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.
Discover how writing a children’s book for my kids became a powerful journey in finding my voice, speaking openly about mental health, and connecting with audiences through podcasts and storytelling.
A raw, honest reflection on parenting with depression and anxiety. One mom shares how intrusive thoughts, mom guilt, and self-doubt nearly stole her joy—and how she learned that clouds don’t last forever.
When a hybrid publisher told me my picture book about parental mental health “wasn’t right for kids,” I disagreed. Here’s why I believe children can understand complex emotions—and why we need more stories about parents with cloudy days.
Mom’s Cloud at the Beach was born from collaboration, imagination, and a touch of vulnerability. As she waited for the sketches to arrive, she carried the weight of expectation—wondering if the illustrations would capture the emotions she had poured into the story. When the PDF finally appeared, it wasn’t exactly what she had envisioned. The focus shifted, the colors highlighted emotions she hadn’t anticipated—and in that unexpected moment, she found the connection she truly needed.
This Mom faced a long weekend solo with both kids, anxiety in tow, and chose to do things differently. Instead of spiraling, she filled their days with joy: a cozy game night, movie time, a bubble parade, and an AFSP walk—dressed in beads, carrying love, and supporting causes close to her heart.
Even the harder moments—bedtime battles, tantrums, and morning chaos—became opportunities to pause, listen, and collaborate with her kids. Alma’s simple solution to the “shoe struggle” worked, proving that small shifts can break big cycles.
’m still here. Still writing. Still querying—because I carry this stubborn hope that someone, somewhere, will see value in parenting with depression. That they’ll understand it matters to be the parent willing to talk about this, with more words, deeper emotion, and a touch of whimsical truth.
This picture book reflects the complexities of parenting, encapsulating moments when a parent can’t fully engage. The author uses the phrase “I’m frozen” to convey a shared understanding with her daughter about needing space. It emphasizes that it’s normal to need breaks while deeply loving one’s child, portraying the realities of parenthood.
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 author reflects on their journey raising their daughter Alma, from initial difficulties bonding due to postpartum depression and silent reflux to discovering a deep connection through communication and presence. As Alma thrives, the author realizes their identity as a mother and embraces the joys and challenges of parenting, ultimately celebrating Alma’s vibrant individuality.
