Over Our Hearts was the winner in the Parenting (Child Care/Family) category of the 2020 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Shana Lynn Schmidt.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Over Our Hearts: a mother’s journey learning to listen in.
What’s the book’s first line?
It was past 11:00pm when she called me into her bedroom. “Mom.” “Mom!” “MOM!” In the dark of our bedroom, I quietly asked my husband if she was calling for me. He verified that she was indeed calling for me. I stumbled from bed feeling irritated about missing sleep, simultaneously recognizing the pattern of the call and feeling grateful for the quiet moments in the dark with my baby.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
It’s about the roller coaster ride of loving a child unconditionally while battling societal belief systems about teen pregnancy.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A few friends encouraged me to write. Once I got started I felt incredibly free as I released all of my emotions from the previous four years.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
My daughter and I are the main characters.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
To find the courage to battle against societal beliefs and listen to their heart, especially when it comes to their child(ren). If they don’t have a child, maybe they have a friend or family member who goes against what society views as ‘right’.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Jennifer Garner & Lili Reinhart
When did you first decide to become an author?
I pretended I was an author as a child, however I took my first step two years ago as I gained the courage to share our story.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m a Licensed Counselor and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
About an hour each day.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is not having input from others regarding design, story, or number of books sold. The hardest part is self-promotion.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would. The idea of someone else promoting the book sounds like a dream.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Freedom.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Anne Lamott.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
None other than my own.