Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Today we’re fortunate to be able to get with Jeff Orlowski, author of the Mom’s Choice Award-winning book Heavenly Kids. The book features an angelic trio who help a struggling 12-year-old boy navigate  difficult feelings and choices relating to his parents’ divorce. Filled with warmth, hope, and the transformative power of kindness, this middle-grade adventure will inspire readers to believe in the enduring power of love, friendship, and the quiet miracles that shape our lives.

MCA: Jeff, thanks so much for joining us today, and congratulations on your Mom’s Choice Award! I’d like to start the interview by finding out more about the creator of such a remarkable and hopeful story.

I’ve been passionate about writing for most of my life, but I’ll admit, as a child, I didn’t love reading. I thought it was boring because I hadn’t yet found the right book to capture my imagination. Reading became my least favorite subject, not because I couldn’t read, but because my mind would drift when I wasn’t engaged by the story. Everything changed when I finally discovered a book that sparked my curiosity and pulled me into its world. That moment taught me the importance of stories that truly connect with readers, a lesson I carry with me in my writing today.

When I write a story, I always ask myself, “Will this story and the way it’s written capture the imagination of a child who thinks reading is boring?” If the answer is no, I keep revising it. My goal is to create stories that engage and inspire readers, no matter where they are in their reading journey.

My journey began in the sixth grade when I wrote my first story for a class assignment, and my love for storytelling has stayed with me ever since. I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, a city that holds many cherished memories from my childhood and early years. After earning my degree in Gerontology, specializing in Long-Term Care Administration, from Bowling Green State University, I focused on my career as a nursing home administrator. For many years, writing took a back seat to my professional responsibilities.

That changed when I met Mary Jo, a remarkable resident at one of the nursing homes where I worked. Mary Jo, who lived with Cerebral Palsy, had a lifelong dream of finishing a book about her experiences. She had started the project over 40 years earlier but had never completed it. Realizing I could help her achieve this dream, I spent countless hours listening to her stories and transforming them into words. Together, we completed her book, fulfilling her lifelong goal.

Helping Mary Jo finish her book was a turning point for me. Though she passed away a few years later, her influence on me was profound. Through our journey, she reignited my love for storytelling, a passion I had long set aside. Inspired by this experience, I went on to write my first full-length novel, an adult suspense book that wasn’t ultimately published. However, this project taught me something important: While I enjoy exploring different genres, I’ve found a special connection to writing middle-grade fiction.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy running, which not only keeps me active but also gives me time to reflect and brainstorm ideas for the stories I’m working on. I often return from a run with a clearer vision for my characters and plot. I also love spending time with my wife and our three dogs.

MCA: Please provide a brief synopsis of your book, Heavenly Kids.

Heavenly Kids tells the story of three young guardian angels, Everett, Lucy, and Alvin, on a mission to help a boy named Jayden. Through their guidance, Jayden navigates the emotional challenges of his parents’ divorce, the consequences of a reckless prank, and his journey toward forgiveness and hope. It’s a story that celebrates courage, empathy, and the unseen connections that help us through life’s toughest moments. The book is intended for readers ages 8–12.

MCA: What inspired you to become an author, and how does your personal background influence your writing?

I’ve always been inspired by the magic of the imagination—the idea of taking something that doesn’t exist and making it real through storytelling. Even as a child, my imagination knew no bounds. I saw adventures in every corner of my backyard and created epic tales with my toys as brave companions. The ability to create new worlds, invent characters, and breathe life into them has always fascinated me.

That passion was cemented when I was 12 years old, and my English teacher gave us an assignment to write a story. For the first time, I realized how words can shape ideas and turn them into reality. After completing my first story for this class assignment, I was amazed by what I had created—a world that had never existed before, brought to life purely through my imagination.

My journey as an author has been about bringing the impossible to life by transforming my imagination into stories that feel real and meaningful. My greatest hope is that my stories will capture readers’ imaginations and not let them go, and drawing them into worlds where they can explore and experience adventures that stay with them long after they’ve turned the final page.

