Jonathan Flores On Books And Writing
For my latest author interview, I turn to Jonathan Flores. Flores and I went to the same high school in Dallas. He resides in New York City.
This interview has been edited.
“The Adventures of Tony the Pony” was released recently. Would you tell me a little about it?
Tony the Pony is a children’s picture book sharing powerful lessons for life aimed at kids aged 3–5 years old. This new book shares some of the author Jonathan’s childhood story of embracing his identity and some of the lessons in gratitude, comparison and friendship he’s learned along the way.
By sharing his own heart and story, Jonathan hopes to help children know they are loved and valued, and find joy in a world that can feel overwhelming.
The intention of the book is to help the next generation learn to celebrate their identity and how they have been created, and embrace their differences. The book offers tools for children and adults to practice positive thoughts and words through “Tony Talk,” with powerful prompt questions in the final pages of the book.
How long did it take to write? Do you have a writing routine?
In total, from idea to the printed book was a four-month process. However the story of Tony the Pony has been on my heart for many years. In fact, when I nannied kids or was babysitting friends’ kids I would often make up stories with the character of Tony the Pony. So while it took four months to get the book written, illustrated and produced, the character of Tony has been years in the making.
My writing routine has evolved over the years. I have had consistent days when I would write “pages” in the morning.
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I journal often, and have a small notebook I carry around with me in the City to write down jokes when I am inspired by what I experience in the people of New York.
I also have a larger journal for writing prayers and thoughts which I find useful for processing, whether sitting at the kitchen table in the morning with a lit candle, or at a counter in a one of our favorite Brooklyn coffee shops or at Westway Diner in Hell’s Kitchen next to the Mattress Firm where I currently work.
What was collaborating with David Chang like?
David is a friend and someone whose art and creativity I have always looked up to and admired. I have often been moved by his calligraphy and the spiritual practice of his art. When I was seeking an illustrator, I wasn’t sure whether this was something David would even consider doing, but I kept running into him throughout the City, and so I was utterly delighted when he was so willing to collaborate with me.
He brought Tony to life in a way I couldn’t have even imagined. Some of the illustrations are playful, while others are profoundly moving and intimate. Our budget couldn’t afford him and he was generous with his time and talent.
Gratitude is a big focus of the book. How does that play out in your personal life?
I feel so grateful every day for the life I have been given. As Christians, my wife and I often start the day in prayer and we begin the day with gratitude and thanksgiving to God for who He is and what He has done in our lives.
I am also grateful for my family and so many dear and loyal friends who have championed and cheered for me (and Tony) in the moments when I haven’t always felt worthy of the opportunities I have.
Have you thought about doing a reading at Bradfield or one of the other elementary schools where we grew up?
I got the opportunity to read at my niece’s school, West Dallas Community School back in April which was so special, and emotional. My mom was also able to share a copy of Tony the Pony at the 100-year celebration of Bradfield and I have submitted the book to the [Highland Park Independent School District] HPISD Board for review. I plan to do a book tour in the future, and it is a dream of mine to one day present at the literary festival!
Any new writing projects in the works?
Yes, I have two ideas in the works. One is “Taste and see” and the concept of experiencing the world around us with our five senses. The other is “There he goes,” which follows a young boy from birth to death and the various experiences along the way. I hope to get my next book in print early next year.
