Children’s literature has the incredible power to help young readers understand and navigate life’s challenging moments. Risa Nyman’s debut novel, Swallowed by a Secret, is a testament to that power.
With her compassionate approach to difficult topics like grief and secrecy, Nyman has created an emotional story that resonates with readers of all ages. After winning the Moonbeam Award for Pre-Teen Fiction – Mature Issues in 2020, Nyman’s thoughtful work has been celebrated for its honesty, warmth, and ability to spark important conversations.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Nyman about her award-winning book, her writing journey, and the inspiration that drives her to create stories that matter.
A Dream Come True
For Nyman, writing wasn’t always the path she thought she’d take. But after retiring, she found a new passion she never imagined would lead to the success she’s experiencing today.
“I started taking courses in fiction writing after I retired. I am an older author. I found my voice in middle grade writing and then started this book, Swallowed by a Secret,” she shared.
She embarked on this journey later in life, finding inspiration and strength in her own experiences. Her story shows that it’s never too late to start something new—something that brings joy, healing, and connection.
A Moment of Celebration
Winning a Moonbeam Award was an emotional milestone for Nyman. “Swallowed by a Secret was my first book and winning 2nd place in my category for a Moonbeam Award was so gratifying and a confidence-builder. I think the success of that first book helped me move forward professionally.” For her, this recognition wasn’t just about the award—it was about knowing her work had made a meaningful impact.
When Nyman found out she had won, it was a moment of pure happiness and pride. “Happy my work was acknowledged in this important way. An occasion for celebration,” she said. She took the opportunity to share her joy with others, proudly posting the news on her social media. Nyman’s win was just as much a celebration of the journey as it was of the result.
The Heart of Swallowed by a Secret
The inspiration behind Swallowed by a Secret came from a personal place. Nyman wanted to tackle a difficult subject in a way that would help young readers understand and process it.
“So many things inspired it, but especially an event in the community about someone who was in middle school and lost their father to suicide,” she said. By addressing a sensitive and heartbreaking topic, Nyman’s aim was to help children navigate the complex emotions that come with grief and loss. Her approach was to handle the issue with care and compassion, showing the pain it causes both the family and wider community.
“It’s hard for anyone to explain it,” Nyman shared, referring to the struggle adults face when trying to help children make sense of something so tragic. Through her writing, she gave a voice to the unspoken feelings many families experience in the wake of loss.
The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges
Nyman’s writing journey wasn’t just about putting words on the page—it was about growing and learning as a writer. “I joined online critique groups and attended workshops to improve my writing and get important feedback to make the writing and the plot and the characters better,” she said.
While Nyman was fortunate to have the time to dedicate to writing after retirement, it wasn’t always an easy process. “The biggest challenge I faced was believing in myself that I could actually write a book that someone would want to publish. There were times I almost stopped writing, and of course, I’m so glad I didn’t.” Her story is a beautiful reminder that persistence and belief in oneself are key ingredients in any project.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Writing isn’t always easy, and Nyman learned it’s important to stay resilient when faced with setbacks. Her advice to aspiring authors is simple but powerful: “Don’t get discouraged if you get some criticism that is harsh. Give it a little time and then get back to your story and try to make it better. That is difficult to do, but is a key to having success.” She encourages writers to embrace feedback not as a failure but as an opportunity to grow.
For anyone thinking about submitting their work to the Moonbeam Awards, Nyman has a strong recommendation: “Do it! You may win an award, and if you are so fortunate, it will boost your confidence and help promote your book.” Her Moonbeam win wasn’t just about the recognition—it also gave her the platform to share her message and connect with more readers.
What’s Next for Risa Nyman?
Nyman isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After the success of Swallowed by a Secret, she wrote a standalone sequel, Spooked by a Suspicion, and released Complicated Choices, a young adult contemporary novel in 2023.
Now, she’s diving into something new: “I am now working on a murder mystery with a twist,” she revealed. Fans of her emotionally rich writing can look forward to more thought-provoking stories from this talented author.
Submit Your Work Today
Through her books, Nyman continues to touch hearts, spark important conversations, and remind readers they’re not alone in facing life’s challenges.
If you’ve written a book you want to share with the world, don’t hesitate to submit it to the Moonbeam Awards. Your story has the potential to inspire, educate, and bring comfort to those who need it most!
