Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Preyor.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up, I loved to read and would create stories with my imagination as a child, sharing them with anyone who would listen. I loved to read books such as the Bernstein Bears by Jan and Stan Bernstein and books by Mercer Mayer. I would often visit the library and bookstores. I believe the books I loved reading as a young child shaped the children’s book author I am today. Combined with my professional experience in the occupational therapy field has given me insight into writing social stories for children of all abilities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge with being an author right now is marketing in a pandemic. You become very creative with learning new marketing strategies.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a children’s book author and an occupational therapist assistant. I use my professional occupational therapy experience in the field to write social storybooks geared toward children of all backgrounds and abilities with transitioning in environments, social situations, and everyday experiences. Social storybooks help children navigate everyday life. I aim to give a voice and visual representation of all children and experiences they may encounter while also supporting children transitioning in different environments. The books that I write such as “Owen Makes a New Friend on the School Bus” teach lessons about diversity, friendships, unexpected change of environments, inclusion, and overcoming fears with everyday fun stories. After reading my books my goal is for children to feel confident as they encounter new and often intimidating experiences. My proudest moments come from when children tell me how they can relate to my character in ways that are relevant to their everyday life. Then I know I did a job well done when the message intended is conveyed.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has been a great opportunity to make meaningful connections and gain a wealth of knowledge. It is very important to surround yourself with like-mind individuals in the same field or professions that can assist you with your professional journey. I recommend groups tailored to your profession, webinars, and workshops to stay updated with new upcoming changes and to gain insight into things you may have not known or encountered yet. It has surely helped me along my journey by surrounding myself with other authors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.authordpreyor.com
- Instagram: @authordpreyor
Image Credits
Maylani Bussey with M.B. Photocreations
