Book Birthday Blog with Tara Michener

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog! 

Where we celebrate new books by Michigan's children's book authors and illustrators

Congratulations to Tara Michener on the release of her new book, I'm Just O.K.!

Congratulations on the release of I’m Just O.K. and welcome to the Book Birthday Blog! What inspired your newest picture book story?

Thank you so much Lauren! I appreciate being featured on the Book Birthday Blog and having the opportunity to talk about I’m Just O.K. I was inspired to write this book because I know how hard it is for kids to express their feelings with words although they feel a lot. It is very hard to experience a lot of emotion without knowing how to convey the emotion. This book is purposely simple to help kids and parents to both have dialogue in a narrative that entertains as well as educates on the matter. 

You speak in your TEDx Detroit talk about how challenging experiences can become great ideas. What were some challenges and successes in the process of writing and publishing I’m Just O.K.?

Ironically one of the biggest challenges was my professional schedule speaking and working and making the time for this project to be launched. Everything needed to align in order to have a successful opportunity for this book to be introduced. This seemed like an obstacle but the time is right for this book right now as so many kids are facing very real concerns during this pandemic that has directly impacted them from the way that they play, learn and live. I am hoping that the success is that it gives kids a viable resource during a challenging time. 

You’ve written several books for various age readers, like the picture book Who I Am Not What I Am! and the YA novel No Longer Besties: And Other Assorted Teenage Drama. How would you say those experiences differ? Do you enjoy writing for one age group most?

The experience writing for picture book readers involves the need to align the words and illustrations in simple ways to convey complex messages. It has to be succinct enough to hold interest but also fun and on a level that multiple age groups can relate to it. When I write chapter books for older readers I use more character development tools as I cannot rely on illustrations to provide details. I enjoy writing for all youth based age groups.  

You can find more of Tara's books on her goodreads page!

Has your experience as a therapist impacted how or why you write, or what you write about?

My experience as a therapist has impacted how and why I write in a huge way. The topics that are relevant to my writing are relevant issues that some kids might see a counselor about including emotions, race, self-esteem, bullying…I write about what kids need to talk about but they may lack representation. When a kid sees a character like Janelle from Who I Am Not What I Am they may open up a whole new way of thinking that builds a foundation for that reader that helps them to solve a problem that they have. I believe that being a therapist does give me additional insight about my target readers.   

Could you talk a little bit about your company, TMI LLC, what it does, and how it ties into literacy and children’s literature?

Tara Michener Industries includes my practice, my anti-bullying work, speaking, curriculum building and more. Many of these elements of my business tie in easily but some clients might only be interested in one aspect so it is important to have a company that encompasses options to pick and choose consultation needs.

If there was one thing a child could take away from reading I’m Just O.K. what would you want it to be?

I hope that if there is one thing that a child takes away from reading I’m Just O.K. is that they will be just o.k. but they are so much more. They are delightful humans that can encompass a variety of emotions all at once and that does not make them bad or horrible. I hope that after reading this book that they are feeling less alone and more equipped to cope with and identify their feelings.  

What’s next for you? Any new projects or ideas in the works? How or where can readers learn more about you and your work?

I am working on many related resources for teachers, parents and children that help them expressly during this time of pandemic and that can help them afterwards as well. One of my biggest requests right now from clients and those interested in my services are author visits and speaking engagements-many through Zoom which has opened up opportunities to meet a bigger group of needs. I also have some other programs, books and curriculum in development at this time. My info is easily found at therapybytara.com  

A little bit about the book:

Mad can feel hot like fire. Happy can feel bright like the sun. I'm Just O.K. is a story that takes you on an emotional adventure. Get ready to explore!

A little bit about the author:

I live in Novi, MI. My dream has always been to write stories that inspire self-esteem and acceptance of others. I am now living my dream. I hope that my books inspire children to be well-rounded and to realize that if they have a dream it can come true as well. I am available for school visits, library programs and more. Contact me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

Learn more about Tara on her website therapybytara.com, on her twitter @Taramichener, or on her goodreads page.