Stephanie Delorme

Here's my story...​

 

My love for words began as a kid, when I'd pour over Shel Silverstein's A Light in the Attic, then spend a good portion of my sixth grade recesses writing my own book of silly poems- along with accompanying doodles- to gift to my former teacher. Several months later, I tried my hand at a more serious poem, which I took with me to my first local writers conference in 7th grade. It was there, upon showing it to a workshop teacher, that I discovered my written words held power to evoke emotion in others. As a naturally shy kid who often felt I had very little impact on the world around me, I thought that was pretty cool. I've been writing ever since.

​

In 2017, my first official publication came with my short story "A Returned Reward" being published in Chicken Soup For the Soul: Inspiration for Teachers. It was around this same time, in the midst of a sweet season of mothering my babies, that I completely fell in love with the genre of picture books. With my two small daughters nestled onto my lap, reading time became my favorite time of the day. Their voices begging, "Again!" coupled with their infectious, uncontrollable laughter, and snuggling into me just a wee bit closer during tender pages, are memories that I will treasure forever. It's my desire to put material out into the world that fosters these same sweet memorable moments for others, and in a way that's entertaining and touching for both parent and child alike. 

​

My art journey began young as well. As a child, I covered every inch of my 3rd grade yellow composition book with drawings of my favorite cartoon characters. I drew in the margins of worksheets and school notes constantly, and even once turned in a quiz with all illustrated answers (though many answers were wrong, I did receive significant extra credit for creativity!). I studied the work of artists I admired, and received my first commission at age 16. I went on to paint many portraits, landscapes and murals, as well as design sets and props for local theater groups and a local Christian camp.  In 2016, I opened an Etsy shop, Mommy's Heart Prints, where I created customizable art that highlighted the tenderness of the mother-child relationship. About a year in, however, it morphed from its original design into a ministry to mothers who've experienced the loss of a child, which became more fulfilling than I could have planned. 

​

In 2022, I got called into ministry at my church as a Children's Ministry Director, writing scripts, creating crafts, and developing the program for our kinder-first grade students; a job that further honed my skills and taught me to work on a deadline. I adored this job, but setting my books aside for that season grew a restlessness in me to get back to my true calling: crafting the stories the Lord has given me. One thing that job really showed me was: I love the challenge of making big concepts understandable for little minds - something I continue to do regularly through stage teaching and as a classroom leader, and now also through my books. 

​

They say if you want to take this calling seriously, get to a writers conference. I was grateful to go to the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mt. Hermon in 2024 and 2026, where I've continued to learn and grow in the craft, and have met some incredible people amidst the gorgeous redwoods.

​​

I am currently living in sunny Southern California with my amazing and supportive husband, Vince, our two beautiful and creative daughters, one golden retriever, Max the cat, and a leopard gecko named Sprinkles. 

​

The adventure continues... 

​​​​

I am represented by Kristen Terrette of Martin Literary Management.