The Interview - CM Harris

I became an author after facing the challenge of not being able to find employment for many years due to disability bias. Rather than giving up, I decided to create my own opportunities by starting my own publishing company, Purple Diamond Press. This allowed me to write and publish the stories I felt passionate about, particularly those that promote inclusivity, kindness, and important life lessons for children. By taking control of the process, I was able to bring my books to life and reach readers directly, turning a difficult situation into a fulfilling career as a children’s author.

What I most enjoy about writing is the ability to create meaningful stories that can touch the hearts and minds of young readers. I love the process of bringing characters and ideas to life, especially when I can weave essential lessons about kindness, empathy, and inclusivity into fun and engaging narratives. There's something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that my stories can positively impact a child's life, sparking their imagination while teaching them values that will stay with them as they grow.

"Inclusive stories promoting kindness, diversity, empathy, and important life lessons."

For my What If We Were series, I want readers to take away the importance of empathy, kindness, and embracing differences in others. Each book inspires children to think about how their actions can positively impact those around them while fostering a sense of inclusion and understanding. Ultimately, the takeaway is that we can create a more connected and caring world by treating others with respect, generosity, and compassion.

To aspiring authors, my advice is to stay true to your voice and never be discouraged by setbacks. The journey may be challenging, but persistence and belief in your stories will carry you through. Take every opportunity to learn and grow, and don’t be afraid to create your own path if traditional doors don’t open for you.

To my younger self, I would say, "Trust your journey, even when it feels uncertain. Every challenge you face is shaping you into the person you're meant to be, and your stories will one day inspire others."

My favorite line from my book *Just Because...* is: "Keep in mind to always be kind." This simple reminder reflects a core message I try to weave into all my stories.

When not immersed in writing, I love spending quality time with friends and family, as they are my greatest source of joy and support. I also enjoy going to the movies, relaxing and getting lost in different stories, and visiting museums to soak in culture and creativity. Traveling is another passion, as it opens my mind to new experiences, people, and perspectives, often sparking fresh ideas for my books. These moments away from writing help me recharge, find inspiration, and return to my work with renewed energy and creativity.

Yes, I love coming up with different illustration ideas and also collaborating with my illustrators, and working on designs together.

Readers can expect an exciting lineup of heartfelt and impactful stories, each designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. My What If We Were series continues to explore important themes like kindness, friendship, and generosity, offering children meaningful lessons wrapped in fun, rhyming narratives. Fans of school adventures will love my My Teacher Says series, where each book embraces fundamental values like kindness, learning from mistakes, and the joy of sharing. For those seeking something uplifting and reflective, my upcoming book Letters To God will be a beautiful exploration of faith, gratitude, and the power of prayer, offering readers of all ages a touching experience. With each new release, I’m excited to continue delivering stories that resonate, teaching children valuable lessons while sparking their imagination.

No, I didn’t always want to be an author. My dream was to be a model home interior designer, working with architects to create homes that are accessible for disabled people to live independently. While I feel I was also meant to become a children's author, and I love the work I do now, I still hope to pursue my passion for accessible design in the future. Both paths are deeply meaningful to me, and I believe they reflect my desire to make a positive impact in different ways.

It usually takes me about a day to write the initial draft of a book, as I often get inspired and like to put my ideas down quickly while they’re fresh in my mind. However, the journey from that first draft to the final version is a collaborative process that can take about a month or more. Working closely with my editor, we fine-tune the story, ensuring that it flows well, the message resonates with readers, and every detail is just right. This back-and-forth process is essential in transforming my ideas into a beautiful, polished book that I’m proud to share with children and families. It’s this combination of quick creativity and thoughtful revision that results in stories that truly connect with my audience.

Yes, some of the characters in my books are based on real people in my life. "Gareth Gets A Job" is inspired by my real-life service dog, Gareth. I wrote the story to honor his memory and educate readers about the beauty and importance of service dogs and the value of tenacity. "Cammie's Big Dream" is inspired by my older sister and her dream of building a dog empire, with the story emphasizing the power of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. These personal connections bring a special depth to the stories and the lessons they share.

Yes, I have a deep personal connection to many of my stories. The themes of empathy, kindness, and inclusivity stem from my life experiences and challenges, shaping the messages I aim to convey. Writing these stories allows me to share the values I hold close to and reflect on my journey of overcoming obstacles, embracing differences, and promoting understanding. Each story is not just a creative outlet but also a way for me to connect with readers personally, inspiring them through lessons that resonate with my own life.