We recently had the chance to connect with Chelsea DiCicco and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Chelsea, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Lying in a hammock with a good book and a cat on my lap on a sunny day. Nothing recharges my battery like sunshine and fresh air, quietly exploring worlds through stories, and spending time with animals.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chelsea DiCicco. I’m a Children’s Book Author and Literary Blogger, the founder of Chelsea’s World of Books website, and the host and creator of the popular Feature Interview series- a free subscription literary series designed to help educate and inspire writers and illustrators at all stages of the publishing process.
I was inspired to start the Feature Interview series in 2022 because I wanted to help lift up other writers and illustrators, while also growing and learning the craft of writing myself. This series has and continues to grow every day, and the feedback has been amazing! I’ve learned so much from talking to so many talented people, and I know my readers have expressed gratitude for the help they’ve found in these articles as well.
The thing about the publishing industry is that it can be lonely and daunting to break into. So having a place of support and encouragement that actually teaches you valuable things that you can put in your writing toolkit as takeaways is wonderful. And it’s an especially wonderful resource because, unlike many writing services/groups/subscriptions, this subscription is TOTALLY free and open to the public. All you have to do is subscribe to the blog, and you’ll receive free writing resources and tools EVERY MONTH.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
There have been different people at different stages of my life who have fit this description, but the very first person to ever clearly see me before I could see myself was my mom.
Shortly after starting school (kindergarten), my teachers noticed that I struggled to sit still and control my thoughts/impulses. I would sing and hum at my desk and script stories to myself. I’d start a task and then get distracted by things out the window. I struggled to retain and follow verbal directions. Etc. It didn’t take long for the phone calls and notes home to start. Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with ADHD and placed on medications.
Not everyone has patience for a child with ADHD. But my mom always did. Even though she didn’t see the world quite the way I did, she showed interest and curiosity in learning about it. She would ask me questions about what I thought and how I felt, and she showed genuine warmth and kindness. Children are more observant and aware than many adults give them credit for. They may not have all the knowledge and experience that an adult does… but they do pick up on things like tone, and how a person makes them feel. My mom made me feel truly seen.
And what she saw wasn’t an exhausting chore to be dealt with, or an inconvenience or problem to be solved… she saw a kid with a big heart, a creative mind, and an innovative way of seeing the world. Instead of trying to force the door closed on my way of thinking and communicating… she opened it and stepped inside. And I’m so grateful for this every day. It’s part of what motivates me to do the same for kids in my line of work- both as a Children’s Book Author, and as a Registered Behavior Technician for children with Autism.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’ve always been highly sensitive and empathetic towards the feelings of others. As a child, I’d cry when I heard ambulances because I knew it meant someone might not be okay, and if I saw someone else crying, I’d become incredibly distressed and often begin to cry as well, while trying my best to offer the other person comfort. And if I knew someone was having a difficult day, I’d try to do things to make them laugh or smile.
But for some reason, it never occurred to me that my feelings were also important… So, I’d bend over backwards to do anything to make others feel good, even if it was something that was hurting me. This trait manifested into much pain later in life, and it’s something I’ve had to unlearn as an adult, which I’ve been able to do largely in part with the help of my wonderful best friend and husband, who has helped me find balance and set healthy boundaries.
So, given the chance to say something kind to my younger self, it would be:
It’s good to be kind, but remember that YOU matter too, and so do your feelings.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Sharing as many stories as I can with young readers!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Love and connection are the most valuable things you can ever possess. Not the car you drive, the clothes you wear, or where you live. It’s the relationships we have and take the time to cultivate that truly matter the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chelseasworldofbooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseasworldofbooks/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-dicicco-122a95206
- Twitter: https://x.com/chellysbooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chellysbooks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chelseasworldofbooks
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
