Interview With Author Rochelle McMorris
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a dedicated wife and mother of two wonderful daughters, Zoe and Zada, and I live in the Hampton Roads area. With over 30 years of experience as an educator, I am passionate about writing stories that help children better understand and navigate social and emotional learning. “The Stars That Shine for Mama” is my debut book, and it holds a special place in my heart as I share my personal experiences to inspire and guide young readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is The Stars That Shine for MaMa. This story was deeply inspired by the loss of our beloved mother, Lelia Mae Delk Banks. Grief can be difficult for adults to process, but for children, it can be even more complex. Kids often grieve in different ways—through play, questions, or even in silence. It’s not about expecting them to grieve in a particular way, but about being present, patient, and supportive as they navigate emotions that can feel overwhelming and confusing.
Through my own experiences, I’ve witnessed how art, storytelling, and quiet moments can help children’s express feelings they might not have the words for. It’s about validating their emotions and letting them know that they are not alone. That’s why I felt a strong calling to shine a light on child grief—to help others better understand how to walk alongside children during one of life’s hardest moments. Grief doesn’t have a timeline, especially for kids. We need to give them the love, space, and support they need to heal in their own time.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am deeply passionate about writing, especially when it comes to exploring the beauty of nature and the love of family. I find that these themes help preserve precious memories and allow me to share meaningful stories with others. One of my unique writing habits is to often find inspiration while spending time outdoors, surrounded by the calming presence of nature. It’s in these quiet moments that I feel most connected to the stories I want to tell. I believe that writing is a powerful way to create meaningful connections, and I’m committed to sharing lessons of love, resilience, and hope through my work. Each piece I write is a reflection of these values, and my goal is to inspire readers to find strength and comfort in their own lives.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My sister-in-law Paula Banks has been my biggest inspiration. Several authors have profoundly influenced my writing, particularly those who focus on children’s emotional well-being. I have been inspired by the works of Charlotte Zolotow, whose gentle, thoughtful stories often address complex feelings in a way that children can understand and relate to. Katherine Applegate has also had a significant impact, especially with her book The One and Only Ivan, which explores themes of loss, friendship, and resilience. Marc Brown, the creator of Arthur, has influenced my approach to teaching children valuable lessons about emotions, relationships, and problem-solving.
In addition, Julia Cook has been a key inspiration for my writing, as she focuses on stories that teach emotional regulation and coping skills. Her books help children navigate tough situations with empathy and understanding. Lastly, Brené Brown has deeply influenced my views on vulnerability, connection, and emotional courage, which I aim to share through my own writing. These authors and their works have guided me in crafting stories that offer children the tools they need to navigate their emotions and the world around them.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on a new project that continues to explore themes of emotional growth and resilience for children. My focus is on creating stories that help kids better understand and express their emotions, while also addressing important life lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and coping with difficult experiences. I am also looking forward to expanding on the themes introduced in The Stars That Shine for MaMa, as I believe there is a deep need for more resources that help children navigate grief, loss, and other challenging emotions. Through my writing, I aim to continue fostering meaningful connections and providing children with tools they can carry with them as they grow.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my books, I find that a combination of personal connections and online platforms has been most effective. I rely heavily on social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, to connect with readers and share my message. These platforms allow me to engage with my audience, showcase my work, and participate in conversations that are meaningful to me. I also use my personal website to share updates, events, and resources related to my books, which helps me maintain a direct connection with my readers. Additionally, I participate in online communities that focus on children’s literature, grief, and emotional well-being, as these spaces offer valuable support and connections with others who share similar passions.
Each method helps me build a community around my books, where readers can find inspiration and support.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is simple—write from the heart. Don’t worry about fitting into a specific mold or writing what you think others want to hear. Instead, focus on sharing your authentic voice and your unique perspective. Stories have the power to inspire, heal, and connect us, so it’s important to trust in your ability to touch others with your words. Writing can be a journey filled with challenges, but every step is worth it when you know you are creating something meaningful. Be patient with yourself, and remember that persistence is key. Stay true to your passion, and let that drive you forward. Most importantly, never underestimate the impact your words can have on others—whether it’s a child finding comfort in your story or an adult discovering a new perspective. Keep writing, keep growing, and let your heart lead the way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is to “stay the course, stay focused, and never stop.” Writing, like any creative endeavor, can be full of challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But the key is to keep going, even when it feels difficult. Progress often happens in small steps, and perseverance is what ultimately leads to success. Every story, no matter how tough the journey, is worth telling. So, the most important thing is to keep moving forward, trust in your process, and believe in the impact your words can have.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m diving into a mix of self-care books and biographies. I find that reading about personal growth and self-care helps me stay grounded and focused, which is essential for both my writing and my personal well-being. I’m also exploring biographies, as I love learning about the lives of people who have overcome challenges or made significant contributions to their communities. These stories inspire me and provide new perspectives, which often influence my own creative work. Reading books that nourish the mind and soul has become an essential part of my routine, helping me stay balanced and motivated.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, my next focus is creating more books that center around social-emotional learning for children. I am passionate about helping young readers develop the tools they need to understand and express their emotions, build resilience, and foster meaningful connections with others. I believe that stories are a powerful way to guide children through the ups and downs of life, and I’m excited to continue exploring topics like empathy, coping with stress, and navigating relationships. My goal is to create books that not only entertain but also equip children with the emotional intelligence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I had the chance to bring just a few books with me, I’d choose a mix of self-help, self-care, and books focused on creating meaningful connections. First, I would bring “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown, as her insights on vulnerability, courage, and connection are always inspiring and grounding. I’d also choose “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, for its ability to help me stay present and mindful, no matter what challenges I might face. To nurture my writing and the lessons I aim to share with others, I’d bring “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, as it celebrates creativity and the importance of following one’s passion. Lastly, I’d take “The Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, as it is filled with wisdom on love, resilience, and hope—reminders of what matters most in life. These books would keep me centered, inspired, and connected, even in isolation.
Author Websites and Profiles
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.