Episode Details

EPISODE 736 - Shymara Medina - Proud Puerto Rican children’s book author, is passionate about storytelling that uplifts and inspires young minds

In this episode, Shymara Medina shares the story behind her journey as a proud Puerto Rican children’s book author and the inspiration that shapes her storytelling. She talks about how her life in Georgia, her family, and her everyday experiences became the foundation for books that encourage, educate, and uplift young readers. Show notes often work best when they offer a short, engaging summary that gives listeners a clear sense of the episode’s focus and value.

A major thread in the conversation is her family’s beekeeping life and how that world sparked the idea for Zeke becomes a beekeeper. Shymara explains what she has learned through beekeeper associations, monthly meetings, and hands-on care for their hives, while also showing how bees became more than a topic and turned into a meaningful teaching tool for children. She connects bee safety, responsibility, nature, honey, and the role bees play in a family business to lessons young readers can understand and remember.

She also reflects on writing Zeke’s quest for courage, a story built around her son’s struggles with spelling and the encouragement her family wanted to give him. The book blends story, spelling practice, and comprehension in a way that makes learning feel fun and personal. Shymara shares how seeing children respond to the book, especially during school visits, confirmed for her that stories can help kids feel capable and supported.

The episode also explores the realities of self-publishing, finding the right illustrator, protecting creative ownership, and using real life as inspiration for children’s books. Shymara offers insight into writing with intention, choosing collaborators carefully, and staying open to growth as an author. She closes with plans for a bilingual book and a young adult project, showing that her creativity is still expanding.

Key takeaway: Shymara’s work is rooted in the belief that children need stories that reflect real life, build confidence, and remind them that their voices matter.

https://www.instagram.com/shymara_medina/

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