Kaelen’s mother recently discussed her daughter’s book, “Wings and Whispers,” and family support.
Background and Inspiration –
1. Can you share a bit about Kaelen’s early interest in writing and illustration? When did you first notice their talent?
The real story with Kaelen was…her internal struggles often held her back. When my daughter Kaelen was born, she had a major hearing loss (100%) in her left ear. From age three, the Special School District provided her with special services while diagnosing her with five language processing impairments, learning disabilities, and unilateral hearing loss. She was the only student who received it during kindergarten. I will say…she didn’t read at age five.
By the time she was in first grade, Kaelen began to have a knack for reading.
I must admit…school was a struggle for Kaelen. She fell behind because all the classes were harder for her. Including math and writing were the hardest for her. Though science was easy for her, and she always loved it. Overtime, my mantra was to break down every word, the synonym, antonym, and re-teaching all the schooling methods at home. Even though Kaelen felt lost, she begged me to stay home from seventh grade on. Due to the five language impairments, and five language barriers really deterred Kaelen from feeling successful.
It was an honor and a privilege to stay home, for the sake of my daughter’s suffering. As far as Kaelen is concerned, here are the crucial elements that have kept her in the game. First, the undeniable talent. And she does art every day. Next, she has always had a burning desire and tenacity beyond any other. Never give up attitude, hard work ethic. There will be lots of “no’s” and one must know that will happen. She’s had mentors who have followed her since she was thirteen. Ibiyinka, the art ambassador of Nigeria, award-winning authors Ginny Rorby & Kirby Larson, her art teachers at Parkway South (Southwest Middle and Wren Hollow) and her professors at Memphis College of Art. Jean Holmgren, Tom Green and more. The last two are professional artists too.
Getting all her supports in school (kindergarten through college) and attending an art school were keys to her newfound success.
Though she never stopped dreaming. She held her head up high and pushed through every obstacle. There were a lot of delays in writing, it was a challenging task to put words together in the sentence. Since she didn’t read much at first, Kaelen illustrated and drew the stories instead of writing. When she was in kindergarten, that was mostly what she did with communicating the words, instead of detailing it in writing.
Every assignment she turned in was illustrating a visual event in drawing pictures. Completely from imagination. Kaelen was a great speller! Somehow, her brain knew how to spell the hardest words. One fun fact, my daughters were in two distinct aspects. Her sister and her were very inseparable as kids. But, despite all that, it was a challenge for Kaelen to write and read…because her hearing loss caused processing issues which led to learning disabilities. Nevertheless, Kaelen rose like the phoenix…and she proved to herself she could do it.
My little girl was reading downstairs in her and sister’s room, a book called, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Never in my wildest dreams was I so surprised. Kaelen Elise Felix was reading to herself and watching every word while trying to figure out how to write.
I recall Kae said… “Mommy, this book inspires me. I think this is my calling.”
Why do I mention these hurdles? This makes Kaelen’s dream possible; these setbacks shaped her into the lovely young lady she is today.
At age 13, Kaelen started to have a zest for writing after she emailed her favorite author, Kirby Larson, about becoming an author. While Kaelen suffered so much with written communication, even putting a sentence with all knowing where the commas needed to be placed was hard.
Seventeen years later…it brings me happy tears my daughter achieved her dream!
2. What were some of Kaelen’s favorite books, authors, or illustrators growing up?
Without a doubt, her favorite books were all about animals, of course. Eric Carle inspired her to see the beauty in life full of imagination and colors. She adored Dr. Suess, because it was one of her favorites to be able to break down the numbers, characters and more, given the internal disabilities she had. His characters and rhythm are a great asset to Kaelen’s fondness for children’s literature.
And I made sure to keep all these precious books for Kaelen. We recently found them downstairs in the basement.
I know Kaelen…she was moved. Kaelen has instilled in her the values of kindness, genuineness, and humbleness.
Some of her favorite illustrators are from the whimsical period of Art nouveau from the 1900s period. Without a doubt, she continues to love this one artist called Chuck Close, and his use for detail or photorealism motivated Kaelen more by the day. The intricate number of features of additive colors in every circle allowed her to be able to break it down.
She is very much inspired by Vincent Van Gough, especially from her book in the chapter with the frog.
3. How did Kaelen come up with the idea for Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship?
The title didn’t even exist at first as “Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship Volume 1). It was originally written like, “…A is for alligator.” It was more of a tell than sharing the intricate details. Kaelen had a desire to publish it for her final BFA thesis. But then, she wasn’t ready to share it with the world. So, it was put on hold.
The book she crafted over 9+ years. Presented to Ginny’s editor and Kirby’s editor, both said no.
She went back to rewriting it, reworking it, and a publisher, which is so wonderful. We found you, Lisa! I am so happy she found you too!
That was almost two years ago in December. The first book was edited, and she spent 4-1/2 months creating eighty-four hand-drawn illustrations, designing the book layout, and creating it. She has a contract deal for Volumes 2, 3 & 4. And she is in the middle of illustrating another client’s book. She’s having a blast of doing it, for sure! But she will continuously work on hers too.
She initially wanted to create a book about figurative language but decided to mesh poetry with it, too.
