Wow, 100 copies sold! A heartfelt thank you to my family and friends who purchased my book. Every journey holds surprises, and mine took a joyful turn when I decided to write my children’s book, Like A Girl. This project evolved into a passion of mine, representing more than just words on a page—it became a mission to empower young girls and reignite my creative spirit. I want to share my experiences, insights, and what’s on the horizon for 2025!
The Inspiration Behind 'Like A Girl'
The inspiration for Like A Girl stemmed my childhood. I was often the only girl on an all boys team, and it was common to hear, "you throw like a girl" on the playground. Their was such a negative connotation with doing anything "like a girl." I wanted to change the narrative, and shed light on how girls are AMAZING, and can accomplish their dreams. I have learned so much from my observations of the remarkable young girls in my life. Our two girls, Lucy and Alice possess a certain confidence and self esteem that was lacking when I was younger. Every day, I witness their vibrant imaginations and the fierce belief that they can achieve anything.
This drove me to create a book that serves as a source of inspiration, reminding young girls they can chase their dreams. I wanted to craft something lasting, affirming their strengths and ambitions. The book features empowering language and illustrations highlighting kindness, bravery, and innovation. Statistics show that only 25% of girls feel confident in their ability to overcome challenges by their teenage years. My aim is to boost this number by encouraging more girls to believe in themselves. I also wanted every girl to see themselves in a character in the book. We come in all shapes, sizes, colors and abilities.
Collaborating with A Talented Illustrator
Teamwork with the gifted illustrator, Alais Fortier-Meyer, transformed my project. Alais' artwork beautifully embodies the essence of my message, illustrating characters that resonate with young readers. Each page of the book bursts with color and spirit, depicting the themes of strength and joy.
Our collaboration was a true creative partnership. We shared ideas, motivated each other, and sparked new concepts along the way. This teamwork showcased how great things can happen when passionate individuals unite, leading to the creation of meaningful content that empowers girls everywhere.
Reconnecting with My Writing Passion
As I poured my energy into children's literature, I temporarily stepped back from blogging. Initially, this felt necessary, as I wanted to focus solely on the message of Like A Girl. However, I soon found this break paved the way for reflection, leading to a newfound passion for writing.
During this hiatus, my creativity flourished. Writing for children opened up new avenues of inspiration, which invigorated my enthusiasm for sharing stories. This experience taught me that stepping away can provide clarity and renew one’s creative spirit, bringing fresh perspectives into my blogging.
Looking Ahead: Fresh Content in 2025
With my revived sense of purpose, I am eager to explore new opportunities for my blog in 2025! This break gifted me with a wealth of insights and stories, ready to be shared. I have a few podcasts in the works, as well as my annual talk at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is scheduled. I love being a patient advocate, and look forward to making new connections. Working together allows us to share knowledge, learn from each other, and amplify our messages.
Teasing Future Projects
And it doesn’t stop there! I am already brainstorming new book ideas that could inspire young minds. Like A Girl serves as a springboard for further empowering literature for children.
Alais Fortier-Meyer and I are planning additional projects together—each aimed at celebrating creativity and imagination. Stay tuned!
Looking Forward to an Exciting Year
As 2025 arrives, I feel an incredible sense of excitement. Writing Like A Girl has allowed me to share an important message with children while rekindling my passion for blogging and opening new paths to connect with others.
Join me as we embark on this thrilling journey of fresh content, strong conversations, and empowering collaborations. Together, let’s inspire the next generation of young girls, reminding them that they can achieve anything Like A Girl—which includes dreaming, believing, and making it happen!
If you haven't purchased your copy, you can buy it HERE
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Here’s to amazing adventures ahead in 2025!
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