Interestingly, I feel blessed to experience Bella’s journey as it flows through me onto the page. When I sit down to write, I don’t plot characters or map storylines; I simply let the story reveal itself. Each character seems to come alive in my imagination, developing their own unique traits and strengths as the plot unfolds. The magic of The Bella Santini Chronicles is that I never get “stuck” because the words just come. It’s as if Bella’s journey writes itself, bringing a message of self-love, courage, and emotional growth to life. Bella’s story is about a girl who once believed she was just “normal”—nothing extraordinary. But as she steps further into her journey, Bella learns that her power is rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and emotional strength. She begins to understand the power of her thoughts and emotions, transforming her belief in herself. For young readers, this series is more than a fantasy adventure; it’s an invitation to discover their own strength and self-worth, just as Bella does.

I've been incredibly grateful for the overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers. With an average of 4.9 stars on Amazon, The Bella Santini Chronicles has connected with so many who appreciate its messages of self-awareness, resilience, and emotional growth. Occasionally, I’ve received a few negative reviews—just a couple over the years—and I respect that not everyone may be open to the story’s deeper themes. Sometimes, readers get caught up in certain elements and may miss the subtle messages of transformation and self-love woven into the plot. When I see these reviews, I take a moment to send kindness their way, hoping that one day they, too, might be open to the messages of love and empowerment within Bella’s journey. Each reader brings their unique perspective, and I’m always thankful for those who resonate with the magic of Bella’s story.

When I first started writing the story for my friend’s daughter, I remember telling my former husband, “I feel like I’m meant to write a book.” He looked at me and said, “Who are you to write a book?” I share this because I want you to know that it doesn’t matter what others say. If you feel the pull to write, to create, or to follow your passion, trust it. That desire is a gift, a call to create something meaningful. And yes, there will be those who doubt you, who question if you’re “qualified” or if you’re “the right person” to bring that vision to life. But looking back, with ten published books and more on the way, I’d say that following your passion has a way of proving itself right. So, if you feel it, don’t hold back. Take that first step and watch where it leads.

With three published books in The Bella Santini Chronicles series and a total of around ten publications overall—including an upcoming compilation in Genius—I have to say my heart truly belongs to Bella’s story. These books are more than just magical adventures; they’re fun, transformative journeys designed to inspire self-awareness and emotional resilience in young readers. The Bella Santini Chronicles combines the magic of fantasy with the power of personal growth, and it’s been such a joy to see readers connect with these stories on a deeper level. Whether it’s Bella’s courage, the enchanting worlds, or the underlying messages, these books mean the world to me.

I first began writing as a gift, inspired by a friend’s nine-year-old daughter. It started as something fun, a little story just for her, but before long, it took on a life of its own. The story kept expanding beyond what I’d imagined. Scenes would blossom in my dreams, and I found myself recording voice notes as new ideas came to me while I was out hiking in nature. Only later did I realize how much of my own journey was woven into the tale—those deep, often hard-won life lessons about resilience, compassion, and self-awareness. It’s as if each page was shaped not only by the story’s magic but by the wisdom I gained from my own experiences.