Anita Banks has lived in Alabama since she was six years old, she raised three children and has four grandchildren. They are the inspiration for her writing. She likes the adventures and escapes that stories allow you to explore and the myriad of emotions you feel. Anita loves to travel, read and has recently started running.
Thank you for joining us today, Anita. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?
Thank you for having me here. I am a new author with my first picture book titled, Tanner Builds a Block Tower. I am excited as puppy with a new toy. I am a wife, mother, grandmother. My favorite new activity is running, I started because I needed to get some activity from sitting in a chair for more than nine hours for my day job. I started two years ago, and have found the running community where I live to be a great group of people that are passionate about the sport and are supportive of new runners. I started with a training program to run a 5k and have progressed to three half marathons so far.
When did you first get bit by the writing bug?
I have loved reading since my introduction to Dick and Jane and Dr. Seuss. I am constantly reading something all the time. When I was in junior high school, I had a creative writing class. That was when the writing bug stung me. But when family and life took over, I put the dream aside and just occasionally thought of it.
Why did you decide to write stories for children?
Probably for the simple joy children’s books give to a reader. I enjoy reading to children and seeing their smiles and their happiness in asking you to read to them. I wanted to contribute to that happiness. And it’s fun.
Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?
I personally have nothing to compare it to, yet. Maybe I will give another genre a try someday. The other writing I do is journaling for myself.
What is your favorite part of writing for young people?
I like the writing, I like putting the words to paper, or rather the screen. They have to be edited quite a bit before I’m done. But seeing the story unfold on the screen is probably my favorite part.
Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?
Tanner Builds a Block Tower is about a little boy who is determined to build a tower with his blocks. But on the way to his destination he get distracted by different animals and insects. He also loses some of his blocks. So he has to find them to finish what he started. Determination and perseverance is the theme.
What inspired you to write it?
The inspiration for this book, was my grandson, Tanner. On a visit when he was about three years old, he loved to play with his building blocks and build towers, over and over. He was fascinated with this repetitive play. We also went on numerous walks, he loved to explore the outdoors, and still does. So it seemed a natural fit to combine the two activities.
What is up next for you?
I am shopping out two more picture books, and writing a chapter book right now.
Do you have anything else to add?
Thank you so much for having me. I hope you enjoy my book.
Thank you for spending time with us today, Anita. We wish you much success.
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 