With the launch of the Weather the Storm box we took some time to chat with the author of A Blessing in the Skies and my dear friend Genesis Velarde. Today is National Author’s Day and I’m so excited to hear about this journey.
Leeanne: What inspired you to write A Blessing in the Skies?
Genesis: I actually wrote a version of this story for a class project in the 7th grade. I thought the themes and narrative were timeless, so I wanted to revisit it and challenge myself to make it rhyme and make all the characters relatable. Spoiler alert: In the original version, it was onIy Ringo the Raindrop that makes it rain from his tears, and we only see a journey from his point of view. I wanted to give all the other characters a chance in the sun. Also the country was going through a lot of turmoil, so in a way, I wanted to remind adults passively about the value of one’s own voice—as they read this book to a child.
Leeanne: Was there a recent moment that brought you back to 7th grade Genesis?
Genesis: I was dusting the old bookshelf and found my old project (original book). So it was sort of kismet that I found it during a chaotic time.
Leeanne: Why was it important for you to publish A Blessing in the Skies?
Genesis: Before I sat down to rewrite the story, I set an intention that this book would instill a spark of self-confidence and inspiration for anyone that might come across it. I wanted to send a message to embrace the thing that makes you different—because that’s what people will find special in the end. It’s the thing that you bring to the world that can affect a positive outcome.
Leeanne: What is your favorite form of self-care?
Genesis: Sleep. I like to listen to podcasts while in bed. When I want to relax, I’ll play a podcast that doesn’t require much active listening, something more entertaining that deals with pop culture. I do this while I bury myself under the covers with my dog.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us, Genesis!