Southington’s Mathews Never Gave Up On College Soccer Dream

PHOTOS COURTESY GIANNA MATHEWS

Once, as a sophomore on Southington High School girls soccer varsity squad, Gianna Mathews got time on the field against rival Maloney. During a crucial moment she was beaten by an attacker to the outside. But Mathews didn’t sulk on the pitch; she did what she does best and fought back, chasing down the ball and getting back possession for her team via a slide tackle.

That play showed Southington’s coaching staff everything they needed to see. Mathews has started every game since then, going on to have a successful career with the Blue Knights.

“The effort on the field. Going after every single ball,” Mathews says of her biggest strengths. “I remember a play, I got beat by a girl. She was dribbling down the field. I hustled all the way back to get the ball from her. Just because you get beat first, my effort and willingness to get the ball back really showed them I’m always giving my 110 percent, no matter how many minutes I’m on the field.”

Mathews’ soccer career will continue at the college level. She has committed to play at Curry College after her graduation from Southington. Her commitment was the culmination of Mathews’ perseverance and desire to continue her soccer-playing journey – a journey that began when she was three years old.

At the time, Mathews was still trying to see which sport stuck. Gymnastics wasn’t really her thing. She liked basketball and would go on to play through her junior year. However, there was nothing like soccer. Mathews loved being outdoors and having so much space on the field to play on.

Things began to get serious during fourth grade. Mathews joined Sporting CT, her first club team. At that moment, she realized that her love for soccer went beyond just how much fun she was having.

“That’s how I really began to realize, ‘Wow, I am interested in this sport.’ Not only is it fun, I want to competitively play it,” Mathews said. “I want to win games, I want to succeed in the sport. It wasn’t just something that I did for fun anymore. This could be something more for me.”

In sixth grade she would join her next club team, FSA. Then in eighth grade Mathews would join Vale, the club team she stuck with throughout high school. At the same time, she was playing on John F. Kennedy Middle School’s team. Her soccer career was beginning to blossom, and Mathews didn’t want it to end anytime soon.

“It was very hard to get onto the middle school team. When I made that team, I knew I was good enough to play with people,” Mathews said. “When I got towards the end of middle school, I realized that I did want to do this in college. It was something I didn’t want to just end in high school.”

On the pitch, Mathews found her home at center attacking midfielder. As much as she loves scoring goals, she revels in getting her teammates opportunities. Furthermore, Mathews understands just how important her and her fellow midfielder’s roles are in controlling the game.

“I truly love that position,” Mathews said. “Scoring goals is amazing, I do love scoring. But at the same time, I love passing the ball to my teammates so that they get the opportunity to excel. It’s not just me on the field. The center midfield are the key players. If they’re slow, the game is going to go slow. If they’re on their toes, the game is going to go faster. Those people are so essential. If you know how to play it, and play it well, your whole team will succeed.”

Mathews had found her sport. Soccer wasn’t just a fad. Now it was time for her to take her talents to the high school level.

Blue Knights Debut

Mathews earned her varsity letter as a freshman, although she didn’t see much playing time. What she did do was spend plenty of time practicing with her new Blue Knights teammates. She remembers looking up to players such as Jessica Carr, Sofia Scalise and Sage Carmody. Mathews says those players helped her get acclimated to what high school soccer had to offer.

“Practicing with the varsity team made me such a better player. I was able to learn from all these great players. It really helped me.”

Once sophomore season began, Mathews remembers hearing that she wasn’t expected to make a major impact. That all changed once she got her opportunity on the field. After earning the starting nod, Mathews went on to play a crucial role in the Blue Knights’ run to the second-round of the Class LL State Tournament.

There she was playing alongside teammates she looked up to like Riley Prozzo and Julia Rusiecki. In the first half, Southington found themselves trailing against Greenwich. After a free kick from Prozzo, Mathews was able to find the deflection and tap the ball in for a goal. While Southington lost 3-1, it was a moment that Mathews said helped define her Blue Knights tenure.

“I knew I was good enough to play with Riley Prozzo, Julia Rusiecki,” Mathews said. “Being on the field with them made me a better player.”

As she continued to take advantage of opportunities with Southington, Mathews has never stopped playing for Vale, even in her senior season. The center attacking midfielder wouldn’t have it any other way: it may be a lot of soccer, but Mathews never wants to take her foot off the gas.

