An Interview with Chris Demeropolis
Chris Demeropolis likes writing stories about subjects that entertain and amuse her children. With an interest in writing since she could pick up a pen, she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. Chris is a seasoned storyteller, spending the first half of her writing career as a PR professional for well-known brands. She lives in Kentucky with her husband, two sons and cat.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
My son’s interest in bells inspired me to write this book. Much like the main character in the story, he wanted to learn as much as possible about bells, and he spotted bells big and small wherever we went. When I wanted to find him a picture book that featured bells, I came up emptyhanded. I’ve loved writing since I was a kid, so I decided to draft him a story about a boy who loves bells and leaps to learn more. The end result was Teddy Lou, Bell Guru, a rhyming STEM read-aloud for curious kids ages four to eight.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title Teddy Lou, Bell Guru came to me very quickly. The story follows a little boy, Teddy Lou, who is described as a “bell guru” with his unique interest in bells.
Describe your dream book cover.
This book cover of Teddy Lou, Bell Guru is it! With the smiling main character among beautiful mountains, this cover draws in the potential reader to Teddy’s world of wonder. Illustrator Sara Fox did a wonderful job bringing warmth and whimsy to the illustrations on the cover and throughout the picture book.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Given the independent adventure that our young main character embarks upon, two songs on the soundtrack would be Nature Anthem by Grandaddy and Every Goliath Has Its David by The Boy Least Likely To.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I just finished Mac Barnett’s book Make Believe. It conveys how to best approach writing for children, an audience that deserves smart, creative, and imaginative literature. I also read The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books by Linda Ashman. This book really helped me strengthen my writing and storytelling so that it goes beyond what’s expected in a children’s picture book story.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Before writing my first picture book, I worked in public relations and communications. I had earned my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University, and I used that training to write everything from news releases to company leadership speeches. Writing a children’s book is way more fun that writing a fact sheet! Outside of writing and raising my two boys, I love to bake. I even baked one hundred-plus bell cookies for my book launch celebration!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I vividly remember reading Shel Silverstein as a child and attempting my hand at humorous, short poems. Now as an adult, there are several talented picture book creators who stand out to me when I’m reading selections with my kids. I love works by Julia Donaldson, Jashar Awan, Oliver Jeffers, Mo Willems, Jon Klassen, and more.
Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is at my home in Kentucky when my children are sleeping. It’s the sleeping part that’s most crucial. But once I have a manuscript fully drafted, my boys are my first test audience.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Keep going! Writing can be a source of joy and frustration, but the only way to fail is to stop writing.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
When I wrote Teddy Lou, Bell Guru for my oldest son, I wanted a book for him to enjoy that featured his favorite interest—bells. Now that it’s a published book for children to enjoy worldwide, I’m hopeful that readers come away knowing that their curiosity is to be encouraged! Keep reading, keep learning, and keep following the interests that make you curious to learn more.
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