04 Nov Happy Book Birthday to Cindy Williams Schrauben and HANK’S CHANGE OF HEART, plus a Giveaway!
It’s a HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY sort of day!
I’m thrilled to introduce Cindy Williams Schrauben and her newest book, Hank’s Change of Heart, beautifully illustrated by Sasha Richards. Welcome, Cindy, and Happy Book Birthday! I love reading your books, and Hank’s Change of Heart is no exception.
Hank loves hearts. He searches far and wide to find them… and then stows them away until he discovers a new passion that makes not only Hank, but so many other people happy.
EL: Cindy, your books seem to be about self-esteem and kindness…empowering ideas. I know you also talk about growth mindset. Does your personal or professional background lead you to these types of things?
CS: Thank you. You’re right, my books definitely focus on kindness and/or empowering kids with a growth mindset. Studies by Dr. Carol Dweck support the fact that helping kids to develop these skills early (believing in themselves, accepting failure as a learning experience, practicing perseverance, etc.) boosts success and well-being. Not to mention the fact that adults need to foster these skills in themselves as well. Growth Mindset for authors is another one of my passions.
EL: Growth mindset is important in everything we do, I think. Do you have a writing group or groups? How important do you think they are?
CS: I have a few critique partners (some consistent and some as needed) as well as other authors who serve as marketing partners. I believe wholeheartedly that I would never have persevered in this industry if not for author friends. Not only are they wonderful guides in the writing itself, but the emotional support we give one another is priceless. Having others who understand how difficult this business is is a must. Another thing I always encourage aspiring authors to do is to put themselves out there and enter contests such as those offered by Susanna Hill. This is a great way to get your feet wet and gain some much-needed confidence.
EL: Agree! What inspires you?
CS: I have always enjoyed writing and turned to editing/writing for a local health magazine as a way of battling empty-nest struggles. This rekindled my life-long desire to publish a picture book. I studied and honed my craft for several years before my first book THIS COULD BE YOU was published. As far as the inspiration for Hank, my hometown of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, has a fun campaign in which kids painted rocks with the words ER ROCKS and hid them around town. The joy and inspiration were contagious. I wanted to encourage kids to start similar campaigns using hearts. I can’t wait to see where it goes. I will also be working with a local elementary school to break a kids’ world record for the most hearts shared. It should be great fun!
EL Ah…Eaton Rapids rocks! Got it! That really does sound like a lot of fun. What do you do when the words won’t come?
CS: I read and study craft. I always have several projects going at once, so switching gears by working on something else helps, too. I just finished a book of jokes about growing old – previsions of classic nursery rhymes. Being silly and rhyming always gets my creative juices going.
EL: In your opinion, what do you think is the best part of being a kidlit writer and the most challenging part?
CS: The best part is watching kids enjoy my books. There is nothing like it! The most difficult part is putting myself out there. Selling myself is really hard, but I am trying to lean into the growth mindset qualities I teach.
EL: This Could Be You is another one of Cindy’s books that celebrates kids and growth mindset. Thank you so much for joining us today, Cindy, and have some cake on your book birthday!
Now here’s Cindy’s gift to US!
Cindy is happy to give a 20 minute Ask Me Anything session to one lucky winner. To get in the running, please comment on this post and let me know if you’re a subscriber or if you have shared this post to get an extra chance to win.
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On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the 2025-2026 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out https://EllenLeventhal.com.
Here’s a review! Ellen Leventhal is an amazing presenter who tailors her presentations to meet the needs of all students and age levels. I am amazed at how she can talk about her love of writing, how to become a writer, encouraging students to do what they love and how we can all be kind into a 45 minute presentation. A school visit from Ellen Leventhal is a treat for everyone! Suzanne Ritchey: Carroll T Welch Elementary School Clint, TX
Until next time,
Ellen
Laura Roettiger
Posted at 12:10h, 05 NovemberCongratulations, Cindy! This looks delightful. I love the painted rock idea. My neighborhood in Colorado had a woman who painted them and left them around everywhere. They were gorgeous. When I moved in during Covid, there was one by a tree next to my garage. I found out later that she had given them to people all around the HOA and also placed them on the trails for people to enjoy. The funny thing was, I never met her but she was beloved by most except one, there’s always one! neighbor who complained to me because she never received a painted rock by her house. Hahahaha. I assumed it was an oversight but she mentioned it more than once, so maybe it was because she was a complainer.
@CindySchrauben
Posted at 09:35h, 06 NovemberThank you! Yes, there is always one. 🙁
I hope Hank inspire kids to share their hearts with others.
Stacy S. Jensen
Posted at 07:12h, 06 NovemberCongratulations Cindy! Love the story of how you wrote Hank’s Change of Heart. I really loved reading it.
@CindySchrauben
Posted at 09:35h, 06 NovemberThank you, Stacy!