“Right when soccer season for the high school ends, Vale picks up a couple weeks later. I love that,” Mathews said. “That week off I don’t know what to do with myself. I just love being on the field, I enjoy going to practice. I enjoy every aspect of it and I can’t wait for it to start up again.”

Desire to further her soccer career then forced her to make a crucial decision come junior year.

Mathews Goes All-In On Soccer

Mathews was still playing for the Southington girls basketball team her junior season. That year, the Blue Knights won the Central Connecticut Conference Championship and made a run all the way to the Class LL State Championship Finals. Mathews took part in all of that while still trying to showcase herself as a soccer player.

Showcases for interested colleges happen during the winter. Junior season is when Mathews knew coaches would be watching. She continued to attend showcases and games while the basketball season was going on.

In one particular instance, Mathews had to drive to Massachusetts for a soccer match, then drive all the way back to Connecticut to take part in that evening’s CCC basketball game. Given how long the Blue Knights’ season went, there were times Mathews would have to miss practice due to a showcase.

She loved basketball, but Mathews’ true passion remained soccer. After her junior season, Mathews left the basketball team to focus solely on soccer.

“That commitment that I had to soccer just showed how much I really cared for the sport,” Mathews said. “I was willing to do whatever it takes to try and succeed.”

On the pitch, Mathews got a new head coach in Megan Kavanaugh. The former JV coach had seen how the midfielder performed in games. After a year of coaching her, Kavanaugh made a decision that would significantly impact Mathews’ senior season.

Mathews Leads Southington As Senior

Kavanaugh named Mathews the Blue Knights’ first captain around June. She would later be joined by fellow seniors Emily Bafuma, Emily Boucher and Abbie Patavino. But in the summer, Mathews was the Blue Knights’ leader, the person they relied on.

It was a role that Mathews took seriously. Southington had barely snuck into the Class LL State Tournament in her junior season. Now, the Blue Knights were set to lose 10 seniors and field a team featuring many first-time varsity players. Still, Mathews wanted Southington to make an impact. All members of the team had to have faith in one another for Southington to compete as one.

“Being a captain to me specifically meant welcoming people to the team with kindness, open arms. Not putting anyone down,” Mathews said. “If someone makes a mistake, you’re not going to get mad at them. You’re going to lift them up. At the end of the day, that’s what your team is for. You need to be able to trust your team. Having that sympathy and compassion as a captain showed the other girls that they can play how they want to without fear of someone yelling at them for making a simple mistake.”

In addition to sharing the title of captain, Mathews and Bafuma are teammates at the club level at Vale. They’ve grown close as friends through their shared love of soccer. Bafuma couldn’t think of a better person to end her time with the Blue Knights with.

“She is always a consistently hardworking and reliable teammate,” Bafuma said. “And she always has a positive attitude no matter the situation.”

During Mathews’ senior season, Southington girls soccer qualified for the Class LL State Tournament with their 9-5-2 record. While the Blue Knights were eliminated in the first round, they showed growth from Mathews’ junior year and managed to make their mark.

Outside of their success on the field, Mathews saw the Blue Knights become much closer as a team. Initially players are funneled into the program from two separate schools, JFK and Joseph A. Depaolo Middle School. But after playing alongside them for four years, Mathews has seen all of her Southington teammates develop a true connection.

“I’ve gotten a lot closer with a lot of people in my grade,” Mathews said. “In the beginning I didn’t know many people. Now, I’ve gotten so close, especially with Emily Bafuma. As a team we’ve gotten much closer, it’s not as divided as it used to be.”

Mathews’ soccer career is far from over. Everything she learned with the Blue Knights will come with her during her tenure at Curry College.

Mathews Achieves College Soccer Dream

Curry wasn’t on Mathews’ radar at first. She had known about the school through Carmody, who had committed a year prior. But Mathews was holding out for a Division II program and potentially a soccer scholarship.

Yet when that DII opportunity came, Mathews had to reassess what she really wanted out of the college experience. She began to think about her academic goals as well as her athletic ones. Once she took everything into account, Mathews realized that Curry College was the right place for her.

“At this point it feels like a relief that I accomplished what I wanted to since I was younger,” Mathews said. “I know where I was going to college, I have it all figured out which is so exciting. I feel so great that I was able to accomplish what I wanted to.”

When it came to the soccer aspect of her college decision, Mathews had some expectations of her future program – chief of which was a coaching staff and team she could trust. Once she met Curry head coach Lindsey Garvey, Mathews found her support system. She called the head coach, “one of the nicest people she’s ever met.” Furthermore, her honesty throughout the recruiting process made Mathews’ decision easier.

