Adventures in Storytelling: Commemorating 100 Episodes of Insights into Children's Book Authorship

Episode 100: Celebrating a Milestone in Storytelling This episode marks a huge milestone — our 100th episode of Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors! We look back at how it all began, the guests who've shaped this community, and what's coming next. Where It All Started The podcast began with a simple idea: everyone has a story worth telling, especially those who dream of becoming children's book authors. It started with a personal story — writing an adventure with my granddaughter, Kyra, and a bear named kaboose. That single story opened the door to a bigger mission: showing that writing a children's book isn't reserved for a select few — it's something anyone with a story in them can do. Over 100 episodes, we've talked with a wide range of authors, each sharing their own path through the world of children's literature — the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. Redefining Legacy We also dig into what "legacy" really means for an author. It's often thought of as something you leave behind — but we make the case that legacy doesn't have to wait. You can watch it happen in real time, in the way your words reach young readers today. Community, collaboration, and shared experience are at the heart of that idea. No author is on this journey alone — and our guests and listeners have proven that again and again. Thank You To everyone who's tuned in, shared their story, or supported this show over the last 100 episodes — thank you. This community exists because of you. What's Next: A Two-Volume Book Series We're taking everything we've learned from 100 episodes and turning it into a two-volume guide for aspiring children's book authors: Volume 1: It's As Easy as Your A, B. Cs: Writing and Publishing a Remarkable Children's Book (late fall 2026) — A roadmap from first idea to finished manuscript. Volume 2: The X, Y, Zs if Authorship: Distrbuting, Selling, and Marketing Your Remarkable Children's Book. A guide to distribution and marketing, helping your story find its readers. Here's to the next 100 episodes — and to every story still waiting to be told. Takeaways: The genesis of this podcast was inspired by the author's desire to share stories, particularly those that resonate with children, and reflect personal experiences. Throughout 100 episodes, we have explored the journeys of numerous children's book authors, illustrating the diverse paths one can take in this creative endeavor. A central theme discussed is that every aspiring author possesses a story worth telling, highlighting the importance of embracing one's narrative. The podcast emphasizes that seeking community support and collaboration is essential for authors navigating their publishing journeys. The journey of writing and publishing a children's book is multifaceted, requiring both creativity and a strategic approach to marketing and outreach. The forthcoming two-volume book series aims to consolidate the insights gained from the podcast, providing a comprehensive resource for aspiring children's book authors. Companies and Authors mentioned in this episode: Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors Podcast Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear Judy McGee Alison Thompson Sunny Steps Kevin Lestrage Billy Finds Bigfoot Joy Lanier Big Feels Kodey Bogart Darcy Gyant Rusty Austin Luz Dang, Sweet Playdate Club Steve Bradshaw Brave at 19 Marlee Kostiner Garden Wolf Publishing Catherine Clark Felts Inner Peace Press Karim Abound Papa Rick Harris Sue Murley Shirley Murley Tanya Acquista Money Time Pennygirl's Rescue Pennygirl Comes Home