Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Martinez.
Hi Reina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always wanted to be a children’s book author. Ever since I knew that was an option. My vivid imagination and love of silly characters can be a career?! As many have, I went through the ups and downs of life: Buying into the “hustle” culture, holding 3-4 jobs at a time, and seeking validation for how hard I was working. I was so defeated. When I gave myself any time of rest, my mind traveled back to Quailvis. The children’s book I just HAD to write. And wouldn’t you know it, Quailvis is a story about a young California quail who just wants to play rock n’ roll. His covey (family of quail) thinks this is just a pointless daydream and that he should focus on work and school. Quailvis doesn’t give up on his daydream and is set to prove that play is as essential as hard work. If not more.
I was afraid to finalize Quailvis and show it to the world for a long time. The fear of failure was debilitating at times. I would go years ignoring my passion project while I was doing other art forms that brought me joy- making jewelry, clothes, macrame, etc. Quailvis was always on my mind.
With help and encouragement from my family and friends, I finished Quailvis and had a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The amount of support from my community was overwhelming, and I hit my 3,000 goal on the first day! Quailvis is now available at local shops across the Central Coast, including California state parks. My goal is to have Quailvis in natural history museums and state parks across California and encourage people, young and old, to never stop playing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The main struggle has been myself. Imposter syndrome, fear of failure, insecurities, and comparisons. The artwork was the biggest hurdle for me. I feel like a child who is first trying to write. They have in their mind how they want it to look, but their body doesn’t complete the task. I would see my husband or artists on social media draw something with a little flick of the wrist that would take me hours to complete. I am also impatient, so developing or strengthening a skill and wanting it to be done as quickly as those artists I’m comparing myself to do not go hand in hand. Other than my own issues blocking my path, doors have been opening left and right for me, and I have been met with enthusiasm and support from my local community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an author and illustrator and am known for my love of silly puns, nature, rock n’ roll, and just being a silly goose. My children’s book is sprinkled with bird puns like Tweetwood Mac, Elton Swan and of course Quailvis (pronounced Quail-vis) and California flora and fauna. I’ve always loved working with children, and reading to my old elementary school and preschools in my area has brought me so much joy. If I can light up one child’s day, I am a happy camper. Those giggles light up this world, and children need to see adults being silly and letting them be silly too!
I love an array of artwork and just trying new things. I make wearable art like seed bead jewelry and clothing, macrame, face scrubs, and anything else I can try, but I am most proud of Quailvis. I put my heart and soul into this book, and it was a huge step for me to display my art and dreams onto the world.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am so blessed to have the support of my local community, family and friends, and my almost five-year-old daughter. She is such a big cheerleader (even though she is quite overreading my book). A big thank you to Terri Lajda for helping me with all my formatting needs. My husband, Adam Campbell for supporting me through all my artsy endeavors. Kelly LaMar for her constant support and font “something whimsical” and Jonathon Palomo for bringing Quailvis’ song to life.
Pricing:
- Quailvis Hard Cover $17.99
- Quailvis and Poppy Pin $8
- Stickers $4
Contact Info:
- Website: Reinamartinezauthor.com
- Instagram: @reina.Martinez.author
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Reina.Martinez.author
