Every Breath, Every Blessing by Dorena Williamson

KLiC: What was your inspiration for Every Breath, Every Blessing?

DW: This story is a gem forged through the fire. Three years ago, our community was rocked by the tragedy at Covenant School here in Nashville. In the days following, I journaled my longing and lament. The tension was palpable in our community, balancing the care our young ones needed while acknowledging our own difficult emotions. I perceived how parents and leaders were navigating difficult conversations with children, and I had a heightened awareness of our collective need to wrap ourselves in warmth, love, and reassurance. 

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell this book? 

DW: I wrote reflections during those tender days to comfort my own heart. As a Pastor and leader who regularly shares words in various formats, I considered that the reflections that helped me could also be a blessing for others. 

One of my passions in writing children’s books is shaping perspectives on relevant issues. I realized that a book like this would be in line with the type of work I’ve been pleased to publish. So began the process of editing my reflections and formatting a manuscript.  I was thrilled when HarperCollins imprint Zonderkidz eagerly jumped on board to partner in sharing this story.

KLiC: What are your favorite illustrations in the book?

DW: I always champion rich racial representation, and am pleased with how Paran Kim painted the kids with beautiful skin tones. The presence of a child with a cochlear implant is one of the book’s most precious inclusion. One spread shows a Black mama pushing her daughter on the swing. Their joy wraps around my heart and reminds me to delight in simple pleasures with my loved ones. Illustrating rainy and sunny day scenes helps kids understand how the seasons flow together in life and how we can embrace each day.

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

DW: In the journey of life, we all face ups and downs. I want children (and adults alike) to be empowered to take life one breath at a time and count the blessings in each day.

KLiC: Do you have any tips for pre-published authors?

DW: Place yourself in a community to encourage others and be empowered in your writing journey. Whether it is around shared identity or similar genres, we are better together.
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Be your biggest fan! Stay excited about the words you hope to put out into the world. As often as possible, grow through webinars, conferences, and resources to be ready for the publishing journey.

KLiC: What’s next for you? 
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DW: My tenth picture book, Love Lives On, releases in August. In addition, I am working on collaborative projects and branching into middle-grade writing. I also have non-fiction stories to share with the world. The writing life is a wild and wonderful adventure!​

Dorena Williamson is a best-selling author of nine children's books showing how differences in race, ability, and background can be curiously explored and joyfully celebrated. She is a longtime bridge-builder and clergy in a multicultural faith community in Nashville. She and her family call Smyrna, TN, home.

Visit her at http://dorenawilliamson.com