Today we’d like to introduce you to Chante Thomas.
Hi Chante, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins when I was in Graduate School at John Carroll University. I was working on my master’s degree in education, and I took a children’s literature survey course. I never really thought about the deficit in children’s literature with relatable characters that looked like me; it was just the way things were. After doing some research for this course, which involved reading a lot of children’s books, I knew I wanted to write some of the stories that I had been carrying around in my brain. Pen to paper, I wrote Where I’m From. I could not secure a traditional publishing deal for this amazing story, so I tucked it away in my files. I wrote other stories, but they also were kept neatly in my unfinished projects drawer.
In 2017, I met someone who changed my life. I was connected with Jennifer Price Davis by her sister, a fellow mom friend of mine. Jennifer held my hand, illustrated my first two books, and taught me everything she knew about self-publishing, I always had the writing bug, but I had a fear of the unknown. Would people like my stories? Would children smile when the met my characters? And most importantly, would they be inspired because they saw someone who looked and solved problems just like them? Once my books were published, I knew that I had to keep writing and share these stories that were tucked inside. I started a publishing company called Bucket List Publishers. I have written four books and two coloring books. My mission is ‘To create diverse bookshelves, one book at a time.’
My most recent book, Sean and the Book Cures The Great Sacrifice…Can You Spare a Kidney? is a very sweet book about organ donation. This book and I are traveling to the 2023 Buckeye Book Fair in November! I have been interviewed by LifeBanc and featured in their podcast. I was featured in the Donate Life Magazine, and I have partnered with MOTTEP and the Ohio Kidney Foundation to get these books into the hands of youth and families. I’ve been told that this story is a must-have for families and children who have a family member who is sick and may need an organ transplant. This was a tough story to write, but it isn’t scary; it’s full of hope. I want to continue spread hope and love with all of my stories.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the biggest obstacle was me believing in myself. I wasn’t sure that my stories would resonate with kids, and I did not know how to tell everyone, here I am! I started selling my book (books) at local events, festivals, anywhere vendors were invited, I would go. Sometimes I would sell lots of books and other times nothing. I had to keep talking to people and learn about opportunities. I’m still struggling to get my books in places that will benefit kids, like schools, after-school literacy programs, etc. I feel like things are moving in the right direction, so I’m being patient.
A few things that were struggles for me on the self-publishing end involved the last book. I did not use an editor, and I should have, so I had several incorrect printings of the book because I rushed to the finish line. So, I’m trying to remind myself to be patient and make sure the outcomes are exactly what I want before pressing send.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I want you to know that I am beginning my 29th year as a teacher of 5th-grade students. I am so proud of the relationships I’ve developed and the fact that they are super excited to know that their teacher is an author. I try to encourage these young writers in any way that I can. I’m proud of my inaugural work with a girls’ group. We are teaching them to tell their own stories. I was able to introduce these girls to some amazing women guest speakers last year, and I hope this work continues.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Representation is so important. Not only do we need to see characters that look like us, but we need to see characters that are in our world who may not look like us. Please support stories by authors like me. We are breaking down barriers and building love and understanding.
Pricing:
- Where I’m From Hardcover- $25
- Go To School Tommy Paperback-$15
- Sean and The Book Cures Paperback $15
- …Can You Spare A Kidney? – $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chantethomasbooks.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com@chantethomasbooks
- Facebook: facebook.com@chantethomasbooks
