Month: March 2025

Why I Chose Traditional Publishing Over Self-Publishing

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

There are many paths to becoming a published author today. Self-publishing has created space for countless voices to be heard, and there’s no shortage of inspiring stories about authors who took matters into their own hands and found massive success. In fact, I believe Mel Robbins originally self-published before her work became a global phenomenon. So why did I choose to pursue traditional publishing instead?

The short answer? Time, support, and strategy.

I’m a mom. A wife. A full-time corporate leader. And I’m halfway through my master’s degree program. Time is not something I have in excess right now, and everything I’ve learned about self-publishing tells me that it requires a lot of time and energy—not just to write the book, but to market it, design it, distribute it, and manage every detail. That’s not something I can take lightly.

I’m also a researcher at heart. When I decide to pursue something, I go all in. So I’ve listened to every podcast, watched hours of YouTube videos, and dug into article after article comparing self-publishing to traditional publishing. I’ve learned from people who have done both. I’ve heard success stories and horror stories from each side.

In the end, I chose traditional publishing because I want the guidance and the backing of a team that knows the industry inside and out. I want to learn from professionals who have walked this road before and who believe in my work enough to help bring it to life. I want the marketing support, the editorial expertise, and the momentum that comes from being part of something bigger.

That’s also why I hired a coach. I want to take this seriously. I want to be taken seriously. And I believe that investing in the right help now will pay off in the long run. I’m currently working with my coach to finalize my very first story and prepare to query literary agents. It’s a process, but it’s one I’m committed to.

Traditional publishing may take longer, but for me, it feels aligned with my long-term vision. I don’t want to rush it. I want to do it right. I want to build something meaningful and lasting…

And I’m so excited to take you with me on this journey.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here.

Follow my Instagram for more  @MonsterHillBooks.

Why Did I Start an Instagram Page Before Publishing a Single Book?

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

You might be wondering why I started an Instagram page for Monster Hill Books considering I don’t have a single book available for purchase… It’s a fair question, and the answer is simple: I didn’t want to quit.

I’ve written six children’s stories that I’m incredibly proud of. They live on my laptop, but they’re also alive in my heart. And I knew that if I kept them hidden, safely tucked away, they would stay there forever.

Starting an Instagram page was my way of saying, “I’m doing this, I’m going for it.” It was my way of creating accountability, momentum, and overcoming fear. When you publicly declare a dream—even in its earliest stage—it’s a powerful motivator to keep going.

That’s also why I hired an author coach. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to become a professional author. I don’t know how to navigate the publishing world. But I do know how to take a dream seriously. And for me, that meant investing in someone who could guide me through this process and keep me on track. Having the accountability of a coach has made all the difference.

Right now, I’m working with my coach to finalize the first story I ever wrote. It’s the story that started it all, and it’s the one I hope will be the first to get traditionally published. While it’s still unpublished, it’s very much in progress—and sharing that journey on Instagram helps me stay connected, inspired, and encouraged. And hopefully, I can motivate a few others to go after their dream as well.

So no, I don’t have a book to sell (yet). But I have a vision. I have stories. I have purpose. And I believe that showing up, even before the dream is fully realized, is part of what makes it real.

Know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin. Sometimes, the act of starting is what keeps the dream alive.

Follow me on Instagram @MonsterHillBooks.

What Do We Teach Our Children About Fear?

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

Fear. We all have it. It’s a natural part of being human. But what we do with fear? That’s where everything changes.

As parents, we want to protect our children. We want to keep them safe, keep them comfortable, and shield them from the things that might hurt. But what if, in doing so, we accidentally teach them to avoid growth, to fear risk, and to settle for less?

The greatest way we can teach our children how to manage fear is by leading with courage. They are always watching us. They learn more from our actions than our words. And if we want them to be brave, we have to go first.

One of the most powerful lines I’ve ever heard came from a Sunday message. Pastor Caitlin said, “I will never settle for less than God’s best, and I will never settle for a life full of fear.” That single sentence changed the trajectory of my life.

Shortly after, our family made one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever faced. We packed up our lives and moved three hours away from everything familiar — away from our hometown, our friends, our family — in hopes of finding better opportunities, more resources, and a safer community for our children.

My husband and I were terrified.

But we did it anyway.

And it turned out to be the best decision we could have made.

That experience reminded me of this truth: fear doesn’t always go away. But it doesn’t have to stop us. In fact, some of the most life-changing decisions we make will come with trembling hands and uncertain hearts. And that’s okay.

So what do we want to teach our children about fear? Do we want to teach them to stay small? To hold back? To only try when they’re sure they’ll succeed?

