22 APRIL 2021 By Mallory Gleich When Kelsey Vickers was a kid, she dreamed of becoming a published author one day. She kept a notebook of story ideas, and she would spend time with her father bouncing them around. The notebook is no more, but Vickers’ dream came true: She recently published her first children’s book. Vickers grew up in Phoenix for a short time before her family moved to Flagstaff. She’s a graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and now resides in Cave Creek, but often frequents the Arcadia area, where her family lives. “I decided to finally put my efforts into publishing when my husband and I began discussing starting a family,” she said. Vickers’ inspiration for becoming a writer started back in high school. She had an English teacher who was known for his challenging classes. “He was the first to push me creatively in my writing and encourage me to think hard about pursuing it further in college,” Vickers said. “After that school year, I didn’t think about it again until my second year in college.” Vickers said that she felt unsure of her writing when she started at ASU, so she majored in a different field. She then switched gears and applied to the journalism program to pursue writing as a career. Vickers’ book, Tails of Harlow , is inspired by her sister’s Bernese mountain dog, Harlow. “She is clumsy, messy, and so much larger than she believes she is,” Vickers said. “But with all the mess comes the most loving, gentle giant. The stories in the book are inspired by true incidents and the mess her tail causes.” The process of writing a book was challenging for Vickers. First, she said she had to overcome her lack of confidence. “I had to continuously remind myself that everyone has to start somewhere, and most people don’t know what they are doing at the start of anything new,” she said. Once she completed her research, Vickers said she decided to share the news with everyone that her goal was to get her book published. “I truly believe the best way to stay motivated and to complete something challenging is to tell everyone you know about it. With people continually asking me about how the book was going, I always had it at the forefront of my mind,” she said. After several edits, Vickers sent a first draft to a professional editor. Then, she started to search for a local illustrator to help bring the book to life. “While waiting in line to get a coffee, I overheard two women having a conversation; one worked in publishing. It truly felt like fate stepped in. I introduced myself, and it turned out to be the best thing I had done,” she said. The woman shared referrals to groups that Vickers could turn to for help. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and shared her idea. After reaching out to numerous small and large independent publishing companies, and a few rejection letters, Vickers received an email asking to attach the entire manuscript. “I feel fortunate to have my name printed on a published book,” Vickers said. “I am extremely happy.” Vickers plans to continue writing children’s books and hopes to create a Tails of Harlow series with five more books. Tails of Harlow is available on Amazon. One mom’s journey through writing to being published Kelsey Vickers remind myself that everyone fate stepped in. I introduced myself, and it turned out to be the best thing I had done,” she said. referrals to groups that Vickers could turn to for help. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and shared her idea. By Rachael Bouley Two Arcadia kids are spending their free time working on a creative project that they hope will make a difference in sick children’s lives across the Valley. When not in class at Hopi Elementary, 9-year-old Maverick and 8-year-old Mila Messinger make homemade stress balls and raise money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The siblings started their project, called Stress Busters, back in February. “They started super organically with giving some of their stress balls out and then started charging for them once they saw how excited both kids and adults were when they squeezed them,” mother Gabi Messinger said. “It was a bonus to be donating all the money made to PCH.” Maverick’s love of fidget and squishy toys led to the idea of a squeezable ball. He said he likes to keep his hands busy and enjoys trading the trinkets with friends at school. “Since there seems to be a lot more stress around us lately, we think everyone can benefit from having a stress ball to squeeze,” Gabi said. “We’ve sold over 80 so far, and many people have donated money in addition to purchasing stress balls.” Each ball is an original creation, made from a combination of balloons, water beads, rubber bands and friendship bracelet string. Maverick and Mila spread the word at school and with their sports team while their parents shared the news on social media. The whole family was on board to donate the money to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, which mom and dad suggested. “Maverick has been to Phoenix Children’s Hospital a few times, and we’ve seen firsthand how wonderful the facility and staff have been,” Gabi said. “We also have some friends that have been there longer-term, and we realize how lucky we are to have this hospital so close by to help those in need.” Gabi said that so far, the kids have raised over $1,000, and she and her husband are matching that amount. While they think it would be fantastic to raise another $1,000 in donations by the time the year is over, Maverick and Mila are just happy to be helping others and having fun in the process. “It feels really good to give back and to help people that need it. We are grateful to be able to do so,” Gabi said, noting that it wouldn’t be possible without local support, including school and sports friends. “We love the community of Arcadia and feel like our neighbors and friends are our family. We support each other through ups and downs, and it has been really special to see everyone come together during this past year especially.” The family has set up a fundraising campaign on the Phoenix Children’s Foundation website where people can donate and buy stress balls. givetoPCH.org/stressbusters Arcadia kids create Stress Busters to help neighbors Mila Messinger Stress Busters are made with everyday household objects. Maverick Messinger PHOTOS COURTESY OF GABI MESSINGER Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. 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