If drawing is your passion? Draw whatever you like, and whenever you like. As a kid, I carried a sketchbook everywhere I went. I was always drawing. I found myself drawing comics in the empty spaces of my notebooks and even my elementary school yearbook.

I also used my love of reading to start a blog. Back in 2015, my parents suggested that I start a book blog, since I am such a voracious reader. I started reviewing books ever since. My age recommendations are based on how I would have handled the book as a child. It is also proven to be a great resource for local librarians in my community. They often refer kids and their parents to my blog for reading recommendations.

If you aspire to be an author or illustrator, remember, it is not going to happen overnight. Every author has their own path and journey to realizing their dream. The biggest thing is to shoot high and aim for the stars. Always keep writing and drawing pads nearby, read everything you can get your hands on, and never give up on your dreams.

FS: How much time do you spend on your books?

AA: I work on a book a little every day, somedays more. I learned to pace myself. If I work too long, I am not in a great mental place and am too tired.

FS: How long does it take you to write your books?

AA: My first book, Wild Imagination: The Adventures of Maddie and Albert, was hard. I did not know what I wanted the beginning and end to be. It took about one year.

For the second book, How I Spent My Summer Vacation, I already knew what I wanted the beginning and end to be. On summer vacation I worked out a lot how I wanted the pictures to be. It took me six months. The third book, Flying the Imaginary Skies, took about one year.

The fourth book, Backyard Jungle, took a year and a half, but would have been a lot longer if I did not have so much time due to the pandemic. I couldn’t do anything or go anywhere, so the best use of my time was to sit and write and draw.

For the book I am working on now, I am keeping track of how much time and how many days, so I can be accurate if people ask

FS: Do you intend to write more books with the characters that you have developed?

AA: Yes, definitely. I have lots of ideas. The next one will be an ocean adventure. They will be driving a yellow submarine.

FS: What would you like people to know when meeting someone with autism?

AA: The thing about autism is no one with autism is the same,

just like everyone on earth. So, if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism. Each individual with autism has their own quirks and own way of dealing with their problems.

problems. Do not yell or raise your voice at a kid with autism. We won't work with you if you do. Most of us have a hard time identifying emotions in others and raised voices often sound angry. This is from my own experiences. Talk to us slowly and clearly but not like the way you would talk to a 3-year-old. We're not stupid, we just have a hard time understanding you.

Alexandra is truly an inspiring and delightful young woman. A couple of days after the interview with Alexandra, I had the opportunity to have an open and enlightening chat with her father, Floyd. I was pleased to learn that her mom and dad are very present and involved in her life, supporting her every step of the way. Floyd emphasized how important it is for parents of an autistic

Floyd emphasized how important it is for parents of an autistic child, to be present, involved and supportive. He told me the sweet story of how he surprised her with her first 300 copies of the first finished book.

“READING WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA FOR THE TYPES OF STORIES YOU LIKE, IT WILL INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY, AND IT WILL HELP YOU MORE THAN YOU REALIZE IN UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOES INTO A SUCCESSFUL STORY.”

He enlightened me about how each event takes a lot of prepping and, after the event, it takes Alexandra a few days to unwind. He explained to me that Dude, Alexandra’s service dog, helps her when she meets people by being an ice breaker. It’s better for her if she is not immediately the focus of attention, and she is very comfortable answering questions about Dude, whom she knows so well.

When Alexandra was first asked to illustrate another author’s books, she felt it might be too challenging. But with the encouragement and support of her parents, she has illustrated three books for Bobbie Match and Busy One Books.

Along with Dude and the prepping and support of her parents, Alexandra has read at schools, had a table for self-advocates, and even spoken in front of a group of 20 people. She loves to read her books to kids of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Alexandra and her dad, and I hope to "meet" her mom one day soon. They are an inspiring family, and I am so happy to share this article with you. I wish her great success with her book series and applaud her for continuing to inspire. To Alexandra's parents, I say thank you for encouraging other parents to be present, involved, supportive and encouraging. •

To learn more about Alexandra, her books and her latest projects, visit her website at amazingartistsonline.com