Pam Vaughan is the author of the new children's picture book Tenacious Won't Give Up. She also has written the picture book Missy Wants a Mammoth.
Q: What inspired you to write Tenacious Won't Give Up, and how did you create your protagonist?
A: I have always loved fun words like Tenacious and thought that it would make an awesome character. I have a background in coaching and helping kids accomplish more than they thought they could through mindset, resourcefulness, resilience, and learning to adapt and adjust. There are some things you can just gut out, and many things that you can’t.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Tenacious and her sister, Sage?
A: Tenacious and Sage are really close. They understand each other like only sisters do. Sage is always there to provide Tenacious with the right words and encouragement and Tenacious is the same way with Sage. They are genuinely each other’s best friend, and they share a trust to listen to the other.
Q: What do you think Leanne Hatch’s illustrations add to the story?
A: Leanne knocked it out of the park!!! I love the vibrant palette she used. It makes everything pop off the page! She added so much energy and depth to every spread. And the way she captured the expressions of Tenacious and her determination – just WOW!! I’m so grateful she took on this project. She absolutely brought the story to life!
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the book?
A: I hope kids can be empowered and inspired by Tenacious’s determination and learn that they too can work through hard things. When a child is struggling perhaps a caring adult might say, Try being like Tenacious.
Maybe they will be able to remember from the story some of the tips offered; like – taking calming breaths, focusing on what they can control, positive self-talk, learning from mistakes and adjusting, and overall not giving up just because something is a challenge. (And – they will know through the context of the story and main character the true meaning of Tenacious!)
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m currently working on a middle grade novel, a picture book biography, and a humorous fiction picture book.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I have 35+ years of experience coaching student-athletes and teams. I’ve also led workshops on team building, mental toughness, and leadership. I played three sports in college, four sports in high school, and I currently play ice hockey three times a week. My sister and I are nine months apart and very close.
I run the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat and am an assistant regional advisor for NE-SCBWI.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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