Today we’d like to introduce you to Phoebe Fox.
Hi Phoebe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was in third grade, my teacher helped each of her students “publish” a book from start to finish. We wrote, revised, and reviewed each other’s stories, and finally, we typed them up and added our own illustrations. This experience got me hooked on writing at the age of nine.
Because my parents read to us every night and our mom took us to the library almost every week, I was exposed to a wide variety of children’s books. I also had a wonderful librarian at my school, who made checking out books a special experience. I’ll never forget how she gave out M&Ms to encourage us to return our books on time! She also brought in famous authors (we got to meet Marc Brown, the author of the beloved Arthur series). Over time, books became treasures, and I started to want to write them myself.
Becoming a children’s author was not a straightforward journey, however. I started out as a first grade teacher, but discovered I truly wanted the librarian’s job! I earned an endorsement in library science, and eventually, I landed a job as an elementary school library media specialist.
When I resigned from my librarian position to be a full-time mom, my sons became my inspiration, and I wrote stories as often as I could. In 2015, I entered one of my manuscripts in a contest, and it won! “Up Up Up” was published by Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to early childhood development. This experience gave me the nudge to keep going on my path to becoming a children’s book author.
After I had several more books published, there were lots of opportunities to read to kids at libraries, farmers’ markets, book festivals, and during school visits. That’s when I decided to start a YouTube channel called Mamafox Books’ Storytime Saturdays. My channel gives me a chance to support other authors and gives kids access to a regular storytime, even if they don’t have someone at home to read to them or take them to the library.
I’m so grateful for the friends and family who have supported me on this journey. Because of them, I now have 10 picture books, with two more on the horizon. I plan to continue writing books for children as long as there are readers of children’s books!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been fairly smooth, but one thing I’ve come to terms with is that authors have to get used to hearing the word “no.” I’m a small business owner, and I often take on the role of book distributor. I have approached dozens of local shops over the last ten years, and their managers are not always keen to take on products from a small business. But sometimes, my books and gift sets are the perfect fit!
My books can be found at The Mercantile, Duck and Decanter, Cuddles Boutique, Modern Milk, and Kidstop Toys and Books, to name a few. Getting local support is an incredible feeling, and I value those relationships immensely.
“No” also comes in the form of written rejection from agents and publishers. This is tough, but I’ve come to understand it’s part of the process. Getting a book published is all about timing–pitching the right story for the right list at the right time. Yes, it stings to hear the word “no,” but I’m not going to stop trying anytime soon.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By far, the most exciting thing that’s happened since I started on this path, was the recognition “On the Verde River” received. This book was illustrated by my father-in-law, Jim Fox, and was published by The Friends of the Verde River, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Verde River and its tributaries. “On the Verde River” was chosen to represent Arizona on the 2024 Library of Congress Great Reads from Great Places list, and as a native Arizonan, I couldn’t be more proud.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
“I adore books, respect children, and believe in the power of reading!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mamafoxbooks.com/
- Instagram: @mamafoxbooks
- Facebook: @mamafoxbooks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-fox-29327970
- Twitter: @mamafoxbooks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MamafoxBooks
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/childrensauthorphoebefox/
