We recently connected with Marcela Brue-Lotz and have shared our conversation below.
Marcela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
My journey towards becoming a children’s book author and illustrator began with a passion for computer graphics and animation, combined with my own experiences as a parent and a teacher. Watching my children grow and learn showed me that children absorb so much more when they’re engaged, playing, laughing, and genuinely having fun. That realization inspired me to create books that children would not only read, but truly experience.
I’ve always loved storytelling and art, but turning that passion into something real required much more than just having an idea. I spent several months researching children’s educational software and popular children’s books. I also explored and learned which digital art programs would best help me achieve the illustration style I envisioned. I had a fun “learning colors” interactive story in mind, but I needed to develop a main character that felt both cute and relatable. Since many children are naturally drawn to adorable little bugs, especially ladybugs, I based my debut learning book on a cheerful ladybug named Rosy.
Self-publishing was a challenge, but I gradually learned the process and went on to establish my own self-publishing company, <i>BRUEM</i> <i>Design Media</i>. In 2020, I launched the <i>Early Learning with Rosy Ladybug</i> book series, which includes <i>Learning Colors</i>, <i>Learning Numbers</i>, and the <i>Rosy Ladybug Activity Book</i>. Many of these titles are also available in Spanish and French. For older readers (ages 6 and up), I published <i>The Christmas Snow Angels</i>, which includes a simple sugar cookie recipe connected to the story. My newest release in 2026 is the <i>Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids</i>, a beginner-friendly workbook designed to help young learners build confidence in handwriting and enjoy the art of cursive.
It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and self-publishing still takes up a huge part of my time, but I genuinely love what I do. Seeing my ideas come to life and knowing they’re reaching and engaging children is the greatest feeling and so worth the effort!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a bilingual children’s book author and illustrator based in Toronto. Born in Argentina and raised in Canada, I am fluent in both English and Spanish. After studying Computer Programming and Systems Analysis, I spent 12 years building a rewarding career in Systems Development before becoming a stay-at-home mom after the birth of my children.
As a parent, and loving every minute of it, I quickly discovered how naturally curious children are and how much they learn when education is fun, engaging, and interactive. My children and I spent many wonderful hours reading stories and playing educational games together, experiences that deepened my passion for helping children learn and grow. Motivated by this, I began researching educational software for children, writing my own stories, and later worked part-time as a computer studies teacher while continuing to develop my books.
Today, I am a full-time author and illustrator who loves creating interactive stories and truly believes that “children learn best through play.” My <i>Early Learning</i> <i>with Rosy Ladybug</i> book series is available in English, Spanish, and French and has expanded to include handcrafted crocheted stuffies of Rosy Ladybug and her cousin, Charlie the Caterpillar, each lovingly designed and handmade by me.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Self-publishing success requires a great deal of resilience, patience, and determination. As an independent author, I had to learn how to manage every aspect of the publishing process, from editing and book cover design to marketing and promotion. Many of these responsibilities were completely new to me, so the learning curve was both long and challenging.
At first, I assumed that once my books were available online, readers would naturally discover them. I quickly realized that publishing a book is only one small part of the journey. With so many titles competing for attention, marketing, promotion, and building meaningful connections with readers are just as important as writing and illustrating the book itself.
I also learned that not everyone will connect with your work, no matter how much time, effort, and heart you pour into it. That can be difficult to accept at times, but it taught me the importance of staying true to myself, believing in my creative vision, and continuing to write stories that genuinely inspire me.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout this journey is the incredible power of social media. When I published my first book, I didn’t even have an Instagram account, let alone know how to use it.
My daughter helped me set it up and showed me the basics. I started by posting a few updates, gradually gained followers, and before long, I was invited to collaborate on a book giveaway. I was genuinely surprised by how welcoming, friendly, and supportive the indie author community turned out to be.
I’m fortunate to be part of a supportive group of fellow authors and book reviewers who have also become wonderful friends. Building these relationships has created a strong network where we encourage one another, share feedback, and help introduce each other’s books to new readers and audiences.
Alongside this online community, I also take part in local markets, which I promote through Instagram. These events allow me to connect directly with families and readers in my community. It’s especially rewarding when children visit my booth, excited to pick up a sticker and explore my books.
Contact Info:
- Website: marcelabruelotz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruem_author
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bruemauthor
Image Credits
Marcela Brué-Lotz