“When I remember you, I wrap my arms around myself. I remember how brave I am to be here without you.”

When I Remember – Laura Linn Knight

I recently read Laura Linn Knight’s beautiful book, When I Remember, one that encapsulates the experience of moving through stages of grief in a way unlike I’ve ever encountered before. I loved it so much. A poetic exploration of grief and everything that comes with it, as well as a brilliant tool for healing. I’m so happy I got the chance to ask Laura some questions about how this book came to be, as well as about what’s to come. Grab a drink, and enjoy! 💙 (Read my review of When I Remember here!)

1. When did you first get the idea for your series of books, Soothing Stories for Grown-up Hearts, and, especially, When I Remember? How did the idea of a picture book come about? It is beautiful!

As an elementary school teacher, I often used picture books in my classroom because they provided a safe space for children to see their own emotions mirrored back to them in a story. It gave them comfort and helped them feel less alone in their experiences. What I quickly realized, though, was that the same picture books I was reading to my students were incredibly healing for me as an adult. They had a way of connecting to emotions on a deep, intuitive level, one that words alone often can’t reach.

This realization planted the seed for my series Soothing Stories for Grown-Up Hearts. I wanted to create picture books specifically for adults and teens, combining the magic of poetic stories and stunning illustrations with practical tools for emotional well-being. My background in mindfulness, meditation, and parent education, paired with my love of learning about the science of healing, inspired me to craft books that were meaningful and accessible to those navigating life’s challenges.

When I Remember came to life during one of the hardest times in my life after my stepfather died by suicide. The grief was overwhelming, and while I searched for books on grief to help me navigate it, I struggled to engage with them. The books were often long and complex, and in the midst of my pain, I didn’t have the capacity to absorb them.

I wanted to create something different for others who might be facing their own waves of grief. I envisioned a book that could gently support someone in the grieving process, a story that soothes the heart with its words and illustrations, while also speaking to the inner child within all of us. At the same time, I included tools at the back of the book that readers could explore whenever they felt ready. These tools are designed to offer practical support and spark curiosity, serving as an accessible starting point for deeper healing when the time and space allow.

By blending story, art, and actionable resources, I hoped to create a unique format that not only comforts but also empowers readers to navigate their emotions and take steps toward healing.

2. How did you meet your illustrator? How soon did you know they were the one to illustrate your book? How did you collaborate to ensure the visuals complemented the tone of the book?

The journey to finding the perfect illustrator for When I Remember began through a dear friend of mine who lives in Colombia. When I was working on my first mindfulness-themed picture book for children, Wolf’s Mindful Tales, she suggested I collaborate with one of her friends, a Colombian artist she had gone to school with. That experience was so positive and rewarding that it inspired me to explore more Colombian artists for my other projects.

I was inspired by many artists from Colombia who use vibrant colors and bring a magical, inspiring quality to their work, something that resonates deeply with me. While searching for the right artist for When I Remember, I came across Juan Pablo Caceres on Instagram. One of his illustrations caught my eye, and I immediately fell in love with his style. His work is rich with symbolism, and I could tell he would beautifully capture both the emotional depth of the story and the magic I wanted readers to experience.

Collaborating with Juan Pablo Caceres was a joy. He brought the tone of the book to life with his ability to create visuals that feel both soothing and captivating. Together, we ensured that the illustrations not only complemented the story but also spoke directly to the hearts of readers, creating an immersive and meaningful experience.

Since then, we’ve worked on another project together, a mindfulness coloring book filled with positive affirmations, designed for adults and teens. We’re thrilled to have published it in both English and Spanish, extending its reach to more people who can benefit from its calming and uplifting energy.

3. What is the central message you hope your readers will take away from your books, and this book in particular?

It’s often said that knowledge is power, and I truly believe in the depth of that truth. The more we understand about grief, mental well-being, self-acceptance, self-worth, and the wide range of big emotions and challenges we face, the more empowered we are to show up in the world and in our communities with love and kindness at the core of our actions.

Through all of my books, I aim to share tools that many of us never learned as children, or that may feel too abstract or overwhelming to explore on our own. My goal is to present these tools in a way that feels approachable and inspiring, offering readers a starting point for growth and healing.

At the same time, I hope these stories nurture a sense of kindness, respect, and magic within readers, speaking not only to their present selves but also to their inner child. Far too often, we neglect that part of ourselves, the part that craves gentleness and wonder.

With When I Remember… and the Soothing Stories for Grown-Up Hearts series, my hope is to offer knowledge and inspiration that empower readers to cultivate a richer emotional life. By doing so, we can all move closer to a world filled with greater understanding, compassion, and connection.

4. What is your background? Did you consult with any other professionals to whip the book into shape?

I come from a background as a former elementary school teacher, a certified mindfulness and meditation coach, and a dedicated parenting educator. I’ve always had a deep interest in understanding the science behind mental well-being and emotional healing, especially in how they intersect with grief. In creating When I Remember… and the Soothing Stories for Grown-Up Hearts series, I drew heavily from both my personal experiences and professional training.

