"The Creation" & "Noah's Ark" and Amy Houts

This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Amy Houts. I met Amy a couple of years ago at my first-ever Write2Ignite Master Class, and I’m happy to reconnect with her now as she celebrates the release of her two most recent books, The Creation and Noah’s Ark (illustrated by Archita Khosla, published by Bushel & Peck Books). Amy, we’re happy you took the time to join us here today. Welcome!

Sue: The Creation and Noah’s Ark are adorable! I love the unique format of these bath-time board books. Please tell us the story behind the writing of these books. What were your goals as you set out to write them?

Amy: Thank you, Sue! I have to agree! I love the illustrations by Archita Khosla. They make the books so engaging. Thank you for having me here.

The bath books were not my idea. I wrote them on assignment for a small independent publisher Bushel & Peck Books. They had published my faith-based climate action picture book, God’s Earth is Something to Fight For in 2023. Since God’s Earth was my original idea, I was surprised and pleased they asked me to be a contract writer for two Bible story bath books Noah’s Ark and The Creation. I didn’t know they gave writing assignments. I’ve learned it’s common for board book ideas to be developed by the publisher, which is called “in house.” I love writing on assignment. Most of my 100+ books were assignments.

My goals in writing Noah’s Ark and The Creation were to complete the books within the allotted time (I think I had a week or two), to please my editors, to relish the time reading and researching these Bible stories, to be thankful I was asked to write them, and to have fun!

These Bible stories are simple retellings. In Noah’s Ark, the ark, the flood, the dove, the rainbow, and more appear, carefully telling the story of Noah. In The Creation, the earth, water, animals, and more magically appear, carefully chronicling the six days of creation. Both stories are from the book of Genesis.

What makes the bath books so much fun is the amazing, color-changing illustrations! Dip the pages in water, and illustrations magically appear. When the book dries, the artwork disappears―ready to be used again!

The target age group is newborn through age 3. Each book has 6 pages. The small size (around 6×6-inches) and soft material makes them perfect for stocking stuffers.

Sue: With more than 100 children’s picture books under your belt, you’re a prolific writer. What are a couple of things you’ve learned that might help a beginning writer?

Amy: I’ve been writing for a long time—since our older daughter, Emily, was a baby. Emily has three children of her own. For beginning writers, I would say approach writing like you would learning another language. You have to study, take time, and spend energy. Enroll in writing courses—there are several good out there online. I taught seven years for the Institute of Children’s Literature, currently the Institute for Writers (See: https://www.instituteforwriters.com) so I’m partial to their program. Read the genre and age group you are interested in. Try writing for different genres and age groups to see which one you like the best. Join a critique group. Get support. Be positive and persistent. Start small by writing for the local newspaper, smaller magazines, or nonpaying markets to build your credits. Those small successes are gold! My first sale was a Christmas poem in 1985 for a Christian teen magazine. I was paid $5. I couldn’t have been happier.

Sue: What’s next for you?

Amy: I like to work on several projects at once. I’m always revising old manuscripts and writing new ones. Most are picture books or board books as that’s my favorite age group. But I also write nonfiction for adults. I’m almost finished writing a super easy cookbook for busy families. (I’ll probably publish that myself since my platform isn’t big enough for a traditional publisher to be interested.) I’m also always looking for ways to promote my books and am very involved in marketing my books. If anyone can recommend an organization who might be interested in a review copy of God’s Earth is Something to Fight For, please contact me at amysase [at] gmail [dot] com. My hope is my book inspires children to take an active part to care for the earth—that’s what God calls us to do. Back matter includes 10 ways children can help reduce their carbon footprint. Find out more about me on my website www.amyhouts.com.

Sue: Please finish these thoughts:

I thank God for my supportive family and friends. Without them, I couldn’t write.

My favorite animal is my dog, Tori, our one and half year-old lab mix, who is full of energy and keeps me active.

I wish you’d asked about my monthly newsletter. I include activities to do with young children, recipes, strategies for parents, giveaways, and author news. Recent topics include: Back-to-school breakfasts, Teaching Kids Kindness, Baby Shower Gift Basket Ideas, and more. Subscribe here: https://amyhouts.substack.com

Let’s connect on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyHouts

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhouts

Twitter/X: @amyHouts

Instagram: @amyhouts

Threads: @amyhouts

Sue: I love newsletters that come loaded with practical ideas for parents and teachers, and authors, too. Thanks again for chatting with us today, Amy!

This interview first appeared on November 25, 2024 on the Write2Ignite blog.