“The coaching staff and team I really wanted to love,” Mathews said. “If you don’t like your coaches or your team, then it makes the sport draining, it makes you not want to be there. I wanted to connect with them at that level.”

In the classroom, Mathews will be majoring in psychology. On the field, she doesn’t plan to alter how she approaches the game. Mathews knows things will get tougher at the college level. But she isn’t letting that change her mindset as she heads to Curry.

“Positivity. I rely on that so much,” Mathews said. “Yeah, you got to be hard on yourself, but if you don’t let yourself make mistakes, if you don’t let your teammates make mistakes, then you cannot play to the best of your ability. I’m going to go in with a great attitude every single day. Some days may not be the best. But I’ll get them better next time.”

Once Mathews set her mind to succeeding at soccer, there was nothing that could stop her. Not low expectations entering her sophomore season. Not a two-way trip from Massachusetts and back. The sport helped shape her mentality and showed Mathews how to push forward through any hurdle, or pesky Maloney attacker.

“I’m never going to give up,” Mathews said. “With that athlete in me, it’s not possible for me to. If things get hard now, it will get better later. There’s always a better side to it.”

A Spotlight On Southington Authors: Part IV

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The Southington Outsider recently put out an invitation for authors from the Southington community to tell us about books they have written or are working on. We received an impressive response, with more than twenty people expressing interest.

This is our last batch of replies (though it is not the last time we will cover local authors). In the interest of full disclosure, readers should know that all three of these authors are associated with the Southington Outsider – Gabriella Bassi-Belanger manages our Instagram and contributes occasional reporting, Mike Boissonneault is on our Board of Directors, and Peter Prohaska covers Town Meetings for us. All three are very talented individuals with different writing interests – Gabriella is a poet, Mike an HR expert, and Peter an experienced novelist.

Click here for our first, second, and third sets of replies.

1. Gabriella Bassi-Belanger (author name, just 'Gabriella')

What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about? 

All 3 of my books are poetry books! The most recent one is titled half. half. was my exploration of recognizing that there is still value in things we would consider unfinished or inadequate. As with all of my books, there’s a focus on navigating through external difficulties and finding slivers of wisdom through them. A reconnection to the self. Additionally, all 3 books also have poems about or inspired by Southington! 

Where did you get the idea for it?

I had originally written about 80 poems that I loved for book 3 and ended up losing them all when my phone crashed. For a long time I struggled to write after that because I didn’t think anything new would compare to the work lost. The poems in half. were reflective of what it means to try again and to accept whatever it is that you can give, even if you’re wishing you had more to give.

What is your target audience?

My first book was written when I was 16-17 years old, so I would recommend that as the youngest age for readers. Due to the fact that my books are representative of each stage of life I was in when I wrote them, the topics covered in each are as well. Interestingly, I have had a wide age-range of readers still relate to my poems even if they were older than I was when I wrote them or going through an entirely different situation. That’s the beauty of art!

Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about? 

The In-Between was my second book and it is one of my favorites. Those poems centered around the idea of getting comfortable with the in-between spaces of life- where you’re not yet at the satisfactory finish line or the exciting beginning. It’s about blooming regardless of what soil you’re planted in and accepting each stage of growth along the way. I also drew the covers for each of my books and this particular one I traced the outline of myself, so I am literally on the cover of the book! 

Are you working on another book? What is it about? 

Sort of! I never intentionally try to make each book, I just write poems as time passes. Eventually, I end up collecting enough to compile into a book and the theme ends up falling into place at exactly the right time. In this latest season of life, my poems have been contemplations of my journey through being 24-25 years old. These poems are a bit more self exploratory and in many ways almost responses to my old poems from a wiser and more experienced perspective. 

What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part? 

For me, being a writer was never an intentional choice! It’s always been my way of making sense of the world around me and expressing whatever thoughts or emotions are inside. Aside from the ability to wield it like a magical tool for life, I really love getting to capture various aspects of my life in writing to look back on. It’s like a written time capsule of the human experience. 

The most challenging part of writing is removing the audience from your writing process. When I think of people reading my work while I’m writing it, it feels harder. It tends to make the work less vulnerable and freeing and it doesn’t flow out of me the same. That’s why when I write I don’t write with the intention of it becoming a book for others to read, rather just simply writing to write. People will always have opinions and preferences on what you write and not everyone will understand the messages you’re conveying! 

