An Interview with Jennie Marie Naffie
I am a retired teacher and school librarian, but have had a varied career. I love to be challenged, so I explored different careers. I’ve been a development director in a nonprofit, a freelance journalist, a financial advisor, and for twelve years published and edited the first women’s magazine along the Lake Michigan shores. The most meaningful career was teaching and being a librarian, with owning a monthly magazine second. I am from west Michigan, the eldest of ten children, which I am sure influenced my desire to write and tell stories. My husband and I share five children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. And we all get along! Oh – I am also a political consultant and am helping a young woman with her campaign for state senate.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The book title came easily. My son and his family lived in Japan for three years. My daughter-in-law is from Japan, hence my granddaughters are half-Japanese. They were four and seven when they lived in Yokohama and I visited them every year and stayed from two weeks to a month each time. Because of the time difference, I would say to them, when I see the sun, you see the moon – when you are eating breakfast, I am eating dinner. I looked for a picture book that would have a story that showed the time differences. Couldn’t find one. So, I decided to write a picture book. To be clear, as much as I like children and love picture books, I never had any intention of writing a picture book. I wrote essays and speeches for politicians. I am very opinionated about certain topics (but I enjoy listening to different points of view in a civil manner), so my writing a children’s book was about the furthest (or is it farthest?) thing from my mind. And I am here to tell whoever will listen that writing a picture book is hard! Even worse, everyone thinks they can write one. They can’t. It requires an entirely different way to write – meaning you have to bring out your inner child. But this book title – easy peasy. However, I’ve begun writing another picture book – I wasn’t going to as I have a series of essays I am working on, but no, I saw YoYoMa on TV and something he said inspired me. I don’t have a title for this new one – I have several working ones but I think I will have to wait until I finish the story before I choose this title.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
One of those frozen-in-time memories. I am very talkative but I had no words when I opened the box – just a big smile. I leave a copy on my coffee table and catch myself looking at it now and then, thinking ‘Who is picking up this book? Are they enjoying it? Do they relate to MimiChi?’
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
Overtalkative me already talked about this earlier but I loved the idea of the back and forth of two people living in different time zones, going through their day thinking of the other. That wasn’t difficult as I missed my granddaughters immensely when they lived in Japan. I love picture books, but I can’t say any one author actually influenced me. I love poetry and I dare say that influenced me more – especially nature poetry by Mary Oliver. Readers have called my book poetic, so I think my love of poetry had an influence.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Oh my – I answered that above too. I am active in community theatre – on the board of Manistee Civic Players in Manistee, MI, my hometown. I sang my first solo in the musical Pippin – I played Berta. I successfully wrote two grants for the group and have played the leads in Steel Magnolias and The Dining Room, to name two.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
The delight from people I know and love. To know that they loved the book, shared it with others, and heaped praise for me was humbling. Of course, the book was dedicated to my two granddaughters – now grown up – and their love for the book is all I need.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Over the Rainbow.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book?
That love transcends distance and time.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Working on a second picture book. I keep asking myself ‘Why? Am I avoiding the personal essays I am writing?’ Nevertheless, Lucy, the seven-year-old main character of my next picture book, is a delightful child and she has things to say and do. I’m also working on some poetry. I’ve had some poetry published but never pursued it seriously.
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
I’ve already encouraged someone to consider Atmosphere Press. Everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. For a writer considering hybrid publishing, Atmosphere is at the top of the list!
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