Children's Book Authors Podcast Adventures in the Heart

Why This Children's Book Author Is Having the Conversations Parents Don't Know How to StartWhat happens when a child can't find themselves in the books they're handed? For Brandon D. Campbell, that question wasn't hypothetical — it was personal. Growing up in a blended family, navigating the emotional complexity of childhood, and searching for representation in literature shaped him into the author of Oh Brother, My Brother. And in a recent episode of the Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors podcast, he shared why that mission matters more than ever."Being a children's book author transcends mere writing — it's a commitment to shaping young minds and providing representation for children from diverse backgrounds."— Brandon D. CampbellWriting from the inside outCampbell's creative process begins where most writers are taught not to go: directly into their own pain. His upbringing in a blended family didn't just inspire Oh Brother, My Brother — it became the emotional foundation for every character, chapter, and question within it. He wanted young readers to open a book and finally see their own story reflected back at them.That kind of authentic representation, he argues, isn't a nice-to-have. It's a necessity for children processing feelings of neglect, abandonment, or confusion about family structures that don't fit the traditional mold.A book designed for dialogueOne of the most distinctive features of Oh Brother, My Brother is its structure. Across ten chapters, Campbell doesn't just tell a story — he opens a door. Each chapter closes with reflective questions specifically designed to spark conversations between children and their parents or caregivers. The goal is to create what Campbell calls psychological safety: a space where hard feelings can finally be named and discussed without shame.In a world where parents often struggle to know how to begin those conversations, the book essentially does the heavy lifting — giving both child and adult a shared starting point.Rejection, resilience, and taking ownershipCampbell's path to publication wasn't easy. Despite choosing the traditional publishing route, he faced numerous rejections — a reality familiar to countless authors but rarely discussed openly. Rather than letting the industry's gatekeeping silence his story, Campbell leaned into persistence and ownership of his narrative.His publishing journey serves as a powerful parallel to the book's own message: that your story is worth telling, even when the world initially says otherwise.Building community through storytellingWhat sets Campbell apart isn't just the book — it's how he's built an entire ecosystem around it. By integrating a podcast into his platform, he connects with readers, parents, educators, and fellow authors in a way that static bookselling never could. For Campbell, literature is not a monologue. It's a conversation — and he's committed to keeping it going across every platform available to him.His relationship with his illustrator reflects this same collaborative spirit. Campbell emphasizes the creative partnership as essential to the book's emotional authenticity, understanding that the visual language children experience is just as powerful as the written one.Takeaways:Brandon D. Campbell emphasizes the importance of ownership as a children's book author, highlighting the responsibility to shape children's narratives and inspire them positively.The inspiration for Brandon's book, 'Oh Brother, My Brother,' derives from his experiences growing up in a blended family, aiming to provide relatable characters for children facing similar situations.Brandon discusses the significance of establishing a strong relationship with his illustrator, emphasizing the collaborative nature of creating a children's book.His approach to writing includes reflective questions at the end of each chapter, aimed at fostering deeper conversations between children and parents, enhancing emotional connections.The podcast highlights the entrepreneurial journey of becoming a children's book author, detailing the challenges of securing a publisher and promoting one's work effectively.Brandon's ultimate goal is to alleviate childhood trauma through storytelling, fostering understanding and emotional growth in children from blended families.Links referenced in this episode:brandon-d-campbell.comingramspark.comhomepress.comsubstack.comfiverr.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:AmazonIngram SparksHome PressSubstack

Marlee Kostiner, the author of the children's book "NaMOOste," joins us to discuss her unexpected journey into children's literature.The central theme of our conversation revolves around the importance of social-emotional learning for children, which is intricately woven into her book through engaging animal characters and yoga poses.Marlee shares the personal inspiration behind her work, highlighting how her experiences as a mother and her passion for writing culminated in this creative endeavor. We delve into the challenges she faced in the publishing process, particularly her decision to maintain creative control by self-publishing instead of pursuing traditional routes. As we explore the significance of her book, we also address the resources she provides for parents and educators to facilitate meaningful discussions with children about their emotions and well-being.Marlee, a writer by profession, recounts her unexpected journey into the realm of children's literature with her book titled 'NaMOOste'.Initially, Marlee had not envisioned herself as a children's book author, despite her extensive background in journalism and editing.The