We are excited to connect with Katy Tessman today!
Hi Katy. Thanks for sharing your story! Tell us about you and what inspired you to write your books.
Books and music have always taken center stage in my life. Combining my love of writing and performing, I earned a BA in Speech Communication from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. As a literacy champion, I am a new school library project manager at Mackin Educational Resources, where I curate opening day collections to provide windows and mirrors for students across the country. As a singer-songwriter, I perform on stages throughout Minnesota and around the region.
Writing helps me find plateaus during life’s stumbles and summits. Using the wisdom I’ve gained through breast cancer survival, heartbreak, and motherhood, I aim to spread hope, strength, and joy.
At the age of 39, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my first mammogram. My two sons were ages 3 and 6 years old. I went to the public library to find an age-appropriate book to help explain what was going to happen to me. I wanted a book that instilled hope and explained the basics of cancer. I never found that book. As I found my own words to help my young children understand, I discovered a theme — cancer is a bad weed in my garden. The garden analogy made it easier for them to accept the physical changes going on with my body. I have fought the battle of my life; finishing the fight with children who stayed optimistic gave me the courage to write “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden.”
A decade later, I have written a song that sums up the everyday hero’s journey. A cancer diagnosis felt like I’d fallen down a deep dark hole. I’ve learned that I can find the bottom, inch up, and make my way back to the top. I now feel like I’ve summited a mountain! Navigating the unplanned twists in the road can be highly challenging. Releasing the song with an accompanying lyric picture book has been a dream come true. “Hero Now Crowned” is a celebration of the everyday hero’s perseverance, which is so courageous.
Could you tell us all about your books? What can parents/kids expect?
How do you explain breast cancer to your young children? “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” is written in the voice of my two young sons, making a cancer journey understandable to the youngest of children. My goal is to give families the strength, courage, and optimism they need during an awful time that can feel quite hopeless. Minneapolis-based artist, Jessica Bailey created the charming illustrations giving the serious topic accessibility for all ages.
Life challenges all of us with many painful experiences. “Hero Now Crowned” is a tribute to everyone who has overcome hardships — whether it be a health crisis, a battle with addiction, or coping with anxiety, depression, or grief. You don’t have to slay a dragon to be a hero. Simply fighting, surviving, and continuing the battle certifies you as one. The book is a magical reimagining of my song with enchanting watercolors by Bebe Keith of St. Paul.
What do you love about the Twin Cities? Why is this a great community for local authors?
The arts community is strong and flourishing in the Twin Cities and throughout the state of Minnesota. From literacy and music to visual arts and independent sellers, there’s always a wide variety of creativity accessible to the diverse communities that call this beautiful state their home.
The support and encouragement I have received by fellow artists has been very validating as an author and songwriter. Local photographers and painters have invited me to be an integral part of their creative projects. For example, artist Barbara Porwit created a larger-than-life painting of me as Wonder Woman for her Breast Cancer Superheroes portrait series.
Since publishing my first book, my sons and I have received many honors. Minnesota Women’s Press named me a CHANGEMAKER in recognition of the positive effect “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” has made on women and families. The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis honored my sons naming them Young Heroes, recognizing how they faced their mama’s breast cancer with the courage only a true-to-life hero has. The Minnesota-based corporation, Patterson Dental sponsored “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” donating 100 copies of my book to cancer centers throughout the state for their annual Grins for a Good Cause program.
I was a recipient of financial assistance from the Angel Foundation and in October 2022, I had the opportunity to give back. In celebration of my 13th year of being cancer-free, I hosted a fundraiser with a performance with my band at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior. I am so proud I met my fundraising goal plus 10 copies of my book were purchased to be included in the foundation’s Angel Packs for the families they serve.
What is the best way for the Minnesota Parent community to support your business?
I appreciate purchases of my book ordered directly from me via my website at katytessman.com. There, you can also learn more about me and my music. Books can be purchased directly from me at my concerts. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel @katytessman and follow along @katytessmanmusic on Instagram.
How do your books inspire parents and their children?
Talking about tough subjects can be hard. Stories are always helpful tools for adults to navigate conversations with youth. Reading books can stimulate thoughtful questions and discussions. Facing a sensitive subject together builds bonds between grown-ups and kids. I hope my books will instill courage, confidence, and comfort in children (and adults), especially during times of uncertainty.
Tell us about you! Your family, why you love being a parent. What brings you joy?
Outside is my favorite place! When I’m not in my office working or on stage performing, I can be found hiking. I am grateful there are so many regional parks and trail systems in the Twin Cities and throughout the state. A lot of my “writing” happens when I’m in the forest.
My parents instilled a love of reading in me and I have passed this gift to my sons. When they were in grade school, I was the director of the summer reading program for six years. Inspiring my sons’ classmates, and the entire student population, to read was a very rewarding volunteer experience.
My two sons are talented musicians and there’s always some kind of music pouring out of our home in Minnetonka, Minnesota. My older son is the lead guitar player in my band and my younger son has helped me with recording studio technology. Collaborating musically with my (nearly grown) sons fills my heart with joy!
Tell us about your favorite places to go with your kids? Restaurants, road trips, parks etc.
My family’s love of nature helped my two sons understand the changes going on with my body during my battle with breast cancer. We volunteer at Three Rivers Parks’ Gale Woods Farm and Lowry Nature Center. Spending time with Grandma and Grampa at the cabin in the Chippewa National Forest has created cherished traditions. The memories we’ve made during our annual “mom & sons camping trips” on the north shore have helped build the strong bond we have as a family.
Let us know where our readers can find you!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurMamaIsABeautifulGarden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katytessmanmusic/
Website: www.katytessman.com
Bandcamp: https://katytessman.bandcamp.com/
Literacy & MakerEd Blog: https://katytessman.home.blog/
“Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden” book trailer:
