What if there was a way to be guided and mentored through the entire publishing process for a picture book—so you could actually get your story into the hands of children? Most of us would say, “Tell me more!” Lucky for you, there is—and it’s called Publishing Mastermind (PMM).
What is Publishing Mastermind?
Publishing Mastermind is a one-of-a-kind program that takes aspiring children authors from their rough draft to their finished, physical product. Our team offers professional editing, book design, and launch planning to set each author up for success.
Every single member who joins PMM will finish with a physical book in their hands. That’s our promise!
As the saying goes, “Teamwork makes the dream work,” and that’s exactly what we believe and embrace with each of our members inside Publishing Mastermind. Once you’re in, you’ll receive personalized coaching from our expert team and build lasting connections with a community of authors who are on the same journey as you. We take the guesswork out of the process, so you can focus on the fun part—writing a story that will impact the lives of so many children.
In this blog, we’re introducing the 2024 PMM members. We’ll be sharing their books along with a glimpse inside their journey, and then we’ll go over some frequently asked questions to help you decide if Publishing Mastermind is the right fit for you.
Spotlight the 2024 Members
1. Deena Kong – Grateful Being Me – Feb 8, 2024
Deena has over 20 years of experience in government contracting, specializing in Ethics & Compliance. She moved to North America at a young age, navigating life in a new culture with English as her second language. This experience inspired Deena to write her first children’s book, encouraging self-acceptance and celebrating diversity.
2. Laura Suarez – Tia Queta's Table – Feb 22, 2024
Laura has worked as an educator for over 30 years and is a songwriter by night. Her gift for rhythm and rhyme helped evolve her love for writing for children. She writes stories that celebrate Hispanic culture. Tia Queta’s Table is her first published book!
3. Barbara Weldele – A Whirly Squirrely Rainy Day – March 19, 2024
As a licensed professional counselor, behavior specialist, certified anxiety treatment professional, and elementary and secondary school counselor, Barbara has thoroughly enjoyed working with children focusing on mental health and emotional and behavioral issues. Her children’s book addresses frustration and how to overcome it.
4. Jordan Petter – Adventures with Mimi: Evalee Goes Fishing – March 21, 2024
Jordan is a campus librarian whose love for reading and writing began at an early age. She writes adventurous children’s books that spark curiosity and joy in the world around them. Her book is a bestseller on Amazon, a Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient, and a Purple Dragonfly Book award winner!
5. Cathy Hussey – Doug: The Story of a Tree – March 26, 2024
With over three decades in education, Cathy brings her love for nature and storytelling together in her children’s book, Doug: The Story of a Tree. Through this story, set in the coastal rainforest of Vancouver, she hopes to inspire conversations about protecting our planet.
6. Martha Hackett – Ponder, the Frog – April 4, 2024
Martha worked as a Family Medicine MD for over 40 years and has traveled all over the globe—from riding an ostrich in the Australian outback to studying with a Swami in India. Her first children’s book (which is also for parents) invites readers to "ponder" new ways of seeing the world.
7. Mary Young – Pink Shoes – April 16, 2024
Mary dreamed of writing children’s books when her children were young, and now her two grandsons have inspired her to make it a reality. With 15 years as a Special Education teacher and over 35 years in real estate, Mary published a book that empowers children to stay true to themselves and always show kindness.
8. Vida Gecas – Lucky Puppy Finds Two Families – April 16, 2024
Vida spent over 32 years serving her country as a U.S. Army Officer and Diplomat. Her book is inspired by her real-life rescue dog, Lucky, who found her during her tour in Conakry, Guinea. He helped her adjust to her new life and became her loyal companion through challenging times.
9. Sonia Kueng – Today’s the Day!: Luna Meets Lily – April 18, 2024
Sonia and her husband are passionate about animals and highly encourage others to get involved with their local animal shelter. Her own story was inspired while taking pictures of her dog, Luna, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She seeks to create stories that foster a love for reading.
10. Eve Olive – Listen Star Child, The Earth Is Calling – May 2, 2024
As a bestselling author, Eve spent the majority of her life in Africa before returning to the United States as an adult. She has been an architect, educator, writer, and co-founder of a school in North Carolina. She has written several collections of poems over the years and two children’s books. Listen Star Child, The Earth Is Calling is her second book about life before birth.
