Children's books are, and always will be, critical to the world of literature. Not only is reading fun and mentally stimulating for children, but it can also help teach morals and life lessons in a digestible way. We are proud to have published many children's books that succeed in this right, and we're very happy to have been able to speak with C.B. Fletcher, author of "Queen Clarice and the Watermelon Seed". 

We talked about her love of storytelling, the themes she tackles in her writing, her experience in the film industry, and her future plans for her writing work. 

You can get her book here.




1).You state that at heart, you are a storyteller. What does storytelling mean to you, and what are some of your earliest experiences with storytelling that formed the passion you have for it?
 

CBF: The ability to tell a great story grows from the courage of embracing the weird, outlandish, adventurous, ‘would never do this in real life’ self and allow it to create a world that would not exist otherwise. My imagination has always taken me on wild rides, especially when I needed to entertain myself. I am the youngest of three children with siblings that are seven and ten years older than me respectively. So, I would play in the backyard, climb the trees, bop about on the swing set, create beautiful messes in my room, and draw full storyboards on the windows in crayon, living out whatever story was unfolding in my mind.

When I was about 5 years old, I asked my mother ‘Can I have some friends over? I’m tired of having to play all the people.’, my imagination was vibrant and then I learned to write. My wonderful chicken scratch handwriting and scribblings would fill folded pieces of paper that my mother would give me to keep me occupied and they were ridiculous, yet wonderful in my mind.

If I was really into a book or a movie, I would rewrite my own versions of it because I wanted to relive it my way or act it out with friends. Now, as an adult, I feel like I am consistently living in some convoluted version of a book series turned tv show that is a rom-com, drama, and sometimes science fiction. Yet it activates the courage that makes all great stories and I continue to write hoping to create the escape, encouragement, or inspiration for others to do the same.


Picture: CB Fletcher when she is just shy of 18 months old with a pen in her hand.
 

2). What themes do you tackle in “Queen Clarice…” and why have you chosen to include them?
 

CBF: When I first wrote Queen Clarice it was a birthday gift for my mom. Then, I rewrote it about four more times to address heavy subjects in a delicate way that we are slowly starting to see more of in books and films. I believe these subjects are critical for the successful evolution of the world and my hope is that they inspire our youth to think forward.

The first theme is exploring the different types of female leadership by generation to show how being a radical leader that so happens to be female is not a power we should shy away from; additionally, a reminder that seeking power for selfish reasons is the highest form of weakness. The second theme lightly touches on what healthy love is and is not in a familial, friend, or romantic sense.

The third theme explored is the benefit of cooperation within communities and with outside communities for the sake of equitable prosperity. Additional themes that are sprinkled throughout are the challenges of maintaining ineffective tradition, processing grief and depression, spirituality, and facing the “monsters” in your life.


Picture: CB Fletcher and her mother Susan Claire Westbrook Fletcher, whom the main character is named for. 


3). As a children’s author, how important do you believe reading is in the life of a young person?
 

CBF: When we open a book, we dive into unknown worlds that are taken over by our imaginations where life lessons, self-discovery, and the inspiration to elevate ourselves collide to help us shape our own stories. Once you own the power to tell your own story you can become whatever you want. The sooner a child can discover that power, the more courageous they will be as they move through their lives.

We must encourage our youth to embrace possibilities and that starts with great stories. When my nephews were children, I would read to them until they were able to read on their own. Decades later, my baby cousin followed in their footsteps, and my goddaughter is now learning how to read. All four of them have discovered how to tap into that incredible power and are unrelenting in exploring the possibilities. This is why they are part of the dedication in Queen Clarice, so they will forevermore be reminded that they inspired me to continue to be courageous.


Picture: CB Fletcher and her Goddaughter Zuri ‘Queen Ayo’ Adewumi.

 

4). You are a self-described multi-hyphenate, and from looking at your portfolio, it’s easy to see why! You have plenty of experience with directing and editing in the world of film. Could you talk a little bit about this?
 

CBF: When I was 18, I set out to university to become a cinematographer. Then when I saw that the work hours for that job were 80 hours a week, I quickly changed my concentration to public relations. During and post the Great Recession I picked up dozens of survival jobs, passion projects in media, and additional side projects that all demanded acquiring new skills.

For example, from 2013-2014 I was an executive assistant, writing for five digital publications, planning a conference, and writing Queen Clarice; I worked 80 hours a week, go figure. I continued that workstyle for nine years and eventually became the CEO of my own company and unbeknownst to me it all fell apart.

All the experiences I have had from my soul outward coming through those positions and learning all those skills have created a new type of storyteller in me. Now I know how to tell stories with every emotion, mindset, and spiritual cognition that I could only imagine before. My hope is that I can transition into film, perhaps starting with a limited series for Queen Clarice.


Picture: CB Fletcher sitting in the office when she was working 80 hours a week in 2013 and also re-writing Queen Clarice.

5). If we may ask; what’s next for you with your writing endeavours?
 

CBF: I would love to release my next chapter book addressing heavily layered subjects with the Amazon rainforest as the backdrop. Becoming a screenwriter is also something I would love to explore. After that, the pages are open for the next great story or life experience that provokes the next book, show, or movie. This book came from the heart initially then transformed into a reminder to be courageous enough to embrace the things that tell a great story.

 

"You’re bigger than the stars.

You’re brighter than the sun.

Stand up for what you believe in

and your victory will be won.

It may cause you pain.

There are days you will lose.

But believe, sweet child,

nothing will conquer you."

- Queen Clarice and the Watermelon Seed