4. Did any real-life experiences or friendships inspire the story?
Several years ago, Kaelen was severely depressed. Kaelen kept battling bouts of mental health and discouragement.
She struggled finding relationships with people she would connect well with. Having a support group on Facebook and Instagram allows her to keep going, and these supportive groups are professional poets, illustrators, artists, or even fans.
She became depressed and lonely. One day I, as her mother said to her, “I think you should just try to go back to doing ‘art every day.’ And inner fire and desire allowed Kaelen to not stop drawing, outlining, painting, and you name it. She did it! She didn’t give up. The dream never ever went away, it was always there. Though Kaelen didn’t talk about it. Even if she did illustrations for other clients, she gave her more insight into the publishing process and what should be included and not included. Lisa is a gem and has been a wonderful help for Kaelen!
The friendship part is more inspired by the arrival of my granddaughters. Evie and Thea changed Kaelen’s life! She loves being an aunt so much. Her sister has always been incredibly supportive of her, too. Kaelen plans to dedicate her second book to her sister.
Creative Process and Development
5. What was Kaelen’s creative process like when working on the book? Did they focus on writing first or illustrations?
At first, nine years ago, it was the writing. She didn’t like the tone of it. I recall she would video call me from Memphis College of Art andI would give her some tips. The illustrations in the book came first in this scenario because she loved creating all the ecological animals from imagination.
Kaelen often filmed reels on her iPhone recently, and she’s gotten better at the process, too! She used to thumbnail tiny placements of where the artistic storyboarding is going.
Then, she transfers all the details on the watercolor Strathmore Illustration paper, drawing in pencil, outlines it. Her craft is all about using gouache and watercolor paints, along with creating an overlay of colored pencils.
6. Were there any challenges Kaelen faced during the creation of the book? How did they overcome them?
The main challenges faced during the creation of the book were mainly when she first started, her mentors’ editors rejected it. Kaelen did feel a little defeated, but she didn’t let that stop her. That’s where you came in, Lisa. You and Kaelen’s collaboration fits just like a glove!! If it weren’t for you, Lisa…none of this would have been possible. I simply have to say…thank you!
7. How did Kaelen balance her life while working on their debut book?
Kaelen would go to work, and then come home, and work on her craft. She hardly spent time cooking because she had to keep working on the book. Though, at times, she made some efforts to do it.
Before the book debuted, Kaelen worked tremendously hard to put the book together. She relaxed for a while. She does an excellent job of making sure to take care of herself better than ever! I am extremely proud of her for that.
8. As a parent, did you play a role in encouraging or supporting Kaelen’s creative work?
I wanted to be the best role model for my daughter as best I could. Given when she was little, I traveled for a living. I had to have surgery here and there. But I always made sure to spend time with my child. I encouraged the saying, “Remember…it is the story you tell yourself that you want to put on paper or canvas.”
I told her art every day for her is especially important, and she has always been able to listen to me on that one as well.
I will always support and encourage my child to the best of my ability as possible to show her and be a great mentor to her.
Publication and Reception
9. How did Kaelen react when she learned the book would be published?
I can remember Kaelen was screaming happiness from the top of her lungs. She couldn’t believe it at all. This was the dream she pushed herself to work hard on for so long.
10. What has been the most exciting part of this journey for Kaelen and your family?
I would say…the fact my grandchildren get to be a part of this journey in the story sets the record straight, too. A lot of my followers from grade school and onward couldn’t believe my daughter did this. The fact that my father’s sister Margaret created, wrote, and published a book at age 7 is truly remarkable.
11. What do you hope young readers take away from Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship?
Readers should know…my daughter was a shy little girl growing up with internal struggles herself. She, in a way, relates to a lot of the characters, too. My hope is that the reader will learn to be nicer, kinder, and less brutal to younger kids. I never raised my kids to act that way for sure.
Looking Ahead
12. Does Kaelen have any plans for future books or projects?
Kaelen is planning to continue authoring books. She doesn’t know yet, because Wings and Whispers holds a special place in her heart at this moment. She hopes to continue illustrating for clients with Lisa. If not, she will always keep working on her stories as well.
13. How do you see Kaelen’s writing and illustration evolving in the future?
I would say…Kaelen does plan to continue to work in her current job. That’s what I would want for my child is to have a steady income for right now.
Kaelen spends a lot of her writing, illustrating, and designing outside of work. She is constantly thinking about what her next art piece will be about. Perhaps more publishing companies will pick up her work. We must see what the future holds for her.
14. What advice would you give to other parents who want to nurture their child’s artistic and literary talents?
If you have a child with special needs to get as many special education supports in place to overcome their disabilities. Along with following their dream. I want other parents to understand I have lived that journey! And I will never give up on my child. Though, I think Kaelen is on the best path possible.
Even emotionally and mentally, she is in the best place in her life. And I couldn’t be prouder of her, along with her accomplishments. I could stand before my parents and say I did the best I could to provide the special needs services for her. Again, as her mom, I will always be a great mentor to many of her friends from Memphis College of Art and more.
Thank you to Linda Felix for taking the time to complete this interview. I believe you will find this interesting and inspirational as I have.
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