An Interview with Ana Cecilia Moreno

Ana Cecilia Moreno is a working single mother and daughter of Colombian immigrant parents. She has a Bachelor’s in Communications. She lives in Miami, Florida, with her son and loves to explore different creative outlets. She was inspired to write this story while she was pregnant with her son fifteen years ago. It has been her dream to publish it ever since. Lucas the Lion Makes a Friend is her first children’s book.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I have always loved to write and tell stories. I have always used writing as an outlet. Over fifteen years ago, during the anticipation of my son’s arrival, I wrote my first children’s story. The journey into motherhood stirred a profound creativity within me, igniting a passion for storytelling that has endured through the years. Recently, I took the leap and self-published my first children’s tale. As I continue on this journey, I hope that I will have the opportunity to bring more of my children’s stories to life.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

While decorating and getting my son’s nursery, I decided on a jungle theme for him. A dear friend gifted us a charming stuffed skinny lion with really long legs and arms. I loved him so much that I named him Lucas the Lion. After I named him, I found myself compelled to create a tale around this gentle king of the jungle. Despite his regal title, Lucas exuded a sweet, lovable charm that made storytelling easy and his adventure to find a friend was born.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title of the book was the easy part and it was also the last thing I wrote. Lucas the Lion Makes a Friend is a heartfelt tale that gently reminds us not to hastily judge others based on appearances alone. Beneath the surface, we all want for the same fundamental things—love, friendship, and acceptance. Through Lucas’s journey, we learn that doing the right thing, we may not always be rewarded, but it is still very important to be kind. This story serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and understanding when creating meaningful relationships and enriching our lives.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

This is a hard question because so many songs can be in the soundtrack. We can use the Toy Story “You Got a Friend In Me,” “You’re My Best Friend,” or, finally “I’m Still Standing.” Any song really of love and not giving up.

Describe your dream book cover.

The illustrator really captured the characters in my cover. I truly am happy with the results of her beautiful artwork.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Yes, the message I would love for young readers to receive is that when you open your heart to others it can bring unexpected joys and enrich your life with love. Through the pages of my story, I aim to convey the importance of perseverance, integrity and above all, kindness. With these values, we can cultivate a more compassionate world for ourselves and those around us.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.