I’ve only ever wanted to be a writer.
My first book was written when I was five years old. I had a stay-at-home mom and three older siblings, so I was talking and writing pretty clearly by five.
The book was written and illustrated by me, and bound by staples and a stapler that I was permitted to use by my editor, my mother.
It was a colorful tale of a unicorn farmer and his unicorns.
I cannot remember the full details of the plot, but I assure you, it was riveting.
Between my first indie publication about the unicorn farmer and his unicorns, I went to high school where I won awards for writing and painting. I had a poem published my senior year, and was aggravated by the missing comma in my piece.
In my twenties, I collected a few wellness and fitness certifications. I taught yoga, meditation, and did some personal training. I also wrote on health and wellness blogs.
It wasn’t until 2016 that I attempted to write and publish fiction. I wanted to prove to myself that I had it in me. So, I decided to start small with a children’s book.
Fernando Learns About Asking
This was one of four books that I would write and publish with my talented friend Duncan. With her help, our little project landed on TV a few times on shows and in some commercials.
Years after the book was published, my dream of having a reader cosplay as one of my characters came true! A friend of mine came to yoga classes with a picture of her nephew dressed up as Fernando for his elementary school’s book parade.
Now, I have a small press and a number of books in several genres under my belt. I owe it all to that little, curious cat.
Happy Birthday, Fernando. You’re a good kitty.
You can learn more about Duncan’s work as an illustrator, set designer, and more by clicking here.
You can find all of Fernando’s adventures by clicking here.