What inspired you to write your book Are You Here?

My inspiration came from a deeply personal place. After losing my mom, I experienced signs — in nature, in quiet moments — that reminded me she was still near.

Writing Are You Here as children’s book enabled me to capture the feeling that those we love are always here in unexpected ways. My hope is that readers will feel seen, comforted, and connected at any age.

But we are just getting started. This book is part of a bigger vision I have and it’s still taking shape.

Who is your book for (age range, audience)?

The story is crafted for children in the early elementary years (roughly ages 5-9), but because the themes are universal (loss, love, memory, hope), we find that it resonates with older children, families, and even adults grappling with grief and loss.

If you’re a parent, teacher or grandparent seeking a gentle way to talk about grief or emotional connection — this book is for you. It also makes the perfect gentle gift for someone in a difficult season in their life.

What message or themes are you hoping to share?

Key themes include:

• Love remains after loss and their presence takes new meaning after someone is gone

• It’s okay to ask “Are you here?” and look for an answer

• Nature and little signs can be comforting reminders of connection

• Healing is possible through shared experience, hope, faith, and community

Do you have educational resources to accompany the book?

Yes! The story opens the door for meaningful conversations with children about emotions, memories and connection.

Some kids process their grief through art. I have free printables and other resources for parents, caretakers, healthcare workers, and educators with prompts, drawing activities, reflection pages to help deepen the experience of the book, making it more than just a read-aloud.

What is your writing process like?

As a busy parent, the first draft of this book came to me at 3am. The book continued to take shape stillness of the morning before the kids and my husband Travis were awake. Creative inspiration also comes from exploring the outdoors and listening to my kids talk about what is important to them.

After drafting the story, I work closely with my illustrator, Elisabetta Fantone Cohen, to bring the imagery to life. My publisher Landon Hail Press helped me refine, design and prepare the book.

Is the theme of grief appropriate for children?

Unfortunately, children and families often experiences of loss and face big emotions that go un-spoken. Everyone grieves differently, but it feels less overwhelming when we talk about it with others and share our feelings out loud. When I went through my own grief journey, I wanted something I could share with my children — something soft yet honest.

Children are resilient, curious and capable of processing deeper feelings and with important grownups in their life that builds meaningful connection. They can also tell when someone they care about is hurting too. This book was my way to invite them into a conversation of hope and healing.

How can schools, hospitals, libraries or children’s grief groups use your book?

The book fits beautifully into read-aloud sessions, grief-support programs, social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula, and anytime you want to spark discussion about memory, presence, or emotions.

I am looking forward to partnering with schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and bereavement support groups for group discussions. We can work together to create a memorable experience for children and staff and if the stars align, my husband Travis can perform “Are You Here?” like he did at the Together At Peace Sparkle of Hope luncheon in September 2025.

Be sure to ask me about bulk orders in advance on my Contact page.

Where can people buy the book and are there special editions?

The book will be available at major online retailers and independent bookshops for pre-sale now through March 17th, 2026. If you have a favorite local bookstore, please ask them to stock it! Occasionally we’ll offer signed editions with enough advanced notice.

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Do you collaborate with other creatives like illustrators, musicians, etc.?

Absolutely. I’m working with animators currently to bring the illustration say Elisabetta Fantone Cohen to life. Additionally, my husband (musician Travis Clark of band We The Kings) wrote the song that inspired Are You Here? Listen to “Are You Here?” song on Spotify, Youtube, and Apple Music.

Are you interested in working together? Share more on my Contact page.

How can readers connect with you or join your community?

I love hearing from readers! You can check out past newsletters on my website and subscribe to receive updates, event invitations and free downloads. I also host a community space on Facebook called Are You Here Grief & Prayer Group where people of all ages can share stories, songs, signs, and memories.

Come as you are — the journey is more meaningful together.

What’s next for you? Are there more books coming?

This debut is just the beginning. We are already dreaming up future stories that speak to young hearts navigating big questions. Hopefully this grows with my kids and takes on a life of it’s own beyond me. Stay tuned via my newsletter and social channels for sneak peeks, cover reveals and launch announcements.

Social Links: Instagram • Facebook • YouTube

How do you balance it all as a mom and business owner?

It’s a balancing act and I won’t pretend I’ve figured it all out. I’m always learning and my kids are constantly teaching me grace for myself and others.

As a homeschooling mom of four, I weave writing my monthly newsletter into our family rhythms: early morning drafts followed by finding little pockets of creativity when I can find it.

I focus on being present rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.

Do you and Travis do guest podcast appearances?

Yes! Our first podcast together was on the Together at Peace podcast. I joined host Christine Marzullo alongside my husband, Travis Clark (lead singer of We The Kings), to share the story behind Are You Here?

We talk about my mom’s legacy, the first time she met Travis, and how grief shows up in daily life. We’ve navigated her loss within our marriage and family and we share how storytelling, creativity, and faith became pathways toward healing.

Whether you’re walking through grief yourself or supporting someone you love, this episode is a reminder that the ones we love stay with us.