inspiration struck her during a candid moment with her young son, who at the time was struggling with the transitions between play and rest.Observing him engage in spontaneous yoga poses prompted Marlee to consider the potential of utilizing yoga as a tool for managing emotions and transitions in children's lives.This realization ultimately led her to write her book, which intertwines the whimsicality of children's storytelling with the foundational elements of social-emotional learning.Marlee reflects on the significance of this journey, emphasizing that being a children's book author entails not only the act of writing but also the personal growth and belief in oneself that accompanies such a creative endeavor.The conversation delves deeply into the creative process Marlee underwent while writing 'NaMOOste'. She describes the initial draft's rapid emergence, followed by a period of reflection and eventual revival of her idea during the COVID-19 pandemic.This period of introspection and societal upheaval served as a catalyst for Marley, compelling her to confront her imposter syndrome and embrace her potential as a published author.The episode highlights her determination to maintain creative control over her work, a sentiment reinforced by her experiences in traditional publishing, where her vision for her book was often at odds with the expectations of publishers. Through this narrative,Marlee encourages aspiring authors to find their unique voice and empower themselves in their creative journeys.As Marlee shares her insights into the business aspect of being a children's book author, she elaborates on her decision to establish her own publishing house. This transition arose organically from her interactions with fellow aspiring authors who sought her guidance in navigating the complexities of publishing.Marlee emphasizes the importance of community and the fulfillment derived from helping others realize their creative aspirations. She articulates her vision for success, not in terms of sales figures, but rather in fostering an environment where authors feel supported and encouraged to express their authentic selves through their work.The episode concludes with practical advice for budding authors, urging them to educate themselves about the publishing landscape and evaluate their resources realistically, ultimately framing their creative endeavors as fulfilling and achievable.Takeaways:Marlee Kostiner, the author of 'NaMOOste', was inspired by her son's struggles with transitions during bedtime, which led her to create a children's book that addresses social emotional skills.The journey of becoming a children's book author was unexpected for Marlee, who initially spent her career as a journalist and editor, unaware of her potential in children's literature.During the pandemic, Marlee experienced a shift in mindset that prompted her to pursue her passion for writing children's books, illustrating the impact of life changes on personal aspirations.Marlee emphasizes the importance of taking creative ownership of one's work, particularly in the context of children's literature, where personal connections to the material enhance the storytelling experience.Building a successful children's book business requires thorough planning, including marketing strategies and community engagement, which Marley navigated by documenting her book's journey on social media.Marlee's book, 'NaMOOste', serves multiple purposes, from promoting physical activity through yoga poses to facilitating discussions about emotional well-being, showcasing its multifaceted value for children.Links referenced in this episode:gardenwolfpublishing.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Babar Booksmadeinchina.com

Luz, a newly minted children's book author, shares her profound experiences and insights regarding her debut work, "Sweet Playdate Club."This episode delves into the significance of being a children's book author, as Luz reflects on the emotional resonance her storytelling creates within families.She recounts heartwarming anecdotes, including the delightful impact her book has had on children, transforming reluctant readers into avid ones.Furthermore, Luz elaborates on the inspiration derived from her daughter, which served as the catalyst for her writing journey, emphasizing the importance of cultural appreciation and familial bonding through shared activities such as baking.This conversation not only illuminates the creative process behind her book but also serves as a beacon of encouragement for aspiring authors to pursue their dreams with vigor and determination.As the podcast unfolds, Luz shares the intricacies of her publishing journey, detailing her collaboration with a hybrid publisher and the challenges she faced in bringing her book to fruition.She discusses the importance of selecting the right illustrator, emphasizing the need for visual storytelling that complements her narrative.The conversation also touches on practical aspects of book publishing, such as distribution channels and marketing strategies, providing aspiring authors with valuable insights into the publishing landscape.Luz's journey is not merely one of personal achievement; it is a call to action for others to pursue their passions and create stories that reflect their unique experiences.She encourages listeners to embrace their creativity, work through doubts, and understand that the path to publication, while fraught with challenges, is ultimately rewarding and filled with opportunities for connection and impact.Takeaways:The essence of being a children's book author is rooted in the profound connections made through storytelling and shared experiences.Luz's