The Children’s Book Review Interview in partnership with Taylor Thompson, the author of Seams
Taylor Thompson, intrigued by Scandinavian culture, writes SEAMS, her first adventure fantasy book. She loves storytelling and finds creative writing her best form of therapy and self-expression. Taylor is a college student in north Florida studying English. Her dream job is to be a full-time author or own a coffee shop with a bookstore.
Taylor, you’re currently a college student. What inspired you to want to write for children?
Taylor Thompson: I began writing SEAMS shortly after I started college because I love to read and make up my own stories. It’s always been my favorite hobby. I did not plan to publish SEAMS at first. In fact, I gave up on it for a while because writing and being in school is a challenge. I was inspired to write for children because of my childhood love of books. I hope to inspire young readers because literature isn’t valued as it once was.
What was the specific inspiration for your book SEAMS?
I was inspired by exploring folklore from different countries, specifically Norway. I didn’t know much about Norse mythology until researching it. My dad’s family has Norwegian roots, which made me want to learn more about it. I wanted to use mythology to explore the idea that being self-reliant is not healthy. Everyone needs to have people in their lives. I wanted to use Ingrid’s story to show young readers how especially important family is. I don’t think families are as valued today as they should be.
Your protagonist is a young, self-reliant girl coming of age at the same time when her mother becomes ill. What would you like readers to know about this character?
I would like readers to know that Ingrid has a lot of good qualities. She is independent, strong, brave, loyal, and caring. Her independence isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes she takes it too far. I want readers to learn that it’s okay to ask for help and not be strong all the time.
Embarking on a quest with her siblings, Ingrid encounters creatures shrouded in myth and legend who try to hinder their progress. Danger lurks around every corner as they face fearsome beasts, rugged terrain, trolls, witches, and elven secrets. Do you see these elements of the story as being entertainment factors or more symbolic of Ingrid’s experiences? Why?
I put the mythological creatures into the story for entertainment to some extent. I know that I like reading about things like that and it makes the story more interesting. I think they can represent obstacles in the real world that many people experience. There’s always challenges in life that can lead to big changes.
Will this story be a stand-alone book? Or will it become part of a series?
I wrote the story to stand alone, but I could also see myself writing two more books. If I do write more, I would like to explore more of Ingrid’s struggles as well as the characters of Aaren, Linnea, and Sven. When I read, I love it when authors explore supporting characters.
What advice do you have for teachers and educators who might want to use your book in the classroom?
I think that this story can be a fun read and teach valuable lessons as well. I think the most important lesson that can be learned is how important helping others is.
What were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of writing this story?
I’m so happy that I didn’t give up on this story. It taught me a lot about what it means to be an author. Writing has always been fun for me, but rewriting and fixing my mistakes is certainly a challenge! Thankfully, I had help! Overall, it taught me perseverance!
Did you read books similar to SEAMS as a child? Are there favorites you can recommend to readers who enjoyed reading your book?
I did read some books that have similarities to SEAMS while growing up. I loved reading The Chronicles of Narnia, which takes place in a fascinating fantasy world and also revolves around the adventures of siblings. I also enjoyed reading books with strong female characters, such as Anne of Green Gables and The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate.
What is your favorite children’s book? Why?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is my favorite children’s book. I relate to each March sister in a different way. It’s beautifully written and so timeless. I love how much they value their family and support each other!
Is there anything else you feel we should know about SEAMS, yourself, or your writing?
I’m so grateful for the journey of writing this book, I hope to write more in the future! Being an author has been a goal of mine for a long time and it’s so exciting for me to see a dream becoming a reality! I hope that my stories are something that young readers can enjoy and relate to.
SEAMS was published in 2022 by ABC Book Publishers, Inc. and can be purchased on Amazon.com and through Taylor’s author website at https://taylorthompsonbooks.com/.
Seams
Written by Taylor Thompson
Ages 8+ | 100 Pages
Publisher: ABC Book Publishers | ISBN-13: 9780986190360
Publisher’s Book Summary: In the cold northern country, a young, self-reliant Ingrid comes of age at the same time when her mother becomes ill. For as long as she can remember, she just wanted to tend to her sheep and live a quiet life. But a sinister figure warns Ingrid that darkness is coming and will alter her world in more ways than one could ever imagine.
Embarking on a quest with her siblings to save their mom, they encounter creatures shrouded in myth and legend who try to hinder their progress. Facing fearsome beasts, rugged terrain, trolls, witches, and elven secrets, Ingrid can’t help but wonder if they will ever make it home.
Refusing to be distracted on their perilous journey with dangers lurking around every corner, Ingrid has an agonizing choice to make as she learns of long-held secrets… but will she make the right one?
Seams, by Taylor Thompson, is filled with adventure, magic, mysterious creatures, and suspense.
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Read this exclusive article written by Taylor Thompson: How Authors Put Little Pieces of Themselves into Characters
