Meet Talia Zales | Author of A Phone for Christmas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Talia Zales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Talia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
One day, someone asked me who I am. I quickly replied that I’m a mom, a wife, a teacher, etc… and this person’s response was that that is who I am for other people. “Who are you for yourself?” she asked. That was such a profound question. I realized that I am so many things for so many people, but–at the time–I wasn’t anyone for myself. I needed to stop and think: what are the things I enjoy in my free time? I then laughed: “What free time?” (If you’re a mom, I’m sure you understand.)

If no one needed anything from me, what would I do with all of that extra time? It was at that moment that I decided to stop compromising my sense of self in order to fulfill the needs of others. It’s tough being a mom! It already feels impossible getting everything done, but I have to let certain things wait until tomorrow and prioritize myself and the things that make me an individual. If I don’t, I’m setting the example for my children that it’s okay to not have an individual identity–and it’s not. That doesn’t mean I stopped doing things for others; it just means that in the long list of people I need to help, I have to make sure that I’m included in the queue as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I’m releasing a children’s picture book titled A Phone for Christmas. When all ten-year-old Luis wants is a phone for Christmas, what will happen when Santa sends him a red rotary phone and disables cell phones for an entire year? Find out in this captivating tale about the importance of family togetherness, cultivating friendships and the unyielding passage of time.

Next year, I’ll be releasing a children’s book that deals with coping with grief; it’s a subject I feel isn’t talked about enough with children. By the time children experience a loss, it’s too late to start that conversation. My hope is that this book will bring some comfort to children who have lost someone but also to children who will someday lose someone. I’m excited to share this book with others; it’s beautifully illustrated and depicts the experience in color and grayscale as things begin to lose color when someone we love passes away.

It was not easy to get to where I am today. I experienced failure and doubt. I questioned and criticized my own work so many times. I sent my work to third parties for objective opinions. Doing so allowed me to breathe and see the value of my work with their notes and suggestions. Friends and family can offer you moral support, but professional opinions should be left to people who don’t have to see you at the Thanksgiving table.

I learned that business needs to be done in a professional way. Everything needs to be in writing. Everything. Don’t assume things will get done because you’re on good terms with a client. Sign and date everything and keep things professional. Don’t burn bridges: try to remain on good terms whenever possible. If you don’t get along with a client or a paid professional, take note of that and resolve not to work together in the future. There is no need to be aggressive or to do something that could come back to bite you later!

I’d like the world to know that Talia Zales will be available for classroom visits beginning in December 2022. I’d love to chat with students about the writing process, working with illustrators and all of the little things that go into making a book. If you are in the San Diego area and interested in a classroom visit, stop by www.TaliaZalesBooks.com to schedule a classroom visit. If you are not in the San Diego area, virtual classroom visits will be available too!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend actually plans on visiting soon, so I have a list of things we’d like to do!

Things to see / do:
Bioluminescence in La Jolla (summer)
Museums and other fun events in Balboa Park Seeing
Cherry blossom festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden (Spring)
Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
Mission Bay Park
Ocean Beach Pier
Orchestra rehearsals at the Rady Shell
Eat at Liberty Public Market

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is dedicated to my children. Every day, I am more and more proud of you.
Thank you for being the reason I strive to be a better version of myself.

Website: www.TaliaZalesBooks.com

Instagram: @Talia_Zales_Books

Twitter: @TaliaZales

Facebook: Talia Zales Books

Youtube: Talia Zales Books

Other: TikTok: @Talia_Zales_Books

Image Credits
Liberty Shaub Photography