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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Erica Marom discusses her new book, Growing Pains, which reflects on the bittersweet journey of parenthood, from infancy to young adulthood, celebrating the evolving parent-child relationship through cherished memories and inspiring readers to embrace each stage.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Erica Marom about her life and career, the inspiration behind her new book, Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story, and her creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Erica, and I’m a mom to three beautiful boys. I’m a former BBC journalist who now works in the high tech industry helping startups build their brands and tell their stories. Officially, I’m the Chief Communications Officer at Aleph, a venture capital fund. I’m also a huge sports fan and obsessed with all things Disney.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I’ve wanted to write a book since I was a little girl. I love telling stories. Before I could even write, I would steal my father’s dictaphone machine (he’s a doctor) and make up silly poems into it, and his secretary would type them up for me along with his surgical notes. And then when I got a little older and learned to write on my own, I had this notebook that I would fill with stories and songs. I always dreamed of one day publishing them into a book.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I’ve been writing my whole life. I just never thought I would actually publish a book.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story is my first book, and it only took 3 months because I used Spines, the AI-driven publishing company. I wrote the story and created the illustrations, and they did the rest! It was all so easy and fast. Working with Spines was a wonderful experience.
What made you want to write Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story?
I have 3 sons, ages 16, 13, and 10, and they are growing up so fast. Last summer, my oldest went to sleepaway camp abroad for a month, and even though he was having the time of his life, I was missing him like crazy. And they weren’t allowed to use their phones! Which was great for him, but hard for me. It was the first time he was away from home for so long. But he was so ready for that independence, and I needed to find a way to give that to him and be whole with it.
At the end of the day, we want to raise resourceful, independent children who will grow into responsible and mature adults, but at the same time, they will always be our babies, and we want to keep them close. Growing Pains is a heart-warming reflection of a child’s journey from baby to young adult. From tiny hands in yours to the heart-wrenching day they outgrow your embrace, this book celebrates the evolving relationship between a parent and their child.
There are just so many books to read with your little kids, and I wanted something to read with my older kids.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story?
The words came pouring out of me over various commutes on the train to work. The hardest part was actually the illustrations. I had a very specific vision for what I wanted them to look like, that vintage illustrative style we grew up in the 80s and 90s, and I really wanted to use AI to create them, so it took a lot of attempts, a lot of back and forth with various prompts, both to get the style I wanted and keep it somewhat consistent throughout the book.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
My son 🙂
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
The joys and challenges of parenting 🙂
What is the main conflict of Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story?
The main conflict of my book is that my son is growing up and growing away from me, and while I want him to grow and become an independent, resourceful and responsible adult, he’s also still my baby boy, and I want to keep him close to me. And this book both bares raw that conflict and celebrates it, and gives us an opportunity to connect with our kids about our changing relationships.
Did you plot Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I write freely.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Growing Pains: A Teenage Bedtime Story need?
Not really, a bit of grammar support.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Just start writing. Whatever is in your mind or in your heart. Even if later you end up somewhere else, the first and hardest step is just to start putting words on paper.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I am currently working on my second children’s book called The Middle Child, which I hope anyone who is a middle child or is raising a middle child can relate to, as it is about celebrating that unique journey.
I am also working on a fantasy novel for adults, which is both very exciting and challenging.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Publishing my first book was honestly one of the greatest joys of my life. And it’s only made me want to write more. I wrote it for my children, but as friends and family started reading it and sharing reviews and videos, I realized the power storytelling can have to help us build relationships with our children through every new experience and stage of life.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jEgWsl
My instagram: ericamarom
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