Why I Chose to Create These Storybooks

By Lucia Alberti, Author and Illustrator

I began this journey in April of 2025, stepping into the world of children's storybooks as an independent author and illustrator. I did so not with a publishing background or marketing experience, but with something far more personal - a creative impulse and belief that the stories I carried were worth bringing into the world.

I have always been a creative person by nature. Creating stories, imagining characters, and giving them visual form has always felt intuitive to me. At a certain point, I realized that I had stories I wanted to tell = stories I believed could have a positive impact on young readers. Not loud stories or fast-moving spectacles, but thoughtful narratives centered on kindness, belonging, friendship, and emotional growth.

The stories I create are story-driven, rooted in classic storytelling, with a beginning, middle, and end, allowing space for character, reflection, and meaning to unfold naturally.

The motivation is what led me to begin creating these books.

What I did not fully understand at the outset was how much work exists beyond the creative process itself.

Writing children's books may appear simple on the surface, but every word carries weight. Each sentence must be intentional and accessible, while still respecting a child's emotional intelligence. Illustrations are not decorative additions; they are part of the storytelling itself, building pacing, emotion, and understanding. That portion of the process, while demanding, felt familiar to me. It was where creativity could lead.

What followed, however, was entirely new territory.

I had no prior experience with the publishing process, formatting requirements, production standards, proofing, or distribution. Nor did I understand what it truly meant to market books as an independent creator. Learning how books are discovered, how trust is built with parents, teachers, and librarians, and how visibility is earned without the support of a traditional publishing house became a challenge of its own.

The learning curve was steep.

Publishing and marketing independently means stepping into roles typically handled by entire teams. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn skills that can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. Like any new venture, motivation and dedication do matter. With time, you can learn. You can adapt. You can overcome.

But in truth, the scope of the work has been enormous. Progress is often quiet and slow, and effort is not always visible. And the responsibility of getting things right - especially when creating for children - carries its own weight. Building trust with families and educators does not happen quickly, nor should it. That trust must be earned slowly through care, consistency, and intention.

Despite the challenges, the reason I began has never changed.

These storybooks were not created to follow trends or chase attention. They were created because I believed the stories mattered. Because I believe children benefit from narratives that are gentle. emotionally grounded and respectful of their inner world. And because creating something meaningful felt like work worth doing, even when the process proved demanding.

I share this not as a complaint, and not as a measure of success or failure, but as an honest reflection of the journey so far. Creating these books has required more effort than I ever anticipated - but it has also reaffirmed why I started.

At the heart of it all, the motivation remains the same to create stories with care, intention, and respect for young readers. That purpose continues to guide this work, every step of the way.