Inside the Mind - Kitty Arceneaux

I was born and raised in New Orleans, La. I came into the world with a boundless imagination. As a child, storytelling was second nature—my days were filled with short stories and vivid characters born from my own wonder. But it wasn’t until later in life, when my daughter lovingly challenged me to write a book and offered to illustrate it herself, that I penned my very first children’s story. That moment was a beautiful turning point—a shared creative leap that opened the door to a new chapter in my writing journey.

I can’t pinpoint exactly what sparked my first story—truthfully, it was two stories, one for girls and one for boys, both woven around the same theme. I’ve always believed that children mirror what they see in us as parents, often imitating our actions and attitudes. Through those stories, I wanted to gently guide them toward seeing their parents not just as authority figures, but as everyday heroes—worthy of admiration, love, and respect.

I don’t always know where the inspiration comes from—I simply let it flow. My stories often arrive unannounced, shaped by emotion, imagination, and the moment. Over time, I’ve written books for various age groups, each one meeting readers where they are—whether it’s a child discovering wonder, a teen exploring identity, or an adult seeking healing and reflection.

What I cherish most is the boundless freedom to let my imagination roam—unfenced, untamed, and full of possibility.

I develop my characters and story ideas by letting inspiration flow freely. Sometimes a phrase, a feeling, or even a moment in real life sparks something in me—and I follow it. I don’t always start with a plot; I start with a voice, a question, or a truth that wants to be told. My characters often emerge from the themes I care about—healing, identity, faith, family, and freedom. I imagine their world, their wounds, their wisdom, and I let them speak. Because I write for different age groups, I tune into what each audience needs emotionally. For children, I lean into wonder and affirmation. For adults, I explore deeper layers of growth and grace. I also draw from my own experiences and the stories I hear in community—especially from women and youth. Every story is a chance to uplift, to reflect, and to remind readers that they are not alone.

A while back, I met a young woman with whom I instantly connected. Over the years, I’ve worked with various illustrators, but my most recent projects have been in collaboration with her—and it’s been a beautiful partnership. I can share just a brief idea or vision, and she consistently delivers artwork that exceeds anything I imagined. Her ability to translate my thoughts into something visually powerful and emotionally resonant is truly a gift.

Through my children’s books, I hope young readers come away with a deeper sense of self-worth, imagination, and emotional awareness. I want them to see that they are loved, capable, and uniquely gifted. Whether I’m writing about everyday experiences or deeper life lessons, my goal is to plant seeds of confidence, compassion, and creativity—reminding children that their voice matters and their dreams are valid.

Honestly, I can’t say that one book holds a more special place in my heart than the others. Each one was born from a different season, a different purpose, and a different part of me. Some were written to heal, some to uplift, some to guide, and some simply to spark joy. I write for various age groups, so every book carries its own unique message and energy. What makes them special isn’t just the content—it’s the lives they touch, the conversations they start, and the freedom I feel when I let the words flow.

My books are available on Amazon—just search “Kitty Arceneaux”—and you can also explore my full collection on my website: https://kittysbookshelf.com. I share updates, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram @booksbykitty. And if all else fails, I’ve been told I’m pretty easy to find on Google (smile).