I was absolutely thrilled to sit and chat with Thelia Hutchinson, my guest on this episode of Showing Up to the Page.
Thelia Hutchinson is a registered nurse, mom, poet, and children’s author. She is a Penn State, Harcum College, and FIT alumna. Born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx, New York, she currently resides in Pennsylvania. With her love of poetry and the birth of her daughter, Thelia began extending her love of writing into children’s books. When she is not writing, she loves to read, cook, watch Christmas and rom-com movies, including K-dramas and C-dramas, and spend time with her family. She loves all things pink. Thelia is a member of SCBWI, Mighty Kid Lit, and PBbubs. More Than You Imagine (Soaring Kite Books/Lerner Publishing Group, 2024) is her debut picture book and a 2024 winner of the Northern Lights Book Awards in the Family Category.
She is a kind, talented creator who supports other creators in our kidlit community any chance she gets. We laughed and laughed throughout our conversation, and it felt like such a warm reminder of why I love doing this series.
🎬 Check out our video. (Forgive the sound issues, as we were experiencing some tech difficulties.)
Thelia stays creatively connected by reading picture books and romance novels and watching engaging shows. Her young daughter inspires her, and she often writes with her in mind, adding a beautiful layer to her storytelling.
She also holds tightly to her community and looks to them for encouragement when she needs it most. During her work life, she jots down ideas whenever she can. Working overnight shifts can be long and exhausting, and when she gets home, she is often completely drained, but she still finds time to keep her words going.
Sometimes it is messy, and she is a pantser, not a planner, and that is okay. We actually have a lot in common there, Thelia. 😊
🌊 Go with the flow
💬 Share your ideas with critique partners
✏️ Keep revising your work and trust the process
📚 Find ways to unwind after a long day or shift, whether that’s reading picture books, romance novels, or watching engaging shows
💛 Don’t give up
🪽 Keep spreading your wings
✨ “The journey may be rough, but the road will still take you there.”
So much of what we do can be a lonely process, whether it’s “butt in chair” or being alone in your thoughts.
But since starting this series, I've realized the best part is connection.
Reaching out to other writers and creators may seem challenging at first, but it’s really the best thing I’ve done.
I put myself and my words out there and, like my writing, hope for connection, growth, and maybe even a little magic. Every time I reach out, I’m reminded that this journey doesn’t have to be lonely.
We’re all in this together, cheering each other on, word by word.✨
Thelia is generously giving away a copy of her beautiful book, More Than You Imagine, to one lucky winner who comments on this post below.
To enter, simply leave a comment.
I will post the winner on my page next week. Good luck! 🎉
Thank you again, Thelia, for being part of this community with me and for sharing your time, heart, and creativity.❤️
Thanks for checking out Showing Up to the Page. I hope something in this conversation makes it feel a little easier to keep going and keep creating.
Thanks for being here with me.
Sonrisas,
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