In the ever-expanding world of children’s literature, Valerie Fentress shines as a beacon of faith-driven creativity. Her book, Beneath the Hood, recently earned the 2024 Enduring Light Children’s Category Gold Medal at the Illumination Awards—a recognition that not only celebrates her talent but also her dedication to sharing messages of hope.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Fentress to talk about her creative process, the inspiration behind Beneath the Hood, and how she’s helping young readers see their worth as children of God.
What Winning an Illumination Award Meant to Fentress
Winning an Illumination Gold Medal was an unexpected and meaningful moment for Fentress. “It is both humbling and amazing,” she said. As a self-published author, stepping into the world of awards was new territory for her. “An Illumination Gold Medal was something I never imagined. The others in the category were trusted names in Christian Children’s Books.”
What made the recognition so special was seeing the impact of her story. “The story I wrote was one I needed as a child,” she shared. “To know it has touched others is an incredible gift.”
Inspiration Rooted in Faith
The inspiration for Beneath the Hood came from a simple yet profound quote Fentress encountered on social media:
“On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and straighten my crown.”
Those words struck a chord. “Inadequate, unloved, and unworthy were words that resonated with my inner child,” Fentress explained. In that moment, God reminded her that, as His child, she was capable, loved, and worthy. “It was such a sweet moment for my soul,” she said.
The imagery of a young girl in the quote brought to mind Red Riding Hood, and inspiration struck. “Through a sleepless night, God guided me as I storyboarded the manuscript,” Fentress recalled.
Crafting Her Vision
Fentress’s creative process is hands-on. “I’m a very visual person,” she explained. “I started by storyboarding and mapping out the plot within a traditional story structure. Seeing the story unfold visually helped me refine the text and add meaningful details.”
Once her manuscript was polished, Fentress searched for the perfect illustrator. “It took some time to find someone whose style matched my vision and fit my budget,” she admitted. Eventually, she connected with an art student in Indonesia, and their collaboration was both inspiring and rewarding. “Working with her was such a blessing,” Fentress said.
The journey from storyboarding to publishing involved countless revisions, formatting challenges, and feedback from beta readers. “Publishing is a process of many small steps, but every step is progress,” she reflected.
Challenges and Growth
Even after publishing, Fentress acknowledges there’s plenty more to learn. “There’s always something you could tweak or improve,” she said. But rather than letting that discourage her, Fentress embraces the process as a journey of growth. “It’s all part of becoming a better storyteller and honoring the message you’ve been called to share.”
A Message of Identity and Worth
At its heart, Beneath the Hood carries a message Fentress hopes resonates with readers of all ages. “Through a familiar story like Red Riding Hood, I want children to hear the deep heart message of the value and identity they have as children of God,” she explained.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Fentress’s advice for aspiring authors is simple but powerful. “Remember who you’re writing for,” she said. “Your story is a gift, so surround yourself with people who can help you refine and improve it. Writing isn’t something you have to do alone.”
For her, publishing has been a lesson in patience and attention to detail. “It’s not a fast process,” she admitted. “Everything matters—trim size, font style, even the color of your character’s eyes. But it’s also so much fun. Seeing your finished book makes every step worthwhile.”
What’s Next for Fentress?
Fentress’s creative journey continues, with several projects in the works. “I have a couple more picture books in production and a middle-grade adventure I’m excited about,” she shared. With her passion for storytelling and faith at the center of her work, readers can look forward to more inspiring tales from her in the future.
Submit Your Work Today
When asked about submitting work to the Illumination Awards, Fentress was enthusiastic. “Go for it!” she said. “The Illumination Awards community is so encouraging. Whether you win or not, the experience will help you grow as a writer.”
If you’re an aspiring author with a story to share, take Fentress’s advice: trust in your message, take the leap, and embrace the journey—you never know how far it might take you!
