Elena Zabala

At my house, I have a designated area for story time with a comfortable chair and a red carpet, positioned near a window reminiscent of scenes from movies. I was seated in the large chair, reading a charming book to my grandsons, aged 6 and 3, who were finding it challenging to stay focused. However, I was determined to capture their attention. Observing a cute black cat perched on the fence outside, I seized the opportunity to engage them by asking, "Ok guys! If you were a cat, what would you do?" This sparked their imaginations, prompting me to quickly retrieve a notebook and pencil to capture the wealth of information they were providing. The rest, as they say, is history

I have always been a good storyteller, only because I rally enjoy telling stories of my daily life or experience on vacation. But this time was different, I was going through a very difficult situation with my youngest son; he is suffering from high anxiety disorder and as much as I try to help him, I was not prepared for the Challenge. I am a devoted Christian and very spiritual person since I was a very young girl. So one night I drop myself to the only person that could help me help my son.

I asked the lord to show me how to fill his heart and mine. After finishing my prayer and surrendering myself to the divine power, I felt a sweet warmth through my body. It felt so good and peaceful, but now what?

I know you heard my prayers, but now what?I went to sleep very late. The next morning, I was off from work, so I normally do things around the house. However, got dressed and headed to the store to buy canvas and acrylic paint.

I came home and painted my first scenery of mountains and ocean. I have to emphasize a very crucial point: I had never painted before that day. I took a picture and without any words, I texted my son who is living on the west coast. Five minutes later, he texted back, "Mom! Who did that? I just drove by a place like that."

"I did!" I replied. From that day on, our communication improved. I realized that I may not be able to change his condition completely, but I can make it better with soothing words and images

My storytelling journey is fueled by a combination of imagination and love. These elements come together in my creative process as I believe that love is essential for healing and that imagination can only thrive when fueled by genuine emotion. I find inspiration in the amazing children around me who bring out the sincerity in my heart, allowing me to write children's books filled with creativity and love.

The characters of Jimmy and Max in "Jimmy and Max's Adventures" were inspired by the belief in the power of kindness and respect for each other's differences. Through their adventures, I hope readers will take away the message of the importance of showing kindness and love towards others, and embracing and respecting the unique qualities that make each individual special. The moral of the story is to spread positivity and understanding in a world that can often be filled with differences and challenges.

Crafting enchanting stories involves a deep sense of inspiration and connection with the divine. Just as a musician can compose a song or play an instrument, my motivation and creativity come from a place of love and appreciation for the artistry of storytelling. While I may not consider myself a skilled illustrator, I believe that my inspiration and guidance come from a higher power. I rely on the Lord to guide my hand in creating the illustrations that accompany my narratives, allowing me to weave stories that resonate with readers on a spiritual level.

Transitioning from asking a simple question to becoming a published author presented its own set of challenges for me. One of the main obstacles I faced was my struggle with dyslexia, which has made me a slow reader and sometimes requires me to read the same thing multiple times. However, this did not deter me from pursuing my passion for writing. When I asked my grandsons the question about the cat, it sparked a newfound inspiration in me to write without fear. I am grateful to have supportive friends with strong reading and comprehension skills who have helped me in the editing process of my writing, allowing me to overcome challenges and share my stories with the world.

The themes and messages that I aim to convey through my stories often come to me in a spontaneous and organic way. When a story idea or concept strikes me, I feel a sense of joy and inspiration that compels me to start writing. While it may seem nonsensical at first, as I delve into the narrative, the themes and messages naturally emerge and come to life within the story. This process of infusing themes and messages into my narratives is guided by the genuine emotion and creativity that flows through me as I bring the story to fruition.

Spirituality plays a central role in my creative journey, as I believe that the divine calling I experienced during prayer has deeply influenced and guided my path as a writer. For me, spirituality is the foundation upon which my creativity and inspiration are built. By connecting with the divine and listening to the inner voice, I am able to tap into a source of guidance and inspiration that shapes my storytelling process. Through prayer and a deep sense of spiritual connection, I am able to align my creative endeavors with a higher purpose and channel the messages that are meant to be shared through my stories. This spiritual connection allows me to find meaning and fulfillment in my creative journey and infuses my work with a sense of purpose and authenticity.

Imagination unites painting & writing.

Yes!!!! Readers can look forward to more adventures with Jimmy and Max in the upcoming book "The Miracle" set to be released before Christmas. Stay tuned for more exciting tales and adventures with these characters!

It's amazing how everyday experiences and observations can spark your imagination and inspire your stories. Giving voice to the seemingly ordinary things around us can truly bring them to life in unique and magical ways. Your upcoming project, "Stories by Elena," featuring 67 short stories for children sounds like a fantastic way to share your creativity and storytelling with a wider audience.

I believe that everyone has a story to tell. Each and every one of us is a storyteller at heart, whether it's sharing our own life experiences or weaving tales about the world around us. From the story of my dear Walter the angry dog to the giraffe with a toothache, I've learned that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. By opening my heart and truly listening to the world, I've discovered that there are stories waiting to be told everywhere I turn. And through it all, I've learned to never give up on my passion for storytelling. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, but the joy of sharing my stories with others makes it all worthwhile. So to all aspiring authors out there, I encourage you to embrace your unique voice, keep your heart open to the world, and never give up on your storytelling dreams. Your story matters, and the world is waiting to hear it.

Storytelling has a profound impact on readers of all ages. As a children's writer, I believe that my stories can resonate with readers of any generation. They have the power to transport both kids and adults into a world of adventure, sparking their imagination and reminding them to embrace their youthful spirit.

Here is a text I received from a 79 years young reader: ( a poetry published author)
Oh, Elena!