Fairren McLemore Shares Her Powerful Journey of Motherhood, Resilience, and Advocacy Through Storytelling
PHOTO: Author Fairren McLemore, 2025 Book Fest Award-winner and advocate for inclusion, shares her inspiring journey of love, resilience, and purpose through storytelling.
Author Fairren McLemore discusses how her daughter’s rare diagnosis inspired her to write heartfelt books that promote self-love, inclusion, and strength in the face of uncertainty and grief.
Fairren McLemore is a literary force whose work pulses with heart, courage, and unshakable purpose. Her books are more than stories—they are lifelines. With an unwavering commitment to advocacy, authenticity, and emotional truth, Fairren has created narratives that not only uplift but deeply transform. Her debut, Shining Through: My Journey with Incontinentia Pigmenti, broke ground by giving a voice to the rare, the unseen, and the misunderstood, offering comfort and clarity to families navigating unimaginable uncertainty. Through the lens of her daughter’s journey, she crafted a story of resilience that resonates far beyond diagnosis.
In her latest release, The Voice of a Mother’s Pain, Fairren dives even deeper, offering an unfiltered and profoundly moving portrayal of motherhood, grief, and hope. Her writing is fearless—never shying away from pain, but always leading readers toward healing. As an author, speaker, and 2025 Distinguished Authors Guild Ambassador, Fairren stands as a beacon for families facing adversity, and a testament to the power of turning personal trials into universal truth.
It is a privilege to feature Fairren McLemore in this issue of Novelist Post. Her voice is one the world needs—raw, wise, and full of grace.
Fairren McLemore writes with courage and compassion, transforming personal pain into stories that uplift, educate, and empower readers of all ages.
What inspired you to write Shining Through: My Journey with Incontinentia Pigmenti?
My daughter Kamiah (Miah) is the inspiration and the emotional rollercoaster we experienced after her diagnosis with Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP). As a mother, I felt an overwhelming responsibility to not only understand this rare condition but also to create something meaningful out of our journey. I realized there were so few resources for families dealing with IP, especially ones that were hopeful and affirming. Writing Shining Through became a way to give voice to our pain, our resilience, and ultimately, our triumph. I wanted to ensure that children with rare conditions, and their families, could see themselves in a story that celebrated who they are.
How did your personal experiences influence the way you portrayed Miah’s story?
Miah’s story is a reflection of my real-life experiences as a mother facing the unknown. From the moment Kamiah was born and had to go to the NICU, every step of our journey, every fear, every prayer, every breakthrough, shaped how I told Miah’s story. I did not want to fictionalize the emotion. I wanted readers to feel the heartache and the hope, to understand what it means to advocate for your child when doctors are puzzled, and answers are scarce. I wove in the lessons I learned along the way: that there is power in vulnerability, beauty in difference, and courage in the face of uncertainty.
“There is power in vulnerability, beauty in difference, and courage in the face of uncertainty.” — Fairren McLemore
What was the most challenging part of writing about such a rare and complex condition?
The greatest challenge was simplifying the medical and genetic complexities of IP without losing the essence of what it means to live with it. I had to strike a delicate balance between being accurate and being age appropriate. I also carried the emotional weight of knowing this story would represent others living with IP, so I felt a strong responsibility to honor their truths. There was also the internal struggle of reliving painful memories as I wrote, but I reminded myself that the pain had a purpose, it could help someone else feel less alone.
How do you balance sharing emotional stories while keeping the message uplifting for children?
It starts with empathy. I constantly asked myself: how would I want a child to feel while reading this? My goal was not to hide the truth, but to present it through a lens of hope and strength. I used gentle language, positive imagery, and affirmations of self-worth throughout the book. I made sure the main character, Miah, was never defined by her condition but by her courage, joy, and unique beauty. Children are incredibly intuitive, they can sense hardship, but they also respond deeply to messages of love, perseverance, and belonging.
“Children are incredibly intuitive… they also respond deeply to messages of love, perseverance, and belonging.” — Fairren McLemore
What do you hope young readers and their families will take away from Miah’s journey?
I hope they walk away feeling empowered. I want young readers to understand that their differences are not something to hide, they are something to celebrate. For families, I hope the story brings comfort, solidarity, and a sense of community. I want them to know they are not alone in navigating rare diagnoses. More than anything, I hope the story sparks conversations about inclusion, empathy, and the importance of embracing what makes each of us unique.
Can you share a moment during your research or writing process that deeply impacted you?
One of the most impactful moments during my writing process came from being part of the Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) support group. Seeing the wide range of symptoms in different children, some with vision loss, others with neurological challenges or skin issues, was eye-opening and deeply emotional. Each story carried its own weight, but what affected me most was learning about the mothers who had lost their sons to IP. Because the condition is often lethal in males, many of these women were grieving children they barely had a chance to hold. Their pain was raw, and yet their strength in sharing their experiences was profound. Those stories stayed with me. They reminded me that IP is not just a diagnosis, it is a life-altering journey that affects each family differently. Their vulnerability fueled my purpose. I knew I had to write Shining Through not only to celebrate my daughter’s resilience but also to honor the lives of those little ones who did not get the chance to shine in the same way.
How has your background in Organizational Leadership shaped your approach to writing and storytelling?
My background has taught me how to lead with vision, purpose, and strategy. When I began writing Shining Through, I did not see it as just a creative project, I saw it as a platform for advocacy and education. Organizational Leadership gave me the tools to think big, collaborate effectively, and create with intention. I approached my book with a clear mission, structured my message around core values like empowerment and inclusion, and remained focused on the impact I wanted to make long after the last page was read.
“Faith helps me to stay grounded… there is a divine purpose in every challenge.” — Fairren McLemore
What role does your faith play in your writing and your creative process?
My faith is at the core of everything I create. It is what sustained me during the darkest moments of Kamiah’s diagnosis and what gave me the strength to transform our pain into purpose. When I write, I pray for guidance, that my words will reach the hearts that need them most. Faith helps me to stay grounded, especially when I am sharing vulnerable parts of my story. It reminds me that there is a divine purpose in every challenge and that even in brokenness, something beautiful can be born.
Are there other topics or experiences you would like to explore in future books?
Yes, absolutely. I would love to explore topics like grief and healing from a child’s perspective, the power of inclusion in classrooms, and even the journeys of siblings who grow up supporting a brother or sister with special needs. I also want to highlight everyday heroes, children who overcome adversity, whether it is through illness, disability, or emotional challenges. My goal is to continue telling stories that affirm, educate, and inspire while creating space for children and families to feel seen and supported.
“Start with your truth… Be honest about your emotions, even the hard ones, because that is where connection happens.” — Fairren McLemore
What advice would you give to other authors who want to tell personal or emotional stories with authenticity and heart?
Start with your truth. Do not try to write what you think people want to hear, write what is real. Be honest about your emotions, even the hard ones, because that is where connection happens. Do not be afraid to be vulnerable; that is where your strength lies. Your story matters, and when shared with honesty and purpose, it can change lives.
