Today I’m pleased to introduce you to Chip Mattis, a Christian author. His children’s book Under the Dancing Tree was published this spring. I became acquainted with Chip through Twitter, and I’m glad he reached out to me with this wonderful book. Here’s his story about writing and publishing.
When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
I don’t think I knew people wrote because they enjoyed it until I was about 8 or 9. Until then I had always thought of writing as way our teachers punished us. In fact, handwriting was usually the worst grade I got in school. So when I had to write sentences because I got in trouble in class it was twice the effort for me to make them legible.
Then my dad taught me about poetry and creative writing, and it opened a new world for me. I put it together that all those lyrics from songs I loved were just poems people put to music. I had thought an author was just a person at a desk writing what their boss told them to. It never occurred to me that books, music, and even television shows all started out as ideas that someone wrote. My dad shared his poetry with me, and I was hooked. I wanted to write.
When did this story first start stirring in your heart?
In 2010 my family moved my dad into a nursing home, and his house was left empty. So my wife, two kids, and I moved in.
The front yard had this beautiful willow tree. I was looking out at it one afternoon, and I saw my daughter hanging onto a branch and twirling without a care in the world.
It left this huge imprint in my mind. Most parents will understand when I say that it’s like that memory is chiseled into my brain, not just written, but permanently etched there. I knew that the beautiful moment in front of me wouldn’t last forever. I mourned and celebrated at the same time.
It was out of that moment the inspiration for Under the Dancing Tree came. I looked at the little girl in front of me, and I dreamed of the woman she’d become. The words poured out, and when it was done, I knew I had written something that would be special to me forever.
How do you think this book will help both fathers and daughters?
Under the Dancing Tree has several things going for it. Its beautiful illustrations and catchy rhyme make it a great book to read to kids. Its simple vocabulary makes it a great book to be read by kids.
However, the strongest element of the book is the story. We parents, but in this case dads, understand the struggle of watching our little ones grow up. We’re both thrilled to see who their becoming and sad that they’ve grow out of cuddles and kisses. It’s such a crazy mixture of hope for the future and longing for the past. That is what I wanted to capture here. If I can help even one father or daughter grow closer then the book will have done its job.
What is your favorite children’s book, and why?
There are so many to choose from! The answer to this has changed over the years. We have been collecting Dr. Seuss books since before we had kids. So many of his books have been in the bedtime rotation with my three kiddos.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
As my kids have aged, I’ve discovered other wonderful books like The Cow Loves Cookies and Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson, What Is Christmas? and What is Easter? By Michelle Medlock Adams, and How Do I Love You by PK Hallinan. These books have not only enriched my reading time with my kids, but the stories really affect me as a person. They’re deep and lovely books, and I can only hope to affect someone’s life with my own stories in the same way.
Which children’s book author do you admire most, and why?
I’m partial to Dr. Seuss for several reasons: his artwork, his weirdness, and his ability to take on substantive social issues through children’s books. Dr. Seuss is a product of his time, and anyone who researches his life will quickly realize that he might not have been the best role model. However, as an author, it’s hard to hold a candle to the Dr.
He took on topics like nuclear weapons and racism. His books are witty and wonderfully illustrated. No one can read a Dr. Seuss book and miss his signature style. He is truly one-of-a-kind. So on a purely professional level I admire Dr. Seuss above all other children’s book authors.
Do you have other books in mind, or ready for publication?
I do have other books in mind! That was one of the great things about finding an agent and a publisher. They were both looking for a writer with more than one book up his sleeve. As it stands, I currently have another 6-10 books that are written and in some state of review with my agent. I hope to have another book published in the next 12-18 months.
Are picture books in rhyme your go-to when you write, or do you write in several genres?
As a debut author I’m still getting a sense of myself and my audience. As a reader I am voracious. I read books in many genres, so it’s really no surprise that I want to write in multiple genres.
However, right now I feel strongly that I should build my brand around children’s picture books. I’m not currently looking to become a full-time writer, so I don’t need children’s picture books to pay the bills. It’s not the most lucrative genre to write in. I write these stories because I can’t not write them. They come to me because I’m in the thick of parenting young kids. I’m constantly inspired by them. It also helps that I’m silly, nerdy, and look at the world a little upside down.
Do I have a middle-grade novel in me someday? I hope so. I’d love to try my hand at adolescent fiction and non-fiction Christian living as well. But for now, I’m content writing what I love, which is children’s picture books.
More About Chip
From the time he was small, Chip loved to read and write. He wrote poems for his grandmother and songs for himself. As a sophomore in high school, Chip won a contest to have a poem published in an anthology of U.S. high school poets. It was a seminal moment.
A few years later, Chip was admitted to the collegiate poetry and short story club, Scribblerus. He was dedicated to the purpose of the club: to read and critique others’ work in the club and submit works for critique by others. They met every week, and the honing of his craft began in earnest. He graduated magna cum laude from Greenville University with a BA in Philosophy and Religion.
Chip attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in 2018 where he was awarded the Foundations First Runner-Up for Best Children’s Picture Book. His debut book, Under the Dancing Tree, from Elk Lake Publishing is now available from major retailers.
Notes from Sarah
I truly enjoyed this lovely book by Chip. It would make a wonderful gift for a father/daughter dance or for a first-time daddy of a daughter.
Chip is an avid Twitter user and loves to follow you back. You are invited to follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
Under the Dancing Tree: A sweet story about the special bond between fathers and daughters. #bookreview #childrensbook #parenting #Christianbook Click To Tweet
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