We’re travelling behind the scenes to meet another children’s author, Claressa Swensen. Claressa’s a five time published author whose most recent book is How to Make a Mom. Find out more about this great book that helps kids understand their mums in our interview.

Tell us about your book?

How To Make a Mom is a story in which a little boy comes up with a recipe on how to bake (his idea of) a perfect mom. The story is written in a step by step pattern, associating real food ingredients with qualities of a mother. At the end of the story, it is revealed that this same also works to make scrumptious chocolate chip cookies.

Why did you want to write this story?

I have my own little girl who is teaching me every day what it means to be a mother. Having been a stay at home mom for the first part of her life, I learned many people did not realize how much of a job being a mother is. I decided to write a story that brings to light all the different things a mother does, that are often overlooked.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Well my daughter, of course. I am learning every day what it means to be a mother thanks to her. I wouldn't have it any other way.

What's the most fun part of being an author?

Getting to see your books help other people, or in my case, families. I love to hear how my books have helped parents bond with their kids, and How To Make a Mom encourages bonding through both reading and cooking together.

What's your tip for parents to encourage reading?

Find an interactive book or find ways to get your kids excited and involved in the reading process. My daughter is a toddler and she loves to point out items on each page that she recognizes and knows the names of. Where's the flower? Where's the hat? Or for more advanced little readers, ask them questions about how the characters might feel after a certain event has taken place.

What would you say to someone thinking of writing their first book?

Research everything. Research writing, editing, publishing, marketing. I have put countless hours into research and have learned so much about what goes into being an author. There are so many people that want to take advantage of your dream, research every opportunity to make sure it's a good fit for you. Also, there is no such thing as an overnight success, it's more like a ten year success, and I'm right in the middle of it. Don't get discouraged if you don't sell that many books at first, keep writing and keep learning!

Claressa Swensen is an American author of children's books. She resides in northern Utah with her family, where she pursues her writing along with many other hobbies. Claressa enjoys writing, acting and producing films. She is a full time mother and is well involved in the indie author and indie film community. Traveling, pizza and sarcasm are some of her favorite things. Claressa has published five picture books and hopes to produce many more.

You can find out more about Claressa by following her on Facebook. You can find her books at claressaswensen.com.

Where to Next?

We hope you enjoyed this insight into Claressa Swensen's latest book and author life.  We'll be sharing more author interviews where you can get a behind the scenes look at some amazing children's authors. The best way to keep in touch with these is through signing up to our newsletter. You can also see our range of children's books in our shop. Plus of course, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.