Moms Who Create

Distributing over 400,000 books through partnerships with more than 750 organizations, Hindi's Libraries is making an impact on children all over the world.

Brooke's insights into the pressing issue of children's access to age-appropriate and diverse reading material will ignite your passion for literacy. We walked through their ongoing initiatives, collaborations, and how they manage the logistics of distributing books to deserving children globally. Spotlighting the organization's media achievements, Brooke emphasized the power of a supportive community in expanding their reach. An enlightening conversation unfolded on the joy of reading and the vital role that representation plays in children's literature. So, get comfortable and prepare to be inspired by this episode steeped in the love for books and a commitment to children's literacy worldwide.

https://www.hindislibraries.org/

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hindislibraries/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hindislibraries

Enter the Females of Fiction contest here:
https://www.hindislibraries.org/femalesoffiction

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This genuine and down-to-earth mom, Nurse and Author Hadley Vlahos, takes us on a deeply personal journey, sharing her experiences and the insights she penned in her heartfelt memoir, "THE IN-BETWEEN: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments" (released on 6/13/23).

Discover how Hadley's life took an unexpected turn when she found her calling in hospice care at a tender 24 years old. Little did she know that the patients she cared for would become her most profound teachers, revealing the true essence of living life to the fullest.

Hadley's natural talent as a storyteller compelled her to share the wisdom and stories from her patients, leading her to create engaging videos on social media. Now, with a devoted community of over 1.5 million followers, she continues to spread awareness about hospice care, offering comfort to those coping with loss and inspiring us all to embrace the present.

In this episode, you'll be moved by Hadley's extraordinary journey and the heartwarming impact of end-of-life experiences. Join us for an authentic and personal conversation that reminds us of the power of compassion, empathy, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places.

Follow Hadley on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursehadley/video/7205664042373926186

Buy her book:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709707/the-in-between-by-hadley-vlahos-rn/

Follow Hadley in Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nurse.hadley/

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Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

Elizabeth M. Castillo is a 2x Pushcart and BotN nominated, multilingual poet, writer and teacher, and a homeschooling mother of 2 living in Paris, France. She writes a variety of different things, in a variety of different languages, and under a variety of pen names. She also runs a handful of small businesses, dabbles in charity work and teaches languages part-time. She is committed to promoting the indie arts, especially from women creators, and has a particular soft spot for women of colour who are also neurodivergent, like herself. 

In her writing Elizabeth explores the different countries and cultures she grew up with, as well as themes of race & ethnicity, motherhood, womanhood, language, love, loss and grief, and a touch of magical realism. Her writing has been featured in publications and anthologies in the UK, US, Australia, Mexico and the Middle East. Her bilingual, debut collection “Cajoncito: Poems on Love, Loss, y Otras Locuras” is for sale on Amazon, and her debut chapbook "Not Quite an Ocean" will be published by Nine Pens Press in spring 2023. 

Connect with her below:

https://www.elizabethmcastillo.net
https://twitter.com/emcwritespoetry
https://instagram.com/emcwritespoetry
https://www.amazon.com/Cajoncito-Poems-Love-Otras-Locuras/dp/2958022110/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=JWLW71WNHXPR&keywords=cajoncito&qid=1644850939&sprefix=%2Caps%2C473&sr=8-2#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

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Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

Join my chat with illustrator Heidi Griffiths, who shares her inspiring story of rediscovering her artistic passion after a long hiatus while raising her children. From studying graphic design to pursuing a non-creative career, Heidi takes us through her journey of finding solace and healing in art during challenging times. Discover how she turned her artistic talent into a successful career in children's book illustration, all while balancing the demands of motherhood. Prepare to be inspired and motivated to pursue your own creative dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Heidi is a self-taught freelance Artist & Illustrator (& Mother)  living and working in the South East of England, UK.  She divides her time between making children's picture books, drinking coffee, moaning at her two children to brush their teeth and looking for her pet Tortoise (Who escapes on a regular basis)

She has illustrated 4 picture books including:
'Grow, forage & Make'   Written by Alys Fowler and Published by Bloomsbury
'A treasury of Tales for 4 year olds' Written by Gabby Dawnay published by Francis Lincoln (Quarto)
'A treasury of Tales for 5 year olds' Written by Gabby Dawnay published by Francis Lincoln (Quarto)
'All your Tomorrows' Written by Harriet Evans & Published by Little Tiger (UK) & Tiger Tales US.

