My Granddaughter Wants to Publish a Book – And I’ve Never Been More Inspired
When I first wrote Silisia Dances Toward Her Dream, I hoped it would inspire young readers to believe in their dreams. What I didn’t expect was that it would inspire my granddaughter to write a book for me.
Jasmine, who inspired Silisia Dances, recently shared that she wants to learn what it takes to actually publish her book. And she means it. She's not looking for shortcuts—she’s willing to put in the work. Watching her light up at the idea of crafting a story and sharing it with others has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this creative journey.
We’ve started small.
I asked her to think about:
What makes her turn the page in the books she loves?
What kind of characters does she cheer for?
How do those stories make her feel?
And she got it. She really thought about it.
She told me who her ‘target audience’ is without me asking her, and was surprised to learn that many beginning writers don’t know who they are writing for.
She's already started brainstorming ways to shape her story into something engaging and layered—something that resonates with her readers.
Then she went on to share ideas for other stories she wants to write.
Her eyes got big, and she was without words when I gave her a journal to write those ideas in. (It’s worth noting that this girl is never at a loss for words!)
I don’t know where her ideas will lead, but watching her mind work is a reminder of why I write in the first place.
Legacy is never about the big milestones—it’s about the moments when your story inspires someone else to find their voice.
Working with Jasmine has also reminded me how important it is to nurture curiosity in children—not just by giving answers, but by asking the right questions.
When we approach writing and life with curiosity, both get easier. Use curiosity as an invitation to grow and create your own adventure.
For now, we’re keeping it fun. I want her to feel the joy of creating before the pressure of polishing. But who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll see her name on a cover too.
And maybe, just maybe, this is how stories pass from one generation to the next—not just through books, but through shared creativity, encouragement, and belief.
Reading Of Silisia Dances
If you’d like to hear a teaser of the story that started it all, you can listen to me read the opening of Silisia Dances on The Writers Mastermind here.
If you’re a writer, I encourage you to share your process with someone younger. Let them in. You never know who you’re inspiring—or what legacy you’re quietly building.