Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Hanson
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Title of my Book, My Dad Hung the Moon, was inspired by a deeply personal moment with my father. I was accompanying him to one of his chemotherapy treatments, and afterward, he suggested we go out for lunch. Durning our meal, he turned to me and said,”Courtney, you think I hung the moon, but I didn’t.” His words stayed with me, and just two days later, as I sat watching a cardinal at my bird feeder, the inspiration to write my book struck me. The story reflects my admiration and love for my father, Robert David Clark-a Vietnam War veteran, writer, and author. This book is a tribute to him, especially as he bravely battles two stage-four cancers. It’s dedicated to him, as a symbol of the bond we share and the lessons he’s taught me over the years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have had three news paper interviews, I have four hardcover books in public libraries. Three hard cover books in school libraries. This is honestly a fun road to be on. You need to have tough skin. The reason I say this. My book isn’t for everyone, the right people will find my book who need help or just a hard cry. When it comes to cancer. My story is very heart felt. Being a self published author is definitely a learning experience. I’m doing this all on my own. Reaching out to libraries book stores. Learning, meeting people from different big companies. I have printed seventy-six books. I get to send them off when people order or ask to buy one. She copy comes signed. I’m a sped paraprofessional at an elementary school. I felt my story a lot of people can relate to. Cancer is every where. When life gives you lemons make lemonade, i did just that with. My book. My other favorite saying is how do you know unless you try. I’m the only one who can make this happen with my book. Would I love to have a publisher and illustrator absolutely, in the mean time as an author I have to start some where.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I was raised in Mankato MN. I’m currently living in a small town of 450 people. I recently moved to the country. This is a learning experience, a fun one. I’m learning to plant flowers, and grow vegetables. I have a husband and two children, two dogs three cats. I love taking pictures of the sunrises and sunsets, that I see everyday. In my life time I have worked with children in childcare and schools. 30 years I have been in the field. I have my A.A.S degree in early childhood development. I’m proud of me, for putting my self out into the world. Writing my first book is a lot of fun. And it’s not for everyone. That’s ok. So far I haven’t received any negative feedback back. Only tears of empathy or hard cries. From other’s loosing their loved ones to cancer. Never give up and always remember why you started in the first place.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m not out to make millions of dollars on my book. I want to inspire and let people know you’re not alone. What you’re feeling is not wrong or right. We all grieve in our own way. My book helps me with my healing of my dad battling and fighting every day to live. He is showing me what not giving up can do. So I won’t give up. I don’t force. I just let people know I’m an author and give book a chance. When I get a negative a positive comes along. So in the end of a little hiccup there is a positive out come. I’m hoping women will believe in them selves and not hold them selves back for trying something new. You’re the only one who has control over what you really want out of your life. I’m inspiring children everyday by showing up as a paraprofessional with a smile and hug. Telling kids don’t give up. Believe in your self.
Pricing:
- 30.00 Hardcover. On Etsy. This includes shipping.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://courtneyhansonauthor.etsy.com/
- Facebook: #c.hansonauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/kTCG68mOUTk?si=taIldWhLSJQOQZAB
