Shining As I Am follows a young autistic boy as he shares his life from his point of view, exploring what it means to be human, different, misunderstood, and still deeply loved. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for Shining As I Am came from my middle daughter, who is autistic and was nonverbal in her early years. As a mother, I witnessed how often the world misunderstood her silence, her sensory needs, and her beautiful way of communicating without words. I also saw how hard she worked just to be accepted in spaces that weren’t built with her in mind.

Her strength, her light, and her quiet resilience moved me to write a story that would speak not just to her—but to every child who feels different, unseen, or unheard. I wanted to create a book that could gently teach the world how to embrace neurodiversity, while also reminding children like her that they don’t have to change to belong.

Shining As I Am was born out of love, advocacy, and a deep hope for a more compassionate world. It’s a message to my daughter—and children like her—that their light doesn’t need to be dimmed to fit in. They already shine, just as they are.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

  At the heart of Shining As I Am is the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are. One of the most important ideas I wanted to share is that being different is not something to fix—it’s something to celebrate.

I also wanted to help bridge the communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical children by offering simple but powerful affirmations of identity, kindness, and inclusion. It was important for me to show that confidence and belonging grow when children feel safe being themselves.

Most of all, I wanted every reader—especially those who feel overlooked or “too different”—to hear this message clearly: You are enough. You are worthy. You shine in your own beautiful way.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Siddhant Jumde?

The illustration process for Shining As I Am was a deeply collaborative and intentional journey. I worked closely with the incredibly talented Siddhant Jumde from Bear With Us Production for nearly eight months. We poured our hearts into every detail—ensuring that each expression, color, and scene honored the children the story represents, especially those who are neurodivergent. Siddhant didn’t just illustrate the book—he connected with its message. His empathy and artistry helped bring the story to life in a way that speaks to both the eye and the soul.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Shining As I Am wasn’t originally planned as part of a series—but the idea of expanding it into one is definitely in my heart. There’s so much more to explore around self-worth, inclusion, and the unique ways children shine in this world.

While it may grow into a series in the future, for now, I’m excited to share that another book is on the horizon! It will continue in the spirit of uplifting children, encouraging self-acceptance, and gently guiding readers to see the beauty in themselves and others. I can’t wait to share more soon!

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