The Author Spotlight Series shines a light on writers creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their books and why they do what they do.

 

Click Here to follow the series as it progresses.

 

To submit an author for consideration, email editors@myentertainmentworld.ca.

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“Amanda Morin is a physiotherapist. Her children’s book Move With Nature is a lovely book that encourages kids to exercise by taking cues from nature. For example, doing “squats” like frogs”.

 

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Becoming a writer was a slow and slightly unexpected process for me. I was never very good at writing essays in school, but I always had lots of fun when I could write and express myself in a way that represented me. Over the course of my education, writing mainly focused on technical science and research-based styles—which isn’t all that creative or expressive. To be truthful, I still don’t see myself as a writer. Perhaps it’s a bad case of imposter syndrome, or perhaps it’s just that I am someone who likes to follow her passions when I’m inspired. This book was, and remains, my passion project. It was created in a time when the world allowed people to explore new and different things. For me, that new thing was bringing to life a vision for a book that I know and believe can make a difference.

 

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?

The first thing I ever really took the time to write was probably some cheesy childhood journal entry about a boy I liked or about playing soccer. Clearly, they weren’t very memorable. However, the first thing I ever wrote that resonated with not only me, but also those around me, was a poem for my grandmother. In grade 7 we were asked to write a poem about a hero or someone who inspired us. My grandma passed away when I was 7 and although my time with her was short, it was incredibly sweet. The legacy she left behind was, and remains to this day, something that inspires me. This was one of the first times I used words as a source of healing. It was the first time I used words to really express myself in a courageous and vulnerable way. In that process I felt connected to her and it made me see how impactful words can be. To this day my poem hangs on the wall of my grandmother’s Mausoleum.

 

How did you develop your skills? 

Anything that requires your time and energy should be something that brings you joy and adds value to your life. I never wanted writing to feel like work. In this spirit, I only write when I am in a positive space, feeling motivated and have the capacity to pour myself into it. I think most people would agree that writing comes easy when you are inspired! Funny enough though, one of the things I pride myself on is knowing a wild amount of song lyrics from a vast variety of genres, spanning many decades. I always joke that I should have been a songwriter; specifically, a rapper because I love to rhyme. Likely this helped me with the flow and rhyming of my book. Drop a sweet beat and it could be turned into a song!

 

Who are some of your biggest literary influences? Do you have a favourite book/author?

Wow, this is a loaded question because as a child I was quite literally OBSESSED with my books. I used to sit squished on the floor of my closet consuming books for hours. I spent so much time “taking care of” my books and I mean that in every sense of the phrase. I would sort my books in different ways, based on color, alphabetically by author, or title, by size, by type, by my personal enjoyment ranking… so many ways! I loved my books so much that I never let others borrow them because they could damage the pages or crease the spines. Looking back now, one of the most fun books I read as a child was, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. It was practically a song, it rhymed, and I thought it was hilarious. This may have influenced the writing style of my own book. But as I got older, I looked for books that had characters I could relate to. Harry Potter, specifically Hermione Granger, was a character I immediately connected with—a curly haired, intelligent (nerdy), outspoken student. For the first time I felt seen and represented in a book.

 

How would you describe your work?

Great question, I feel like my work would be described as fun, meaningful, accessible, and inclusive.

 

What’s your writing process like?

My writing process is all about slow and steady. It’s about finding time in those moments of inspiration to put pen to paper (or fingers to keys). But it’s also very collaborative. Ideas are strengthened with co-creation and support from others. I like to bounce my ideas and visions off those around me, especially my partner and my sister!

 

Tell us about your most recent book. 

Move with Nature encourages children to exercise using easy-to-mimic movements seen in nature. The book follows a dynamic full-body movement routine, which I curated based on my knowledge of child development as a Registered Physiotherapist. Each page features the inclusive and beautiful illustrations by Hannah Bursey. The diverse imagery simplifies movements and normalizes exercise for children of all ages and abilities…all while having fun! The diversity found within the book is the part I am the most proud of. It is my hope that every child can see themselves in one or more of the characters.

 

What are you working on now/next?

My next steps are to promote this book and get as many eyes and ears on it as possible. My dream would be to get it into schools and childhood development facilities to encourage movement, exercise and of course, appreciation for the beautiful world around us! I think this book is an incredible tool for educators, child rehabilitation specialists, and childcare providers of all types.