The essence of this podcast episode centers around a profound exploration of hope as articulated by author Andrea Coyne in her children's book, *Hope is a Blanket*.

Through a candid dialogue, we delve into the inspiration behind the book, which emerged from personal experiences of grief and loss, notably a miscarriage that profoundly impacted her family.

Coyne articulates the importance of inclusivity in children's literature, aiming to create characters that resonate with all children, fostering an environment where difficult conversations about loss can occur.

The discussion further highlights her unique publishing journey, characterized by a hybrid model that blends traditional and self-publishing strategies, and the significance of community support in her endeavors.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a narrative of Coyne's artistic journey and a testament to the enduring power of hope amidst life's challenges.

The conversation unfolds around Andrea Coyne's enlightening journey of writing her children's book, "Hope is a Blanket," which intricately weaves themes of hope and resilience amidst loss.

The book's inspiration stems from Andrea's own experience with a miscarriage, which profoundly shaped her perspective on grief. Through the eyes of a mother goose and her son, the narrative encapsulates a poignant quest to find a lost blanket, a metaphor for comfort and emotional security.

As they navigate their home searching for the blanket, discussions about loss and the significance of hope emerge, creating a narrative that resonates with children and parents alike.

Throughout our dialogue, we explore the characters' developmental aspects, emphasizing the importance of representation in children's literature. Andrea articulates her intent to craft a story that allows every child to feel seen and understood, fostering inclusivity and compassion.

The book is a delightful bedtime story and a tool for families to engage in difficult conversations about loss.

Additionally, Andrea shares her aspirations to become a foster-adoptive parent, further enriching her understanding of trauma and resilience, which informs her writing.

Moreover, we delve into Andrea's publishing journey, where she describes her unique hybrid approach that marries traditional publishing strategies with self-publishing initiatives.

This method provided her with the necessary support while allowing her to maintain creative autonomy.

The episode ultimately serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact that stories can have in helping families navigate life's challenges together and encouraging aspiring authors to pursue their narratives with courage and authenticity.

Takeaways:

• Andrea's book, 'Hope is a Blanket', was inspired by personal grief and loss.
• She endeavored to create an inclusive narrative that resonates with children and families alike.
• Her experiences as a mother navigating complex emotions profoundly influenced the writing process.
• Andrea's goal is for the book to serve as a tool for children and parents to discuss loss and hope.

Social Media Links in this episode:

• https://a.co/d/0B2qVmd (Amazon link to purchase, Hope is a Blanket.)

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Bright Communications
• IngramSpark

Mentioned in this episode:

Qutro