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

Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Ah, the most meaningful project? That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child. Impossible! But if I must highlight one, it’s the Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series. This series stands out not just for its adorable illustrations but for the story behind the story.

As an American Sign Language interpreter for over three decades—long before smartphones became our fifth limb and Zoom meetings felt less like sci-fi—Deaf Culture is as much a part of me as my inability to resist potato chips.

And while I started my author life as a mystery novelist for adults, a realization struck me: what about stories for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing? A glaring gap on the bookshelves stared back at me. As someone who believes every child deserves to see themselves in stories, I was determined to change that narrative and thus, Duke’s adventure began.

Inspiration struck through a colleague’s story about inclusivity at home, sparking the idea for “Never Mind.” The lesson underlying all the books in the series is showing deaf children that heroes come in all forms, including those who share their journey.

To infuse Duke’s world with authenticity and vibrancy, I enlisted a team, including a deaf photographer, an ASL professor, teachers of the deaf, and adults willing to share their narratives, crafting a truly unique series. Their contributions enriched the story, adding empathy, adventure, and a vivid portrayal of the Deaf community.

The icing on the cake? A creative reunion with my sister Theresa, who transformed our childhood comic book collaborations into heartwarming children’s books that bring Duke’s world to life.

This project is my heartfelt mission to bridge worlds, spark curiosity in learning ASL, and ensure no child feels left out. Every day, Duke’s stories leap off the pages, offering a window into the impact of visual access for deaf children, educating and inspiring parents and professionals alike. And that, my friends, is the scoop on the most meaningful project of my career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Sure! Welcome to my little corner of the book world, rooted in my three-decade career as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and a lifelong dream to create stories that matter. My journey, filled with rich experiences from the Deaf community and a passion for storytelling, has led to the creation of our distinctive brand.

Our mission is clear: to bridge the Deaf and hearing worlds with tales that entertain, educate, and inspire, all through the lens of Deaf Culture and ASL. We mix a dash of mystery for adults with a sprinkle of fun for kids, crafting books that promote accessibility, foster a sense of belonging, and guarantee a great time for all readers.

What sets us apart? Authenticity, straight from the Deaf community’s heart, enhanced with collaborations that make our stories as real as they are entertaining.

My proudest moments come whenever a reader sees themselves reflected in our pages or learns something new. If you’re drawn to stories with soul, characters with character, and a mission that matters, then you’ve found your tribe. Join me on this journey to make the world a bit more inclusive, one laugh, one sign, and one page at a time.

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

Jumping from the academic world of higher ed interpreting to the vast ocean of publishing, I figured I’d tackle authoring with all the scholarly gusto I could gather. Armed to the teeth with how-to books and blog posts, I set sail down the path of least resistance to publishing glory. Spoiler alert: what works for the author gurus didn’t exactly fit my quirky style.

That facepalm moment came when I realized the collective wisdom doesn’t chart the course for everyone. My journey has been a bit of an amusement park ride, complete with a highlight reel of shiny moments and a few stumbles. Chasing that mythical one-size-fits-all success recipe? Forget about it. I tried Facebook or Amazon ads that fizzled out, and got lost down social media rabbit holes that turned out to be time-sucking vortexes.

As for the stories? Some hit me like a lightning bolt, ready to roll. Others … well, they needed a bit more angst and a ton of elbow grease before they felt right. Five years down this winding road, I’ve tuned out the buzz of what everyone else is doing, focusing instead on building my author platform, brick by brick. Learning to tread my own path and celebrate my quirks has been a game-changer in how I approach storytelling.

I’m here for the marathon, not the sprint, doing what I love and living out those dreams I had as a kid. And that’s the real win, right?

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Oh yes, I devoured books! It’s a buffet out there for management and entrepreneurial wisdom, and I’ve definitely gone back for seconds…and thirds. If I had to shout out a few game-changers, they’d be “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, “Scarcity Brain,” “Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller, “The Long Game” by Dorie Clark, and “The Business of Belonging” by David Spinks. Plus, I’ve become an amateur enthusiast on the Gallup/Clifton Strengths assessments—knowing your strengths (and those of your team) is like finding the cheat codes for business and creativity.

“Atomic Habits” especially hit home for me. It’s all about the small changes that lead to remarkable results. The idea that tiny, consistent adjustments can accumulate into major transformations is a cornerstone of how I approach both my writing and business strategies.

Then there’s “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz. This philosophy turned my accounting around in a good way. It’s taught me to manage finances with an eye on the prize: actual profit. Instead of watching my hard-earned cash vanish into the ether of expenses, I’ve learned to prioritize saving and investing back into my business sensibly.

These resources have been like personal mentors, helping me to navigate my industry. So, yeah, I’ve read ALL the books, but these stand out for genuinely shifting my thinking and setting me on a path to both personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kellybrakenhoff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_inbrakenville/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellybrakenhoffauthor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellybrakenhoff/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/inBrakenVille
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@kellybrakenhoff
• Other: Join my reader group at https://brakenville.myflodesk.com/quicklinks

Image Credits
my headshot is Susan Noel. Others are my personal photos.