“What’s Your Story?” is a guest post feature on BCBA’s blog. Indie/Self-Published authors are invited to write about their books, writing journey, creative process, inspiration, rewards and challenges of publishing, etc. They can go in whatever direction they choose. We are excited and grateful for their willingness to share, and we hope you enjoy Faith Abraham’s story. Go here for more WYS? posts.
This is Faith Abraham’s journey to publishing her first children’s book, as told by her mother, Delisa Abraham.
It was a cold, dark night, and Faith told her mommy, “I cannot sleep. Let’s have a conversation.” (Yes, that’s what she actually said!) Her exhausted mother, noticing that it was late, said, “It’s midnight. What do you want to talk about?” Faith whispered, “I’m a superhero doctor.”
Those four words began the story of Superhero Faith and launched the publishing company Faith and Sparkle’s World. Faith, a three-year-old who identified herself that night as a superhero doctor, relentlessly pursued the fire within her, sharing her experience and her story—first with her own family and then with the world by asking, “Can it be a real book?”
The creative process for the book was a natural one because Superhero Faith is based on Faith’s experience of being a superhero to her grandmother, who is now a cancer survivor. This journey was Faith’s way of healing herself after the trauma of witnessing Grandma undergo chemotherapy and radiation, then seeing how weak she became. Faith and her sidekick, Sparkle, our rescue dog, did what every superhero and sidekick would: they helped Grandma get her cane and eat healthy meals, and they showered her with unconditional love.
Superhero Faith was released on March 16, 2021, and the rewards of this picture book more than outweigh the challenges of bringing it to fruition. There were three major challenges in bringing Superhero Faith to you. The first challenge was deciding whether to use an established publishing house or to self-publish. Considering the pros and cons of both while ensuring Faith’s story remained authentic and supporting her desire to make it a real book made the decision difficult. In the end, self-publishing worked for us.
The second challenge was connecting with the right people who wanted to bring the story to life. There are many editors and illustrators available, each with their own strengths and experience, so meeting the editor and illustrator who aligned with our vision was essential. It’s important to keep in mind that this process may take time, especially when you’re new to the writing/publishing world, and the costs are expensive. And so, this is where patience, intuition, and belief in yourself and your work will keep you moving forward.
The third challenge was marketing: Who’s going to lead that? Marketing is expensive and it consumes most of the costs, but it is a necessity—with zero guarantees. Since Faith is a young, unknown author with limited support, aside from family, working with a publicist and marketing strategist was the best choice for us. Although you will encounter many challenges on your publishing journey, these three stood out the most for us, as all three took consideration, time and understanding to make Superhero Faith available to everyone.
Faith, Grandma (affectionately known as “Mama”), and Sparkle enjoy inspiring children and pets everywhere to know that they, too, are superheroes. Faith eagerly shares that mini-superheroes are possible and that their powers can help family and friends to heal and feel joy. And she encourages herself and others to remember that it’s the little things that matter, that love is so powerful that it can help you to overcome anything, and that you’re never too young or too old to be a superhero.
Our family is truly grateful to be able to share our story and spread our messages of love, hope, compassion, and kindness across the world. And Faith cannot wait to continue sharing her stories and adventures.
Faith Abraham | Shannon O’Toole | Independently Published | March 16, 2021 | 32 Pages
✨✨✨GIVEAWAY✨✨✨
ENTER for a chance to win a Superhero Faith prize pack!
One (1) winner receives:
A copy of Superhero Faith
A Superhero Faith t-shirt
A Superhero Faith tote bag
One pack of Superhero Faith crayons
The giveaway begins May 11, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 11, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Connect with Faith and Sparkle’s World
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Faith Abraham is creative, curious, adventurous and loves life. She enjoys learning new languages (French and Spanish), reading, making music, experimenting in Mad Science, studying jiu-jitsu (she is in ninja training) and being outside. Faith is loving, caring and kind, and is often dreaming up her next adventures with her grandma and her dog, Sparkle.
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