 As well as Making books she runs an Etsy shop selling prints & artwork and she loves to play in her sketchbook.

Connect with Heidi at the links below:

https://www.heidigriffithsart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/heidi_griffiths_art/
https://www.facebook.com/HeidiGriffithsArt/
https://www.tiktok.com/@heidi_griffiths_art
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Treasury-Tales-Four-Year-Olds-Recommended-Literacy-ebook/dp/B0B9T8MBCK

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Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

What if the very act of creating could help you heal from life's greatest traumas? Bach Ly, author of Soy Sauce Fingers and founder of the Facebook group Moms Who Self-Heal, takes us through her profound journey of self-healing, sharing her strategies for balancing creativity with motherhood along the way. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for mothers everywhere, inspiring us to embrace our creative passions and integrate them into our lives in a meaningful, fulfilling way.

 This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering valuable insights on living intentionally and creating with purpose. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, a seasoned creative or just starting out, this conversation is bound to resonate and inspire. So, grab a cup of coffee, a notebook, and let's get started.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Bach Ly is the mother of two girls and the author of two books. Passionate about mental health, she started a group called moms who self heal and shares her self healing journey with her latest work soy sauce fingers, a collection of poems.

https://Instagram.com/bachlyauthor
https://a.co/d/g1e1IBk
https://www.facebook.com/groups/622882602592767/

Grab a Coffee & Say Hello

Support the show

Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

Do you want to unlock your child's creative potential and ignite their imagination? Join me on this week's episode of Moms Who Create as I discuss the wonders of traveling with your children and how it can be a game-changer for their creativity. Listen to my personal experiences with my five-year-old, who blossoms when we explore new destinations, embracing challenges and seeing the world with an incredible sense of wonder and excitement.

In the second part of the episode, I'll be sharing some fantastic US destinations that you should consider visiting with your kids to spark their artistic talents. From the iconic Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh to the awe-inspiring skylines of New York City and San Francisco, these places offer an abundance of opportunities for your little ones to discover different forms of art and find inspiration for their own creative expression. So buckle up and get ready for a creative adventure with our little ones on this week's Moms Who Create!

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Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

We dive into the magical world of Nicole's Christian Fantasy trilogy, geared towards readers aged 16 and up, and explore the fascinating characters who navigate a realm filled with magic, faith, and adventure. We also discuss her delightful children's book, The Flower Girl, and her plans for future children's books. Nicole shares her experiences in the publishing industry and how she's connecting with other creative moms, inspiring them to bring their own creations to life. Don't miss this enchanting episode if you're a fan of Christian Fantasy or in search of a heartwarming children's book!


Nicole Patrice Thomas is a woman who believes that the fastest way to see the world and experience adventures without limits is to open a book. Reading has always been her favorite thing to do, and she would rather be immersed in books day and night. Holding a BA degree in Advertising and Public Relations as a CUNY graduate, her love has always been rooted in the literary world.

In 2019, Nicole reached a point in her life where she felt stagnant, craving direction and a fresh start. Being a Christian, she takes her guidance from her heavenly father. One January morning, at 3 am, she was awakened by the desperate voice of a woman running for her life and the life of her unborn child, echoing in her head. Nicole wrote down those words and kept writing, setting the foundation for her first book in a fantasy trilogy. Within a year, she completed the trilogy along with a children's book, a corresponding coloring book, and a Spanish translation.
         