If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?

All three books – Chaos & Clarity, The In-Between, and half. – are available on Amazon.

*****

2. Mike Boissonneault

What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about?

Soft Skills & Leadership - HR Insight for Managers. Too many business managers, leaders and/or owners are in business and struggle with some of the soft skills that HR professionals train within and execute on behalf of their clients. Managers benefit from learning any of the disciplines of the HR skill set, it makes them confident, raises their business acumen and demonstrates leadership to their workforce. In the book, I explain (in typical business language), eight of the different skills areas to open the curiosity and motivate managers to learn and appreciate the various competencies and responsibilities of HR. Managers can then choose first which disciplines to own in their individual capacity, second, which roles to partner with an HR professional and thirdly, which disciplines may not be applicable in their current role. 

Where did you get the idea for it?

I worked in many areas in my long ESPN career and constantly talked to leaders in many industries, including HR consultants. I probed each side for the challenges and possible changes. In my roles, I always tried to bridge the HR to Business Area divide. Every industry has challenges of partnering with the business and/or employee advocates in HR, and the more we support it, the better the business (and its management) will thrive.

What’s your target audience?

I wrote this for each side of the HR/Business relationship. Specifically, I target it towards business managers and leaders to open their arms to embrace the opportunity to evolve in their role. Similarly, I also target the HR professionals to help them understand this is a two-way street, and they can help substantially in the idea of "advocacy for the development of both employees and business.”

Are you working on another book? What is it about?

I have been looking at two options: first is a sequel which would target small business owners, many of whom take a corporate or business experience and venture out on their own. This strategy has many twists and turns that may not be apparent in the early planning and this may be a helpful publication. The second idea is about a fictional baseball player who deals with societal and personal challenges on the way to career success.

What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part?

The best part of being an author is seeing your project finally published and allows people top read it thoroughly and not have to explain verbally what it entails. Another good aspect is to receive critical feedback, good or bad, as it helps the author in a humble way to grow.

The hardest part is getting your thoughts and ideas written in a way that makes sense, and along with that comes editing. Proof reading and punctuating may be just as difficult as assembling the storyline or fact checks.

If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?

You can get a Kindle version and/or a paperback edition on Amazon.  Here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Mike-Boissonneault/dp/1543935958

*****

3. Peter Prohaska

What are your most recent works? 

I self-published three novels in 2020. 

Exiles to Hesperus tells the story of a young engineer asked to move to the island of Hesperus to supervise the construction of a bridge. There he becomes friends with various inhabitants, including a hard-drinking fellow known as the Admiral, who pushes our hero toward better knowledge of himself and the mysterious forces behind the bridge project.

The Fishing Party is a more experimental work in which a Coast Guardsman, injured in the line of duty, sits down to write a western novel in which the plot parallels events in his own life.

The New Memphis Mop-Up is a story about a broken marriage, a haunted school and the hidden power of America's great rivers.

My most recent novel is a gothic western that follows a pioneer woman who is unwillingly caught up in a wide-ranging conspiracy involving her brother, a wealthy Chicago financier, and the murder of her husband. While mostly complete, it went on the back-burner as I moved full-time into reporting for the Record-Journal and Cheshire Herald and now the Southington Outsider.

In addition to putting the final touches on my new novel, I'm compiling an anthology of previously unpublished shorter fiction and poetry, and doing research in Eisenhower studies.

Where did you get the idea for it?

The ideas for everything I write came through a lot of reading and many drafts and abandoned projects.

What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part? 

The best part of being a writer is satisfaction in a well-written sentence and the occasional chuckle at my own jokes. One becomes a little more alive to know that somebody else has read work that took long hours of typing, soul-searching, and ultimately overcoming the natural tendency to fear of being exposed as an ignoramus. The writer's life is a lonely one and that constitutes part of the reason why journalism is a healthier way for writers to work -- as Hemingway, Clemens, Melville, Steinbeck and many others would agree.

Another hard part of being a 21st century writer of fiction is fear for the future of literature. We humans have become in the course of a couple of generations much less literarily inclined, with less ability or inclination to follow a complex narrative or work through dense, allusive prose. We are visually-oriented and even films that aspire to subtlety struggle for attention and appreciation amid the kinetic kaleidoscopes Hollywood is bound to produce. Literary culture still has some vitality despite our phones, tablets and other distractions, though it will not likely become again the edifying force it once was in our culture. My hope is that my work proves to readers that literature can still improve our understanding of the world, enrich our experiences of life, grow our empathy, and provide a more valuable form of exercise for the mind than simply watching television or sports does.

