Influential Woman · Author
Vanessa Benitez
Children's Book Author, The Adventures of Puffy Cat and the Lost Name
Queens, NY
Her Story
About Vanessa
Vanessa Benitez is a first-time children's book author from Richmond Hill, New York. The inspiration for her story comes from her real-life rescue cat, Snarf. Vanessa found her one day tumbling through the garbage, and they have been inseparable ever since. Although Vanessa is extremely allergic to cats, she decided to get allergy shots to be able to keep her fluffy Queen! Three years later, and Vanessa and Snarf (a.k.a. Puffy Cat) are fur-ever friends and happier than ever! In addition to being a new author, Vanessa is dedicated to TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and has humanely caught dozens of stray cats so that they can receive proper medical care and later be released back to their outdoor homes. Vanessa also loves to match kitties with loving pet parents, and has been able to find plenty of furry friends, a fur-ever home. Vanessa would like to dedicate this story to anyone who has ever felt sad and alone or has ever needed a friend. Through this book, she wants to spread the message that your next best buddy might be just one smile, meow, or woof away! For every book that Vanessa and Snarf sell, they will donate a portion of the proceeds to a local rescue organization <3.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I grew up in a family full of storytellers. Going back to my father, to my grandmother, and lots of older relatives, the way they would teach us was to tell a story that reveals a lesson. I always wrote and told stories, and once I met my cat, I knew a version of her story needed to be told, as a way to teach people to care for strays and also as a means to show the importance of friendship coming in all shapes and forms.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do what you love, and the money will follow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not be afraid to take risks in your writing. Your story is important and needs to be told. Take others' advice, but follow your heart.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that there are already so many books being written every day! It can be difficult to promote and market at times with such an oversaturation of children's books out there! Also, unfortunately there are a lot of dishonest people who claim they will promote your book and are either scammers or do not make good on their promises.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being genuine and authentic. Telling your story from your own perspective.
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