Getting to Know Sally Meadows

The Write Way Café welcomes Sally Meadows, author of the children's book, The Two Trees, which draws on her life experiences and her passions.

When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? 
I have always wanted to write, from when I was a little girl. I have been fortunate that of the careers I have had—including scientific editor and educator—there has been plenty of opportunities to work with words. But it was when I was working with northern Saskatchewan schools and students ten years ago that I first had a burning desire to write a children’s book. The idea for that book was based on a project our office was supporting—the building of an energy efficient home that combined traditional Metis building materials and techniques with the latest green technology. I am still debating about writing that book, because it showcases the strengths of a demographic—Aboriginal youth—that is both overlooked and underrepresented in children’s stories.

What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
About six years ago I took a course from award-winning YA/children’s author Alice Kuipers about writing a children’s picture book. After tossing around a few ideas (including the one above), I decided to write a story about a boy on the autism spectrum as told from the younger sibling’s perspective. I felt very encouraged by my classmates and instructor, and decided to look into publishing the story. It took a few years, but my first children’s picture book The Two Trees was finally published in April 2015. I wanted to publish the book quickly so I could earn additional income doing school presentations. So I decided to go with a blended publisher that functions somewhere between a royalty publisher and indie publishing.

Where did the idea for your story come from? 
I am a former teacher and am familiar with the challenges of children on the autism spectrum, ranging from those who have multiple disabilities and cognitive challenges, to highly functional and/or gifted. I also happen to be a parent of the latter. One day I was staring out the window, upset with the bullying that was happening to my son. I saw that one of the two trees my children planted when they were little was struggling to survive. The contrast between the growths of the two trees became the metaphorical foundation of my story The Two Trees.

Why did you pick the setting you did?
The story begins with the planting of the two trees in the backyard. Much of the action in the story happens here, so we as readers can visually assess the progress, and contrast the growths, of the two trees in parallel with the child with autism struggling to find a place where he can flourish. Other scenes occur within the home and at school, two common places a child can be encouraged and nurtured—or not.

Are your main characters completely imaginary or do they have some basis in real people? Do they reflect aspects of yourself?
The Two Trees is very loosely based on my family’s experience having a child with high-functioning autism in the home. However, there are fundamental differences in personality and ability of the two main characters—Jaxon, who tells the story, and his older brother Syd, who has autism—from any real-life individuals. While there are a few scenes in the book that actually happened—such as the bullying event at school—the majority of the scenes, and the minor characters, were partially or entirely fabricated to serve the narrative of the story. Of course, the two trees, which I consider as important characters in the book, are real. (By the way, they are both thriving and now very tall.)

Did you face any blocks while writing the book, and if so, how did you handle them? 
It was almost two years between finishing the manuscript and starting the process of getting the book published. I had a lot going on during that time, both personally and professionally, and I had to put the manuscript aside for a good year. Further, it had always bothered me that there wasn’t a well-defined critical turning point or climax in my original manuscript. Then one day, one of my children said something to me, and everything clicked into place. Many people now tell me that the scene I added was the one that impacted them the most: when Jaxon says, “I’m tired of being the older younger brother!”

What have been surprises you've encountered while writing the book and after?
Originally my intent was to write a book that might help alert parents that their quirky child might in fact have high-functioning autism, which can be disguised by giftedness. An early diagnosis is always better for the child. Mostly, though, the book has been an excellent tool in introducing school children to what autism is and what they can do to help, including being accepting of, and kind to, others who may be perceived as “different.”

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world; about children with autism.
After The Two Trees was considered for two awards (The Word Awards (Canada, 2016)) and the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award (US, 2015) I felt affirmation that I was on the right path for this season of my life. I write about things that are important to me—my faith, autism awareness, positive stories about Aboriginal students, and connecting to the natural world. Although I wouldn’t call myself housebound—I am out doing school presentations, teaching workshops, and doing music at least some of the time—there are long periods when I feel quite isolated. I don’t mind being alone, but I didn’t expect to miss the social aspect of working outside the home so much! Now I make a concerted effort to build in social time—usually with other writers or musicians! And by the way, the absolute best moments for me as an author are at public events when I meet a child with autism—or their sibling, or friend—who connects with my story.

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
I work from my home and during the day, no one else is around. So I take my computer out of my office area into my big, bright kitchen, and work from there. I love looking out into my tree-filled backyard, where I see lots of birds and the occasional bunny, all year round. It has in part inspired me to focus over the next two years on children’s books about wildlife.

What are some of your favorite books and why?
I am a life-long learner, so I read lots of non-fiction books, usually with topics related to writing, marketing, crafts, health, and faith. I am never without my bible. I also read all kinds of children’s books, which help me discover what I like and don’t like to help inform my own writing. Finally, I read a lot of novels—mostly Christian, and in a wide variety of genres. So just as I am diversified in what I do, I also am diversified in what I read!

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two children’s picture book manuscripts and a middle-years manuscript. All have to do either directly or indirectly with wildlife. I am very, very excited where my career is going over the next year or two. I am also doing a lot of song writing in the first quarter of 2018.  I am really looking forward to getting back into the studio after the success of my most recent radio single “Holy Spirit.”

Would you like to try your hand at writing a different genre?  Which one and why?
My picture books tend to have a serious tone to them, so I would love to write a quirky, fun, imaginative children’s book. Also, although I have never aspired before to write a novel, that is starting to change. After reading some lovely Christmas novellas over the last two holiday seasons, I am inspired to try my hand at something similar.

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
I am blessed to have had several wonderful careers over my lifetime, each of which was perfect at the time. My dream job is to do what I am doing now, but with more interaction with live humans! More income would be nice LOL. I’ve always wanted to work at a kid’s museum. I definitely see all my strengths coming together in a position there.

What aspect of writing gives you the most trouble?
Too many ideas and not enough time! I could work all day and all night! But I don’t, to keep balance in my life. Also, while I enjoy marketing, I find it can very easily eat up my time; I am truly happiest when I am actually creating. Finally, as mentioned above, I find the lack of human interaction during most of my days challenging. But that’s an easy fix, right?

Thanks so much for interviewing me!

Jaxon loves his big brother, but why can't he be like other kids? A poignant story about autism spectrum disorder as told from the perspective of the younger sibling.

The Two Trees Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/thetwotrees

The Two Trees can be purchased at https://sallymeadows.com/store, Amazon or at Amazon Canada.


About Sally:  
     Sally Meadows is an award-winning, multi-award-nominated author, recording artist, and speaker from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Sally writes children's picture books, short stories for adults, informational articles, and inspirational songs. Her work has been shortlisted four times for The Word Awards, Canada's largest and most prestigious awards for Christian writers. Her children's picture book The Two Trees was also considered for the 2015 Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award. Sally is also passionate about photography, incorporating many of her photos into videos and a range of retail products including greeting cards and calendars.
     Sally travels all around her home province (and beyond) speaking to elementary school children about autism and the importance of being a good friend in support of her book The Two Trees (see Speaking page). She passionately supports families that include a child on the autism spectrum.
     Sally also delivers hands-on workshops to adults in various topics related to writing and songwriting (see Speaking page).

http://sallymeadows.com
https://www.facebook.com/SallyMeadowsMusic