If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?

My three novels are all available via Amazon and apparently other, lesser-known, websites.

A Spotlight On Southington Authors: Part III

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The Southington Outsider recently put out an invitation for authors from the Southington community to tell us about books they have written or are working on. We received an impressive response, with more than twenty people expressing interest. The following is our third batch of replies. The titles cover everything from murder mystery (Rhonda Lane) to fantasy (A.S.K. Florian, Kye Strothers) and children’s books (Jolly TJ).

Click here for our first and second set of replies. The fourth will be published this weekend.

1. Rhonda Lane

What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about? 

Fatal Image: An Avery Sloane Mystery is a murder mystery with elements of psychological suspense. Too many close calls prompt globe-trotting, award-winning photojournalist Avery Sloane to ditch covering world news to join a school friend at a small rural newspaper. Little does Avery know, she may have survived a war zone, but nosing around small-town secrets could get her killed. The book finaled for a prestigious 2023 Killer Nashville Claymore Award.

Where did you get the idea for it? Although I’ve lived in Southington for decades, I grew up in rural Kentucky on the fringe of its legendary horse country. Close family friends had a horse farm with show horses that inspired the equestrian community in the book. I had seen mystery novels set among horse racing and at western events, but not in the horse show circuit like I attended as a child.

What is your target audience?

Most readers of mystery novels and psychological suspense tend to be adult women, but fans of the Knives Out movies and TV’s Justified can enjoy Fatal Image, too.  Readers have told me elements they enjoyed were the fish-out-of-water character, slow burn romance, southern discomfort, and the plot twists.

Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about? 

Books to which I’ve contributed stories prior to Fatal Image have gone out of print, but I do have a free newsletter that I update frequently. You can sign up, for free, on my website rhondalane.com.

Are you working on another book? What is it about? 

Yes! I’m working on the second book in this Avery Sloane series. Avery has some unfinished business, as well as another murder to look into—I mean, cover for the paper. I’m still figuring it out and working with the characters. I’m also working on short stories and a novella or two featuring these characters.

What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part? 

The best part is the magic “my mind to your mind” process that transfers the story and the characters from my imagination to a reader’s through black marks on a page. Stephen King may have said that first.

The hardest part happens when I get stuck, even though I do outline to some extent. I have to backtrack through what I’ve written to figure out where the story veered into the weeds. I know the wrong turn is back there somewhere. Finding the choice I made that shut down everything takes me a minute. Or three.     

If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?

The paperback, so far, is only available from Amazon. The ebook is also available there and findable at Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other e-retailers through this link. 

*****

2. A.S.K. Florian 

What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about?

The Chronicles of Krarshe: The Hearts of Men volume 2. The series follows the character, Krarshe, as he sets off in search of the adventure his grandfather always spoke of in his stories and to find where he fits into the world. But instead of the fun adventures he'd heard of, he gets caught up in a conflict that is far bigger than he could imagine.

Where did you get the idea for it?

The world started out as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign I made, with Krarshe being a prominent character in it. When my friends and family were no longer able to play, they convinced me to turn the expansive world and character backstory into a book.

What is your target audience?

While I generally say young adult, I've found that people across the age spectrum have enjoyed it. Though, I wouldn't recommend it to people younger than middle school, due to content and level of understanding. Overall, I hope the series will mature as my fans do, so I don't know if this recommendation would apply to later books in the series.

Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about?

There is the first volume, of course. Definitely recommend reading that first, as the story is chronological. I also have my very first book, Keeper of the Mad, a short Lovecraftian horror-style novella about the mysterious events that take place in an old asylum.

Are you working on another book? What is it about?

I'm currently working on the continuation of The Hearts of Men. It'll be the concluding volume for The Hearts of Men arc. My intention is to continue The Chronicles of Krarshe with subsequent arcs after that as well.

What is the best part of being a writer? What is the hardest part?

The best part of being a writer is seeing the excitement on my fans' faces when they meet me after reading the books. That is by far the best, and really motivates me to continue the story.

The hardest part is anything on the business side. Marketing and sales don't come naturally to me, so I'm constantly struggling to promote my work. To that point, I really appreciate the work you're doing here in bringing attention to local authors.

