"Greatest" and Darcy Pattison

Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison has had her books translated into eleven languages, and she has received over seventy awards for her work. In September, Darcy will share tips on how to “Self-Publish Picture Books and Middle Grade Books” at Write2Ignite’s next Master Class. Today, I’m delighted to chat with her one-on-one and to share our conversation with you.

Sue: You write Christian and general market books, about a variety of subjects, both fiction and nonfiction, for kids of all ages. You’ve written some books on your own, and you’ve partnered with fellow authors to co-author others. Whew! When asked which of their books is their favorite, authors often say it’s the one they’re currently working on. So… which one is your second favorite, and why?

Darcy: Thanks! Yes, my career spans a variety of topics and methods of publishing: pop-ups of popular Christian songs, dinosaur books co-written with my sister, popular nonfiction animal series, and a young YA sci-fi series. It’s great that I can find a passion and follow it.

While my greatest success is with science nonfiction, one of my picture books holds a special place in my heart. Based on 1 Corinthians 13:13, Greatest, illustrated by Rich Davis,tells the story of Love Truly who finds the courage to show love in a small way. It’s an SEL or social-emotional learning title, which allows a depth of emotion not possible in a science narrative. It’s also available in Spanish, French, and Catalan.

Sue: If you could give your 12-year-old self one piece of writing advice, what would you say?

Darcy: Make more mistakes because that means you’re working toward a goal. The only failure is not trying.

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

Darcy: Coming next year is Thanks, Farmers. I wrote new lyrics to the Shaker melody, “T’is a Gift to Be Simple,” that recognizes the importance of farmers in providing our food. Illustrations by Terry Kole show the kids on stage doing a school performance of the song and pulling farmers from the community onto the stage. My previous collaboration with Terry, George Washington’s Engineer, was named a Best STEM Book.

My nephew, Jeremy Doss adapted the music for elementary school singers, and we’ll provide an accompaniment tape so the song can easily be performed. Jeremy currently teaches elementary music and has a certificate from UCLA in writing film scores.

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

I wish… I could make the writing and publishing process easier for each of you. I can show you the joys and sorrows of my path and point out pitfalls to avoid. But in the end, each of us must walk our own paths. May your path be one of joy.

My favorite Bible verse… is Daniel 3:17-18. When Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego are faced with the choice of worshipping Nebuchadnezzar’s statue or be thrown into the fire, they answer that they can only worship God. But more than that, (verse 17), “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” (NLT)

That’s amazing faith. But I’m always amazed by the next statement in verse 18:

“But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

“…even if he doesn’t…”

Wow. Even if things didn’t go the way they expected and wanted, even if their lives were lost, even if God has a radically different plan…here I stand and will not budge.

I was hoping you’d ask… about the research for nonfiction picture books. It’s amazing to study the world and our history and find great stories. I’ve talked with an astronaut who cared for a spider on the International Space Station, talked to scientists on Midway Island who survived a tsunami, walked through Prague Zoo to study the endangered Przewalski’s horse, and bicycled across Nantucket Island. The search for stories for kids has taken me to amazing places to talk with extraordinary people.

Sue: It was great to have you join us today, Darcy! We’re looking forward to your presentation at the Master Class in September.

This interview first appeared on August 25, 2025 on the Write2Ignite blog.