Meet Caryn Hartman | Children’s Book author and teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caryn Hartman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caryn, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my children’s book being a success is that I led with my heart. Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it,” When I noticed as an elementary school teacher that there were not many books about Tibet for kids I knew I had to write one. Because my degree was in Tibetan Studies and I love to write I used my passions to motivate my work. I would say that if your heart isn’t in something that your doing that is going to come across on some level to the people receiving your work. Being fueled by a passion is the key.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am excited that my books are teaching people, especially children, more about Tibet. It is extremely overwhelming when thinking about publishing your own book but I had some great help at My Word Publishing to help me through the process. Finding an illustrator and translator was also a lot of work but once everything fell into place things moved quickly. I’m happy to share stories that haven’t been heard very much.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone who knows me will know that a trip to the mountains will be on the schedule of a visit. The Colorado mountains, especially the San Juans, are near and dear to my heart. There would be hiking involved and a visit to the Ouray Brewery. I would also take them to Moab, another one of my soul recharging stations. We would hike in Arches National Park and watch sunsets at Delicate Arch. For me the best places to visit are in nature.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my illustrator Lexi Vay as well as my Tibetan translator Tashi. It was important that the imagery for my story was done well and Lexi did a wonderful job. It was important to me that this book be translated into Tibetan and Tashi did a wonderful job. I would also like to shout out My Word Publishing and Shelly Wilhelm for all of her editing help and support.

Website: https://carynhartman.com/

Instagram: @carynhartman

Linkedin: Caryn Hartman

Twitter: @chartm1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chartm1

Youtube: @carynhartman2786