Merry Christmas: Facing anxiety, reading books, & buying supports

This holiday season, I’m sharing the story behind my book launch, including Pay-It-Forward bundles, ARC updates, and creative ways to give back. Follow along for behind-the-scenes insights, mental health reflections, and joyful reading moments.

“Progress & Resources Rhymes” (According to Alma): Book Updates & HelpFul Tools

If you ask me how my indie-author journey is going, I’ll answer: “Somewhere between thriving and spiraling with purpose.” From moving my launch and expanding partnerships, to prepping swag and DIY booth experiments, this process is messy, chaotic, and full of unexpected lessons.

With the right illustrator, collaborators, and a pause to grow, every hiccup is shaping how I show up—and how this book reaches the families and organizations who need it most.

Mischief with Max: What My Second Baby Taught Me About Motherhood

The author candidly shares her challenging experience with pregnancy and the early birth of her son, Max, who spent time in NICU. Unlike her first child, Alma, she embraced new boundaries and supported herself through a strong community. Max, now two, is his own joyful, spirited self, highlighting the uniqueness of each child.

The Moment Everything Became Real: When Character Art Transformed My Children’s Book Dream

Discover the magical moment when character sketches transform a children’s book manuscript from words on a page to vivid, living personalities. Follow my journey working with illustrator Juliana as we bring Alma, Max, and family to life—capturing their quirks, expressions, and spirit. Learn why trusting your illustrator and sharing your characters’ essence is key to creating a heartfelt, authentic story.

From Cloudy Days to Storytime: What If We Told Kids the Truth About Sadness?

The author shares their journey of writing a book inspired by personal experiences with depression, transforming initial feelings into a relatable narrative with rhymes. After facing rejections from traditional publishers, the author opts for self-publishing to maintain authenticity. They engage in a contest, eager for support, emphasizing the importance of their story.

Writing Through the Clouds: Why I Wrote a Children’s Book About Parental Depression (and How You Can Help)

First-time author Kendall Concini seeks funding for her mental health picture book, “Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure.” This book aims to help children understand parental emotions like depression and anxiety. Donations will support illustrations, marketing, and community outreach, promoting emotional honesty and empathy in children’s literature.