Bethlehem Barn was one of the (two) winners in the Children’s (Early to intermediate readers) category of the 2022 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Debra Westgate-Silva.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Bethlehem Barn was published November 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
Ancient legends tell us that for one hour on Christmas Eve, animals are given the gift of speech. If we could have heard the animals on that very first Christmas Eve, what do you think they would have said?
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Based on an ancient legend that for one hour on Christmas Eve, animals are given the gift of speech, Bethlehem Barn is a lighthearted, fun retelling of the traditional Christian Christmas story from the animals’ point of view.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
About eleven years ago, during a Christmas Eve sermon, the minister referenced the ancient legend that became the foundation for this story: for one hour on Christmas Eve, animals are given the gift of speech. That was all I needed! My mind was off and running: What would the animals have said on that very first Christmas Eve? How would the cow have felt when she realized a baby was in her food trough? How would the animals know who the baby was? I immediately knew it would make a great children’s book. I wanted to create a fun story, so children would want to read it again and again, that focused on the true meaning of Christmas and the spirit of giving, caring, and community.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The barn animals all have distinct personalities, and maybe there’s a little bit of all of them in me. Cow is hungry and therefore slightly grumpy; Chicken is frazzled; Bird is patient and wise; Sheep just wants peace and quiet; and Donkey is full of energy and wants to play.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
My hope is that Bethlehem Barn will warm the hearts of readers–of all ages–with the true spirit of Christmas.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I have always wanted to be a writer–even before I could spell. I remember asking my parents and older sister how to spell words so I could write stories; I would go from person to person, until they got tired of my questions. I remember another time, probably sometime in early elementary school, when I looked for a publisher in the local phone book and sent something off in the mail. Since we didn’t have a publishing company in my home town, I’m guessing I probably sent my handwritten story to a printing company. They did respond though: my first rejection letter at age eight.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m sole proprietor of a small business that provides grant writing services. I’ve also worked in public education for many years and in child advocacy and welfare.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
I think the best part of being an indie is the ability to make it happen! That is also the hardest part—it involves a lot of independent work that requires research, planning, organization, and initiative. So far, I’ve loved every minute of it.