04 Sep 2024 Author of the Month: Spencer Hawks

By Susan L. Peterson

Did you ever try to “hold it together?” Or maybe you got “bent out of shape?” Well, consider the paper clip. Spencer Hawks did.

Hawks, who grew up in Conway and is a Greenbrier High School graduate, has worn many hats in his lifetime. He’s been a teacher, educational administrator, real estate broker and politician. Now he can add another title to this list—children’s book author.

When Hawks was teaching about 20 years ago, the concept for “I’m a Paperclip” came to him. He was looking for ways to encourage students to help each other and accept their connection.

“‘I’m A Paperclip’ is about embracing our differences while encouraging us to help our peers with their struggles as we realize the connectivity that we all have both within our small communities and the wider world,” Hawks said.

He found Lindsey Bass Berger, a conceptual artist, who did the illustrations. It was important for him to approve each image throughout the process. Laughing, Hawks said the one thing he insisted on was keeping yellow frames on his glasses, which he wore when he taught because the kids liked them so much.

Last year, the timing was finally right for him to turn his idea into reality. He met the right people who helped steer him in the publication process, which can be quite daunting.

One of the book illustrations demonstrates that, just like people, paper clips come in many sizes and shapes. An object lesson is also included in the book, which makes it great for educators to use.

A release party was held on May 30, and Hawks has had several speaking engagements at local libraries since then. The book is now available in paperback, hardcover and Kindle editions on Amazon and other online sellers. It is also available at local bookstores and other venues in town.

Hawks lives in Conway with his wife, Xochilt; their three children, Samantha, Selena and Sebastian; and a labradoodle appropriately named Smokey. He is available for book talks and visits. Contact him at [email protected].