Dana Winter is an author/illustrator living in Oakura, New Zealand with her husband, two ebullient daughters, ginger dog, fat black cat and two handsome horses. Her wish is to bring attention back to what matters – thriving, happy humans living on a thriving, happy Earth. She enjoys simplifying big themes into accessible, enjoyable stories, to contribute to ‘the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible’ (Charles Eisenstein). Dana talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about I AM.
The story follows the adventures of a small worm who has forgotten who she is. She hopes ‘God’ can help her remember, so she leaves the soil to find this God.
Along the way she meets many varied characters, all who profess to be God, including a big mountain, a mean child, a greedy bird and a magnificent sun. Some of these encounters are a bit scary and challenging. It’s not till she meets a tiny seed, who exclaims ‘THE ALL IS IN THE SMALL!’ that she remembers the vital role her composting poo plays in creating healthy soil for seed (and all life) to grow. She had nothing to find; her genius was there all along.
What inspired you to write and illustrate this book?
Life. The idea came to me sitting in the grass, playing with the idea of an intelligent, creative energy being in everything. Wondering how I could share this concept with a child. Also, it was a time in my life where I was realising that I was done seeking for answers outside of myself, a time of acceptance who I am. You could say it’s slightly autobiographical.
What research was involved?
Again, I can probably answer ‘life’… and also, Nature (the best teacher). I didn’t do any specific research; it’s what I have observed and experienced as a human being, with 49 years of ‘humaning’. My experience is what I create from, which doesn’t make it for everyone but makes it honest.
What was your routine or process when creating this book?
At the start, I committed to just half an hour writing each day, to see if there was something there. It flowed through pretty easily, so I figured it wanted to happen, and once I committed, it took on its own life. My routine was ‘any time I could get’ around busy family life with two daughters who ride horses competitively, I don’t get uninterrupted creation bubbles very often. I wrote, illustrated, and mostly designed the book (with help here from Sally, my publisher at Beatnik) in six months. The illustrations were the most time-intensive. The process was a mix of painting (done on the studio floor), sketching (done anywhere, including the garden) and composing it together on the computer.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
Definitely ‘I AM’ by Fia. My daughter was helping me find a track for a reel and when we heard the lyrics we just started laughing, it was so apt.
What do you hope young readers will take away from your book?
First, to have fun reading. Then, it would be great if some of the deeper themes seeded or became a springboard for chats with mum and dad (if it was wanted). I would love all kids to know they are perfect as themselves. Our gift is usually our uniqueness, which we can shy away from when trying to fit in… I wish I knew when I was younger, that standing out was ok. Also to know God – or whatever word you want to use here, I use it in a non-religious, nature-centric way – is as much in you as it is a worm, as it is the entire galaxy. It’s not ‘out there’, it’s a creative energy ‘in here’. I’d love them to know they have their own answers, that worms and soil are incredible, that challenge and being uncomfortable is an essential part of life and… they should always climb trees.
What did you enjoy the most about writing I AM?
I enjoy the challenge of refining bigger themes into accessible, relatable stories. God and identity can be such BIG, divisive topics, but they can also be so simple and inclusive. I love words and feeling the power and transmission of each one – and I love drawing, so I guess that helps! It’s not to say I don’t have many moments of resistance, of feeling like my work is not good enough (there are so many worthy/stunning books out there), of battling over a particular page for days, of trying to curb the perfectionist (who also adds a lot), of having to greet the critic daily, of adding too many words to show I am clever then enjoying the refinement process, of freaking out about using the word ‘God’, when I have my own resistance and triggers to it, with all the centuries of baggage it carries (for adults, not kids)… then enjoying the freedom of saying what’s true for me. ALL those human things are very much there. But I still love the process. I guess, it’s my compost.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
I haven’t done anything yet… but I am flying to Maui soon, to have some quiet to finish writing my next book and to go on a retreat with some friends. ‘I AM’ is coming in my suitcase.
What is your favourite book this year and why?
I loved Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton (even if it got a bit crazy at the end) and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, humanity at its most defective, but so beautifully written.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
Summer holidays at Great Barrier. I am ready to spend time with the family, sea and the sun. Book-wise, I am working on something I am super excited about; I think it will be a really fun and empowering resource for parents.