Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2020, are given five questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know these new authors and can offer them your support.
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Committed, Passionate, Persistent, Lifelong-Learner, Grateful
I’ll choose the first word I wrote: Committed. No matter what I do, I put my all into it. Whether it’s my writing, my role as an instructional coach, or my relationships with people, I put in the time necessary to yield positive results. I don’t give up!
This quality has been beneficial as an author because I’m committed to doing the work that needs to be done to get my books published. I’ve also fervently promoted Let’s Dance!, following up on every lead and opportunity.
Another thing I’m committed to is writing books in which all children can see themselves and feel valued and validated. I want my books to be beacons for equity and inclusion.
Explain your writing procedure, such as how you come up with ideas, carve out time to write (or, if you can write anywhere at any time during the day), deal with writer’s block, or anything particular or peculiar.
I don’t think of myself as having a particular writing procedure. I just write. I do tend to reserve a block of time on Sundays to write—usually three or four hours. Other than that, I borrow snippets during evenings and sometimes during the day when school isn’t in session. On my computer, I have a folder titled “Drafts of Books” and another titled “Ideas for Drafts.” Thus, I always have something to work on—revising a story or writing one that’s not complete. Sometimes an entirely new idea occurs to me though, and I start writing that story.
Balance is the key to successful living. How do you balance the act of writing with other priorities, such as your job, family or fun activities, and self-care?
I’m extremely task-oriented, organized, and unafraid to plan and follow a schedule. If you’ve read the “Fun Facts” on the About page of my website, you know that I’m the Queen of Lists. I also use my calendar to my advantage. That means that I’ll reserve blocks of time for time with my husband, calls or visits with friends, and writing. I realize this may not work for everyone, but it works for me. I’m fine with trying to plan something spontaneously, and every now and then, it works. However, I’ve found that if I want to guarantee that something will happen, it’s better to plan it and have it on my calendar.
Working out is also important to me; that’s the most essential part of my self-care routine. During this pandemic, my walks and writing have been my saviors. I also schedule acupuncture and massage appointments regularly barring pandemic restrictions.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
I know that children love a book that they can connect to—that makes them feel at home. They want to enjoy a book—laugh, question, learn, and read along, memorizing sentences, phrases, and entire pages. Though children are my primary audience, I know that the adults who purchase and read books to children matter. Parents and caretakers want a book that they can enjoy along with their children, and if the book can be read quickly and begs to be read repeatedly, that’s a plus. Teachers have the same desires, but they also like a book they can use to teach—for it to contain content that students can discuss, reflect upon, and discover something meaningful. If the book can be used as a mentor text for a mini lesson, that’s an added bonus.
Tell us about your book.
My debut book, Let’s Dance!, is a 60-word rhyming book that celebrates dances from around the world and the diverse children who enjoy them. It was released in March 2020 by Boyds Mills and Kane and is illustrated by the amazingly talented Maine Diaz who truly made my words dance. Though the book is recommended for ages 3 -7, I have shared this book with elementary school students of all ages as well as middle school students.
Let’s Dance! (Maine Diaz, Illustrator, Boyds Mills Press, Picture Book, 32 Pages, March 3, 2020)
Valerie Bolling has been an educator for over 25 years. When she taught elementary students, it was difficult to find diverse literature for them. Thus, she is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel valued and heard. A graduate of Tufts University and Columbia University, Teachers College, Valerie currently works as an Instructional Coach with middle and high school teachers. Valerie and her husband live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing.
Connect with Valerie Bolling
