"I wrote many versions of 'Chance and Little Star' but I never felt fully satisfied with them. At one point, I even thought of giving up. Then one day this particular version flashed in front of me very quickly and I scrambled to write it all down. It was interweaving love, hope, respect, and resilience – all things that helped me get through my formative years. Hopefully kids in middle and high school years would be able to relate to it and find meaning as well."

"I have been writing for as long as I can remember. With many activities, you aren't able to make something new, like in writing. I can make up stories as I please, or share my perspective with the world. This is what appealed to me about writing and inspired me to put my thoughts to paper."

When Lisa immigrated to the United States in sixth grade, she turned to the fantasy world of books for comfort and companionship. Reading so many different authors' engrossing and inspiring stories encouraged her to begin her own exploration with writing. When she entered high school, she started taking writing more seriously, crafting fictional short stories based on aspects of her childhood development.

Javeria Kausar, author of Erin and the Indian Bride, is a Muslim writer from Andhra Pradesh, India, who wants to use her words for good causes. She wants to raise awareness, shatter stereotypes, inspire reflection, and effect positive change.

Pius' experience as a writer started almost eight years ago. He's always been an avid reader, and he developed his passion for writing in senior secondary school. Now, he has decided to turn his passion into a career.

Growing up, Natasha had a chronic case of procrastination. Over time, her symptoms lessened and she was able to complete her first book, "5 Steps to Win Her Heart." She looks forward to creating more thoughtful, humorous, and heartwarming stories for reluctant readers and bookworms alike.

Cat Jenkins is the author of "The Market at Night" and one of the winners of our 2021 Story of the Year Contest. In her interview, Cat shared the importance of great books, and why she wanted to write her own.

Growing up in a Hispanic household as a woman, the priority was never for Destany Rodriguez to learn how to read. As she grew older, however, and recognized the power of books, she was able to knock down the cultural barriers holding her back.

Introducing: Valena D'Angelis, a mage who yields magic with pen and paper. Those of us at Story Shares were lucky enough to speak with D'Angelis about her recent emergence on the publishing scene as an author of epic, inclusive fantasy. Check out what she has to say here!