When author Brandy Clark first jotted down a simple story about her youngest daughter, Vivian, and her grandmother planting a flower garden, she never imagined it would become the foundation of a greater purpose. Written during a quiet moment when Vivian was just three years old, the journal entry felt sweet, personal, and fleeting. Her husband casually noted its resemblance to Jesus’s Parable of the Sower, but Brandy smiled, closed the notebook, and set the story aside. For three years, it remained untouched.
Then, at the end of 2018, everything changed.
As Brandy reflected on the coming year and the goals she hoped to pursue, she felt prompted to revisit that forgotten story. What she now believes was God speaking to her heart came as a gentle but clear directive: turn that story into a children’s book. She had never written a book before, had no background in publishing, and no clear plan, but she felt compelled to obey. That quiet whisper became the beginning of a journey that would reshape her life and deepen her faith.
Just six months later, in June 2019, her first children’s book was published.
The road from idea to publication was fast-paced and demanding. Brandy dove headfirst into research, studying children’s book word counts, age-appropriate storytelling techniques, and ways to capture young readers’ attention. She joined Facebook groups, watched countless YouTube tutorials, and learned through trial and error. Transforming a brief journal note into a fully developed story under 500 words required patience and persistence, but she stayed committed, refining the manuscript one sentence at a time.
When she felt ready for professional input, Brandy hired an editor. The initial feedback was hard to hear, but after what she describes as a much-needed “humble check,” she embraced the process. That editorial relationship became instrumental in her growth as a writer and remains a valued partnership today.
Then came one of the most joyful stages of the process: illustrations. Brandy had a clear vision from the start, and after reviewing hundreds of portfolios, one image stopped her instantly, a quirky, colorful scene of a woman in a messy kitchen. She knew immediately she had found the illustrator who could bring her characters to life. That collaboration, like so many others along the way, became a meaningful creative bond.
Self-publishing, however, came with its own set of challenges. Without a traditional publishing house, Brandy had to manage everything herself, writing, editing, design, funding, marketing, and distribution. The children’s book market is crowded, and standing out requires resilience, creativity, and unwavering faith. Still, she pressed forward, anchored by her belief that God had called her to this work.
The impact soon became real.
Photos from parents began arriving of toddlers holding their books, smiling proudly. But one moment stood above all others. During the COVID lockdown, Brandy discovered a YouTube video of a pastor in Virginia, someone she had never met, reading her book aloud to children. Watching her story reach families she would never personally know left her in awe. She realized her obedience had allowed God’s message of love and kindness to travel far beyond her own reach.
Today, Brandy’s mission is clear: to create faith-based children’s books that nurture young hearts, plant seeds of spiritual growth, and guide families toward strong values rooted in God’s love. Each story reflects real lessons from motherhood, embracing individuality, finding beauty in imperfection, and recognizing God’s presence in everyday moments.
What began as a single book soon became something greater. A year later, Brandy felt God reveal a six-book series, which she envisioned lined up like a rainbow on a shelf. She has now published three of the six, halfway to fulfilling that vision, and remains open to where she is led next.
Looking back, Brandy says this journey strengthened her faith in ways she never expected. Listening, trusting, and acting transformed belief into lived experience. Her books are more than stories; they are conversations with children, families, and God Himself, planting seeds that continue to grow long after the final page is turned.
You can find the book on Amazon.
Disclaimer: The perspectives and experiences shared in this article are those of Brandy Clark, reflecting her personal journey and faith. This story is intended to inspire and offer insight into her creative process, and is not meant to persuade or influence the personal beliefs of the reader.
