Interview by Shannon Barnes
Tell us about your latest book or a project you are working on.My most recent book is Jenny's Concrete Powwow. It tells the story of a young Urban Indigenous girl who attends her very first powwow on her First Nation. Although she is hesitant at first, she quickly develops a strong sense of belonging and connection to the land, her culture, and her heritage.
When she returns to the city, however, she realizes she is missing that same sense of connection. The story follows her journey as she discovers ways to stay connected to her culture while living in a busy urban environment.
This book, along with my previous title, Charlie the Matachewan Moose, and other projects I am currently working on, explores the question of identity. I strive to tell stories from perspectives that are still underrepresented in children's literature. These are experiences I know firsthand, and I want young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process might be a little unusual. Before I ever put pen to paper, or cursor to screen, I need to have the character names and the entire story clearly developed in my mind. I spend many of my drives home from work thinking about my stories and the messages I want to convey.
With Jenny's Concrete Powwow, I actually didn't begin writing until I had chosen the name Jenny. I remember it was my Aunt Jenn's birthday, and once that name came to me, everything else seemed to click into place. After that, I simply sat down and wrote the story that had already been living so clearly in my head.
Of course, just because the story is fully formed in my head doesn't mean the work is done. After the first draft comes what feels like an endless series of revisions, edits, and rewrites. I also have a habit of recruiting my husband, mom, nana and other family members or friends as unofficial editors, which means they're often reading and rereading my work more times than they'd probably like. By the time a book is published, they've usually heard the story enough times to know it by heart!
How did you first get published?
For my first book, I sent out countless manuscripts. I believed in the story so strongly, yet I received rejection after rejection. Eventually, I realized that I was sending Indigenous stories to mainstream publishing companies that could not fully appreciate the cultural significance and deeper meaning behind my words.
That's when I submitted Charlie the Matachewan Moose to Strong Nations Publishing. Within weeks, I received a message expressing their interest. They believed in the story and worked closely with me to help develop it and bring its message to life.
When I later wrote Jenny's Concrete Powwow, I knew I wanted to focus on Indigenous publishers. Medicine Wheel Publishing immediately understood that Jenny's story would resonate with many urban Indigenous families and that it offered a perspective that was not widely represented in children's books.
What I appreciate most about working with both publishers is that they genuinely believe in the messages behind these stories. Their support has not only helped me grow as an author, but has also strengthened my own connection to culture and community.
What do you like about writing for young people?
I have two young children of my own, ages four and seven, and while they may not always have the right words to express themselves, they certainly have big feelings.
What I love about writing for young people is that it allows me to give children the language to understand and describe their own experiences. Through stories, I can help put words to complex emotions or concepts in ways that are relatable, meaningful, and accessible.
On a more personal level, I love hearing my children proudly tell people that I am their "author mom." That's a pretty special feeling.
Tell us about writers who inspire you.
This one is simple.
I write about what I know: my own experiences. I initially began writing as a way to better understand and validate my own feelings about identity. What I quickly discovered, however, was that these stories were also validating the experiences of many others who shared similar journeys.
I am inspired by the stories that haven't yet been told and by the people who have not yet seen themselves reflected in books. Those are the stories that motivate me to keep writing. Well, that and hearing my children’s praise, of course.
For more information, follow Shawna Lee Corbould on Instagram @shawnalee_corbould.
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Disclaimer
Interview responses reflect the views of the interview subjects. Opinions and views expressed by interview subjects are their own and are published as part of the CCBC’s coverage of Canadian children’s books and creators. Please see our Editorial Policy for further details.