Introduce yourself; who are you and what types of books do you write?
My name is Stephanie Henson and I am originally from Central NJ where I have a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University. I’ve lived in West Chester, PA for over 20 years with my husband, two children, and two dogs. I love Sunflowers, Iced Coffee, Philly Sports, and all things related to Writing. I am also a member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter).
I write Lyrical Picture books (most which are SEL based) and Coming of Age Contemporary Upper Middle Grade and Lower YA in Verse (Young Teen Lit).
What are your books about?
My books are mostly realistic, SEL in nature, and deal with the many emotions/themes kids tend to deal with as they grow up such as identity, faith, mental health, bullying, friend dynamics, and more. I do write the occasional humor piece and always try to incorporate poetry into my work. Poetry is the backbone of everything that I write.
What was the inspiration behind writing your first book?
“No School, My Rules!” was my debut picture book which came out in 2024 with Tielmour Press and is a Tielmour Press Best Seller! It also won several industry/writing awards. It is a lyrical tale of a little girl who does not want to go to school and makes up her own set of rules as to why she shouldn’t have to go. School refusal and realizing the value of education are the main themes. The story is based on my own experiences as a child as well as that of my son when he was younger. He did not want to go to school and one day said, “If Elsie (our dog) does not have to go to school, then I don’t have to go either.” This interaction with my son set the whole story in motion and there is even a spread in the book with dogs.
What did you learn while writing your second book?
“Tall as the Sun” is my second picture book coming from Watchful Wizard Publishing in May, and I learned that inspiration is all around us. The book is about growing with your imagination on the beach and came about because I observed a little girl on her dad’s shoulders who was mesmerized by everything she was seeing that day. My book was born because of her and that notion of inspiration being everywhere, even when you least expect it, since I was just lounging on the beach when the idea came.
I also learned that structure is important and that you need to be consistent when you write so kids know what is coming next in the story. I love a good refrain!
What is the most rewarding part of being an author?
I love getting my emotions out on the page. I tend to be very emotional and my mind is constantly going so having that outlet of writing saves my sanity sometimes.
But mostly, I love author events where I can interact with kids. My main motivation is to write things where kids can see themselves and know they are not alone. Seeing their reactions to me and my work is so rewarding. One little girl even told me she wants to be a writer now after reading “No School, My Rules!”
What elements do you think make for a good story?
I love poetry and lyrical writing so I love stories that really play around with language and use different poetic devices. Heart and humor are also a big plus. Illustrations that help make the story come alive are also really important.
What is the hardest part of being an author for you?
Waiting and imposter syndrome tend to go hand in hand. Publishing is a slow process so doubts about your ability can creep in as a result. I also struggle with writer’s block sometimes so it can be frustrating when the words just do not flow.
What is your current writing project?
I just finished a Winter themed lyrical picture book that I am really excited about. It should go on submission soon. My current WIP is an Upper Middle Grade Novel in Verse that is holiday themed. In addition to picture books, I write novels in verse for the tween/teen audience, which I like to call Young Teen Lit.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Invest in yourself – take the webinars, the craft classes, and attend conferences when possible. Always learning and growing. I also really liked the advice that you don’t always need to take the first offer presented to you, trust your gut, and if something feels off, it probably isn’t the right opportunity.
Where can readers discover more about you and your books?
I am having a new writing focused website developed as we speak, so I am hoping that it will be where people will be able to find me soon. In the meantime, I am very active on social media:
Instagram: @stephahenson https://www.instagram.com/stephahenson/
Twitter/X: @stepha_henson https://x.com/stepha_henson
Tik Tok: @shenson0216 https://www.tiktok.com/@shenson0216
"Tall as the Sun" - Watchful Wizard Publishng (COMING SOON) https://www.watchfulwizardpublishing.com/children