Time for another author spotlight. Today I’m going to introduce you to one of my critique partners, Terrie Lynn Birney. Terrie and I met through Children’s Book Mastery Author Coaching.
Terrie is a children’s picture book author who has Cerebral Palsy. When she was born, the doctors said she would be a “vegetable” her whole life. To those doctors Terrie says “Ha, take that!”
Not only is she pursuing a career in writing children’s books, she graduated from college with an associate degree in computer science.
Terrie, why do you write stories?
I write children’s books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy. As a woman with Cerebral Palsy, I feel like I’m qualified to write stories about Cerebral Palsy. I desire to be a modern-day Judy Blume for children with disabilities — especially those with Cerebral Palsy, but really any disability. I want my stories to make them feel seen, valued, and celebrated and offer advice or a listening ear.
How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite and why?
I have written six stories, but only four books are published so far. Abby-Ability is my favorite one because it explains Cerebral Palsy pretty well.
My new series, “Signing with Emma” is becoming my favorite because I incorporated sign language in that book.
Writing is a difficult business. Many writers have written many stories, but not all of them get published. I have written over fifty stories. Some stories are for me. I don’t plan on getting them published. Sometimes I share them with close friends and family. Some stories are meant to be shared. I will revise and revise them until I am ready to send them out to be published.
Where do you get your ideas for your books?
For “The Magical Hair Bows“, I wanted to give children with Cerebral Palsy a fairy tale. I love the idea that magic could make me able to walk and talk.
“The Buddies’ Adventures” series is inspired by my family and my grade-school friend.
For “Abby-Ability“, a mother messaged me on Facebook for advice on how to answer her daughter’s questions about why she has Cerebral Palsy. I offered to write a book that answers her daughter’s questions.
For my new series, “Signing with Emma”, at a book signing event, someone suggested that I write a book that has sign language for each word and I loved that idea. I’m passionate about this book because I use sign language to talk.
I love that you get ideas for your books from your life. I wrote When Chicken and Duck Talk: Learning to Swim because I’m passionate about writing a Chinese book that is fun and easy to read for all those children struggling to learn Chinese. My own children struggled to learn Cantonese and Mandarin. They had to attend two different Chinese schools to learn both. Many families speak more than one Chinese language. I’m hoping that in the future you don’t need to learn each Chinese language separately.
What process do you use to write your stories? Do you get any help?
I’m a pantser and it means that I write what pops in my mind. I don’t plot or outline my stories. I belong to three critique/support groups.
I’m also a pantser, but I sometimes try to outline and plot my stories, especially when I’m writing a chapter book or novel. I also belong to multiple critique groups. Having different readers give feedback on my stories help me improve them.
I love that you wrote a series about buddies. Who is your favorite Buddy from the series?
I can’t pick a favorite buddy from “The Buddies’ Adventures“ series because the Buddies are based on my nephews.
Some of my stories are based on people in my life, but I also love to insert my friends and students into my stories. It’s fun to read stories with names of people you might know.
Do you have a favorite author?
My two favorite authors are Nicolas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury.
Has any of your books won an award?
Yes, “The Magical Hair Bows” won the Global Book Awards in the Bronze Category in 2024. I submitted “Abby-Ability for this year’s (2025) Global Book Awards.
Wow! That is so cool. I hope my books can win an award someday.
What do you feel is the most difficult part of the writing journey? How did you overcome it?
The marketing is the most difficult part of being an author for me. I just have to push through it, a task at a time.
I have to agree. It is much easier writing and revising my stories. Very few people realize that one of the hardest parts of a writer’s journey is trying to sell your book. That’s why some people self-publish their books.
We met through the Children’s Book Mastery Author Coaching Program. How did the program help you become a writer?
Karen Ferreira is our coach for CBM and she’s the best coach and mentor for writing a children’s book. She teaches everything from writing to publishing to marketing and everything in between. I honestly wouldn’t be where I’m at in my author career without Karen!
I agree with you so much. If Karen hadn’t given me the encouragement and push I needed, I wouldn’t have had the courage to self-publish my trilingual Chinese picture book, When Chicken and Duck Talk: Learning to Swim. Navigating the crowdfunding space with Kickstarter has taught me a lot.
What would you tell a kid with Cerebral Palsy who wants to write a story?
I would tell a kid with Cerebral Palsy that he/she can do anything that he/she wants to do! Just believe in himself/herself! I also would encourage a kid with Cerebral Palsy to email me if he/she needs any help or if he/she just wants to talk about having Cerebral Palsy. Ask an adult for help or permission before emailing me. My email address is author@terrielynnbirneyauthor.com
They also could mail a letter to
Terrie Lynn Birney
P.O. Box 834
Newport, NC 28570
What tip do you have for writers everywhere?
I would tell writers to join a writing program/class with support groups.
I agree that anyone can be a writer. Write the stories that you want to read. Find a group of people who enjoy writing. Take a writing class. Share and help each other grow as writers. Believe in yourself and don’t give up. You can always self-publish your book.
What are some upcoming projects you are working on?
I’m pretty excited about my new series, “Signing with Emma” because I incorporated sign language for each word in that book.
The first book in that series, “Does Anyone Know My Language?“ is now on pre-order and will be available on Wednesday, April 15, 2026
I also have a podcast, “Conversations Between Terrie Lynn and New Authors”. People can find my podcast here: https://conversationsbetweenterrielynnandnewauthors.buzzsprout.com and https://www.youtube.com/@cbtlnna
Conversations Between Terrie Lynn and New Authors is a fun podcast. She featured many new authors, including one with me regarding When Chicken and Duck Talk: Learning to Swim.
Where can readers learn more about you, follow your journey, or buy your books?
People can buy my children’s books from my website at www.terrielynnbirneyauthor.com
When a book is bought from my website, I sign a personal copy. They also are on Amazon, www.bn.com and every online outlets.
I am so lucky to have Terrie as a critique partner. She proves that everyone can fight against adversity and win. Terrie’s invitation to join her podcast inspired me to start my author spotlight. Every month I will introduce you to a children’s book author.
Every author has a WHY for writing. Each author wants to share a bit of themselves with the world. Every child is unique. When they find their special WHY for reading, they blossom into a voracious reader and lifelong learner.
If you are a children’s book author and would like to be featured on my blog, please contact me at info@joannaszetowrites.com.