Or do we want to teach them to take risks, to try, to fall, to learn, and to rise again? To chase dreams with grit and grace?

When we choose courage over comfort, our children learn to do the same.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Your bravery could be the reason they believe in what’s possible.

Follow me on Instagram @MonsterHillBooks for more.

Letting Go to Create: How Writing Children’s Books Changed My Life

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d become a children’s author, I’m not sure I would have believed them. Not because I didn’t want to write, but because I didn’t see myself as creative. I was the structured one, the planner, the professional. Creativity, I thought, was for someone else. Someone braver. Someone who could handle the vulnerability.

But something shifted.

To start writing children’s books, I had to completely let go of who I thought I was, and who I thought I was supposed to be. I had to quiet the inner voice that told me I didn’t belong in that world. And I had to do something truly uncomfortable: I had to let my heart lead.

The stories came rushing out. They didn’t ask for permission. They poured out of me, full of rhythm, truth, and the lessons I wanted to share with my children. These books weren’t just ideas, they were little pieces of my soul wrapped in rhyme.

And that’s the thing about creativity: it’s deeply personal. It’s also wildly vulnerable. Sharing your art with the world means opening yourself to criticism, rejection, and misunderstanding. I’ve come to realize that artists aren’t just creative, they’re incredibly brave.

I’m not a published author yet. I’m currently working with a coach to refine my stories and prepare to query literary agents, with the ultimate goal of becoming traditionally published. It’s a journey filled with learning, stretching, and a lot of faith.

Now, as I work with my coach, I’m stepping into a new phase of growth. Learning how to improve something I’ve poured my heart into is both humbling and rewarding. It’s not always easy, but I believe that the more we grow, the more we can give.

If you’re standing at the edge of something new, something that both excites and terrifies you, know this: it’s okay to let go of who you were. It’s okay to not have all the answers. And it’s okay to begin before you feel ready.

The world needs your story.

You were made for this.

And just maybe, like me, you’ll find that your greatest transformation comes the moment you let go.

Follow my Instagram @MonsterHillBooks.

Why Stories Matter: The Power of Personal Development Books for Kids

/ Jessica / Leave a comment

I still remember the first time a story made me feel. It wasn’t a lecture or a life lesson someone handed me; it was a book. A simple story with characters who stumbled, struggled, and eventually triumphed. That book made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could too.

Now as a mom, an author, and a woman on a mission, I see that same spark in my children when they hear stories that speak to their hearts. That’s why I created Monster Hill Books. So I could write children’s picture books that do more than entertain. These books are designed to build confidence, nurture emotional intelligence, and empower kids with real-life tools for personal growth.

The Mission Behind Monster Hill

Monster Hill Books isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. Rooted in faith and positive psychology, my stories tackle big feelings in kid-friendly ways. We use rhyme, rhythm, and relatable characters to show kids that they are never alone, that their feelings matter, and that they can overcome challenges with the right mindset. Whether it’s learning how to take a time-out to calm down, discovering the inner coach within, or realizing that failure isn’t the end of the story, each book is a stepping stone in a child’s emotional development.

Why Kids Need These Stories More Than Ever

Let’s face it: childhood today is not what it used to be. With social pressures, technology overload, and growing mental health challenges, kids need stories that ground them in truth, love, and hope. Personal development books for kids act like gentle guides, helping them understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. In a world full of noise, stories become a safe space.

One of the most powerful examples of this is the classic book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. My mom used to read this book to me, and she would sing the song from the story in a soft, sweet tune that I can still remember to this day. There’s a reason this book brings tears to the eyes of so many. It’s not just about a mother’s love, it’s about the passage of time, the bond between parent and child, and the bittersweet reality of watching your children grow. That simple refrain, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be,” carries deep emotional weight. It stays with you. And that’s the magic of storytelling. It reaches deep into our hearts and becomes part of who we are.

The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Identity

Stories shape who we are. They give children words for what they feel and models for what’s possible. When a child sees a character face fear and still try, they internalize that courage. When they see a character struggle and grow, they begin to believe in the power of “yet.”

As parents and educators, we have the incredible opportunity to shape young minds not by preaching, but by placing powerful stories in their hands. These aren’t just books, they’re seeds. Seeds of confidence, kindness, and self-worth.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Stories are one of the most meaningful ways we can guide our children down that path.

Join the Monster Hill Movement

If you believe in the power of stories to shape hearts and minds, I invite you to join me. Follow my Instagram @MonsterHillBooks. Let’s inspire the next generation, one page at a time.