What if the hardest moments of your childhood could become the catalyst for helping thousands of kids find their voice? That's exactly what happened for children's book author Brooke Auckerman, and her story is one every indie author needs to hear.

On a recent episode of The Author's Mic, Brooke shared how personal pain, family legacy, and a whole lot of determination came together to create her beloved Loretta Owl series: books that tackle tough topics like bullying with warmth, wisdom, and a feathered friend kids can't help but love.

A Grandmother's Legacy Takes Flight

Not every writing journey starts with a business plan or a big dream of becoming an author. Sometimes, it starts with love: and for Brooke, that love was for her grandmother, Loretta.

"I wanted to honor my grandmother," Brooke explained during our conversation. "She was such an important person in my life, and I wanted her memory to live on in a way that could touch other people's lives too."

That's how Loretta Owl was born: a character inspired by a real woman who made a real impact. And here's the thing that makes this story so powerful for indie authors: Brooke didn't wait for permission. She didn't wait for a traditional publisher to validate her vision. She saw a need, felt a calling, and took action.

For black authors and underrepresented writers, this is especially meaningful. Our stories matter. Our ancestors' legacies deserve to be celebrated. And when the traditional publishing world doesn't make space for us, we create that space ourselves.

Turning Pain into Purpose: Writing About Bullying

Here's where Brooke's story gets deeply personal: and where her work becomes not just books, but a lifeline for struggling kids.

As a biracial child, Brooke experienced bullying firsthand. She knows what it feels like to be singled out for being different, to question your identity, to wonder if anyone else understands what you're going through. Those experiences could have remained painful memories, locked away and never discussed.

Instead, Brooke channeled them into Be Kind, a book in the Loretta Owl series that addresses bullying head-on.

"I used my personal experience to write this story," she shared. "I wanted kids who are going through what I went through to know they're not alone. I wanted them to see themselves in the story and know that things can get better."

This is the power of indie publishing, friends. When you're an indie author, you're not just writing books: you're writing the books that need to exist. You're filling gaps. You're speaking to the kids (or adults) who feel invisible. You're creating representation where there was none.

Brooke's advice to kids experiencing bullying? Take the leap and tell someone. Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to a trusted adult, a teacher, a counselor, a friend. You deserve support, and your story matters.

The Creative Process: Illustrators, Editors, and Teamwork

Let's talk about the nuts and bolts of bringing a children's book to life, because this is where a lot of new authors get stuck.

Brooke walked us through her process of working with both an illustrator and an editor: two crucial partnerships that can make or break a children's book.

Finding the Right Illustrator

For children's books, your illustrator isn't just adding pretty pictures: they're telling half the story. Kids are visual learners, and the illustrations need to capture the emotion, diversity, and message you're trying to convey.

Brooke emphasized the importance of finding someone who gets your vision. This might mean interviewing multiple illustrators, reviewing portfolios carefully, and having honest conversations about style, representation, and timeline.

Pro tip: If you're writing a children's book that centers Black characters or other underrepresented identities, make sure your illustrator can authentically represent those features. Hair texture, skin tone variations, cultural details: these matter deeply to young readers who are hungry to see themselves in stories.

Working with an Editor

Even if you're self-publishing, you need an editor. Period. End of story.

Brooke talked about the editing process as collaborative, not combative. A good editor doesn't tear down your work: they help you make it stronger. They catch inconsistencies, smooth out awkward phrasing, and make sure your message lands with clarity and impact.

For indie authors, working with an editor is one of the best investments you can make. It's the difference between a book that looks self-published and a book that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with traditionally published titles.

Marketing as an Indie Author: Community is Everything

Here's where Brooke really lit up during our conversation: talking about how she connects with readers and gets her books into kids' hands.

Social Media Strategy

Brooke uses social media to share her journey, connect with other children's book authors, and reach parents and educators looking for meaningful books. But she's not just posting promotional content: she's building relationships and engaging authentically.

The key to book marketing for authors? Show up consistently, share your story, and focus on connection over perfection.

Local Community Events

This is huge for children's book authors: Get out into your community. Brooke talked about doing local events: school visits, library readings, bookstore signings, community festivals. These face-to-face interactions create loyal readers and word-of-mouth buzz that no online ad can replicate.

Parents and teachers love discovering books from local authors. You become more than just a name on a cover: you become a real person who cares about kids and literacy.

Indie Author Connection

One thing Brooke emphasized is the importance of connecting with other indie authors. The indie publishing journey can feel lonely sometimes, but it doesn't have to be. Finding your community: whether that's through podcasts like The Author's Mic, Facebook groups, local writer's organizations, or events: makes all the difference.

We lift as we climb. We share strategies, celebrate wins, and support each other through the challenges. That's what the indie author community is all about.

Lessons Every Indie Author Can Take from Brooke's Journey

Whether you're writing children's books, romance, memoir, or sci-fi, Brooke's story offers wisdom for all of us:

1. Your Story Matters
Don't wait for someone else to give you permission to tell it. If you feel called to write about your experiences, your heritage, or topics that matter to you: do it.

2. Turn Pain into Purpose
The hardest parts of your story might become the most impactful parts of your work. Your struggles give you credibility and compassion that can help others heal.

3. Invest in Your Craft
Work with professionals: illustrators, editors, designers. Your book is your legacy. Treat it like the important work it is.

4. Show Up for Your Community
Marketing isn't just about selling books: it's about building relationships. Get out there, meet your readers, and let them see the heart behind your work.

5. Connect with Other Indies
You don't have to do this alone. Find your people, share resources, and support each other's success.

Watch the Full Conversation

Want to hear more of Brooke's story in her own words? Check out the full episode here:

https://youtu.be/sTvp8cDavtc

You'll get even more insights into her writing process, marketing strategies, and the heart behind the Loretta Owl series.

Keep the Conversation Going

Brooke's journey from personal pain to published author is proof that indie authors are changing the literary landscape one powerful story at a time. We're creating the representation that's missing. We're filling gaps the traditional industry ignores. We're building legacies that honor those who came before us.

Connect with Brooke Auckerman

Want to keep up with Brooke, her mission, and all things Loretta Owl? You can connect with her here:

• TikTok: @BrookLovesBooks223
• Facebook: Author Brooke Auckerman
• YouTube: Brooke Talks Books
• Instagram: @BrookLovesBooks223

And if you’re ready to meet Loretta for yourself, you can find Brooke’s Loretta Owl series wherever good books are sold.

Ready to share your story? Whether you're just starting your writing journey or looking to connect with readers who need your book, I'd love to support you.

• Want to be a guest on The Author's Mic? Apply here: https://brightheadedpublishing.com/be-a-guest
• Need help navigating the self-publishing process? Grab our free guide with essential tips every new author needs: https://brightheadedpublishing.com/author-s-corner/5-essential-self-publishing-tips-for-new-authors
• Support underrepresented indie authors by checking out my books, including You Sound White: https://brightheadedpublishing.com/products
• Join the Indie Reader Society (IRS) for curated book recommendations that celebrate diverse indie voices
• Explore TrustBridge™ Author Services for curated connections and support designed specifically for indie authors: https://brightheadedpublishing.com/trustbridgetm-author-services

Your story deserves to be told. Your voice deserves to be heard. And like Brooke, you have the power to turn your experiences into something that changes lives.

Let's keep building this community together! 📚✨