"Chalk the Walk" and Chelsea Tornetto

I’m delighted to introduce you to Chelsea Tornetto today. Chelsea is the author of several picture books, a freelance editor, and an author coach. Welcome, Chelsea! Thanks for joining us to discuss your newly-launched picture book, Chalk the Walk (illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth, published by Familius Publishing).

Sue: Let’s start with a talk about Chalk the Walk. Please tell us the story behind the writing of this cheery picture book.

Chelsea: The idea for Chalk the Walk actually hit me during Covid! At that time, when everyone was isolated in their homes, I remember seeing a news story about some kids leaving positive, cheerful chalk notes outside their neighbors’ homes as a way to encourage and support each other. I thought that was such a simple and powerful act of kindness…and I thought it would make a great idea for a picture book!

But also, my own kids have always loved playing with sidewalk chalk – in fact I don’t think I’ve ever met a kid who DIDN’T enjoy it! Even adults can’t seem to resist joining in the fun when there’s a tub of sidewalk chalk around.

Sue: You have a knack for writing rhyming picture books. Your rhyme in Chalk the Walk rocks! Would you share a couple of secrets for writing in rhyme?

Chelsea: Oooh! Great question! My top tip would be to try not to settle for the typical, easy, one-syllable rhymes. Those are the ones your reader will be expecting! Instead, dig deep and try to include some surprising rhymes that aren’t the first word that comes to mind. (But are still perfect in terms of meter and meaning!)

My favorite tool for this is a website called rhymezone.com! Also, I have a video all about Rhyme Crimes to avoid if that would interest your readers!

Sue: You write for both the Christian and general children’s book markets. How do you integrate faith into your writing?

Chelsea: I’m not a fan of heavy-handed or preachy picture books. In my experience as a teacher, I’ve found that the more a child recognizes they’re being ‘taught,’ the less interested they become.

I feel the same about faith and religion. My most faith-filled moments and most heart-changing experiences haven’t happened while being preached at inside a church or a classroom; they happen when I’m just living my life and encountering Jesus in my everyday experiences.

So, that’s how I approach faith in my books. God Made You Too is all about the awesome things God created…including us! It’s not written like a lesson or a lecture. It’s written as a joyful declaration! My next Christian book, releasing in September, is called, The World’s Best Christmas Light. It’s about a family driving around to look at all the beautiful Christmas light displays, and ending at a Nativity scene. Again, I wanted to show them finding Jesus in the midst of a fun, secular Christmas tradition…. because He’s not just in Church!

Sue: Your work as an author coach sounds fascinating. What services do you provide for clients? Who is your ideal client? Please tell us more.

Chelsea: I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have found my job at At Home Author! After 17 years in public education, I was very ready for a change, but I still loved teaching…and this job allows me to teach while helping hopeful authors follow their dreams.

My work helping authors has two parts:

• I do a lot of freelance editing and critiques of picture book manuscripts through my own website, www.chelseatornetto.com.

• And with At Home Author, I help create and maintain an online course and author community that teaches new authors all about both traditional and self-publishing, marketing and more. It’s a monthly membership program, so it’s affordable and accessible. And it’s so rewarding to watch my students’ books go from just an idea in their head to a published book!

  
  

Sue: What can we look forward to seeing from you next?

Chelsea: As I mentioned above, The World’s Best Christmas Light will release in September. And I do have a nonfiction picture book about the power of photography that’s under contract to release in 2027. In the meantime, I’m considering self-publishing one of my manuscripts. I’ve never done it, and it’s becoming such an amazing way to bring a book to market…I’d love to give it a try! Many of my coaching and editing clients are self-publishers, so I’d love to go through the process to be able to better serve them.

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

My favorite Bible character… is Martha. I’ve always loved the scene where Martha is running around taking care of all the guests, and Jesus says, “Martha, Martha…You are worried and anxious about many things…” I can just see Him sort of rolling His eyes and sighing, like, “Can you just chill, please?” Ha! I always feel like He could be talking directly to me!

I want to see… my favorite book series, “The Ranger’s Apprentice” by John Flanagan, as a movie! It’s supposed to be being made right now! They better get it right!

I was hoping you’d ask… about other ways I celebrate and support kidlit authors. I have a brand-new YouTube channel called Itty Bitty Book Club. The idea is that children’s books are often reviewed by parents, teachers, and industry pros…but very rarely by the readers themselves! Itty Bitty Book Club lets kids share their (always honest) opinions about popular kid’s books. Please check it out! And “like and subscribe!”

This interview first appeared on May 26, 2025 on the Write2Ignite blog.