Attorney honored for kids’ book

Kristie L. McCann, a local author and an attorney at the Law Office of Kristie McCann, was recognized as a winner of the 2015 National Indie Excellence Awards in the children’s nonfiction category for being both exciting and educational. McCann’s book, “Fascinating Animals From A to Z,” highlights facts about common and uncommon creatures from around the globe. McCann has been practicing law for the past 12 years. Prior to starting her own firm, McCann most recently served as director, assistant general counsel for United Natural Foods Inc. She holds a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School.

What inspired you to start writing children’s books?

Having my daughter and discovering the world of children’s literature was really what did it, I think. It was amazing to see how captivated little children could become by books and also how much bonding can happen when you read to a child. I would find myself thinking of book ideas at the strangest times – in the car on the way to work or in the middle of the night. And many times I would then go out and find a book that was either very similar to or exactly like my idea. That was both validating and disappointing! So, I just kept writing down my ideas in notebooks and on scrap paper until about three years ago when I decided that if I didn’t try to publish a children’s book, then I would always regret it.

How does being a lawyer juxtapose with being a children’s book author?

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For more than a decade I have spent so much time thinking like a lawyer – analyzing cases or contracts, assessing risk and being very practical. Children’s book writing is completely different than all of that! You really need to let the right side of your brain take over, let creativity flow and really think about what would be interesting to a child.

Do you have any upcoming books planned?

I do! I have been working on several simultaneously. One teaches children about where their food comes from – from the fields to their plates and another is about the importance of manners and acts of kindness. •

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