Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Nunnally and Biaina Alexanian. Them and their team share their story with us below:
During the pandemic, Devon and Biaina decided to begin writing a children’s book. Devon had experience writing screenplays and Biaina had a background in early childhood education. She was a teacher at a children’s center and worked with children from infants to age five, so her passion was always towards working with young children and encouraging them to communicate their feelings and problem-solve through each interaction. Putting the two together, they combined their talents and began brainstorming what was to be their first children’s book. After many months of perseverance and dedication, they ended up with a 24-book children’s series that was ready to be submitted to literary agents. After many more months of submissions and rejections, they realized that a 24-book children’s series may have been too much for literary agents to handle, so they went back into the lab and decided to make more palatable books, shortened and easy to digest. After completing additional shorter children’s books, they chose a few to send for representation.
Once again, upon submitting their manuscripts, they received rejection after rejection, stating that the agency was not currently taking new submissions, the agency didn’t think they were good fits or the agency didn’t respond at all. Rather than throwing in the proverbial towel, they pushed forward until one day, they received notice from a publishing company called Atmosphere Press that stated that they were interested in one of their manuscripts, “There’s a Spider in My Bed”. Finally, they were on the verge of getting their book published! Through many correspondences with the publishing company, they were on their way. Strong partnerships were formed, obstacles were overcome and deadlines came and sometimes were not met, but through it all a book was born. The process taught them to never give up because your story matters and someone out there needs to hear it. It taught them to never take no for an answer because it only gets you closer to the yes. Lastly, it taught them that other people’s timelines and commitments may not match up with yours, but with patience and a little nudging (and prayer) things always work out for the best.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely was not a smooth road for Devon and Biaina. They learned early on that publishing companies and literary agents receive thousands upon thousands of manuscript submissions annually and theirs was included in that magnificent pile. They realized that finding an illustrator that matches the vision you have for your characters, the commitment you have for the story and the communication you need throughout the process is not easy to secure. They also discovered that people think it’s easy writing children’s books, but there’s actually more thought that goes into it, especially with aligning your writing with your age-appropriate target audience. They wouldn’t use the word struggle, more-so than it being a challenge. Challenges were made to be overcome.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in writing picture books for children ages 4-10.
We are most proud of our newest published picture book, “There’s a Spider in My Bed”.
We believe what sets us apart from others is our commitment to staying as positive as possible and our genuine desire for children to experience a loving, full and abundant life. We believe children are our hope for the future, so we should be mindful of lessons we learned in our past and the ever-expanding progressions in our present.
How do you think about luck?
Devon and Biaina DO NOT believe in luck. They believe we are all co-creators in this world. We are manifestors of bringing our passions to life. Devon and Biaina believe that as you envision your life to be, so shall it be. They strongly believe that the choices you make lead you to the greatness you were meant to achieve, even if some of those choices take you to learning detours.
Pricing:
- Hardcover book is $19.99
- Ebook is $7.99
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Twoauthors1
- Other: Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Spider-Bed-Devon-Nunnally/dp/1639885072/ Barnes and Noble Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/theres-a-spider-in-my-bed-devon-nunnally/1141883334?ean=9781639885077 Bookshop Link: https://bookshop.org/books/there-s-a-spider-in-my-bed/9781639885077 Book Depository Link: https://www.bookdepository.com/Theres-Spider-In-My-Bed-Devon-Nunnally-Biaina-Alexanian/9781639885077
