Meet Kristen Puma | Award winning children’s author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Puma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been writing since I was 10 years old. I firmly believed my life’s journey would lead me down a path of journalism to some degree, but that never came to fruition. I’m a mom of two and with the kids growing, I thought now was the perfect time to get back to my roots. A few years ago, I decided to pursue writing full time and fulfill my life long dream of becoming an author. I initially started with what I *thought I wanted: submitting my manuscripts to traditional publishers. However, after years of “almosts,” and, “not quite what we’re looking for yet,” I decided to research different avenues. Since signing with an independent publisher, I’ve grown my following, sold hundreds of books, won a few awards, and I have no intention of stopping any time soon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think the whole journey thus far has really shown me what I’m made of. It’s shown me that I am an incredibly determined young woman who is a go getter. In my personal life, I’m an introvert; I prefer small gatherings, staying home, spending time with my family, and using my kids as an excuse to leave a party early. However, when it comes to promoting, marketing, and putting myself out there for the sake of my writing, I am all in.

I’ve been a children’s author for almost three years now. My journey has not been easy, and is littered with rejection emails. Submitting manuscripts to traditional publishers and literary agents used to be my part time job. However, the pay sucked and I had no coworkers to pick up the slack; but with each rejection, I never felt defeated. I knew (and still know) that writing is my life’s passion and where I’m meant to be. I’m someone who brainstorms a vision, creates a plan, and then I set out to do it. There’s no stopping me once I have my mind set. So, I had to PIVOT. I started researching other types of publishers, found a few that showed interest in me, narrowed down my search, and I am now happily working with an independent publisher. A lot of the time consuming marketing and promoting falls on me, but I at least have a team within the industry in my corner who can take care of the rest.

I love writing. The rhythm of the words and their flow is like music to my eyes. When I read my books, I feel like a magical song is leaping off of the pages and into children’s hearts. There’s something so melodic and transcending about a good children’s book that expands our imagination. For that, I am most proud of myself for creating children’s books that always provide a simple yet wholesome message of family unity, adventure, and helping children embrace and express their curiosity and creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my. best friend was in town for a week, I would take them all over the state!

For fun, we’d go to Second Star to the Right; a women’s owned bookstore in Denver, the Denver Zoo, Hanging Lake for the gorgeous scenery and fresh air, the Buell Theater for a show, a Rockies game of course, and some local farmers markets!

For dining, we’d hit up The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm in FOCO, Syrup Cap Hill for some delicious breakfast, and Ruebens in Loveland for some authentically incredible Mexican food.

Drinks out would not be complete without a stop at Death & Co Denver, Looking Glass Escape Lounge in FOCO, and Williams & Graham!

Personally, I think the best places to visit are the local, hole in the wall type establishments! The farmers market and community events are always a blast for the kids, too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be as successful as I am without the support of my husband and children. My husband has served as my constant hype man, soundboard, and everything in between. He has believed in my writing journey from the moment we met and I am forever grateful for him. Love you, honey.

My kids are my BIGGEST inspirations. They’re the reason my writing style shifted from poetry to children’s literature. We go on adventures daily and I thank them for helping me realize my aspirations and bringing my inner child back to life.

I want to thank my parents, brothers, and their families as well for supporting, encouraging, and believing in me! They’re some of my biggest cheerleaders and it’s greatly appreciated! Love y’all!

I’d like to thank the illustrators I’ve met and worked with since beginning my author journey. Illustrators are incredible and so special for bringing our words to life! Specifically, thank you Aaron R. for capturing my vision of the Abby and Liam Series perfectly! I couldn’t do it without you!

I’d also like to thank everyone in the media thus far who has given me a platform to promote my books; Stroll Magazine, Jean Johnson’s 90 second author interviews (on Youtube and Spotify), Shoutout Colorado, and a few others that have yet to publish our collaborations.

I’d also like to thank the schools, libraries, and centers that have allowed me to come read my debut children’s book to the students! Truly a dream come true, thank you.

Website: https://authorwrittenbykristen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writtenbykristen__/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-puma-86951053

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559488710337