I’m thrilled to have Stepanie Henson with us, the author of the award-winning picture book No School My Rules! and Tall as the Sun, which was released today. Congratulations, Stephanie, and thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your writing journey.
Me: Do you have any special plans for the spring? Are there any activities that you participate in related to the season? Do you have a favorite season?
Stephanie: This spring we will be busy prepping our Ocean City, NJ beach house for the summer season. We have been going there for over 20 years, and my kids have been going their entire lives. There is so much to do (beach, dining, shopping, mini golf, boardwalk), and there are events down there prior to the “busy season” that we enjoy, including the Annual Spring Craft Fair, which is an open-air festival where vendors line the streets of Downtown Ocean City. It’s so much fun. Tall as the Sun is inspired by and dedicated to Ocean City, NJ.
But my favorite season is actually fall, and fall at the beach is just as beautiful!
Me: How long have you been writing?
Stephanie: I have been writing since I was about 8 years old. My mom told me that I had a talent for writing, and those words have stuck with me my entire life.
Me: What, or who inspired you to write this book?
Stephanie: Tall as the Sun came to be from an interaction that I witnessed in Ocean City, NJ, on the 34th Street beach between a young daughter and father. He hoisted her up on his shoulders, and she was calling out everything that she could see. It was adorable to see father/daughter bonding firsthand. From there the idea sparked in my head – what if she imagined herself getting taller and taller as she encountered things such as kites, airplanes, and the sun?
Me: Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication. Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, aha-moments? You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.
Stephanie: The idea came to me in the summer of 2024. I wrote and workshopped it with my critique partners and then submitted it to my agent, who I had just signed with at the time – Katie Monson of SBR Media. She loved it and we put it on submission right away. The contract came in the day before Thanksgiving in 2024. Since it’s a summertime book, we knew that trying to make a 2025 publication date would be a challenge, so here we are in 2026! It takes a LONG time for an idea to become a book. It’s difficult because I am not the most patient person. But I really am thrilled with how the vision of the story came to life and the belief that Watchful Wizard Publishing has in this book.
Me: What is one piece of advice you can give to writers who are just starting out or who are still in the query trenches?
Stephanie: Don’t query a first draft, lol. I wish that was a joke. When I first started out, I knew nothing, so I actually did that! But getting yourself a good critique group is so important. But my favorite advice is to invest in yourself, whether that is through classes, webinars, conferences, etc. Always try to learn and grow your craft. Some resources are even free!
Me: What are your plans for the future? Writing, traveling, hobbies, etc.
Stephanie: We will definitely spend most of the summer at the beach. Hopefully I can finish up a middle grade novel in Verse that I have been working on for forever. We are also going to a few concerts this summer which should be fun. As for writing, I am a writer for life whether or not anything else gets published. I am hopeful though.
Me: I’d love for you to share a recipe with me; I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.
I’ve talked a lot about the beach, and my favorite thing to eat in OCNJ is blueberry pancakes at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. I searched the internet and found this recipe, which is supposed to be close! Hope everyone enjoys it.
Ingredients
- 2 c. sifted unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 c. buttermilk
- 2 pints blueberries
- 6 eggs (at room temperature)
- 5 T. vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 5 t. sugar
- 4 t. brown sugar, packed
- 2 T. baking powder
- 2 t. baking soda
- 2/3 t. salt
- Optional: 2 oranges, zested and marinated in a splash of Grand Marnier or triple sec Travels with Mai Tai Tom
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil (or melted butter).
- Mix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. A few lumps are fine.
- Add berries: Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Cook: Heat a greased griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour roughly 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.
- Flip: Cook until bubbles form on top and the edges are set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown.
Thanks so much for your time; it’s always fun getting to know writing friends. The blueberry pancake recipe looks delicious; I think I’ll give it a try. Have a wonderful time in Ocean City NJ this summer, and again, congratulations on this beautiful book coming into the world!
You can connect with Stephanie here:
Pat Brown Books 