Stephanie Mund: 10 Questions with the Author

On March 8, Stephanie Mund is releasing her debut children’s book, The Love Light. I am so inspired by her journey toward publication and growth as a writer. Stephanie and I both work for the same school district and at one point were neighbors as well.

The Love Light was inspired by the uncertainty of the pandemic and offers a story of hope and encouragement for young readers.

To purchase a copy of The Love Light check out Stephanie’s website.

Stephanie’s love light shines bright in her first grade classroom and I am so looking forward to seeing how her debut book will brighten the lives of her readers as well.

10 Questions with Stephanie Mund

1. Where did you get the ideas or inspiration for your book?

During the summer of 2020 the world felt so heavy and uneasy.  I could feel the shift, like a boat capsizing.  Everything was turning upside down and people weren’t sure how to move on.  On a morning jog the book began to unfold.  If I could paint a visual picture the words seemed to tumble out of Heaven, falling from the sky and right into my heart.  God reminded me of the very words I speak to my first graders and my own girls every single day, “Shine your light!”  

2. What is your favorite genre to read? How many books do you read monthly/annually?

I read everything my first graders are reading!  I love both fiction and non-fiction.  When reading for my own pleasure outside of my classroom, I enjoy non-fiction books.  I love learning new things!  I try to read at least one book a month, but when writing and publishing a book as well as being a teacher, mom and wife full time, it’s a miracle if that happens! 🙂

3. Describe your process of landing an agent.

I am published through a hybrid publishing company, so I don’t technically have an agent.  All of my communication is with my publisher and CEO as well as my marketing manager.

4. What was the process like as you queried publishers? 

I went back and forth on whether to self-publish or traditionally publish.  I know a few friends that self-published and they shared with me how difficult it was, however, researching traditional publishing I found it could take years to get your book published in the current market.  Then I came across BiblioKid Publishing, a hybrid publishing company.  They do so much of the legwork, but you still have a say in everything.  It was a perfect fit!

5. How long did the editing process take? What all did it entail?

The editing process took around two months to complete.  My book went through 5 edits.  My book started with 847 words and ended up with 305!  I also had to change my story from 1st POV to 2ndPOV.  I had a lot to learn about writing a children’s book!

6. What tools do you use to strengthen your craft?

The biggest tool that helped me during my experience with The Love Light was my publisher, Brooke.  I attended her KidLit Launch School during my publishing process and learned so much about the marketing side of publishing a book.  This has truly made all the difference in getting my book out to the world.  

7. What was it like to open that first box of your books? Describe the feelings and thoughts involved.

I actually did two unboxings.  I wanted to share the first moment with my husband and my girls.  They’ve walked every inch of this journey with me and have been an intricate part of this book.  Opening the first box was very surreal.  It was like all of my hard work was coming to fruition at that very moment.  I was truly watching my dreams come true!  Right away my girls started screaming and jumping up and down!  Tenley began to read it out loud and I just stood there crying. It was pretty amazing.  My second unboxing was with my first graders.  That was so fun!  They too have walked this journey with me and I felt like they needed to be a part of this as well.  After all, they’re the ones I wrote The Love Light for!

8. What are you looking forward to in your future as an author?

Through this journey of my first book I have discovered such a love for writing!  I believe having the courage to step out and be vulnerable was the push I needed.  I actually have a second book started and the title for a third.  

9. What does your writing practice look like?

I’m definitely not the traditional writer!  So far, all of my books have started with the title.  From there the message appears and then the story unfolds.  

10. What advice do you have for writers who dream of a published book?

Go for it!  Be brave and courageous.  Be willing to accept constructive criticism and grow not only as a writer, but as a person.  In life there are so many opportunities to grow if we’re willing!  Anything is possible with God!

The Ameri Brit Mom