Interview With An Author – Alma Hammond

by | Sep 1, 2018 | Interviews

Interview With An Author – Alma Hammond

For those that are new to the Boley Books Family, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself . . .

I’m Kami Boley—the featured author and creative director behind boleybooks.com. If you would like to learn more about me and my projects, please tour our website. I’d love to hear from you!

Today, I am pleased to explore the realm of Children’s books and introduce you to Alma Hammond.

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Alma Hammond

Alma Hammond

Author

Alma is the oldest female of eight children. She spent a good part of her childhood growing up in Charlotte, NC, writing plays for the neighborhood kids, posting entries to her diary, and concocting all sorts of poems and tales to keep the younger children in her family entertained.  She is the author of two children’s books, “Super Rooster and Wonder Cat” and “Andre, The Five Star Cat,” published by her own small press, Sweetbeet Books, started in January of 2017. She chose the name “Sweetbeet” as this was what she called her sons, now in their 20s, when they were little. Her books in the “Travel with Me” series teach of other cultures and geographies – with the themes of diversity, friendship, acceptance of others, self-esteem, and gratitude.  Alma will release a new picture book in the Fall of 2018 called, “Zetta the Poinsettia.” All of Alma’s children’s books are written to entertain both the adult and child, and are inspired by real-life observations.
 
Alma currently lives in Bethesda, MD with her husband Bob, dog Stazi, and two cats Violet and Daisy.  She enjoys hiking, yoga, and traveling to far away places to collect inspirations for her next children’s book.
—How did you discover you were a writer?
 
I was nine years old and our fourth grade class was given an assignment in English class to write a fiction piece.   I flooded pages and pages with text, handing in a piece of work I was quite proud of.  Unfortunately, a few days later, the teacher announced she had lost the assignments and could not grade them.  I was devastated (still am).  
 
—How many books have you written and what are their titles?
 
Two picture books so far, both for children 3 – 8 and in the “Travel with Me” series –“ Andre the Five-Star Cat” and “Super Rooster and Wonder Cat”.   Both books are published by my small press, “Sweetbeet Books.”
 
—What was your favorite childhood book?  
 
Amelia Bedelia and the Little House on the Prarie series.
 
—Tell us about a pivotal book you read as a teenager?
 
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  I gobbled up the book in one week at a family beach trip when I was 14.  I enjoyed stepping into the world of Francie, whose excitement for reading and learning inspired me.
 
—What genre of books are you most drawn to and why?
 
Historical Fiction.  I love learning about history through vivid descriptions, a story line, and dialogue.   
 
—What is the best money you ever spent as a writer?
 
Top dollar on a great illustrator who brought my main character to life.
 
—Where do you find inspiration when you feel blocked?
 
I am most inspired to write sitting in my kitchen office, watching the birds outside the window, with my cats at my feet.
 
—Do you hide secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
 
I can’t say that I do.  However, I like my books to be multi-dimensional so that there is something for everyone, which could offer surprise. These may include facts about creatures or geographies that may even surprise the parent, or a page to color of one of the scenes of the book.
 
—What activities do you enjoy when you’re not writing?
 
I enjoy reading, yoga, hiking, and traveling to meet new inspirations for my children’s books.
 
—What was your last project?
 
A picture book that will come out in the Fall of 2018 called, “Zetta the Poinsettia.”  It is about a poinsettia plant that finds her worth after the holidays.  This is an uplifting book about hope and self-worth that I am hoping will appeal to all ages.
 
—What is your next project?
 
Another picture book for the “Travel with Me” series, set in Spain staring an animal I have yet to encounter (trip planned for August 13 to September 28).
 
—How can readers connect with you?
 
ALMA HAMMOND/SWEETBEET BOOKS WEBSITE:
 
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:
 
ALMA HAMMOND FANS-
 
TWITTER:
 
GOODREADS:
 
“SWEETBEET READS” READER AND WRITER GROUP

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A picture book that will come out in the Fall of 2018 called, “Zetta the Poinsettia.” It is about a poinsettia plant that finds her worth after the holidays.  This is an uplifting book about hope and self-worth that I am hoping will appeal to all ages.

Learn More . . .

We want to thank you for joining us today for this lovely Introduction to Alma and her work.

Please remember . . . the best compliment you can give an author is to read and leave a helpful review.

We have many awesome interviews with authors and other creatives coming soon to entertain and educate    stay tuned.

Happy Reading and Writing!!

Kami Boley and the Boley Books Team

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