I’m thrilled to have fellow Little Lamb author Jean Matthew Hall on the blog today. Let’s dig in to learn about Jean and her picture book God’s Blessings of Fall. This gorgeous book just hit the shelves!

I mean, look at that cover, y’all! 

Tell us a bit about who you are and your book.

 

I’m 70 years old. I’m a retired schoolteacher and principal. Yes, there is meaningful life after retirement. My favorite moments are spent surrounded by my children and grandchildren. Second favorite moments are when a story is bubbling out of my head onto my laptop keyboard.

I’ve been a believer in Jesus for more than 50 years. I’m so glad He still loves me, forgives me, and teaches me new things about Himself and myself.

 

What sparked those first thoughts of your book?

 

I am enamored with God’s created world. I enjoy observing the changes in the seasons. So, following the adage “write what you know” I began a story about my four-year old grandson running through the yard on a crisp autumn day.

 

Was there a particular moment when you decided to pursue the publishing of God’s Blessings of Fall? Or was it a series of events?

 

I wrote the first awful draft of this book more than ten years ago. I wanted it to be published from the beginning, but it had so much evolving to do, and had so much learning to do to make it strong enough to be a book.

 

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

 

Hmmm. Read and keep reading.

 

Do you have upcoming projects?

 

God’s Blessings of Fall are scheduled to be followed by three more books: God’s Blessings of Spring, of Summer and of Winter. I’m also working on other picture books that have not yet been contracted.

 

Where can readers connect with you online? Where can readers purchase your book?

 

My website is http://www.jeanmatthewhall.com

My blog about picture books and writing is at the same address.

On Facebook I’m Jean Matthew Hall Author.

On Twitter I’m Jean_Hall.

On Pinterest I’m JeanMatthew_Hall.

 

My book is available through online stores like Barnes & Noble and Amazon; from my publisher Little Lamb Books; and at most bookstores. If you don’t see it on the shelf please ask them to order it for you.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Jean. Congratulations on your picture book release!

 

Readers, we will leave you with some of Jean’s favorite things. 

 

Dessert: 

Cheesecake brownies

 

Place to Vacation:   

a lake cabin with quiet, peace, and solitude

 

Word:                  

That’s impossible to decide. It’s the word that fits exactly into whatever language hole I’ve created at that moment. But I do like the sound of “Jabberwocky” and “dirigible” and “didgeridoo.”

 

Book:                   

The Bible and whatever book I’m currently reading. I like historical fiction especially from the Middle Ages.

 

Season:               

Fall – I love the smells of cinnamon and cornbread, the crisp air, the tastes of apples and pumpkins, and the feel of sweaters, flannel and fleece.

 

TV Show:            

I watch very little T.V. Sometimes I’ll watch and old movie while I crochet.

 

Animal:                

I love the feel of a large dog curled up beside me with its head on my lap.

 

Restaurant:       

Probably Outback.

 

Color:                   

Oh, my! Blues for my home, reds for me to wear.

 

Want to know more?

Jean Matthew Hall has spent most of her life singing songs, reading books, playing games, cutting, coloring and gluing with children of all ages. And, she loves it! Creating encouraging board books and picture books is her idea of fun, but her favorite times are spent with her eight grandchildren.

Jean’s picture book God’s Blessings of Fall debuted in September 2019. It is the first in her Bountiful Blessings series about the four seasons.