when you’re feeling scared” or sad or lonely. Brock: That's such a powerful takeaway for kids. Switching gears a bit, let's talk about you as a writer. Where do you like to write? Tama: I have an office in my home that is my favorite place to write. It’s lined with wall-to-wall bookshelves and has a window looking out at the trees. It’s very peaceful—except when the mailman comes by and my puppy loses his mind. Brock: Sounds wonderful, the space, the setting, maybe not the puppy. Ha ha. Are you a full-time or part-time author/writer? Tama: I am a full-time writer, though much of my writing is collaborating with or ghostwriting for others. I consider that my day job, while projects such as the God, I Feel series are my fun writing. Brock: How long does it usually take you to write a single book? Tama: That depends on the genre—and the publisher’s deadline! Picture books usually take about a month as I edit, edit, edit about 3,123 times. My longer books for both children and adults usually take about three months. Brock: Edit, edit, edit! When do you know you are finished with the book? Tama: When the words sing and reading them makes me smile. Brock: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer? Tama: When I was about eight years old, I read Little Women for the first time and discovered Jo March, and a whole new world of possibilities was opened for me. I had always loved reading books, but until that moment, I don’t think I realized that there were people who actually wrote them—and that perhaps I could be one of them! I even went to far as to set up my own little cardboard writing desk in my childhood bedroom closet, imagining that I was just like Jo tucked away in her attic writing retreat. Brock: What are your hopes for your future as an author? Tama: One of my “bucket list” items as an author is to have a hardcover, jacketed picture book on the shelves of bookstores and libraries. One with my picture on the jacket flap—not because I’m terribly vain, but because that is one of the hallmarks of a “real writer” for me. LOL. And it looks like that hope might be coming true as I’ve just signed a contract with Zonderkidz for just such a book! Brock: Congrats Tamara! That is awesome. I understand the milestone that is and the meaning behind it! In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing? Tama: Everything begins and ends with God. Everything. Every word is prayed over, every book is prayed over, my readers are prayed over. Lord, fill my mind, my mouth, my fingers with Your words. And send these books where You would have them to go. Brock: Lighting round and a bit silly! Coke or Pepsi? Tama: Coke (but actually Dr. Pepper) Brock: Soft shell or Hard Shell tacos? Tama: Soft shell. I have not acquired the adulting skills necessary to eat a hard-shell taco without wearing it. Brock: Favorite place to vacation? Tama: Anywhere with my family. (Most anywhere. Let’s not get crazy.) Brock: Favorite season? Tama: Spring Brock: Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like hot chocolate, raspberry tea, cheese balls, animal crackers, etc? Tama: Usually just water with lemon. But if I’m desperately chasing a deadline and struggling to stay awake, then I pull out the Dr. Pepper and Cheetos. Brock: Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Tama: Psalm 18:19 — He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (NIV) Brock: Do you listen to music while you write? If so what are some examples? Tama: I need music to write, but only instrumental will do. It can’t have words, or even be an instrumental version of a “worded” song—or I’ll find myself typing out the lyrics instead of my story! Apple music has a Relaxing Piano playlist that is my fav. Brock: What's the most surprising thing you learned while writing your books? Tama: Perhaps this sounds a bit silly, but even after all the books I’ve written, it still is the most wonderful little shock and surprise to realize that people actually want to read these words I write. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that—and perhaps it’s best for me and my writing if I don’t. So, dear readers, thank you!!! Brock: I love that! Thanks Tamara! Author Details Author Names: Tama Fortner & Michelle Nietert, illustrator Nomar Perez
Author Website: www.TamaFortner.com & YourMentalHealthCoach.com Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TamaFortnerBooks/ https://www.facebook.com/mrs2003 Author Twitter: https://x.com/tamafortner Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamafortnerbooks/ https://www.instagram.com/michellenietert/ Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tamafortnerbooks/
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