1. What inspired you to write your book and how did the idea come to life?
To My Little Onion was inspired by my own family’s journey—specifically, my experience parenting a child with developmental differences and watching both of my children grow in beautifully unique ways. The book is a tribute to my son, who has overcome tremendous challenges and continues to work hard every day, now fueled by the confidence of knowing his true potential. When my son was first diagnosed, the path forward felt overwhelming. Every milestone required patience, persistence, and a deep sense of trust that progress would come, one small step at a time.As we began to see those layers of his personality and capabilities slowly emerge—sometimes through tears, sometimes through triumph—I started describing his development like peeling back the layers of an onion. Each layer revealed something new, something hard-earned, and something deeply beautiful.I wrote this book first for him—to show him that his journey is not just valid but extraordinary. And then I wrote it for my daughter, who has walked alongside him with compassion, humor, and fierce loyalty. And then I realized, more broadly, I wrote it for every family on a similar path. I wanted to remind parents and caregivers that while the journey may be hard, it is also full of wonder, growth, and love—not just for the child, but for the entire family.
2. Can you share your initial goals for publishing your book?
My initial goal in publishing To My Little Onion was to memorialize the journey my family has walked together. I wanted to create something that would remind us where we started, and most importantly, help my son recognize just how far he’s come—so that he always remembers it’s possible for him to go even further. He’s already proven that he can.
And although creating this story was something deeply personal, I realized it was also universally meaningful—something that could resonate with other families and children navigating the complex, emotional, and often isolating world of developmental differences. I hope the book offers comfort, connection, and a sense of recognition—to remind parents they’re not alone, and that while the path forward is challenging, it can also be filled with beauty, strength, and transformation.
3. What made you choose Gatekeeper Press as your publishing partner? How did the experience meet or exceed your expectations?
For someone sharing such a personal story, I wanted to partner with a publisher that could guide me through the process with transparency, flexibility, and care. Gatekeeper Press stood out because they offered the perfect balance of creative control and professional support. Their model allowed me to stay true to my vision for To My Little Onion while giving me access to experienced editors, designers, and publishing professionals.
From the beginning, the Gatekeeper team was responsive, organized, and kind. They understood how important this book was—not just as a project, but as a reflection of my family’s journey. Their thoughtful collaboration on everything from layout to illustration formatting made the process feel smooth and empowering, even when there were challenges.
4. How would you describe the process of working with Gatekeeper Press, from manuscript submission to publication?
The process of working with Gatekeeper Press from manuscript submission to publication was collaborative, professional, and supportive. I always felt that my input was valued, and I never had to guess where we were in the process.
5. What challenges did you encounter during your publishing journey, and how did Gatekeeper press assist in overcoming them?
No challenges. Publishing a deeply personal story like this can be both exciting and vulnerable, and Gatekeeper helped me stay grounded through the process. Their support ensured that the final product stayed true to my vision while meeting professional publishing standards.
6. Were there any aspects of the publishing process that surprised you or differed from what you initially expected??
No.
7. How do you hope readers will receive your book, and what do you hope readers will retain from it?
I hope readers welcome To My Little Onion with open hearts—and that it serves as a warm, honest companion through what can sometimes be an isolating and overwhelming journey. More importantly, I want readers to remember that our children are incredibly perceptive. They hear us, they feel our love, and they understand the effort we put in—even if they don’t always show it in traditional ways. So never give up on them, because when they feel our belief in them, they learn to believe in themselves.
For example, now that my son is able to communicate more clearly, he often tells me about events we experienced and places we visited years ago—memories I didn’t even know he had held onto. It’s a powerful reminder that even when our children can’t express themselves in the moment, they are taking everything in. They understand, they feel, and they remember. That’s why it’s so important to never give up on them—because they are always listening, always learning, and, when the time is right, they will show us just how much they’ve carried with them.
And finally- at its core – this book is a love letter to children who develop differently and to the families who walk beside them—layer by layer, moment by moment. I hope readers walk away with a renewed sense of compassion, patience, and belief in the power of slow, steady progress.
8. What was your favorite part of the publishing experience with Gatekeeper Press?
The final product!
9. Would you recommend Gatekeeper Press to other authors? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend Gatekeeper Press—especially to authors who are looking for a balance between professional publishing support and creative independence. Their team was organized, responsive, and knowledgeable. They were always willing to collaborate and find solutions.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring authors considering self-publishing their work??
My biggest piece of advice is to be prepared to actively participate in every part of the process. Independent publishing gives you incredible creative freedom, but with that comes responsibility: to stay organized, to advocate for your story, and to understand the steps from manuscript to final product. Take the time to research your publishing partner.
Also, surround yourself with people who understand your “why.” Whether it’s friends, family, or professionals who believe in your work, having support makes all the difference. Publishing a book, especially a personal one, can be emotional—and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Most importantly, don’t wait for everything to feel perfect. Stories like yours matter, and someone out there needs to read exactly what you have to say.
Discover more about To My Little Onion and purchase a copy here.
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