Today’s guest author is Reader’s Favorite Book Award-Winner, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne. Deanie is a winner in 2016, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Presented by The Author’s Show.com. She has received several other awards and nominations.
I met Deanie online a few years ago, and we have been author buddies ever since. I hope you have fun learning a little bit more about Deanie through the conversation we had below. Her book My Life at Sweetbrier is being spotlighted in this interview as it is a true story that I loved.
My Life at Sweetbrier by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a beautiful, touching true story about a little girl that was diagnosed with a condition Cerebral Palsy and was told by her doctor that she would never be able to walk. Her father would not accept that diagnosis and instills faith in his little girl, and he set out to teach her to ride horses and felt if she could do that, she would be okay. Her parents opened a riding school (Sweetbrier) so that her dad could keep his promise to her. Despite her diagnosis, the family sets out on quite a journey in life…I recommend this book for older aged children for a couple of reasons, because it is a touching story of determination and it teaches a lesson never to give up, and that dreams can come true.
Big Bear Hugs,
-Virginia
How long have you been writing?
I studied and graduated from 2 courses at the Institute of Children’s Literature before writing my first book, Tails of Sweetbrier. It was published in 2009 but republished in 2017 with a new title, My Life at Sweetbrier, a new cover, and five additional chapters.
Do you like silence or music when you are writing?
I prefer silence because I think it’s easier to concentrate on my writing without distractions.
Is there any one thing that helps the creative juices flow?
No, I’d like to discover one, though. If I have trouble discovering an idea, I try taking a break from writing. It sometimes helps me gather ideas.
What is your next work in progress?
My sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, is working on the illustrations for our next book. We’re excited about creating our first picture book, about a little tractor named Wilbur. We don’t have a timeframe for the release yet, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated on it.
What would you like readers to remember most about My Life at Sweetbrier?
I think every child deserves to be inspired to follow their dreams because all things are possible if you persevere. You can realize your dreams against the odds like I did.
Thank you so much for interviewing me today, Virginia. We had fun together, as always. -Deanie
You are welcome, Deanie. It was fun…you truly are an inspiration. Xo -Virginia
Amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/Deanie-Humphrys-Dunne/e/B003FFS15S/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com
Facebook:
Memories of Sweetbrier:
https://www.facebook.com/Memories-of-Sweetbrier-Farm-Easton-CT-1736497933252082/
Children’s Author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne:
https://www.facebook.com/Childrens-author-Deanie-Humphrys-Dunne-574820065875628/
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/deaniedunne/
Interview by: Author and Illustrator, Virginia Wright
Books by Virginia Wright can be found at Amazon.com and other online retail stores
Latest release: Who the Hell Are you? Alzheimer’s the Wrong Diagnosis
Hi, Everyone! Grab your coffee and a Christmas cookie (S) and stop on by to the 3rd Annual Author December Book Giveaway on December 19, 2015. We have a number of writer’s participating in this event, giving away eBooks, paperbacks, and Amazon gift cards too!
Deanie Dunne 
Dennis Higgins
lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is married to Steven and has a daughter, Ashley. She also has a 3yr old Anatolian Shepherd named Muffin, who was rescued by the Eckroat’s when she was 12 wks old. Mrs. Eckroat is an elementary school teacher. She volunteers at the Ft Worth Nature Ctr using her books to teach children about the beauty and wonder of nature; her workshops also teach children how to start a Science journal. She previously was an HR mgr and the gen mgr of an educational toy store. She is also a Chicago Bears football fan — and will always be! Even though Dallas Cowboy Fans try and convert her!
Marion L. Cornett