Author Lesa Masten embraces a love for writing as a power to teach, inspire, and shape positivity. Her first children’s book, Rana’s Perfect Place (Creative Solutionss, December 2024), takes us on a journey with Rana as she learns about self-awareness, self-identity, and empowerment. You’ll find Rana’s Perfect Place on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Who did you write the book for, and what topics does it touch on that make it a perfect fit for the classroom?
Rana’s Perfect Place was written for children, but the message applies to all people. This is made clear in the videos I’ve created on my social media platforms and website United Pen Press.com. The lesson is that we are all valuable on the inside. Our self-worth is always near to us. Everything we need is there.
What would you like readers to know about the story you tell in Rana’s Perfect Place?
Their power lives on the inside.
Who is your main character, and why will readers connect with her?
Rana is a 7-year-old Native American girl. Historically her people are not understood but they believe in who they are and live it against the odds.
Share the challenges this work posed for you.
Finding an honest publisher that follows through. I do have concerns as I have been disappointed with the publishing process. Financially I don’t know how I can make all of my projects happen with such high prices and little return. The two books I have pulled off have not turned out to make enough money for me to continue. I also would love to legally trademark my work but turns out it is really expensive. I am at a standstill with the marketing of my books, and although I have paid for some marketing, my publisher has failed to fulfill all of the promises made to market the books. I am really disappointed in the overall journey so far.
Do you have a favorite image or page spread from the book?
There are many milestone pages in the book, but I guess the last page would be the best choice because all the milestones are represented there. The last page embodies the mission complete and victory for Rana who is now reigning over the future.
Tell us how the book came together.
The idea for a picture book came to me in the early 90s. In September of 2021 I decided to develop the idea. It took a day from start to finish with edits to follow for a few weeks. In August 2024 I decided it was time to learn about publishing the book. I began searching online which led to me receiving some inquiry calls. I wanted to review what I had, so the first two calls I was not ready for, but the third call connected. From there I began putting in words for what I saw as the picture for each page; this took a few days to finish. I sent this manuscript to Creative Solutionss Publishing. They contacted me and reviewed the publishing contract with me. After sending a copy to me I agreed to the contract, and we got started on the book. First, we created the character and cover. The cover is based on two things: the gemstone mountains and the golden road. Second, I chose a Native American character because of their disparities, strength and their belief in themselves. As a Black Foot myself, I have always felt a connection to them. This process took about three weeks to complete. The pages took about four months to complete.
What was the most rewarding aspect of writing/publishing your first children’s book?
Because I started this business in the early 1990s, it feels good to finally get a project off the ground. I not only finished a book, but I also made my business an LLC. Rana’s Perfect Place is an important message for all people, young and old, as it places the importance of looking inside ourselves for everything, we need to feel good all the time. I was able to find this gemstone and put it in the book through the golden road that lives inside us all and costs nothing to tap into.
What did you learn from writing Rana’s Perfect Place that you can use in future projects?
Something that grew from this experience is knowing that I am a writer. I’ve always connected with expression of every kind. Writing is the direction that taps into all media forms. I love it and Rana’s Perfect Place has made this reality come alive. There are so many ideas that have grown from this one book that I’d like to continue to share with children and people who love Rana.
Why do you write?
The creation process is so fun for me because I am also a builder. Putting them together for me makes me smile and feel satisfied because I write to inspire and lift people up. This is how I build a community, ideas, love and wellness. There are so many experiences I would like to share with the world. Helpful things I have learned along the way. My story is not over, it’s just begun. I look forward to sharing everything I know with the world.
KL Wagoner loves creating worlds of fantasy and science fiction. Her current work in progress is The Last Bonekeeper fantasy trilogy and short stories in the same universe. A member of SouthWest Writers since 2006, Kat has worked as the organization’s secretary, newsletter editor, website manager, and author interview coordinator. Kat is also a veteran, a martial art student, and a grandmother. Visit her at klwagoner.com.
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