Q. What does your family think of your writing?

Esther: I have an amazing husband who supports my publishing journey right from the start. He is the one who encourages me to set the bar higher and higher. He always believed that my stories are worth to be shared with kids all over the world. He is the most caring and supportive husband; one can imagine.

Q. What was the most surprising thing you learned about creating books?

Esther: Through writing children’s books, I’m learning so much. The actual writing process is only a small part of what I do every day. Next, to writing, I need to maintain my website, learn SEO for marketing purposes, check my Amazon ads, do bookkeeping (not fun), research, be active on my social media platforms to offer content that goes behind just the books, answer emails from customers- the complete list is much longer. Especially when you self-publish you will need to have an open mind and be willing to learn. The surprising thing is that there are tons of people out there that are willing to help you in your journey. The children’s book community is really great. I’m excited to be finally at a stage where I can give back to first-time authors.

Q. What do you think makes a good story?

Esther: I think a good story encourages kids to think for themselves. I like stories with strong characters that also have flaws that kids and even adults can relate to.

Q. What advice do you have for writers?

Esther: Let yourself shine through in each story you write and don’t be afraid of asking for help. Having a growth mindset helps a lot.

Q. What do you love most about the writing process? 

Esther: I love the most the impact I can have on people’s life. Shifting your mindset and challenging stereotypes is not an easy thing to do. So it helps to get confronted with the concept early on and as often as possible. Parents have the biggest impact on their kid’s mindset. So leading my good example is the best thing you can do for your kid. But it is hard to always keep a growth mindset also for me. Through my books, I can contribute a little at a time.

Q. Can you tell us about one of the most rewarding moments you have had as an author? 

Esther: Hearing from my readers! Sometimes I receive photos or drawings from kids or parents write to me how their kids reference back to the books in difficult situations. It’s the most amazing thing to hear if my book got a kid from I can’t do that to I can’t do that, yet. These moments make my day.

Q. Are you working on anything at the present that you would like to share with your readers about?

Esther: I’m working right now on a book called A World Without Failures. The book is about a boy who hates making mistakes. Whenever something doesn’t work at the first try, he wants to give up. Until his dream of a world without failures comes true. David will go on a journey through a world without failures. An adventure in which cats can talk, refrigerators disappear and dangerous lions. The book will highlight how failures are actually a good thing and how important mistakes for successful learning. Something to internalize not only for our small readers. At the end of the book you one will find a whole page with discussion starter questions. So parents can dig deeper into the area of mistakes and growth mindset.

Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

Esther: The currently released book, Boys Can Be Strong and Emotional is challenging the stereotypes that boys need to be strong and are not allowed to show emotions. Since I had a boy just a year ago, this is extremely important to me. I want my son to grow up into a caring and emotionally healthy human being. Like in all my book the theme of growth mindset is also present.