Kandice Bowe of John Day has penned three children's picture books, with two more on the way. Her books are available at several local businesses, and online at Amazon and Createspace.

JOHN DAY – For as long as she can remember, Kandice Bowe has been a writer – learning calligraphy and writing poetry even at a young age.

Now, with her husband Morgan’s support and their children providing inspiration and ideas, Bowe says “children’s stories are flowing out of me.” She has three children’s picture books published and on local sales shelves – “Flap Jack Ducky Feet,” “Sable Caterpillar” and “Jasper Nose Best” – with two more “in production.”

She lives in John Day with her husband, and their two daughters, Kirra and Kiah.

The Eagle talked with Bowe about her books, how she got started in writing and what inspires her.

Eagle: How long have you been writing?

Kandice: I’ve always been a writer, for as long as I can remember, really. I grew up in Boardman, and excelled at writing in school. At a very young age I learned calligraphy and always wrote poetry. I was gifted books, fancy pens, ink, journals and special paper often as a child and into my teens. I would go bananas over such gifts because I’ve never felt I’ve had enough paper. I got serious about writing at age 17 and started writing children’s stories. I haven’t stopped since.

Eagle: What attracted you to writing children’s books?

Kandice: Children’s stories flow out of me, probably because I have two precious girls who inspire me. They’ll say something and I’ll say, “I need a piece of paper! That’s brilliant – great idea for a story!” I have receipts and napkins with random words and sayings on them. I keep them all together and when I’m feeling inspired, I’ll gather them all up and a story will just unfold. It’s pretty unorganized, but it’s so much fun!

Eagle: What inspires you most with your writing?

Kandice: I remember a time in my life (I’m sure most can relate) where I went through this awkward stage – teeth that were too big for my mouth and face, freckles across my nose, short, permed hair, knock-kneed and giggly. I was made fun of at times and as a child didn’t understand why my appearance would make others feel like they had to go out of their way to point out that I didn’t look the way they thought “pretty” or “cute” should look. There wasn’t a darn thing I could do about it and I was upset someone would make me feel like I had to do something about my appearance. So when I started writing, it had to have purpose, it had to give a message. With each of my stories there’s a message and the strongest of them all is to be proud and happy with yourself and all the so called “flaws” you may have. I’ve always written when I felt happy. I’m a happy person, so writing, especially children’s stories, comes out very naturally. I realized though that my children have evoked the most inspiration and happiness for me to continue writing. So I have a ridiculous amount of stories.

Eagle: How did you kick it up to the next “chapter,” so to speak, and get your books published?

Kandice: I work as an expanded functions dental assistant, and after years of telling my employer/friend, Virginia McMillan, and her husband, Craige McMillan, I wanted to eventually get some children’s stories out there, they both said “Then why don’t you?”. Craige had just started publishing his novel series, “Armageddon Story,” and he told me he would help me through the process. We both found out, however, that children’s stories are a lot harder to put together, print and publish than a non-picture story. Craige really has held my hand through the whole process, and I owe so much to him and Virginia. I’m forever grateful, and need to give Nancy Campbell of Bright Horizons credit, too. My patients, my family and my friends have been overwhelmingly encouraging as well. This is such an amazing community of people we have in Grant County. And I owe a lot to the encouragement and love from my husband, Morgan.

Eagle: Can readers look forward to more books from you?

Kandice: Yes! My fourth book is currently being illustrated by my illustrating muse: Stefanel-Alexandra Bejanaru (Alex for short) She’s been a godsend. I will do one more book this year as well. It’s the fifth book, called “Mackenzie Jo.” I took the tragic loss of my lifelong friend, and brought forth the fiery, fun, amazing person she was as a child. I’m really excited for the fifth especially. But I’m on a roll now, so five will never be enough. I’ll keep writing and as long as children keep reading, I’ll continue to write these types of stories.

Eagle: Do you do any other types of writing?

Kandice: Children’s stories really are my thing at the moment and will forever be the most fun to write. I’ve written out a novel, but that’s something that requires a lot more attention than I can give right now. I’m hoping to step into the big world of novelist and see where that will take me. But one step at a time. I’m comfortable in my kid inspired world for the time being. I eventually want to be a novelist and am encouraged especially by two local novelists here and Thomas Hardy.

Eagle: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

Kandice: My passion is my family, my two daughters, Kirra and Kiah, and my husband, Morgan. I am an avid hiker. I’m a climber by nature and hike almost every weekend. I love to camp, cook, crochet and write. I feel like an old soul. I don’t have any social media, I don’t have the Internet or a computer at home; I write all my children’s stories long hand before I type them out. I’m such a family woman. Good food, stories, family and friends are the sweetest things in life.

Eagle: Where can people buy your books?

Kandice: They are for sale locally at Dr. Virginia McMillan Family Dentistry, Java Jungle, Prime Time Video, Jonna’s Hair Care, and soon at Chester’s Thriftway and Len’s Drug. They’re also available at Shelby’s Floral in Tri-Cities, Wash., and online at Amazon and Createspace.

Kandice Bowe, originally from Boardman, writes from her John Day home, which she shares with her husband of 10 years, Morgan, and their daughters, Kirra and Kiah. Learn more about Bowe and her books at www.kandicebowebooks.com, and coming soon to Facebook.