Author Interview: Kathryn O'Neill

Horses, faith and writing for children. That's the combination we get to talk about in this interview with Christian children's writer, Kathryn O'Neill, or Kathy as I know her. 
I first met Kathy online via Write2Ignite, an organisation dedicated to encouraging and equipping Christian children's authors, and have since met her in person at a conference. She's genuinely lovely, and her new devotional for middle graders and teens is due for release in September (the same month as my new picture book!). Given her book is a devotional for horse loving kids, my interest was immediately sparked. What a fabulous topic for a devotional, but also -I wanted to know - why horses? I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!

Penny: You've written a devotional based on the topic of horses. I have to ask, why horses? 
Kathy: I have always loved horses! My grandparents had a farm, and way before my time Grandpa delivered meat in a horse-drawn wagon all around the coastal town where we lived. By the time I came along, the horses were gone, but the wagon still sat in the barn. Bits of hay and cobwebs draped over it, but we kids played in it, calling out “giddy up” and “whoa” to our pretend horses. I also rode my green bike to the library every week to hunt for horse books, like Marguerite Henry’s King of the Wind and Misty of Chincoteague. Eventually I began riding for real at a nearby stable. I’ve ridden most of my life, doing some jumping, a little trail riding, but mostly dressage. So, when I decided to write a devotional book for kids, I knew horses would be a great topic. Many kids love horses, and will enjoy all the information about different breeds, horse activities, famous horses, and how special God made horses. 

Penny: Are you, or have you ever been, a horse owner yourself? What's one lesson you remember learning from a horse early on in life?
Kathy: My dream of a horse of my own has never come true, but in moving around as much as we have, I’ve been able to get to know and love many horses and learn from them. Hoofprints of Hope Devotional came into being because of the knowledge and inspiration I gained from many of those horses. One of those was Nick, an OTTB, or “off the track thoroughbred.” Many thoroughbreds don’t race very long, especially if they’re not too successful. They’re often sold to become jumpers, dressage horses, eventers, or pleasure horses. Nick was quick and intelligent and tried to anticipate what I wanted before I ever gave him the signal or “aid.” That’s not a good thing; horses need to wait for their rider—their leader—who has a plan and knows what’s best. We’re sometimes like that with God—trying to do something we think is good without waiting to find out what His plans are. The Lord is our leader who knows what’s best for us.

"Horses need to wait for their rider—their leader—who has a plan and knows what’s best. We’re sometimes like that with God—trying to do something we think is good without waiting to find out what His plans are. The Lord is our leader who knows what’s best for us."
​- Kathryn O'Neill

​Penny: Why do you believe horses can teach us more about our Creator?
Kathy: God created horses with features that make them able to survive in the wild or be helpful and friendly companions and workers for people. When I brush a horse’s coat and see their ears flick back to hear my softest word, I know God has given them terrific hearing to stay safe from predators. Special features like that point us to God’s wisdom in the creation of all creatures.  
I’ve volunteered in equine therapy programs and seen big therapy horses carefully carry children with disabilities and stand quietly afterwards for hugs and kisses. The horse’s kind and gentle nature can encourage us all to be more like that. I believe horses can help us know God, ourselves, and others a little bit more!

Penny: Who do you think will benefit most from this book and why?
Kathy: School and friends, sports and other activities often keep middle graders and young adults super busy. The high-interest facts about horses in Hoofprints of Hope Devotional are fun to read and each chapter can be read in just a few minutes. 
Middle graders and teens are also at a vulnerable time of life, sometimes unsure how to make friends or struggling with school. They may not feel comfortable discussing their anxieties for the present or their fears about the future. The devotional insights of each chapter in Hoofprints of Hope Devotional are designed to engage readers to think more deeply about God, others, and themselves. There’s a “Corral Your Thoughts” prompt for journaling and a “Gallop into Action” idea for putting the devotional lessons into action each day.

Penny: I love that! What else have you written and where can readers find more information about you?
Kathy: I began writing devotionals for adult publications, such as The Quiet Hour, Light from the Word, and Lighthouse Bible Studies. But as a K—12 art teacher, my passion is for children to see God’s hand in nature, history, and art. I soon began writing nature features for Clubhouse Jr, Appleseeds, and other kid’s publications. In addition, I speak in chapels and to homeschooling groups.
You can learn more about me, my writing and speaking topics, as well as more about Hoofprints of Hope Devotional: 52 Wonders of Faith and Science for Horse-loving Kids on my website.  There’s also a free downloadable activity packet to go with Hoofprints of Hope. It has horse puzzles, a writing prompt, and a fun craft.

Penny: Hoofprints of Hope Devotional will be available from where ever you get your favourite Christian kids resources. Sounds like a fabulous book to order now and save for that horse loving kid's Christmas stocking!
Best purchase link Australia: Koorong 
USA: From Tyndale books.