Today we’d like to introduce you to Maci Madden
Hi Maci, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up my mom had a daycare; that sparked my love for children. Throughout the years, I have cared for and taught children as young as three months all the way to fifth grade. I have worked in daycare centers, childcare facilities, and even was a personal nanny for three years. I also had amazing teachers and administrators who were examples and role models for what an exceptional educator should be. Upon obtaining my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and recently my masters in curriculum and instruction for social justice; education has always been in the forefront. Currently, as a fifth grader educator I aim to teach and inspire children, more specifically the ones that look like me; reminding them they can do anything they set their mind to. Today, as a published author of two amazing children’s books that inspire, uplift, and encourage children. I am beginning to fulfill my purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wrote my first children’s book when I was a senior in high school (2015). I remember it like it was yesterday, I was asked to take my mom’s vehicle for an oil change, and we all know how long that can take. After scrolling through social media and replying to a few text messages, I was bored. I went to the notes app on my iPhone and began to write my first children’s book, The Broken Crown. However, I did not decide to begin the publishing process until 2020. It was the middle of COVID, which brought many challenges. Communication with publishers was not the best, I had trouble finding illustrators that fit my aesthetic, this led me to believe it was not the right time and I should continue to wait. In addition to the financial aspect that goes into publishing independently. These factors did have an impact on my release date. Pushing it back to 2022, nevertheless I got it done.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a published author, I am an educator, I am a leader, I am a servant of God, and I am a student always ready to learn. I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish thus far, but I am also excited for what the future will bring. Educating the next generation, inspiring children, and giving back to community through books are my goals now. But it truly takes a village (educators, parents, grandparents etc.); we are all needed on one accord to assist our children. To pass the torch and continue a legacy that has been set forth. Cultivating a foundation for students to feel joy, peace, and happiness when they walk in a classroom. To see themselves in books, when they enter a library, and to see someone with their skin color when they look inside the White House. That is my specialty, that is my passion.
How do you think about happiness?
Serving others makes me happy. I am just a vessel; God moves through me. Serving others is so rewarding because I grew up in a great village, a great community. Making it easy for me to want to give that same energy back to my community. The work I do is not for me, it is for others.
Pricing:
- $14.99 each is the price of my books
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mylittleapples.org
- Instagram: @mylittleapples_