11. Shelina Manek – If Rhinos Could Fly – Jan 28, 2024
Born in East Africa, Shelina has always been passionate about animals—especially rhinos and elephants whose population has diminished over the years. Are We There Yet? was her first children's book about an elephant and was on two bestseller lists.
12. Deirdre Palm Adams – The Adventures of Rocky: Don't Be Bullied, Rocky! – May 21, 2024
Deidre has always believed in living life with joy and gratitude. This is the third book in ‘The Adventures of Rocky’ series, which she wrote to help children build confidence, cultivate resilience, value friendship, and have a positive outlook on life. Rocky, the beach poodle is inspired by her dog who brings her and her family so much joy.
13. Heather Jack – My Best Friend Georgie – May 23, 2024
Heather is an elementary music and drama teacher who loves to write stories and piano compositions. Reading other stories is what continues to inspire her to create. My Best Friend Georgie is Heather’s second book published with Miriam Laundry Publishing.
14. Jeanne Svobodny – Annie’s 4th of July – June 4, 2024
Jeanne was an educator for over 50 years and wrote a book in 2015 about living with a panic disorder. This year, Jeanne has written her first children’s book that focuses on what it means to be brave and find joy in facing your greatest fears.
15. Michelle Anderson – Where’s Your Hair, Grandpa? – June 6, 2024
Michelle won the spelling bee in second grade and from that moment on, she knew she wanted to be a writer. Her writing career began shortly after becoming a grandmother when she started seeing everything through the eyes of her grandson, Phinn. It was in honor of his first birthday that she self-published her first children’s book. She hopes to continue writing more adventures for Phinn.
16. Chelsea Chong Kim – Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl – July 11, 2024
With over a decade of teaching experience in private and public schools, Chelsea has inspired many students. Also a lover of math, Chelsea enjoys weaving problem-solving into her stories, focusing on themes of friendship, teamwork, perseverance, inclusion, and embracing differences.
17. Karen B. Shea – A Bug-Lightful Discovery! – July 16, 2024
Karen is a writer and photographer, whose passion for nature has always guided her writing. Through her stories, she hopes to teach children valuable lessons and educate them on the wonders of the natural world. Clark the Mountain Beaver and His Big Adventure was Karen’s first book, written in 2015.
18. Denise McCormick – Polly the Talking Collie – July 25, 2024
Before Denise wrote Polly the Talking Collie, she was an educator for 26 years at the elementary, university, and graduate levels. Denise lived on a farm for six years as a child and now resides on a Heritage and Century farm in Iowa, where her book is set. The story features her real-life dog, Polly, as the main character.
19. Urvashi Sirohi Joseph – Hurry Up! – July 30, 2024
Urvashi is a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and clinical supervisor. Her debut book, Hurry Up!, told through the eyes of a child, invites both parents and children to slow down and appreciate life’s everyday moments.
20. Arlene A. Vickers – The Cow Who Wouldn't Moo – August 1, 2024
Now retired from nursing and teaching, Arlene has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author. Her children's book was inspired by a real cow she encountered while walking through a pasture. Its unique moo stood out from the others and reminded her about her four grandsons and how wonderfully different they are. Her story is an encouragement for children to embrace their individuality.
21. Alanna Albano – Sammie and Pumpkin (Based on a True Story) – August 13, 2024
Animal lover, pediatrician, and now author, Alanna was inspired by her dog, Sammie, and her cat, Pumpkin, when writing her first children’s book. Her story focuses on the value of family and the power of friendship.
22. Amber B. Mitchell – The Chickadee Who Knew – August 15, 2024
As a stay-at-home mom, Amber developed a love for children’s literature while raising her own children. Drawn to poetry, she incorporates rhyming and themes of family, friendship, and faith into her story.
23. Barbara Swisher Amundson – STANLEY'S STANDING OVATION! – August 20, 2024
As a former family law officer, Barbara has always been a strong advocate for families with young children. With the empathy and ability to understand a child’s emotions, she writes stories that build confidence in young readers.
