An Interview with Desiree Dusablon

Hi there! I’m a stay-at-home mom-turned-children’s author, inspired by the endless curiosity, challenges, and triumphs that come with raising kids. Like many parents, I’ve been asked countless questions by my little ones—questions about life, emotions, and everything in between. I often found myself thinking, Wouldn’t it be great to have a book to help explain this or navigate that?

That’s how my journey into writing began. My debut book, The Alphabet of Me, was created not just to entertain but to help children embrace who they are, one empowering letter at a time. It’s filled with positive, uplifting words designed to celebrate their unique qualities and spark important conversations between kids and parents.

More than just publishing a book, this journey is about showing my own children that dreams are worth pursuing. I want them to know that their mom is more than someone who packs lunches and reads bedtime stories—I’m someone who set a goal and made it happen. My hope is to inspire them, and other children, to believe that they can do anything they set their minds to.

Parenting is a beautiful, messy adventure, and books are one of the many ways we help guide our kids through it. I hope The Alphabet of Me becomes a meaningful part of your family’s reading journey, bringing joy, confidence, and plenty of smiles to your home.

Thank you for supporting my dream and helping me make a difference, one page at a time.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

My kids were struggling with self-confidence. I kept hearing them say, “I can’t.” “It’s too hard.” They were doubting themselves before they even tried, and as a mom, that broke my heart. I didn’t want to just tell them to believe in themselves—I wanted to show them.

So instead of giving them a lecture, I became the example. I knew writing and publishing a book would be hard, but I taught myself everything and just did it. I wanted them to see firsthand that no dream is too big, no challenge too difficult if you believe in yourself and take that first step. The Alphabet of Me is more than just a book—it’s a message of self-empowerment, reminding kids (and parents) that they are capable, strong, and uniquely amazing.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover would be an explosion of color, joy, and confidence—something that immediately makes kids feel seen, valued, and powerful the moment they lay eyes on it. I’d want a bold, vibrant design that radiates energy, with a diverse group of children front and center, each one shining in their own unique way. The title would pop with playful, dynamic lettering, almost as if it’s inviting young readers on an exciting adventure of self-discovery. And somewhere, maybe tucked in the background or hidden in the details, a subtle but powerful reminder that every child’s story matters—that they matter.

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

If The Alphabet of Me had a soundtrack, it would be an uplifting, confidence-boosting mix of songs that celebrate self-love, strength, and the joy of being uniquely you! Some songs that capture the spirit of the book would be:

1. “Roar” – Katy Perry (Empowering kids to use their voices and believe in their strength.)

2. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles (Encouraging kids to be fearless and stand tall.)

3. “This Is Me” – Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman Soundtrack) (A powerful anthem of self-acceptance.)

4. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (A timeless reminder to hold onto confidence and dreams.)

5. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams (Pure joy and positivity—just like the book!)

6. “Unstoppable” – Sia (For those moments when kids need a boost of confidence.)

7. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake (Dancing and celebrating who you are!)

8. “Count on Me” – Bruno Mars (A song about friendship, kindness, and support.)

9. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten (A reminder that kids are strong, capable, and resilient.)

10. “ABC” – The Jackson 5 (Because learning and self-discovery should always be fun!)

This soundtrack would be a mix of feel-good, motivational, and fun songs that make kids want to dance, sing, and embrace their incredible, one-of-a-kind selves!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Before becoming a children’s author, I worked in customer service and sales. But for the past ten years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom—one of the hardest yet most fulfilling roles. It’s taught me patience, creativity, and the importance of making every moment count, all of which inspire my writing.

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

My kids were my biggest inspiration. I wanted to create stories that uplift and empower them while proving that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Representation and confidence-building are so important for kids, and I wanted my books to be a source of both.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Since I write on my phone, my “writing space” is wherever inspiration finds me. Sometimes it’s the quiet of the early morning, and other times it’s in the middle of a busy day. Creativity doesn’t wait for the perfect setting—it happens whenever the story calls.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I revise every story many times, often creating multiple versions before settling on the final one. Each book goes through layers of fine-tuning to ensure it truly captures the heart of the message. My process is a mix of intuition, careful crafting, and making sure every word serves a purpose.

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

I want every child who reads my books to feel seen, valued, and empowered. My stories are about self-love, confidence, and embracing what makes you unique. I hope kids walk away feeling a little stronger, a little prouder, and ready to shine in their own way.

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