Angela Ortiz never considered herself a writer until after she self-published her son Thomas’ book and has since released three more for her two other children and niece.
Ortiz, 34, has published four children’s books inspired by her family beginning with her son Thomas and his book, “Thomas Makes a Promise,” which published in October.
Together, Ortiz and Thomas wrote and self-published his book about a six-year old boy who makes a promise to himself: making new friends everywhere he goes.
“It turned into more than what we thought it could,” Ortiz said. “We started getting picked up and did book readings at the Peninsula Public Library and Oceanside Library.”
The Inwood resident was inspired to write books about her other children, Paisley and Ace. “Paisley Girl” for her three-year old daughter and “Coach Ace and the Crocodile Kickers” for her eight-year old son.
“’Paisley Girl’ is my second book I wrote about the true meaning of being a daddy’s girl,” Ortiz said. “This book touches the hearts of dad’s and their special bond with their daughters.”
The Inwood resident said her daughter is a daddy’s girl and she wanted to showcase their relationship and connection.
Ace’s book is about a team that doesn’t give up no matter how hard it is and they end up beating the best team in town.
“This book is inspired by Ace and his soccer journey over the years with his team the Blue Eagles,” she said. “It’s a story of teamwork, practice, big dreams and how giving up is never an option.”
Her fourth book, “Analisse and the Magic Sketchbook” is dedicated to her niece and her love for creativity.
“Analisse’s book is about a young girl whose imagination, artwork and love for music amazes us everyday,” she added. “It’s a book that allows children to travel to different worlds through colorful pages.”
All the books are available for purchase on Amazon and illustrated all the books with assistance from Zunaira Tariq. She is proud of who she has become and her books’ popularity.
As someone who was never big into reading, Ortiz said these books never would have happened if it weren’t for her son Thomas.
“I got really into it,” Ortiz said. “I started reading more, meeting more authors and seeing people take an interest in us. It turned into the Ortiz book collection.”
She said it took almost one year to get Thomas’ book out and since the release she has published three more.
Her husband, Tommy Ortiz has been supporting her from day one and served as a sounding board during the creative process.
“I am beyond proud of her and all our kids for the work they put into doing their books,” Tommy said.
Since the books “Paisley Girl” was about him and his daughter, he provided input and personal opinions.
“I’m always present alongside her and Thomas for every book signing event,” he said. “I can’t pick a favorite of all the books because they are awesome with different stories.”
Ortiz has learned it’s not easy to put a book together and that you need to be open to opinions. She is proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone to publish these books.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us from day one,” she said. “Our community, schools, family and fellow children’s authors who have guided me in the right direction.”
