Author Renée DeVincent is the creative mind behind Twiggy and the Lost Socks, a vibrant story following our protagonist, Twiggy the squirrel. Renée’s ability to draw inspiration from the world around her coupled with her career and life experiences come together to create a lovely children’s book. Her characters are vibrant, an amalgamation of unique traits from individuals who have touched her life. Renée’s commitment to instilling positive character traits fosters kindness and self-awareness in young readers. From the evolving landscape of the children’s book industry to the unwavering determination that propels her forward, this interview with Renée DeVincent aims to learn a little more about this debut author and what drives her.
How do you come up with your story ideas? Do you have a specific process or source of inspiration?
Many of my story ideas are rooted in the natural world that surrounds me. I spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, and the creatures and landscapes I encounter often spark my imagination. Additionally, my experiences as a parent and the interactions with our beloved pets serve as a wellspring of inspiration. I’m passionate about nurturing positive character in children and encouraging them to become responsible stewards of nature. When an idea strikes, I jot down a quick description and allow it to build in my mind. The stories gradually take shape as I let my imagination and experiences weave together to create meaningful narratives.
Are there any real-life experiences or people that have influenced your storytelling?
Many of my stories draw inspiration from real-life experiences and the people around me. Nature, with its rich array of creatures and landscapes, has a profound influence on my storytelling. Additionally, my interactions with my children and our beloved pets have played a significant role in shaping the narratives I create. I’m passionate about imparting positive character traits to young readers and instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature. As I gather real-life experiences and draw from the people who have touched my life, my storytelling is enriched with authenticity and depth.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process when creating stories for children?
My favorite part of the writing process is when I start the pagination process. Starting pagination early in my writing process is essential because I am a visual learner, and it helps me to see the story better. It’s in this phase that my stories truly take shape as I carefully divide the text into pages and arrange the text alongside graphics. This step is where the magic happens. It’s the juncture where the illustrations seamlessly merge with the narrative to breathe life into the story. It is at this point that I may go in a new direction in the story. This is the phase where many of my edits happen. When your words are limited, it helps to add details to the illustrations instead.
While I’ve previously sketched out illustration ideas, it’s during this collaborative process that they often undergo refinements and adjustments. The synergy between words and pictures creates a captivating whole, making this stage of the process a genuinely enjoyable and transformative experience.
Could you share insights into how you develop your characters? Are they based on people you know, completely fictional, or a mix of both?
When it comes to developing characters, I draw heavily from my own life experiences and the relationships I:ve formed with friends, family, and even my beloved pets. These personal connections are my primary sources of inspiration, and I often reflect on their unique traits, quirks, and qualities. What’s fascinating is that my characters often become a composite of multiple individuals I’ve encountered throughout my lifetime. It’s like a painting with a palette of personalities, where I carefully blend various characteristics to craft multi-dimensional characters that readers can connect with on a deeper level. This process allows me to infuse authenticity and depth into my storytelling, creating characters that are relatable and memorable, which is at the heart of the storytelling experience.
What messages or themes do you try to convey in your children’s books? Are there specific values or lessons you aim to impart to young readers?
In my children’s books, I strive to convey messages and themes about nurturing great character. It’s of utmost importance to me to create stories that model kindness, empathy, love, and the understanding that it’s absolutely okay to grapple with our emotions and aspire to be the best version of ourselves. Instilling these values from a young age is the foundation for building compassionate and resilient individuals.
Moreover, my passion for conservation shines through in many of my books. I aim to ignite a sense of responsibility and care for nature in young hearts. These stories often delve into the wonders of the natural world and underscore the importance of preserving it for future generations. Through my books, I aim to inspire children to become not only good individuals but also good stewards of the planet, fostering a deep connection with the environment that surrounds them.
How do you approach balancing entertainment and education in your books? Is there a specific balance you aim to strike?
My primary focus is on entertaining young readers, as fostering a love for books is essential. While I appreciate the educational aspect, I want to ensure that children find joy in the stories first and foremost. If the educational elements seamlessly blend into the narrative and enhance the reading experience, that’s an added bonus.
I aim to educate subtly, where the lessons are woven into the storyline without feeling didactic. My goal is to provide readers with an engaging and immersive journey where they absorb valuable insights and knowledge naturally without feeling like they’re being taught. This approach allows children to embrace the educational aspects of the storytelling experience, making it enjoyable and enriching.
What challenges have you faced as a children’s author, and how have you overcome them?
The landscape of the children’s book industry has undergone significant transformations over the past five years, presenting unique challenges that I’ve had to confront. Adapting to these changes and learning to navigate the industry, especially as a new author, has been a journey. The emergence of the COVID pandemic turned the industry on its head, leading to market shifts and adjustments that required careful consideration. While the creative process certainly has its own set of challenges, it’s the “what now?” stage that can be the most demanding.
Pouring my heart and soul into a story is one aspect, but then comes the intricate process of navigating the industry and ensuring that my work reaches the right audience. As a new author, breaking through the noise and getting the word out has proven to be one of the toughest challenges. Overcoming these hurdles has involved a combination of determination, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities in a changing landscape. It’s about staying committed to my work and the craft, continuously seeking avenues for growth, and remaining resilient in the face of challenges that come my way.
How can my readers reach out to you?
My readers can find me on my website, where they can subscribe to my newsletter, WildDays,
and view my blog and art tutorials.
I am very active on social media. I provide updates and giveaways. Here is my information:
Where can we purchase your book?
Twiggy and the Lost Socks is available in Hardback, Paperback, and e-book formats. It can be
purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my Website.
Twiggy and the Lost Socks
Colorful illustrations and cheerful rhyming, this engaging story will leave both kids and adults feeling uplifted and connected.
This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a young squirrel and his family. One day, Twiggy finds something soft and fuzzy. A treasure that will keep him warm during the winter. Unknown to him, it belongs to a girl who is searching for her lost sock.
What will happen when the girl discovers Twiggy has her sock? Will Twiggy get to keep the sock? Follow along as Twiggy navigates the complex emotions that come with meeting new people and having unexpected experiences. Cheer Twiggy along as he learns, with the support of his Mama, essential lessons about judging others.
One Response
Fantastic interview and work!!