{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fe08c3bff-cd03-48ed-a874-4e653ba947c7","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"The Magic of Imagination: Roxie Fiste on Writing Picture Books That Spark Wonder","description":"In this heartwarming episode of Soul Sparks, host Sana sits down with Roxie Fiste\u2014an indie author and illustrator whose whimsical children\u2019s books celebrate imagination, creativity, and joy. Roxie shares her journey from high school dreams to publishing heartfelt stories inspired by real kids and her own family. She opens up about balancing creativity with caregiving, tackling self-doubt, overcoming writer\u2019s block, and the deeply personal origins behind her characters. Her story is a reminder that even the simplest ideas, when fueled by love and authenticity, can light up the world\u2014one child\u2019s smile at a time.About the Guest:Roxie Fiste is a published author and illustrator of children\u2019s picture books. Her stories are playful, emotional, and deeply imaginative\u2014often rooted in the lives of real children she\u2019s known. Roxie brings her characters to life through hand-drawn illustrations and heartfelt storytelling. Based in a small town in Ohio, she finds joy in star-gazing, model horses, and the love of her family and cat, Izzy.Key Takeaways:Roxie began creating picture books in high school and rediscovered her passion later in life after caregiving for family.Her characters, including a bouncing two-legged puffball, are crafted from real-life inspirations like her brother\u2019s imaginary friend.Transitioning a 3,500-word chapter book into an 820-word picture book taught her the art of visual storytelling.As an indie author, she balances creativity with marketing, family, and everyday life.Writer\u2019s block is real\u2014but reconnecting with childlike wonder, collaboration, and playful sketching brings the spark back.Connect with Roxie Fiste:Website: roxyfiste.comInstagram: @roxy_fisteFacebook: Roxie Fiste AuthorWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymindStay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/e404cec1-bc39-40d1-9c51-699c75b8b9f9/m2i0ni5qcgc.jpg"}