Meet Kristen Puma

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen Puma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kristen with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

It goes without saying, but I got my work ethic from my parents. Both of my parents worked incredibly hard to create a better life not only for themselves, but for my brothers and me, too. Not only did they show us what it means to work hard, but they also showed us the power of time management. They both would work 9-5 jobs, and then come home and still have time for my brothers and me. Before it was time for my brothers and I to get our first job, we were helping at home and learning the ins and outs of self sufficiency.

As a kid, chores suck. I don’t know a single kid who enjoys house work, but as an adult, I now appreciate the time my parent’s took to teach us the importance of a strong work ethic. I wouldn’t be who I am today without their guidance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a wife and mom first, and an author second. I have a wonderfully supportive family who thoroughly enjoys going on this journey with me. I will forever cherish my children’s laughter as we read my stories together. Formerly, I worked as a Paraprofessional at a preschool in Firestone, CO. I have always been a “kid at heart,” and I think I’ve always known that I would work with children in some capacity. While I enjoyed teaching, writing has always been a part of me, too.

From the moment I wrote my first poem at age 10, I have never been able to put the pen down. Writing is so special in that I believe it is the deepest, most honest form of human connection out there. When you write, you are putting your thoughts, beliefs, and soul on the paper… and that’s beautiful. Writing has always been a way for me to connect to others. So, once I had my children, I decided to start diving back into my craft and turning it into a profession.

I mostly write picture books, though I have found myself dabbling in Middle Grade as well as Young Adult. My picture books are commercially appealing and sometimes SEL books. I find that I don’t necessarily like to think of myself as a “one shoe fits” type of author. As a creative, I enjoy forming many different stories and worlds that appeal to a broad age range.

As of right now, my two children’s books, Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure and Abby and Liam and the Snowball Adventure are available for purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and various independent bookstores. My debut book, Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure, has won three awards and thus far, Abby and Liam and the Snowball Adventure has won a 5 star review across the board at Reader’s Favorite. I have no doubt Abby and Liam and the Snowball Adventure will have just as much success, if not more.

From here, I will be continuing to write the stories I’m passionate about. Follow me on Instagram @writtenbykristen__ to stay up to date.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the most important skills or knowledge I’ve gained through this journey would be to block out the noise; everyone’s journey is not MINE and that’s ok. Continue to write what you’re passionate about and the right people will find you. Above all, silence IS golden. It’s okay if you’re not in constant contact with publishers or agents. That silence is your chance to relax and/or plan for any upcoming events.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Currently, I am pitching to literary agents. That is a challenge in itself as each agent has their own guideline for submissions. As my parents have taught me excellent time management skills, I have developed a system that allows me to track the number of submissions I put out, who I’ve contacted, and when. With each rejection, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling discouraged, however I am also learning how to channel that energy and push it towards a more positive experience. With each rejection, I am also starting to get more feedback as well as more requests for edits and resubmitting. That is a WIN thus far in my book. Two years ago, I wouldn’t even get a response, so the interest is there, it’s just about me taking the time to self reflect and better hone my craft. I am resolving these issues by LISTENING to every bit of feedback I receive, attending SCBWI events, joining critique groups, and making the necessary edits needed on my manuscripts.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photos are my own.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,