Interview with Kimberley Griffiths Little - Part II

Here is the rest of my interview with Kimberley Griffiths Little.

Randy: Have you received any other awards that were just as meaningful to you at the time you won them?

Kimberley: When I first started publishing years ago, my second book won the Southwest Book Award. We traveled to El Paso, Texas with my family for the dinner and acceptance speech and that was my first award every so it was pretty exciting.

 

Randy: What award, or achievement, would you like to strive for next?

Kimberley: Of course, every children’s writer I know dreams of winning the Newbery, but the field is so huge and there are so many extremely talented writers that it’s more of a dream . . . and for that kind of dream I think I’d need a sack of fairy dust, too!

 

Randy: Now that you’ve won a Whitney, do you have different expectations for yourself? Do others?

Kimberley: The one hope I have for myself is just to be able to keep writing books—and if those stories touch people’s hearts and minds, then I feel an enormous sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. When readers (young people and adults) email to tell me that my book changed their life, it is an honor and very humbling.

 

Randy: Have there been any unexpected benefits that derived from winning a Whitney?

Kimberley: The greatest blessing has been to make a hundred or more new friends in the LDS writing community – that has been beyond comparison!

 

Randy: Is there a greater sense of camaraderie between you and your fellow Whitney winners?

Kimberley: Oh, yes, after the conference and awards banquet last May, we all friended each other on Facebook and follow each other’s blogs. There were lots of hugs and excitement and picture-taking at the banquet, let me tell you! The writing community has always been very important to me, to give and receive support invaluable.

 

Randy: How has winning an award affected how you view the industry and your fellow writers?

Kimberley: I’m impressed by the incredibly talented writers –who live generous, honorable and faithful lives. They are wonderful examples of our LDS faith, personally and professionally.

 

Randy: What is your favorite moment related to winning a Whitney?

Kimberley: Purchasing my purple velvet evening dress and dangly earrings with my mom and sister! As well as all the hugs and congratulations afterward!

 

Randy: Are there any negative aspects to winning an award, like a Whitney?

Kimberley: Absolutely none that I know of!

 

Randy: What bit of advice would you give this year’s Whitney Finalists?

Kimberley: Have fun shopping! Relax, make lots of new friends, and ENJOY every moment! Remember that being a Finalist is an honor as well – there are so many truly wonderful books out there and ALL the books that become a Finalist are featured and honored by the Whitney Academy and LDStorymakers group.