We recently connected with Shyreen Lowe and have shared our conversation below.

Shyreen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The idea for “The Cozy Cozy Cardigan” came from a tattered grey cardigan I wore to work as a nanny. The cardigan was a source of comfort for many infants when feeding or putting them to sleep. I wondered about that, and when I lost my mother in 2018, I had many nights when that cardigan helped me, too. So when I decided the theme of my book was going to be separation anxiety, I knew I had to incorporate the cardigan in some way. Luckily, one of the methods of helping with anxiety is clothing imbued with the parent’s scent. After that, it was easy to form a story based on characters from my real life.

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.

I grew up in Jamaica—the middle child of my parents. I have always had a passion for the written word. I stumbled on some Shakespearean classics in a small cabinet when I was younger. I read “Taming of the Shrew” and instantly fell in love with storytelling. I started writing a journal, then reflections, and then I moved on to poetry. I wrote less when I started working with kids, mainly because I got so busy. On days when I felt overwhelmed, I would still write my emotions on paper in poetry form. I published those under another pen name. Writing my first children’s book was like a light being switched on. I titled it “A Promise I Made,” and I did the illustrations myself. I have always been the type of person who acts first and then thinks later. It is not always a good thing, but when I get an idea and I know it’s possible, I have a burning sensation to do it. It would consume my waking thoughts and days, my nights too; I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I get a rush of excitement from starting a new project that I can’t explain.

I am still growing and learning to be a better writer daily. I am taking criticism from editors and improving my craft daily, and I am very proud of myself for that. I am usually sensitive, but I have come to understand that I might only sometimes be correct. I say this to share that when someone picks up one of my books. An immeasurable amount of work went into every story I wrote. The children’s books “A Promise I Made,” “These Hands,” and my latest release, “The Cozy Cozy Cardigan,” came to life because of the dedication of an impressive All Female team. The books aim to bring families together while reminding us why family is so important.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an independent writer, you hope your work is well received. That someone picks up your book and reads it and loves it. I still work as a nanny, and when the child in my care asks me to read my book to them, I genuinely see that they love the story and the pictures. It is most rewarding to me. After all, children are the most honest critics. I feel blessed to witness that, in real-time, many writers don’t get that chance. It’s a really good feeling.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Naturally, every writer wants to be published traditionally. That is a goal of mine. I would love to see my work distributed on a wider scale and gain that little bit of validation. I can admit that. I love being an indie writer; I love the thrill of working with my illustrator and other freelancers, pounding the pavement, handing out fliers, chasing down bookstore owners, and trying to secure story times and author events. It is fulfilling to know you achieved something on your own to see your words come to life. It is a rush, and it is very hard to describe. Nevertheless, it is a lot of work, and a little help could always be good.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.splowe.com
• Instagram: @s.p.lowe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095445308079

Image Credits
Berto Photgraphy My Gym South Loop