Painting Dreams into Stories
My Journey as a Children’s Book Author
When I look back on my journey to becoming a children’s book author, I am struck by how much patience, perseverance, and heart it has taken. Writing for children is not just about words on a page; it’s about capturing imagination, nurturing curiosity, and planting seeds of kindness, acceptance, and self-confidence.
I am a first-generation American, a mother, and someone who has walked my own path without a roadmap. I always knew I had stories inside me—stories that uplift children—but bringing them to life felt like scaling a mountain whose summit I couldn’t yet see. I painted, I wrote, and I dreamed, but it wasn’t until I partnered with my amazing illustrator, Chrys Zyx, that my first book, Sue’s Sky, truly took flight. Chrys’s vibrant canvases brought every bit of wonder to life in a way I could never have imagined alone. Continuing to work with her has been such a joyful partnership that we keep growing stronger with every book project.
Publishing my first book was both exhilarating and humbling. The industry, with all its rules and limitations, was daunting, but I refused to let that stop me. I chose the self-publishing route, and in doing so, I discovered the power of creating on my own terms—and just for kids. I realized that children don’t care about trends or profits; they care about connection, imagination, and stories that reflect their experiences and dreams. Watching children light up while reading Sue’s Sky or engaging with the accompanying activities in our curriculum has been one of the most profound rewards of my life. Kids everywhere, through their excitement, keep reminding me that I made the right choice, and I continue to create for them.
Through my books, I aim to give children tools to navigate the world with empathy and courage. Activities like “Paint Your Own Sky” are not just fun; they allow children to express themselves, embrace their uniqueness, and see that their thoughts and feelings matter. The second edition of this book is coming soon, and it will be a bold statement of acceptance. I can’t wait to honor all children with this book.
Becoming a children’s book author has taught me more about life than I could have imagined. I’ve learned to embrace failure as part of growth, to celebrate every small victory, and to trust that the work I pour my heart into will find the right eyes and hearts. I hope my books inspire children to dream boldly, to see the beauty in themselves and others, and to carry kindness wherever they go.
If there’s one thing I want anyone reading this to take away, it’s this: your story matters. Your voice matters. No matter how long the journey feels or how many obstacles stand in the way, the world needs the stories only you can tell. For me, every painted sky, every written word, and every child’s smile has made the journey worth it—and I can’t wait to continue creating, learning, and inspiring.
