We recently connected with Thelia Hutchinson and have shared our conversation below.

Thelia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I always loved to write. I remember when I was younger, I used to make up stories with my younger brother’s stuffed animals. I also loved to write poetry. In Middle School, my English teacher gave us an assignment to write a poem. I knew I wanted to do my best, so I worked really hard on that poem. I think it was in that moment I began to write poetry on and off and dabbled in writing more. I admit writing took a back burner for a long time and it wasn’t until my daughter was born that I felt the creative juices come back full force.

I love my daughter very and I wanted to express that love through my words. I decided to write a poem, but then it developed into something more. I realized from reading countless children’s book, that I might have something here. I knew I had to do my researcher and figure out what steps I needed to take for me to succeed. I also had other story ideas I was working. I learned about the SCBWI and joined. I also purchased the book about finding agents/agencies and understanding the process to becoming a writer. I used Google to look up agents and their agencies. I was trying to understand what they were looking for and what they represented.

When a pitching opportunity came up on social media Twitter (X), I participated, and a publisher showed interest. We connected through Zoom and they wanted to acquire my story. I couldn’t believe that Soaring Kite Books wanted to publish my story MORE THAN YOU IMAGINE. From them we connected on a regular basis. I made some changes to story, to enhance it and when they connected to an illustrator for the book, I was floored. I loved Adriana Predoi’s work immediately. Her illustrations were so beautiful and flowed perfectly with the story.

The whole process took roughly two years from the initial email and Zoom to the book coming out. When the book announcement was in Publishers Weekly, it was and still an amazing feeling to see my name and book title. When I finally received my author copy and held my book in my hands, I knew it was all worth it. I had to share it with the world.

I set up book signings with local bookstores, I did many online interviews on various blogs. I created swag for my book (bookmarks, stickers, keychains). People were interested in me and my book. My biggest was getting a spread in the local paper. In addition, my wonderful book was recently honored by the Northern Lights Book Awards as a winner in the family category.

I’m coming up on my one-year anniversary for my book in April and I’m so happy for the amazing year and opportunity.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Thelia Hutchinson. I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica. I lived in the Bronx, New York for years then relocated to Pennsylvania with my family. I work as a registered nurse. I got into this industry because I love to write, even if it was just for myself. I always dabbled in poetry, but when my daughter was born, I wanted to do more.

When I discovered Twitter (X) I discovered other amazing writers. Including those that were already published and that were in same boat as myself. I participated in numerous writing contest, I watched many webinars, I took classes because I wanted to improve on my craft. I know in the beginning I was careless with my work. Thank goodness I found many friends that helped me with the process. Persistence definitely pays off.

In this business there is a lot of rejection. You have to develop a tough skin and try to take it too personal. Not everyone is going to like your work and yes, there will be times that you will doubt yourself and your work, but keep up the process, be consistent. Think positive. Hone your craft.

When I participated in the pitching contest, I waited until the last minute, and I went in with doubts. I have pitched and queried this story before to no avail. When I saw that one heart (like) I was skeptical. I researched a and sent off my story and waited. When I received the email expressing interest from Soaring Kite Books, I couldn’t believe it. My story that I wrote for my daughter was going to be a book.

If I did not query the agent that rejected me, she would not have pointed me to the writing community on social media. Even though I definitely queried too early, I know better now. I have people that help me review my work and give suggestions on how to improve my work. I’m proud of myself for taking a chance and putting myself out there, because you never know.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to definitely get more of my stories out there in the world. Publish more books. I want to see my books in the hands of readers. I want children to enjoy my work. I love to read, and I want others to love to read.

With my book MORE THAT YOU IMAGINE that I wrote for my daughter. My mission was to let her know how much I love her and that I will always be there for her. That was my love letter to my child. I was on a mission to succeed, and I took all the necessary steps.

Of course, getting a book published is hard work, a lot of rejections and a lot of waiting, but then end result is all worth it. Seeing your book on the shelves of bookstores, in the hands of readers or in the library is a wonderful accomplishment

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

At first, I was not sure what I needed to do to build my social media presence. I knew I needed to build my brand, and I admit I am still learning all the necessary ropes. Social media isn’t the only way to grow, but it really does help getting information out there. I initially only had Facebook and Instagram where I was mostly posting pictures of my dog, but when I queried an agent with one of my initial stories (unfortunately, I was rejected) she suggested in the rejection letter to join the writing community on Twitter (now X). I joined and never looked back. I connected with so many wonderful people. I learned about so many different opportunities, likes pitching contest, workshops and all the wonderful books featured. I also learned to build my brand through the connections with others on how they build their audience. We all helped each other.

By participating on social media, that was how I connected with a publisher for my book. I participated in pitching event and my pitch caught the eye of a publisher.

By being on social media, I learned to help better my craft because there was such a wealth of information presented to me every day. I connected with strangers who became writing friends, and it helped a lot when I was promoting my book, launching signing events or sharing information about what I have been up to.

I’ve come along way and now I have a few social media accounts. I try to post daily, (if I have something). It could be a post about my book or just words of encouragement. I feel that everyone needs a little encouragement from time to time.

The best advice I can give to build the social media presence is to post what you can, build friendships with others because they will help you and you will help them. It is definitely a team effort. It you put out content that people like, they will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theliahutchinson.com
• Instagram: @thelia341
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelia.hutchinson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelia-hutchinson-7533bb50/
• Twitter: @TheliaHutchins1
• Other: Bluesky:
  https://bsky.app/profile/theliahutchinson.bsky.socialTik Tok:
  @theliahutchinson