Quick Summary
"Where We Come From" was chosen for the 13th iteration of Minnesota’s state-wide book club, One Book | One Minnesota. This title presents a picture-book collaboration in which four authors explore where they each come from, literally and metaphorically. Diane Wilson is an award-winning author and educator who explores, reflects, and celebrates Indigenous identity and community.
What was the most rewarding part of writing this book?
Echoing John and Sun Yung, I really enjoyed the collaboration between the four of us, the way our different skills and interests inspired new ideas in each draft. They’re all such creative thinkers and storytellers that I felt challenged to do my best work, which I enjoyed. Working together on this project also helped us get through the most challenging days of the pandemic.
What were some of the challenges you encountered while writing, and how did you overcome them?
This was my first picture book, so it was a big challenge for me as a prose writer to learn how to express an entire story in 200 words. I’m very grateful to John for sharing his vast experience in the world of children’s books, and to Sun Yung, for her beautifully succinct poetic language, and to Shannon, another storyteller who shared my struggle to economize with words. Fortunately, we were able to spill some of our ideas into generous back matter.
What do you hope readers take away from your book, and what impact do you envision it having in your community?
I hope young readers and their families will recognize how important our stories are to knowing who we are as human beings. We all come from such rich histories, traditions, ceremonies, foods, water, and land, and these stories are all part of who our families become. The book invites readers of any age to open themselves to the poetry and beauty of their own stories, to remember our shared ancient connections to the stars, and to use their imaginations as they consider where they come from.
What book are you currently reading?
I’m reading "Zuya: Life’s Journey," a collection of oral teachings from Rosebud (reservation) by Albert White Hat, Sr. It’s fascinating to me how written stories can be used as a bridge to share oral stories that have been handed down for generations.
