From Manuscript to Magic: Creating My Book, Finding My Team, and Sharing Sunshine

Editing my manuscript brought a rush of happiness, but it also stirred a gust of anxiety as I faced one big, daunting question:

Who’s going to illustrate this story?

The first person I shared the book with (outside of my family) was one of my dearest friends. They’ve filled my world with beautiful art over the years, so asking them to join this journey felt natural.

But as we talked, we both realized something: illustrating a full children’s picture book is its own kind of creative rumpus. In the end, we chose coffee chats over deadlines (a decision rooted in love and authenticity.)

So, I began my search, not just for the right artwork, but for the right person.

Someone who would understand the vision. Someone who would respect the vulnerability behind the story’s central takeaway: the cloud is depression.

The Good, the Meh, and the Magical

I saw incredible portfolios and met wonderfully talented artists. But I still didn’t feel ready.

As an influencer, I turned to Threads, hoping to find guidance and maybe some behind-the-scenes insights. It was a mixed experience.

Some accounts offered genuinely helpful advice. Others gave vague tips, followed by pricing in my DMs. A few teased insight, then asked me to message them for rates.

But one account stood out.

They weren’t trying to sell anything. They were simply sharing:

-How to build a strong, authentic author–illustrator relationship

-What to ask the right illustrator

-What red flags to look out for

No pitch. No pressure. Just thoughtful, calm information.

It felt like the clarity I had been searching for. So, I I threw out a few questions.

And then I realized, I could ask one really big one:

“Can you just illustrate my children’s books?”
They said yes. And suddenly, so did I. 💛

https://julianacastrc.com/

Turning Toward the Tools: Back-of-Book Resources

As I worked on illustration contracts, I found the courage to start working on another essential part of the book: the back-of-book resources.

My words are meant to spark a conversation.
The tools are there to help carry it forward.

I wanted to do something brave within this storytelling journey. Because this book, while whimsical, is also rooted in truth. There can be elements of nonfiction, in the most emotional sense.

So, I wanted to admit the kind of help I sought, the kind many of us are taught to keep quiet about.

But help isn’t taboo. Help is human. There’s no award for doing it alone.

I’m bravely including the website that provided the most impactful articles and where I discovered a support group that changed the course of my healing.

The therapist moderator of that group has graciously allowed me to share links, quotes, and mental health tools

My hope? That these resources offer someone else the same sense of connection, clarity, and care, exactly when they need it.

A Rainbow Encounter

Then something magical happened.

One morning at Artscape, Alma pointed out a woman dressed in rainbows.

“Mom,” she said, “she’s like our sunshine.”

Alma told her she was beautiful. The woman smiled and handed her a small bag with a rubber duck, a challenge, and a happiness card inside.

Later that day, I looked up the link on the card and discovered Mary the Merriment Maker.

https://uncustomary.org/merriment-mixer/

There were tears as I read through her site. Tears of resonance and recognition. The openness she shares with the world is the same kind I’m trying to express in my own way.

She was dressed like sunshine, yes.
But she was something more.

I followed her on Instagram, took her challenges, and began soaking in warmth of the joy and authenticity she spreads.

Now, she’s graciously allowed me to include her work in this project: worksheets, activities, and even preorder gift items.

This is collaboration. This is healing. This is community.