24. Laura Strachan – Pickles the Mermaid – August 22, 2024
After teaching for almost two decades, Laura has published her first children’s book. Her passion is to share a love of reading with others and to inspire children–and adults—that when you believe in yourself, anything is possible.
25. Helen Champagne – Lilianna, a Real Ladybug – Sept 3, 2024
Helen was inspired to write Lilianna, a Real Ladybug, during a children’s book writing class. One day, she saw a ladybug in her garden with no spots, which made her wonder how this unique ladybug would feel and what it would do. This led to her story which she hopes inspires children to embrace their differences and appreciate what makes them unique.
26. Karen Berglund – Amos THE Famous – Sept 5, 2024
Karen used her love for magic and 32 years of teaching experience to write her second book, Amos THE Famous. She is the best-selling author of They Call Me Quirky. Karen uses rhyme, magic, and mystery to keep readers engaged while reinforcing vocabulary, manners, and social skills.
27. Nancy Parkhill – Mini-Max Stands Up – Sept 10, 2024
Mini-Max Stands Up is Nancy’s second book and was inspired by her love of reading to children as an elementary teacher, mother, and grandmother. Her first book, Stinky Sheldon Saves the Day, was an Amazon Bestseller.
28. Sally Taggart – I Like Seeing Me! – Sept 12, 2024
Sally is a former elementary teacher and certified Life Success consultant who is passionate about helping people embrace their uniqueness and develop positive self-relationships. Inspired by the idea of children greeting themselves with kindness, Sally wrote her book to encourage self-love and acceptance.
29. Dean Collins – Captain Chunklez and Private Fynn's Journey to Learn the Guitar & Harmonica – Sept 17, 2024
Dean is a Police Detective and retired Master Sergeant. In 2019, he was awarded a Writer EXPY® for his contribution to Leo Learns About Life, a book of short stories teaching children valuable life lessons. His newest book was inspired by his love for music and the family dogs (Captain Chunklez and Private Fynn). Through this story, he uses music to subtly teach principles of success.
30. Nancy Shepherd – The Adventures of Mighty the Mini Rolling Pin – Sept 19, 2024
Nancy has written and published award-winning educational curricula and research for children. This is her first published book and the first in a series. She believes every child should have the opportunity to read. Therefore, she started Rolling Pin Reading Rooms to help get books in underserved communities.
31. Sylvia Morrison – Life in a Ghanaian Village – Oct 8, 2024
Sylvia is a Jamaican-born African Canadian on a mission to help children in rural Ghana become published authors. Her first book, Grace’s Lunch, is a bestseller and has appeared on Rogers TV and CBC Radio in Toronto, Canada. Her newest book, Life in a Ghanaian Village, seeks to help readers learn the daily realities of life in a Ghanaian village through the adventures of a girl named Beatrice and her friends.
32. Martha McNiel – Poppy and Daisy's Big Adventure: Inspired by the True Story of Two Chincoteague Ponies – Oct 7, 2024
For the past twenty-two years, Martha has directed DreamPower Horsemanship—a nonprofit organization that offers equine-assisted psychotherapy. Her goal in writing is to introduce children to animals who help people in incredible ways. Poppy and Daisy's Big Adventure: Inspired by the True Story of Two Chincoteague Ponies is her first book in 'The DreamPower Tales' series that tells the stories of real animal friends that Martha has known.
33. May Sulpice – Doggy and Scruffy Go to the Creek – Oct 10, 2024
May is an author and illustrator who drew her inspiration from a childhood memory of her and her family going to cool off in the creek near her house. Readers can now have their own adventure with Doggy and Scruffy as they head to the creek on a hot summer’s day to swim and have a picnic.
34. Lori Floyd – The Adventures of the Explorers' Club in New York City – Oct 17, 2024
Lori has explored all 50 states and 26 countries. She loves new adventures, trying new foods, and capturing moments along the way. This love of travel inspired her to write her book series that describes family-friendly places to visit across all fifty states in the USA. Her first book takes place in New York City and explores exciting attractions such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the American Museum of Natural History.
35. Farial English – Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape – Oct 21, 2024
Nestled in an old farm in upstate New York, Farial spends most of her time outdoors planting flowers, growing vegetables, and caring for bees. For years, Farial would write down story ideas, hoping that one day she would write and publish her own book. It wasn’t until the birth of her grandson that she decided to bring that dream to life.
