Interview with Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell, author of 'The Daffodils Still Grow: A Book for Grieving Daughters'
The Daffodils Still Grow was inspired by diary entries of the author/illustrator, Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell, after the death of her mother when she was 14. “My mother committed suicide when I was 14, and after nearly a year of crying and hurting, I was surprised -- almost shocked -- to see the daffodils she planted right before her death still bloom again. It was a big wake-up call to me that, even though she was gone, I could still carry on without her FOR her. Somehow, our loved ones still find a way of communicating with us when we need it the most." Sherri Elizabeth now attends Seton Hill University’s MFA program in Writing Popular Fiction. She has a BA in both communications and studio arts from Austin Peay State University. She hopes that every parent will know how irreplaceable and loved they are to their children and that every child who has lost a parent will know they are not alone. Remember, the daffodils still grow!
After a frustrating experience with another
publishing company, I called the CEO of Mascot Books, Naren Aryal, and spoke to
him about The Daffodils Still Grow. I
emailed him a link to a narration I did of the book on YouTube, which he
watched while we were talking on the phone, and we decided to work together.
Mascot Books is a hybrid between self-publishing and traditional publishing. I
was very happy with the result. It allowed me to have control over the finished
product but I also was able to seek out advice and support when I needed it.
The quality of the book turned out beautiful, as well.
What type of book promotion works for you? Any special strategies you’d like
to share?
I would approach it
with a giving spirit. If you can find people who are in need of the story
you’re telling, give them your story.
They will pay you back in feedback and in doing their own marketing for your
book, because they’ll be that excited and that pleased.
What advice would you offer aspiring writers?
Read If You Want to Write by Brenda Euland
(1891-1985). She was so encouraging of writers and was such an inspiration that
it just leaves you with less resistance to writing and helps you get more done.
What is the best advice on writing you've ever received?
I simply go by the old advice, “Write what
you know.” I think that by doing so, the writing comes from an authentic place
and has the ability to connect with others on a deeper, more personal level.
Is there anything
else you’d like to say to our readers?
Who a person is, I think,
should always be entangled into who they are as a writer – or as an artist, or
a creator of any kind. Writing (creating) runs deeper than jobs that are done
for dollars, and it has the power to bridge gaps, to touch people’s hearts and
to heal. Being vulnerable and brave enough to put your heart out there as an
artist and as a person is the one decision that will usually make what you are
creating worthwhile and make it matter. It will be the one reason why it
connects to those who see it or read it. So, be vulnerable. Be open. Be brave
and be you.
For More Information
About the Book:
Title: The Daffodils Still Grow: A Book
for Grieving Daughters
Author: Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell
Publisher: Mascot Books
Pages: 38
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Author: Sherri Elizabeth Tidwell
Publisher: Mascot Books
Pages: 38
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
The Daffodils Still Grow is a full-color
illustrated book that portrays life after a loved one dies as seen from the
observations of a motherless child. “Beautiful and inspiring.”
For More
Information
- The
Daffodils Still Grow is available at Amazon.
- Pick
up your copy at Barnes
& Noble.
- Watch
a narrated video of the book at YouTube.
- Discuss
this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Sherri Elizabeth
Tidwell is giving away a The Daffodils Still Grow T-shirt!
Terms
& Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least
18 years old.
- One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one The
Daffodils Still Grow t-shirt
- This giveaway begins February 1 and ends April 29.
- Winners will be contacted via email on April 30.
- Winners have 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
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