We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful April Pelton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with April below.

April , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

For me, leaving a legacy means that I did enough of God’s good work that it changed at least one life. I want to be remembered as a woman who feared the Lord and positively impacted others. Every day, I am working at becoming a more God-honoring young lady and a successful person. I want to leave this earth knowing I helped change someone’s life, circumstance, heart, and more! Whether just giving someone food who needs it or making another smile, I want to leave a beautiful mark. I want my impact to continue, even when I am gone. I don’t want to be the last one doing what I do; I want others to continue and exceed. So, the legacy I want honors and lives beyond me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

This year, I was honored to receive the title of being the first Youth Poet Laureate of Tarrant County. With this title, I’m recognized as a writing ambassador for my county. I love writing poetry and allowing my feelings to connect with the reader. My goal is to assist in growing this program, emphasizing not just writing poetry but showing other youth that it’s more than writing. It’s a way to express yourself, cope with life’s challenges, and creatively connect with others. It’s a message that the heart can feel because it’s more than words; it’s a symphony of emotions.

I’m also a published author of three books: The Grove of 100 Wishes, I AM I CAN I WILL, and An Enchanted Tale With A Twist. My books focus on anti-bullying, kindness, and inspiration but also incorporate education and self-care. This business is also like a mommy-daughter business because my first two books have workbooks that go with them to teach reading and writing skills. I’ve been in business for over two years and could not have gotten to where I am without the support of my family, friends, and community. My family helps a lot with running and teaching me the ins and outs of this business. My first book focused on anti-bullying because of what I went through early on in my first year of middle school. I’m really proud of how I used my story to turn a negative into a positive through self-expression in my writing. I think what sets me apart in this industry is my age and drive. I started this business when I was 12, so I’m part of a small percentage of young published authors with several books and products that address major societal issues, such as mental health, bullying, kindness, and self-care.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I tend to be a person who likes comfort, but I had to learn that comfort can be a weed if abused. Everyone has a comfort zone, but my comfort zone almost made it where I never started my business. I’m very optimistic and positive and tend to be bubbly and outgoing, but business was a different story. I was still very optimistic but terrified of judgment and rejection. Everyone wants to be liked and successful, but few enjoy rejection and failure. I had to learn that success requires failure and acceptance requires risk. To get a yes, I had to accept the risk of a no. The truth is, if you never try, you let opportunity die. For my business and dreams to soar, I had to let go of comfort and venture into the deep to take risks.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to one day own a building dedicated to reading and writing. Not many people know how to read and write, so I want to provide those resources to them. I want my building filled with love, creativity, diversity, knowledge, culture, acceptance, and faith. Many people need a place to feel at peace; I want my building to provide such a feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: aprillynnpelton
• Facebook: April Lynn Pelton
• Youtube: April Lynn Pelton