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Blog Posts from the Author


The Moment a Book Becomes its Own
Ziva the Great Is Out in the World This story took a quiet path to get here. It came together slowly, the way some stories do, asking for patience and care along the way. Now it’s finished, released, and finding its way into readers’ hands, which is always the hardest and most meaningful part for me. Writing Ziva was never about explaining her past or solving the mystery of who she was before. It was about noticing what happens when trust starts to return, little by little. I
Cindy Vanous
Jan 102 min read


When Healing Looks Like a Cat
Some of the most unforgettable stories begin quietly. With a glance. A feeling. A mystery no one can quite explain. That’s how it was with Ziva. Ziva is a real cat. She's proud, cautious, and full of mystery. She came to the Fredmans as an adult, and although she loves and trusts them fully, she didn’t trust anyone else. If you were a stranger entering her home, she made sure you knew this was her home. She protected herself the only way she knew how. But every time I visite
Cindy Vanous
Dec 2, 20253 min read


When Stories Find Us - The Heart Behind Ziva the Great
Yesterday, I lost my sister. And in the quiet that follows a loss, I’ve been thinking about how love never really leaves us. It lingers in memories, in the things we create, and sometimes, in the stories we tell without realizing how much of ourselves are tucked deep inside them. When I started writing Ziva the Great , I thought it was simply about a Maine Coon cat with a mysterious past. She is cautious, proud, and unsure who to trust. But as the story grew, I began to see i
Cindy Vanous
Nov 11, 20251 min read


A Season of Quiet Breakthroughs
Some seasons arrive with noise and celebration. Others arrive quietly, like a small light turning on in the dark. This has been a season of quiet breakthroughs for me. Moments that may look simple from the outside but hold deep meaning within the journey of an independent author. A New Home for Asher This Christmas, Asher’s Christmas Wish is finding a beautiful home at Layette Children’s Boutique in Turtle Creek, Dallas . Layette is more than a shop. It feels like childhood p
Cindy Vanous
Oct 23, 20253 min read


A Season of Magic and Momentum
This fall has felt like a season stitched together with gratitude, surprise, and a touch of magic. It’s hard to believe that less than a...
Cindy Vanous
Oct 7, 20253 min read


A Friendly Ghost Story for Kids: Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret Launches October 1st
The Night Maddie Arrived: A Journey of Discovery Two years ago, I made a significant change in my life. I left my professional career,...
Cindy Vanous
Sep 19, 20254 min read


Asher’s Christmas Wish Book Release Party in Denton, Texas
“A vintage-inspired Christmas story, a historic tea room, and a community of readers came together to celebrate Asher’s Christmas Wish.”
Cindy Vanous
Sep 8, 20253 min read


Asher’s Christmas Wish: A Texas Author and Illustrator Bring Vintage Holiday Magic to Life
A New Chapter for Asher When I first created Asher’s story, I knew he would become more than just a character in a book—he would be a...
Cindy Vanous
Aug 14, 20252 min read


Belle: A Pup with Personality
Belle is the newest member of our family, and she’s already running the show. She’s a pint-sized pup with a big attitude — sassy,...
Cindy Vanous
Jul 22, 20252 min read


From Bravery to Belief: A New Chapter for Asher
Honoring the Quiet Strength That Leads to Hope In my last post, I wrote about bravery—specifically, the kind that lives quietly inside...
Cindy Vanous
Jun 29, 20253 min read


Writing Bravery: Honoring the Quiet Strength in Every Child
As a children’s author, I find myself drawn to stories of quiet strength—the kind that doesn't shout or sparkle, but glows gently, like a...
Cindy Vanous
Jun 2, 20252 min read


Exciting News: A New Asher Story is Coming Soon!
There’s something magical happening behind the scenes right now—and it all begins with a little white puppy you may already know and...
Cindy Vanous
May 7, 20252 min read


Vintage Children's Books Shaped Me in Ways I never Imagined...
Vintage children’s books hold a quiet kind of magic They carry us into places filled with wonder, warmth, and wild imagination. With...
Cindy Vanous
May 1, 20254 min read


Uncovering the Hidden Gems: Self-Publishing Success Stories of Vintage Children's Authors
In the world of children's literature, names like Louisa May Alcott and Matt de la Pena shine brightly. However, hidden among these...
Cindy Vanous
Apr 16, 20253 min read


Are Kids Still Loving Picture Books?
Are children’s picture books fading away? With screens dominating entertainment options, many wonder if young readers are turning away...
Cindy Vanous
Apr 1, 20253 min read


How Can Everyday Life Inspire Compelling Stories
In our everyday life, there are many opportunities for us to find wonderful stories just waiting to be told. From meeting new people to...
Cindy Vanous
Mar 21, 20252 min read


What's the Secret to Vintage Children's Books that Keeps Us Coming Back for More?
There's something truly special about vintage children's books that lingers in our hearts long after the final page is turned. With their...
Cindy Vanous
Mar 9, 20252 min read


Discovering the Amazing World of Vintage Book Illustrations
Vintage children's book illustrations have a unique charm that appeals to people of all ages. Their detailed designs, delightful...
Cindy Vanous
Feb 25, 20253 min read


Exploring the Enchanting World of Vintage Children's Book Collections
In our fast-paced digital world, vintage children's books stand out as a delightful reminder of creativity and imagination from years...
Cindy Vanous
Feb 16, 20254 min read
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