What Inspired Me to Write a Children's Book (And What I Learned Along the Way)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a vivid imagination and an even quicker wit. Over the years, through early mornings, countless business trips, and quiet moments in between, I’ve accumulated dozens of notebooks filled with short stories, blog posts, journal entries, book titles, and general rambles. Writing has always been a part of me, but I never imagined it would lead me to publish a children's book.

That all changed when my wife and I adopted our first pets—two cats named Albert and Einstein. I was amazed at how quickly they became immersed in our lives, or perhaps, if they could talk, they might argue it was the other way around. Soon enough, I began to see them not just as pets or even family but as funny characters with distinctive personalities. Their quirks, habits, and expressions made me think, "What if their story was told through a different lens?"

It was around this time last year, on a flight to Vietnam, that I started jotting down ideas about how we adopted them and how they changed our lives. What began as scattered thoughts soon grew into paragraphs, and before I knew it, I had accumulated enough material to shape into a children's book. That’s when I made the decision: I would turn my notes into a real, tangible story.

What I Learned Along the Way

Writing Is More Art Than Science

Writing has a discipline, but there’s no perfect time or place to do it—you just have to sit down and write. For me, the best moments come early in the morning when I’m alone or in a crowded bar, sitting at the wood with a glass of wine. I don’t use a laptop and still prefer a cheap pen and paper. There’s something about the act of physically writing that makes the process feel more organic and connected.

Editing Is Brutal but Necessary

I quickly learned not to fall in love with my first draft. Editing is where the real work begins. English is my second language, and I’m entirely self-taught, so it was difficult to accept that my writing needed revision. But that’s part of the process. Letting someone else edit it was tough, but it made the final product stronger. Even now, I still think it’s not perfect—but maybe that’s the nature of all creative work.

Finding the Right Illustrator Was a Challenge

This was one of the hardest parts. I had a specific style in mind, something that would stand apart from the typical Disney-inspired designs and wouldn’t rely on AI. I went through at least a dozen portfolios, rejecting many, before finally finding an artist whose concepts matched my vision. Once that part was settled, everything started falling into place.

Self-Publishing Was the Right Choice

Once the book was written and illustrated, the publishing process was surprisingly straightforward. I chose to self-publish on Amazon, giving me full control over the final product. It was a great experience—one that taught me the value of persistence, patience, and trusting the creative process.

Will I Do It Again?

Absolutely. Writing and publishing Albert and Einstein Find a Cozy Home was a fulfilling journey, and I might just do it again. Who knows? Maybe next time, it’ll be a business book.

For now, I’m just enjoying the ride.