Bestselling author Alyssa Londono talks about her new children’s book “Love… is Everywhere: A story about seeing everyday love.”
Book Description
Alyssa Londono’s words are brought to life by the wonderful illustrations of John Konecny. In this story, as we follow a young girl on her journey at finding love in everyday things. She realizes that love is not just one thing, but it is all around her…it’s everywhere. Have you ever had a dance party in your living room? How about jumping in puddles while it is still raining outside?
These are just some of the things our main character cherishes. Through all of this she learned that love is universal, something that we can feel every single day, everywhere we go. Join her on her journey!
Alyssa Londono lives in New York with her husband, two children, and cat, Toby. Alyssa’s passion for writing started as a young girl. She has always been an avid reader which inspired her to want to create her own stories, ones she wanted out in the world. She has been an elementary school teacher for 11 years and her teaching background has helped her study children’s literature (in addition to all the hours of reading she has done with her twins). This helped to continue to foster her passion for reading and writing.
‘Love…is Everywhere: A story about seeing every day love’ is a beautiful book, which has touched people of all ages. Every book has a story about its creation, what’s the story behind this one?
Love…is Everywhere is a story that is very close to my heart. It began as a project centered around the love between a mother and their child.
My mother and I were always close growing up and that inspired the beginning of this book. She was my best friend and my rock; the person I always knew I could turn to. Then, in 2019, my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Our world was forever changed. But through this, I saw my mom in a new light. I noticed the way she handled everything with such grace. She celebrated all the little, day-to-day, things.
This was something I realized she always did. She would find love and joy in things like jumping in puddles while it was raining outside or taking a big bubble bath. She loved dancing around the house cleaning and getting ready for company.
She helped me to see that no matter what, there was love all around us. I took that idea, and I ran with it for the idea for this book, being a tribute to my mom and her legacy.
While writing ‘Love…is Everywhere: A story about seeing everyday love ’ did you learn anything new about yourself? What was one of the challenges you faced, and conversely one of your successes?
While writing Love…is Everywhere I learned that I could persevere through anything. I had never been faced with challenges like I had in the past year, and it was amazing to see how I was able to push through and overcome them.
At one point I did not know if I would be able to finish the book or if I would be able to share it with anyone. But I knew that it was going to be part of my mom’s legacy and that truly helped me go on and find peace and happiness in continuing.
A great story is all about the setting, the descriptiveness, and the raw energy that captivates, all coming together to have the reader turning the pages effortlessly. Your book includes all of them and more – what is one of the keys that you find critical when getting into the writing zone?
Something I find critical when getting into the writing zone is just simply writing. When I first started writing I would write, ease, write, ease, and it would be a cycle, and nothing would get done. But I have learned to first get all my ideas on paper. No matter where it takes me, I just write and imagine.
Then later, I go back and work through what I have gotten down. This helps me to sort out what makes sense, what should be where etc.
‘Love…is Everywhere: A story about seeing everyday love’ includes stunning illustrations. What was the process of combining illustrations with your story like for you?
This was such an important process in making sure Love…is Everywhere came to life. My publisher and I looked at so many different portfolios and artists. In the end, John truly saw my vision for the book.
The first time I met with him we discussed my wanting my mom’s handwriting at the beginning of the book and this was something he had done before; at that point I knew that it was meant to be.
‘Love…is Everywhere: A story about seeing everyday love’ has been very successful, do you have another book in the works you can tell us about?
This book featured my daughter, Gabriella, as the main character. I promised my son, Anthony, that he would also get his own book. As soon as I was done writing Love…is Everywhere I started beginning the process for a sequel to it.
I am excited to get back into the writing zone and really flesh it out. I truly enjoy the creative process and seeing where the book takes me.
When did you finish writing a new book what is your favorite way to celebrate?
I haven’t truly celebrated Love is Everywhere yet; I haven’t wanted to jinx it!
This past March, Alyssa Londono was spotlighted on “The Donna Drake Show” on CBS New York, where she opened up about the charitable organization Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
“Love…is Everywhere: A story about seeing everyday love” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