36. C. Park – Celeste Is A Star – Oct 24, 2024
C. Park found a love for picture books when she became a substitute teacher for kindergarteners. The theme of her book is to remind readers that they all have that inner whisper telling them they can do all things.
37. Tammy Savitts Chaisson – Santa's Beard is Weird – Oct 28, 2024
Tammy holds many titles—award-winning face painter, songwriter, bodybuilding competitor, chainsaw carver—and now author. She and her husband have been entertaining children with magic, balloons, puppets, and face painting since 1997. She was inspired to write her book after listening to children share the fears they have around Santa Claus.
38. Sherry Krehbiel – First Comes A Butterfly – Oct 29, 2024
For the past 15 years, Sherry has taught outdoor learning, focusing on gardening and creating habitats for butterflies. In her book, she continues to share her love for wildlife through the perspective of Isla, a little girl who becomes curious about the life of a monarch butterfly. This book is designed for teachers and homeschooling parents.
39. Kerre Randel Ortegel – Santa's Special Mission – Oct 1, 2024
Kerre Randel Ortegel is the Founder and President of Holidays & Heroes, a non-profit supporting military families during the holidays. In her story, Mia and Ben are concerned Santa will not know how to find their new home when their father, who works in the military, gets a new job. This book helps reassure children that Santa knows how to find children—no matter what.
Frequently Asked Questions on Publishing Mastermind
What’s the Best Part About PMM?
For some, it’s the long-lasting friendships and community that’s their favorite part: “My favorite part was the small group of authors at the same level and we progress through the year where we meet once a month, we get to know each other, and we get to cheer each other on as we launch our completed book into the world.” says Farial.
For others, it’s the guidance: “She has an amazing team that supports you the entire way (editing, designing, or a brief anxiety attack) there is someone in place to nudge you and get you back on track” Oh, and we can’t forget the unforgettable moment—when you finally get to hold your children’s book in your hands for the first time.
What Kind of Support Can I Expect?
From personalized coaching to community support, PMM is designed to help you at every step of the process. C. Park touches on the coaching aspect: “I cannot say enough about the team—from the emotional and mental support they give. They are responsive, offering guidance and a wealth of information that I will carry with me even after my book is published. It is well worth every bit of time and money.”
Do I Need Experience to Join PMM?
Not at all! PMM welcomes authors at all stages. There are no specific qualifications needed to write a children’s book—just an idea and a motivation to tell your story.
What Kind of Commitment is Required to Succeed in PMM?
To get the most out of this program, I recommend attending each LIVE Mastermind Group Call and monthly coaching call with your personal author coach, which takes a total of about two hours each month. The only additional time needed is for developing your children’s book—writing, editing, and choosing an illustrator. The time you dedicate to your book is completely up to you!
Will I Receive Feedback on My Work?
Absolutely! You’ll receive support from both our professional team and your fellow authors throughout the journey. Our team provides hands-on coaching, a clear roadmap, strong editing support, and accountability. You’ll learn how to develop your book and gain long-lasting confidence.
What Makes Publishing Mastermind Different From Other Writing Programs?
Not only will you be guided through the publishing process from beginning to end, but you’ll also have the most supportive access through the community and 1:1 coaching. One author notes that “the reason I chose to go with them is because of the HEART they bring to the process. They walk you through every step and are always available for any questions you have.”
How Soon Can I Expect To See My Book Published After Completing PMM?
Most authors will complete and publish their book within one year. Though you will need to put in time and effort, we are here to ensure you stay on track throughout the process.
Hear from Some of the 2024 Authors Themselves
"I launched my book and my book reached bestseller status in multiple categories ... If you want to write but you're intimidated, take the next step. You are unique, and your story is unique."
“I chose to publish with MLP because she has a roadmap that is flawless ... she takes you from beginning to end.”
Bring Your Book to Life with Publishing Mastermind
If you feel intimidated by the publishing process, just know that the support and structure of Publishing Mastermind will guide you the entire way—just look at what our 2024 authors accomplished! You CAN do this, and PMM ensures you get to the finish line.
Want to be the first to know when Publishing Mastermind opens its doors again? Join the waitlist!
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