If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?

I have all of the associated links on my website, https://krarshe.com/. You can buy it directly from the publisher, or find links to Amazon or Barnes & Noble where you can also find e-book versions.

*****

3. Jolly TJ

What is the title of your most recent book, and what was it about?

I am a fairly new author, my family and I have lived in Southington for 18 years. There is nowhere else I would’ve wanted to raise my family. My latest published book, It’s a Frog-tacular Halloween, celebrates Halloween in a delightfully nontraditional way. Instead of focusing on candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating, this story highlights the warmth and fun of family traditions. As children journey through the pages, they’re invited to turn their hands into frog puppets, leap along the illustrated map, and make playful noises that bring the story to life. The book features vibrant, engaging artwork and includes thoughtful “For the Reader” questions to encourage conversation, reflection, and emotional expression. For further engagement and added fun, an I-Spy element invites readers to search for a charming alligator who appears in a different costume on every page.

Where did you get the idea for it?

My childrens book ideas are created with my children and the many children

I feel privileged to have in my life. Many of the stories we would build or craft together, often sitting outside on the back porch letting our imaginations wander. As a mother, I saw an opportunity to weave in the value of responsibility—so my characters do their chores, follow rules, and take care of themselves and each other. These gently woven messages help soften some of the everyday challenges that can make me feel like a “nagging mom.”

What is your target audience?

Every story is layered with fun to keep young readers engaged. There’s always a playful poem that encourages kids to use their hand as a puppet, interactive questions that invite conversation, quirky puns sprinkled throughout, and an I-Spy element featuring a special character hidden on every page.

Is there another book beside your most recent one that you would like people to know about?

I have just completed my second guided self-care journal, designed to let readers move at their own pace while building healthier habits. This journal helps you track your progress, reflect on what’s working, and decide on any changes you’d like to make. Inside, you’ll find mood check-ins, weekly planning and tracking pages, and monthly reflections to help you grow throughout the The guided structure supports goal-setting and provides space to monitor those goals as you go. It’s filled with positive affirmations to nurture self-love and perseverance. For a lighter, more playful touch, the journal also includes helpful “life hacks” to make some of life’s daily tasks a little easier. My wish is to encourage every reader to recognize their incredible potential and celebrate meaningful achievements all year long. This book will be ready for purchase December 15, 2026.

Are you working on another book? What is it about?

My All-in-One Self-Care Journals. The idea for My All-in-One Self-Care Journals came from the many amazing women in my life. We’re all so busy that it can be hard to juggle everything, and when that happens, we often push our own needs to the bottom of the list. That affects how we care for ourselves—and even how we show up for each other.

My superpower has always been helping others, lifting people up, and making them smile. That’s why I included affirmations and life hacks throughout the journals. I believe that anything that helps us improve, simplify, or organize our lives gives us a little extra time and space to appreciate even the smallest I believe the greatest joy of being a writer comes from seeing the happiness my stories bring to readers.

I still remember sharing my first frog story with many classrooms at Hatton Elementary years ago. The principal - who carried a puppet with her everywhere - couldn’t believe I wasn’t already published after hearing it. At the time, the only thing standing in my way was the illustration process. I had no idea how to bring my stories to life on the page.

Everything changed when I discovered Canva. Since then, I’ve illustrated every one of my books myself. With each new project, I feel more connected to my stories and the children who inspire them. My goal is to publish two children’s books each year, continuing to share imagination, joy, and meaningful messages with young readers.

If people want to purchase your books, where should they go?

All of my books can be purchased on Amazon through the link below in addition to my Author Page: https://jollytj.market

*****

4. Kye Strothers

About the author

Kye Strothers, despite having dyslexia, did not let her disability hold her back from doing something she wanted to do. Her best friend convinced her to start writing down her stories despite her anxiety telling her that no one would ever want to read her books.

Book description

The Wingless Fairy. Light and dark have always been at each other's throats. Their fights got so bad that they were destroying the world around them, so they were both confined in temples. They did something no one expected: working together, becoming a new being called Cypher. Cypher takes over the land of Caitland, using his newfound power to corrupt everything he touches. Ten years later, the last fairy of the land, Danielle, or Dani for short, the elven knight Emma, and an eclipse mage Brody, must find the three ancient magical items so they can be strong enough to go against Cypher.  

Where to find my books

My book can only be ordered online and can be found on Amazon and the Barnes & Noble website.