journey to authorship was catalyzed by a desire for personal fulfillment during challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.The inspiration for Sweet Playdate Club emerged from Luz's daughter, highlighting the importance of familial bonds and shared culinary adventures.The process of writing children's books requires continuous creativity and a commitment to capturing the authenticity of childhood experiences.Luz emphasizes the significance of community and collaboration in the writing process, including the importance of an illustrator who resonates with her vision.The book Sweet Playdate Club serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as a means to foster conversations about cultural appreciation and teamwork.Links referenced in this episode:sweetplaydateclub BookInstagramCompanies Mentioned:AmazonMiriam LaundryIngram SparksAdvocate Art

This podcast episode features an enlightening conversation with Kevin Lestarge, author of the children's book "Billy Finds Bigfoot."At the forefront of our discourse is the profound significance of storytelling for children, which Kevin articulates as a means of imparting valuable life lessons.He reflects on his journey to authorship, which was ignited by a fascination with the mythical figure of Bigfoot, and explores the personal motivations behind his creative endeavors.Throughout our exchange, we delve into the intricacies of the publishing process, the emotional stakes of artistic collaboration, and the importance of nurturing a legacy for future generations.Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to the transformative power of literature and the enduring impact of sharing stories with young minds.Kevin Lestarge, the author of "Billy Finds Bigfoot," elucidates the profound significance of being a children's book author, emphasizing the legacy of storytelling that transcends generations.In our discourse, I share my personal connection to the enigmatic figure of Bigfoot, which has been a source of fascination since childhood.The journey of writing this book was not merely a quest for publication but a heartfelt endeavor to impart valuable life lessons to the younger audience.Through the character of Billy, I explore themes of appreciation for nature and the importance of cherishing relationships.As we delve into the intricacies of my creative process, we discuss the challenges and triumphs associated with bringing this narrative to fruition, while also reflecting on the enduring impact of stories in the lives of children and their families.In this engaging podcast episode, Kevin Lestarge shares the origins and inspirations behind his children’s book, *Billy Finds Bigfoot*. The discussion highlights the intricate relationship between personal experience and storytelling, as Lestarge recounts how his childhood fascination with Bigfoot evolved into a narrative that seeks to captivate young readers. His reflections on the creative process illuminate the challenges faced by aspiring authors, particularly the balance between artistic integrity and the demands of the publishing industry.Lestarge’s insights into self-publishing versus traditional publishing reveal the complexities of bringing a book to life, offering valuable lessons for those navigating similar paths.As the conversation unfolds, Lestarge emphasizes the underlying themes of his book, particularly the importance of cherishing the connections we have with family and nature. He articulates how Billy’s adventure is not merely a quest for the elusive Bigfoot but a journey of discovery that encourages children to appreciate the world around them.This duality of exploration and relational warmth is central to Lestarge’s narrative, making it a compelling read for children and a meaningful experience for parents reading alongside them. His role as both author and illustrator allows for a unique integration of visual storytelling, further enhancing the book's appeal.The episode concludes with Lestarge’s reflections on the future of his writing career, including the challenges of creating a follow-up project.He shares his aspirations to explore deeper themes while maintaining the whimsical charm that characterizes his debut work.Throughout the discussion, Lestarge’s passion for storytelling shines through, underscoring the notion that the journey of an author is as significant as the final product.His candidness about the ups and downs of the creative process serves as encouragement for other aspiring writers, reinforcing the idea that perseverance and authenticity are key components in crafting meaningful literature for children.Takeaways:Being a children's book author represents a legacy, allowing stories to be passed down to future generations.The journey to becoming a published author is often lengthy and can span several years or even decades.Successful publishing involves collaboration with publishers to ensure that the final product meets industry standards.The creative process for writing a children's book is rooted in personal experiences and life lessons meant to resonate with young readers.Illustrating a children's book requires balancing artistic vision with the need for appeal to the target audience.The importance of sharing life lessons through storytelling is highlighted as a central theme in the podcast discussion.Links referenced in this episode:bfro.nethangaronepublishing.cometsy.com/shop/PineShadowDesignsamazon.comSocial Media links below:Instagram: PineShadowDesignEtsy: PineShadowDesignAmazon: "Billy Finds Bigfoot"Hangar1Publishing: "Billy Finds Bigfoot"Companies mentioned in this episode:Hangar One PublishingAmazonEtsyIngramsparkBarnes and NobleBigfoot Field Researchers Organization