“Searching for Fairie, Finding Me” — A Tale of Self-Discovery
- Rosamond Salazar
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
When I wrote Searching for Fairie, Finding Me, I took from pieces of my own journey—my bright, imaginative dreams, my moments of doubt, and the rediscovery of the magic I had almost forgotten. This book is more than just a children’s story—it’s a gentle reminder to little girls everywhere to never lose touch with their true selves and the inner light they carry.
This story is especially meaningful to me because it’s also a bridge—something grandmothers, mothers, and big sisters can use to introduce spirituality and self-worth in a way that feels magical, not heavy. Through a whimsical setting, this story can become a seed planted in young hearts—something I hope they’ll carry with them as they grow and face a world that often asks them to be smaller, quieter, or someone else entirely.
Originally, I began illustrating this book through acrylic paintings—each page a labor of love on canvas while working full time as a nurse. But the process was incredibly time-consuming, and as much as I wanted the art to reflect that richness, I also felt an urgency to get the story out into the world. So, I pivoted. I taught myself digital illustration—something far out of my comfort zone, especially since I’m not very computer savvy. It still took a long time, but it's still a beautiful book. Do check it out here: https://a.co/d/89MrP00
That said, I still hold a dream close to my heart: to one day illustrate this story fully in acrylic on canvas and have it traditionally published—complete with thick, board pages rather than the thin paper stock typical of print-on-demand books. I wrote this story not just for children, but also for the child I once was—the one who believed in big dreams until the voices around her said, “That’s not realistic,” or “That’s not how the world works.”
But now, after years of healing, unlearning, and reclaiming my voice, I’ve found my step again. I’m creating, dreaming, and moving forward—slowly but surely. This book is a part of that rebirth. It’s my way of saying to every young girl (and the woman she’ll become): You are meant to shine. You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. Searching for Fairie, Finding Me is a love letter to every girl trying to find her way—and a gentle nudge to never stop believing in her own magic.
