Writing has always been a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and connection. Whether through journaling, storytelling, or publishing books, the written word holds an undeniable impact on how we communicate and navigate our emotions.
In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I had the pleasure of sitting down with author GloRose, a self-published writer from the Des Moines area who has dedicated her work to helping children and teens process their emotions through creative expression. Our conversation explored her journey into writing, the importance of emotional literacy for young people, and the path to self-publishing. If you’ve ever thought about writing your own book or simply love the craft of storytelling, this one is for you.
The Journey to Becoming an Author
Glo’s passion for writing started at a young age. Her mother recalls that she would write down her thoughts before she even knew how to fully form words, choosing writing over speaking when emotions became too overwhelming. “The moment I learned how to write, I stopped singing,” she shared. “I realized I could create words and stories instead.” This lifelong love for words eventually led her to create GloBooks, a collection of children’s books and activity journals that encourage self-expression through both writing and art.
One of her most popular books, Good Night, My Blessing, was inspired by a moment with her own child—reminding them that even when parents say “no,” it doesn’t mean love is absent. From there, she continued writing books that focused on helping kids navigate their feelings in healthy ways. Titles like Look, I’m Mad and Gary & The Negative Dino give children and parents tools to talk about emotions without fear or shame.
The Importance of Journaling & Emotional Expression
Our conversation took a deeper dive into the power of journaling—not just for children, but for adults as well. Many of us were raised in households where we weren’t encouraged to talk about our emotions. Instead, we were told to “push through” or “be strong.” But the truth is, unprocessed emotions don’t just disappear; they show up in different ways, affecting our relationships, our mental health, and our ability to communicate.
“Journaling gave me the words I couldn’t always say out loud,” Glo reflected. “It allowed me to process my feelings without judgment.”
Glo’s books encourage young people to develop emotional intelligence early, using journaling and art as safe outlets. She believes that whether through words or drawings, children should have the tools to express themselves in ways that make sense to them. And honestly, the same applies to adults! “A pen, some paper, and a quiet moment can do wonders for mental clarity,” she added.
Navigating the Self-Publishing World
Self-publishing is a journey in itself, and Glo has learned a lot along the way. While she initially worked with a publishing company, she soon realized the importance of owning her own work—especially when it came to ISBNs (the official numbers assigned to books) and royalties. She shared three key lessons for anyone interested in self-publishing:
- Editing is Essential – Before you publish, get an editor. Websites like Fiverr offer affordable professional editors and proofreaders to ensure your work is polished. “An editor is worth every penny,” Glo emphasized.
- Own Your ISBN – If you plan to sell books in bookstores or online, purchasing your ISBN from Bowker gives you control over your work and distribution. “Not owning my ISBN was one of the biggest mistakes I made in the beginning. I won’t make that mistake again.”
- Copyright Your Work – Protecting your intellectual property is crucial. Submitting your book for copyright before publishing ensures no one else can claim it as their own. “Copyrighting your work is like putting a lock on your house. It keeps your creativity safe.”
For aspiring authors, Glo’s biggest piece of advice is simple: just start. “Writing doesn’t have to be perfect the first time—it just has to be written.”
Building Community & Representation
Representation in literature matters, and Glo understands firsthand the impact of seeing a Black author in classrooms and book fairs. When she visits schools, young Black children light up when they see her books and realize that they too can be writers, storytellers, and creators.
“When a Black child sees someone who looks like them writing books, it expands their idea of what’s possible,” she said. “I want them to know they can be anything they want to be.”
One of her biggest passions is encouraging children, especially Black children, to dream beyond the expectations placed on them. Whether they want to be authors, artists, scientists, or even game developers, storytelling allows them to imagine possibilities beyond their immediate reality.
Closing Thoughts: The Power of Writing & Creativity
Writing is more than just words on a page—it’s a way to process emotions, build connections, and tell stories that deserve to be heard. Whether you want to journal for personal growth, write children’s books, or publish your own novel, your words matter.
“Take a deep breath and just put pen to paper,” Glo encouraged. “The rest will follow.”
Thank you to Glo for sharing her story and inspiring the next generation of storytellers. If you’re interested in her books or want to follow her journey, visit GloBooks.com or check out her work on Instagram and TikTok (@GloBooks).
Until next time, happy writing.
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