Page 79 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

to life, and the rest, as they say, is history.
How did your military background influence your approach to writing children’s books?
Before I medically retired, I was the Suicide Prevention Program Manager for my unit. One question we always asked soldiers during our classes was, “What’s in your rucksack?”—what tools or practices do you rely on to self-regulate throughout your day, week, or month? Teaching and mentoring soldiers was something I deeply valued, and after retiring, I realized I missed that outlet. I turned back to writing as a way to fill that void. Bridget Kimble emerged from that need to teach, mentor, and provide a positive, guiding influence, especially when it comes to emotional regulation.
What lessons from your family members
Brandon Moore is a powerful new voice in children’s literature, combining heart, purpose, and life experience into meaningful, lasting stories.
shaped your storytelling style?
My uncles are fantastic storytellers, particular- ly my great uncle, who had a natural ability to captivate an audience. His stories were usually centered around his life and experiences, and his delivery always left you in stitches. My stepdad, on the other hand, told deeper, more profound stories with lessons at the end. I’ve inherited a bit of both styles. Like my uncles, I can be humo- rous, but like my stepdad, I also aim to tell stories with a deeper, more thoughtful message.
How do you balance writing about serious topics like self-control while keeping the story engaging for young readers?
My goal is always to keep the story relatable to both kids and their parents. By weaving im- portant life lessons into engaging, fun narratives, I aim to create a balance where the message is impactful but not overwhelming.
What was the most challenging part of writing “Bridget Kimble Learns Self- Control”?
I’m naturally a bit wordy, especially when wri- ting. My biggest challenge was condensing my thoughts into a clear, fun, and easily digestible message without losing the heart of the story. It was a delicate balance between being transparent
and maintaining readability.
How did you collaborate with illustrator Mick Edrick M Marcellana to bring your characters to life?
It’s funny how it all came together. In 2024,
I was working with Tyree Searcy from Moguls Staffing Solutions on my mom’s e-commerce website called MommasHobby. During one of our strategy sessions, I mentioned the children’s book I’d written years ago. Tyree immediately asked, “What’s stopping you from publishing it?” I told him that my illustrator had backed out, and that was the only thing holding me back. He quickly introduced me to Mick Marcellana, and from there, things moved fast. I sent Mick the script, and he worked his magic, transforming my words into the Bridget Kimble character you see today. It was an amazing process, and I’m so grateful for how it all came together.
What message do you hope readers will take away from Bridget’s journey?
I want readers to understand the importance of self-control, resilience, and emotional regulation. I hope they take away that with practice, patience, and support, they can overcome challenges and grow into stronger individuals.
How does your experience as a parent inform the themes you choose to explore in your books?
Though I’ve only been a parent for eight years, those years have been filled with valuable insi- ghts into child development and the challenges children face. As parents, we can relate to the struggles our kids go through because we were once in their shoes. That shared experience helps me write stories that resonate with both children and parents.
Can you share any upcoming projects or ideas from the Bridget Kimble universe?
Yes! My team at Moguls Staffing Solutions and I have been brainstorming a spin-off featuring one of the characters from Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control, specifically Ryan Studdabaker. Stay tuned for more updates and keep following me for exciting news about what’s next for Bridget Kimble!
What advice would you give to other
aspiring authors who want to write meaningful stories for children?
The best advice I can give is this: You already have everything you need, so just start. Don’t worry about perfection—just get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. You’ll have plenty of time to edit later. Your words might be exactly what a parent or child needs to hear. If you care about people, children, and society, then your effort will find its way to the right people, the right audience, and the right platform. So, just start.
Teaching and mentoring soldiers
was something I deeply valued...
I turned back to writing as a way to fill that void.”
– Brandon Moore
NOVELIST POST II 79