Kellie Kaminskas Illuminates Grief, Love, and Healing Through Heartfelt Children’s Literature

PHOTO: Author Kellie Kaminskas, award-winning writer and speaker, shares stories that inspire healing, connection, and heartfelt conversations around love and loss.

A Storyteller Turning Personal Loss Into Hopeful Conversations for Families

Kellie Kaminskas shares the inspiration behind Here With You, a moving children’s book born from personal grief, and discusses parenting, healing, writing from the heart, and empowering others through storytelling.

Kellie Kaminskas writes with the kind of authenticity that reaches deep into the human heart. Her books are more than stories—they are tender bridges between grief and healing, love and loss, parenting and purpose. As a two-time award-winning bestselling author and keynote speaker, Kellie brings real-life experience into every page, offering comfort, clarity, and courage to readers of all ages.

Her newest work Here With You is a beautiful example of how deeply personal stories can spark universal connection. Written during a quiet moment beside her sleeping son, this heartfelt book gently opens the door to difficult conversations about grief, love, and memory—especially for children navigating the complexities of loss. With poetic sensitivity and raw honesty, Kellie transforms profound personal pain into a meaningful resource for families and professionals alike.

Kellie’s strength as a solo parent, her literary training, and her lived experiences form the foundation of her work. She gives voice to feelings so many struggle to articulate and brings warmth to topics often left in silence. Whether offering support to fellow caregivers or showing children they are not alone, she leads with empathy and grace.

This interview is a glimpse into the heart of an author who writes not just from experience—but with profound purpose. We are honored to feature Kellie Kaminskas and celebrate the light she brings to readers around the world.

Kellie Kaminskas writes with profound empathy and strength, turning her personal journey into powerful, healing stories for children and families.

What inspired you to write Here With You?

When I was thirty- five weeks pregnant with my son,  I lost my mother to a very long cancer battle.  About a year later, my son lost his father to an accidental fentanyl overdose.  Little did I know, my son and I would be going through one of the biggest losses a person will face, losing a parent, at the same time.  I wanted to create a resource for families and clinicians to use to open the dialogue about grief and loss with children in a way that wasn’t scary or difficult to start the conversation. 

How does your experience as a solo parent influence your storytelling?

Being both mom and dad in one has shaped me into being the parent I am.  I want other care givers to be able to say, “Wow, that’s exactly how I am feeling” when they are reading what I wrote.  Whether it is something silly or serious, being able to relate to someone else’s parenting journey is comforting.  There is no guide to it, but with help from other parents you feel less alone in any battle you are facing.

“The words just started to pour out of me into the note section on my phone.” — Kellie Kaminskas

Can you describe your writing process from idea to finished book? 

Here With You came to fruition one night when I was laying in bed with my son, who was a toddler at the time.  He had a tough time sleeping when he was younger, so that particular night I scooped him up to come snuggle with me.  Once he finally fell asleep, I watched his little eye lids flutter and thought of all the things my Mom must’ve felt when my sister and I were little.  The words just started to pour out of me into the note section on my phone.  I wrote the entire book that night in the dark, with my little sleeping boy next to me. 

What was it like collaborating with illustrator Tom Burchell on this project?

Tom Burchell is a DREAM to work with.  I was introduced to him through my publishing consultant Amanda Miller from My Word Publishing.  Tom and I hit it off right away, and he absolutely brought my vision to life.  He exceeded all my expectations and his attention to sentimental detail blew my mind. 

What themes do you hope young readers and parents take away from your book?

I hope young readers and parents find a sense of peace and collectiveness when they are done reading my book.  Grief is such a universal experience, but we all handle it differently.  I want youth to be able to comfortably discuss the tough topics at home, in turn it will prepare them for so many obstacles they may face in their lifetime. 

“Grief is such a universal experience, but we all handle it differently.” — Kellie Kaminskas

How has your background in Creative Writing and English Literature shaped your voice as an author?

You have to have some pretty thick skin as an author, which is funny because we are probably some of the most emotional and sensitive people.  I had some really wonderful professors and classmates in college that always gave me constructive feedback on my writing and I think that helped prepare me most for my writing career.

What has been the most rewarding moment since publishing Here With You?

Being able to show my son all the things I have brought to life with our little story has been a feeling I cannot put into words.  I know the older he gets, the more he will appreciate how my hard work and ambition paid off.

In what ways do your personal experiences show up in your writing?

In every way possible.  Writing has always been my outlet since I was a little girl.  Books and writing have gotten me through everything in my life.

“Write like you are the only one reading it.” — Kellie Kaminskas

How do you balance your roles as a mother, author, and speaker?

I am VERY organized.  But, being passionate about what I do is my biggest motivation.  I get so excited to share my work with others and I love the human connection of hearing other people’s stories.  

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write from the heart?

Throw all your doubt out the window and write like you are the only one reading it.  At the end of the day, we are our own biggest critic.  The more honest you are in your work, the more others can connect with you.