While Nicole is a hospitality professional by trade, her heart beats as a poet. Her ultimate goal is to spread light and love to her readers, offering them relatable characters who find redemption and hope despite betrayals. She strives to create a reflection of her readers within the pages, empowering them to believe that regardless of their starting point in life, the ending can always change.

Connect with her at the links below:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-Patrice-Thomas/author/B087RTMKSQ?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

https://www.nicolepatricethomas.com
https://www.twitter.com/nicolepatricet
https://www.instagram.com/nicolepatricet
https://www.facebook.com/NicolePatriceT
https://youtube.com/@nicolepatricethomas706
https://www.tiktok.com/nicolethomas247

Grab a Coffee & Say Hello

Support the show

Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

What happens when a poet's daughter picks up the pen and starts writing her own stories? We invite you to join us this week on the Moms Who Create podcast, where we have the pleasure of chatting with the talented Nikki Bergstresser, an educator, author of children's books, and a sweet romance novel. Listen to Nikki's heartwarming journey of discovering her love for writing, inspired by her parents, and her experiences navigating the transition from being a hands-on parent to a facilitator and listener.

From her father's cancer diagnosis inspiring the children's book Seasons for Stones, to her love of Hallmark movies influencing her sweet romance novel, Saving Heart and Home, this conversation with Nikki is chock-full of inspiration and insights. We also discuss her current work facilitating online book clubs and writing classes for children, as well as presenting literature seminars for parents and educators. Don't miss this episode as we explore the magic of taking small steps that lead to beautiful journeys, all while balancing creative pursuits with motherhood responsibilities.

Resources mentioned in the episode:
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators - https://www.scbwi.org/
STORYSTORM - https://taralazar.com/storystorm/
12x12 - https://www.12x12challenge.com/
Writing Picture Books - https://courses.svslearn.com/courses/writing-picture-books-live-class

Connect with Nikki online:
https://nikkibergstresser.com/
https://twitter.com/NBergstresser
https://www.instagram.com/nikkibergstresser/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0BgxfMhkOF45EskL-AE9w
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nikki-Bergstresser/author/B08CS38VRG?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Grab a Coffee & Say Hello

Support the show

Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

This Scotland based poet, cake maker, and coffee drinker joins us to share her journey, highlighting how her children have been both a source of inspiration and motivation for her creative pursuits. From writing her unique book, Coffee and Wildflowers, which combines poetry and cake recipes, to founding the Storyteller Creative Club, Abi's dedication to nurturing the artistic spirit in herself and others is truly inspiring.

In our conversation, Abi emphasizes the importance of carving out time for your creative passions, and how joining writing and poetry groups can provide much-needed support and encouragement. She also shares her experience of moving from England to Scotland, and how the transition inspired her book.

Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights on how to find that elusive balance between motherhood and creativity. And, if you're looking for a community of moms who share your passion for the arts, we invite you to join our Moms Who Create Book Club – connect with us on our Instagram and Facebook pages to stay updated!

Connect with Abi below:

https://abistoryteller.carrd.co/

https://www.instagram.com/abi_storyteller/

https://www.tiktok.com/@abi_storyteller?lang=en

https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Wildflowers-Abi-Hayes/dp/1399937340/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3E1J3CBBIT13H&keywords=abi+hayes&qid=1669963064&sprefix=abi+hayes%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-2

Grab a Coffee & Say Hello

Support the show

Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :

Creating bright botanical art designed to bring joy to your homes and lives, Kat Wilmore is the the owner and founder of Plant Based Paintings.  Kat aims to be as eco friendly as possible and has planted over 250 trees via her partnership with onetreeplanted.org.


https://www.plantbasedpaintings.com/

https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedpaintings

https://www.facebook.com/katplantbasedpaintings

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/plantbasedpaintings/

Grab a Coffee & Say Hello

Support the show

Support the Show & Connect with Kelli:

• Follow Moms Who Create on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast
• Visit the podcast website: Moms Who Create
• Love the show? Buy Me a Coffee to support me!! I do this at home and run on lots of coffee. :