To ensure the book was not only compassionate but also well-researched, I consulted a variety of books from respected professionals in grief studies and emotional well-being. This helped me craft a story that is not only soothing but also scientifically grounded, offering readers evidence-based tools to navigate the difficult emotions that come with loss. By blending heartfelt prose with strategies for emotional resilience, the book supports readers in both acknowledging their grief and finding proactive ways to heal.

Ultimately, my goal was to create a resource that felt both nurturing and empowering, combining the magic of storytelling with proven methods for healing.

5. How do you hope your book contributes to conversations about grief?

I hope When I Remember… helps create a more open and compassionate conversation about grief. Grief is such a personal and complex experience, yet it’s often something we feel we must navigate in isolation. My goal is to offer a book that makes grief feel more understood, approachable, and less isolating for those who are experiencing it.

By presenting the grieving process in a visual and poetic way, I aim to invite readers to explore their emotions without judgment. I want people to feel that it’s okay to experience a full range of emotions—sorrow, anger, confusion, and even moments of peace—without rushing through them. The book also provides practical, science-based tools to help readers build emotional resilience, offering a sense of agency in a time that can feel completely overwhelming.

Ultimately, I hope this book fosters a sense of connection and empathy, not just for those grieving but for anyone looking to better understand the journey of loss. Grief is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult. By giving people a resource that acknowledges both the ebb and flow of this process, I hope it encourages deeper conversations around healing, self-compassion, and emotional well-being.

6. Tell us about your other books! What other topics have you covered in your series?

In my Soothing Stories for Grown-Up Hearts series, I cover a wide range of topics related to mindfulness, self-discovery, and personal growth, with each book offering unique tools to support emotional well-being.

When I Accept Myself: This book invites readers on a journey of self-acceptance, helping them embrace their imperfections and let go of unrealistic expectations. With gentle, science-backed tools, it encourages embracing your true self and cultivating compassion. The story connects with the playful spirit of the inner child while fostering a growth mindset and self-compassion.

When I Nurture My Creativity: This book encourages adults and teens to reconnect with their creative side as a means of emotional healing and self-expression. It offers tools for overcoming self-doubt, nurturing creativity, and using artistic endeavors as a form of self-care. This story takes readers into a fairytale forest, where creative animals inspire inner exploration and creative empowerment.

When I Know My Worth: Focused on self-esteem and empowerment, this book helps readers recognize their intrinsic value and build self-confidence. Through a beautiful, illustrative journey, it provides science-backed techniques for strengthening self-worth and reparenting the inner child, ultimately cultivating resilience and empowerment.

When I Worry: Designed to help manage anxious thoughts and feelings, this book offers a creative, carnival-themed exploration of worry. It provides proactive strategies to develop resilience, self-compassion, and inner peace. With soothing imagery and tools for calming the mind, it helps readers transform anxiety into empowerment.

Each of these books combines lyrical storytelling, beautiful illustrations, and science-based tools for personal transformation. They are designed to be both inspiring and practical, offering accessible strategies to help readers navigate emotions, cultivate mindfulness, and build emotional resilience.

7. In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being an author?

In my opinion, the best thing about being an author is the ability to create and share stories that have the potential to inspire, heal, and connect with others. As an author, you have the unique opportunity to guide readers through emotional journeys, offering them both comfort and insight. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that your words might help someone feel understood, spark a new perspective, or provide practical tools for personal growth. Writing also allows for creative freedom and self-expression, offering a way to channel your own experiences and ideas into something that can positively impact others.

8. What are some of your favourite books and authors? Are there any books that inspire you to write your own books?

I have so many books that I absolutely love, but one of my all-time favorites is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book has been a profound source of inspiration for me, especially during moments when the creative process felt overwhelming or difficult. Gilbert’s exploration of creativity, coupled with her encouragement to embrace the messy, imperfect nature of it, has been a guiding light. It has reminded me that creativity is something to nurture with joy, not pressure, and that it’s okay to show up for it even when it doesn’t feel easy. Her words continue to inspire me to push through those challenging moments and keep creating.

9. What are you currently working on? Is there anything you can share with us?

Yes! I’m currently working on the next addition to the Soothing Stories for Grown-Up Hearts collection, and this one explores the theme of surrender. It’s a topic that deeply resonates with me, as it’s about letting go of the need to control every aspect of life and learning to trust in the unfolding of our journey. In this story, I aim to guide readers through the process of embracing uncertainty with grace and resilience, using mindfulness and self-compassion as tools to navigate the challenges life presents. It’s a gentle invitation to release fear, trust in the flow of life, and find peace in surrendering to what is. I’m really excited about how it’s coming together and how it will offer support to those seeking greater inner calm and acceptance.

10. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new writers?

My best advice for new writers is simple: don’t give up. Writing doesn’t have to be perfect. Embrace the process and enjoy it. Let your heart dance with ideas, and allow your creativity to flow freely. Try to let go of worrying about the outcome and instead focus on the passion of writing itself. Trust that everything else will fall into place in its own time and in ways you might never have expected.

About the author

Laura Linn Knight is a parenting educator, author, mindfulness and meditation leader, mother of two and former elementary school teacher who helps families create a calmer home. Laura’s work has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, Romper, PureWow, Motherly, Good Day LA, and across other various media outlets. To learn more, visit www.lauralinnknight.com.

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