Interview With Kyla Saphir – Author of Children’s Book On Brighter Days

Kyla Saphir is the author of the new children's book On Brighter Days, a beautifully written and illustrated story that encourages only-child families to be optimistic in difficult times.

I asked her a few questions about her book and what inspired her to write it.

Kyla's answers were both heartfelt and inspirational – read on to find out why this book is so important to her.

Tell Me About Yourself

I am a mother to an amazing 5-year-old daughter, an early childhood educator, a certified yoga instructor, and the author of the new children's book On Brighter Days. 

I am originally from Chicago but currently live in Columbia, South Carolina, with my husband, daughter, and our dog, Nia.

What Inspired You to Write On Brighter Days?

The inspiration for the book, On Brighter Days came from my personal struggle with secondary infertility.

I am the youngest of five children and wanted my daughter to have siblings. 

We started trying for another child when she was about two years old.

But unfortunately, after many doctor's appointments and failed attempts, I found out I wouldn't be able to have any more children without expensive and invasive medical interventions because of fibroids.

When I realized we would not be able to have more kids, I began to look for books for my daughter to explain our experience to her and make sense of it since she asked almost every day for a sibling.

 The bookshelves were empty. There were only a few books about being an only child and only one about secondary infertility.

 I am passionate about high-quality children's literature, so we decided to write our book addressing these feelings for other parents and only children. 

A therapist I worked with said this would help us process our complex feelings.

So now I get to share it with families who also may be struggling with infertility.

What Support Systems Have You Had During Your Struggles With Infertility?

I have been working with a therapist who has helped me process the grief of not being able to have another child and recognize that infertility is a type of trauma. 

She has helped me reach the point where I appreciate our smaller-than-planned family and being more present with my daughter. 

I don't want to miss a moment now that I know this will be my only time to experience each phase.

I love having a Kindergartener that loves to read and write and play so many games!

I am also part of a One and Done moms group with a monthly meet-up where we share all the struggles and benefits of having an only child. 

They have helped me realize that even though our family size gets questioned a lot, we can be secure that this is the right decision for us.

Did You Always Know You Wanted to Be a Writer?

I have been keeping journals ever since I could write. On every family vacation or trip we took, I would record all the things we did, saw, and experienced. 

I liked writing everything down and then reading over it later to reminisce.

As an early childhood educator, I am obsessed with high-quality children's books. 

So many great stories are being written that grab children's attention and open their eyes to the world.

However, there is a lack of quality children's books for only children and families that struggle with secondary infertility, so I hope to fill in that missing demographic with On Brighter Days.

Every child and family should be represented in books so they can see their reflection.

My book shows families with a mom and a dad, single moms, gay families, and families of color.

What Are Your Favorite Children and Adult Authors? 

We have started reading a lot of Mo Willems lately because my daughter is beginning to read. Piggie and Elephant have great storylines and are easy to decode words. 

I also love to read Trish Cooke's books with her, like So Much and Full, Full, Full of Love. My favorite author is Isabel Allende.

I love her writing and the use of magical realism in her novels. 

What Do You Like to Do When You're Not Writing? 

I love playing games with my daughter and husband, being outdoors, reading, practicing yoga, walking with my dog, and planting seeds in my garden.

Where Can Readers Find You and Your Book?

My website is kylasaphirbooks.com. We are taking presale orders for the book, hoping to send it out by Only Child Day on April 12, 2022.

You can get in touch with me on Instagram @Kyla_Saphir_Books or Facebook under my name Kyla Saphir. Or email me at kylajsaphir@gmail.com.