WHM: Children’s Book Author, Illustrator Tynetta Spencer Discusses Her Creative Journey
Photo courtesy of Tynetta Spencer
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced as part of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University’s South Jersey Information Equity Project fellowship and supported with funding from the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the NJ Civic Information Consortium.
By MONIQUE HOWARD | AC JosepH Media
TURNERSVILLE — Deeply spiritual, children’s book author and illustrator Tynetta Spencer credits her creative talents to God and the personal experiences that helped shape her life.
Spencer made her published debut with the picture book entitled, “May I Have This Dance?” in 2018, which was followed by the 2020 picture book release entitled “Bear By The Sea.”
Her newest picture book, entitled “Jesus Knows” was released last month. The Turnersville resident and mother of four teaches art at the Ambassador Christian Academy in Sewell.
Although her childhood was not idyllic, this didn’t diminish her creative expression.
“I’ve always known my gifts were from the Lord as far as drawing,” she said in an interview with Front Runner New Jersey. “Writing was something I didn’t know was 100% in me. I remember being little and saying one day, I would like to be an author and illustrator.”
Spencer continues by adding, “I wanted God to use me to make a difference in the lives of children and inspire them not to be afraid to use their gifts.”
As faith plays a large part in Spencer’s life, it was unsurprising that inspiration for her first book would occur at church.
“It was like the Lord hit the download button, and I grabbed a piece of paper from my pocketbook and started writing,” she recalls. “When I write the pictures begin to formulate in my mind. Drawing has always been the easiest part for me.”
In addition to receiving spiritual inspiration for “May I Have This Dance?” she was inspired by her oldest daughter who was a ballerina in her younger years. Themes of self-acceptance and overcoming fear are a few of the many positive messages found in Spencer’s books.
Like many writers, Spencer is no stranger to writer’s block, but she considers it part of the creative process.
But when her father passed away suddenly, everything came to a halt.
“My husband and I ended up going on a trip to Baltimore for a few days and after that, the words came flooding in,” she explains. “I grabbed my notebook and just began to write. It’s all about waiting for God’s timing for me.”
Spencer believes cultural representation in literature is important and helps foster a positive sense of identity for young readers.
“Black children need to see themselves in books so they know they can have the same things as any other child,” she states. “They will know they are just as beautiful as them. They matter, they’re smart, and they can be creative.”
Throughout her journey as an author and illustrator, she’s had many opportunities to impact others positively.
“I’ve taken my books to schools and read them,” she said. “I’ve had people reach out to me in my inbox, and they’ve told me that my books have inspired them and their kids.”
Spencer hopes aspiring young writers and artists achieve their dreams.
“I would say go for it if that is your heart’s desire,” she encourages. “If it’s in there, God put it there. The idea that’s in you could be a life changer for someone else. It could save somebody’s life. It could make them smile, laugh, or get through a difficult situation.”
She is currently promoting her latest book, “Jesus Knows,” and has plans for merchandise such as jewelry, hair accessories, and a doll.
“Jesus Knows,” tells the story of a young girl named Abby who goes on a journey inspired by the Biblical scripture about the hairs on people’s heads being numbered.
Spencer’s picture book is available to purchase at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other various bookstores.
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