MCA: Transporting kids to fantasy worlds and adventures—what an achievement. What was your inspiration for writing Heavenly Kids? Was there a specific occurrence that moved you to write it?

The inspiration for Heavenly Kids comes from a combination of personal experiences and cherished memories that have stayed with me over the years. As a child of divorce, I remember the confusion and loneliness that often accompanied it, and the comfort I found in stories of hope and strength. Today, over 29 million children in America experience parental separation or divorce, navigating similar emotional challenges.

During my own childhood, I often felt there was someone, or something, watching over me. My grandmother, who had a deep faith in guardian angels, believed these unseen protectors were always by our side, guiding and helping us through life’s toughest moments. Her belief left a lasting impression on me and shaped my view of guardian angels.

In the ‘90s, I discovered the TV series Touched By An Angel. The way the show blended heartfelt lessons with the idea of divine guidance deeply connected with me, and it sparked the idea to create a similar concept for middle-grade readers. I wanted to write about angels, but not in the way they’re traditionally portrayed. Instead, I imagined angels as kids who are relatable, adventurous, and facing challenges of their own, just like the readers who would pick up my book.

Heavenly Kids is my way of combining these inspirations to create a story that reminds young readers they are never truly alone, no matter what they’re going through. By blending themes of courage, friendship, and faith, I hope to offer a message of hope and encouragement to kids who, like me, may need a reminder of the unseen support that surrounds them.

MCA: That is such an important message. Can you share your creative process—how you generate ideas and bring them to life on the page?

My creative process starts with curiosity and imagination. I’m constantly observing the world around me, asking “what if” questions, and looking for inspiration in everyday moments. Sometimes, it’s a memory from my childhood. Other times, it’s simply a scene or character that appears in my mind, waiting to be explored. For Heavenly Kids, the idea came from my fascination with guardian angels and my desire to make them relatable to middle-grade readers.

Once I have the seed of an idea, I let it simmer. I spend time daydreaming, asking questions about the characters and their world: Who are they? What are their challenges? What makes them unique? I like to sketch out the big picture first—what’s the heart of the story, and what message or emotion do I want readers to take away?

I usually start with a general idea and dive right into writing. I don’t begin with an outline. Typically, I know how I want the story to end, but that’s about it. The challenge and excitement come from connecting all the pieces to get to that ending. As the story progresses, I start outlining to give myself a roadmap, a sense of where the story is going and the key moments I want to hit. I’m not a strict planner when it comes to my writing, but having this loose structure helps guide my creativity. At this stage, the characters often take on lives of their own, steering the story in directions I might not have initially planned.

As I write, I focus on bringing each scene to life. I visualize each moment, almost as if I’m watching a movie play out in my mind, and then work to translate that vision into words. I want to capture the emotions, the dialogue, and the details that make the story feel real and engaging for readers.

Revising is just as important as writing for me. Once the first draft is complete, I go back and look at the story with fresh eyes, polishing it until it shines. This is where I focus on deepening the characters, tightening the plot, and making sure every scene contributes to the overall arc.

As part of the process, the exploration, creation, and refinement are, for me, just as rewarding as reaching the final product. I believe in exploring ideas, often writing scenes just to see where they take me. If a scene doesn’t fit the story, I’m not afraid to delete it, knowing that every step brings me closer to creating something meaningful.

Ultimately, I want to create stories that capture the reader’s imagination and keep them engaged from start to finish.

MCA: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers of Heavenly Kids come away with a sense of comfort, hope, and connection. Life can be challenging, especially for young readers navigating difficult situations like family changes, personal mistakes, or feelings of uncertainty. Through Jayden’s journey and the guidance of Everett, Lucy, and Alvin, I want readers to feel encouraged to face their own challenges with courage and to always hold on to the belief that they can overcome them.

I also hope the story inspires them to see the importance of kindness, empathy, and forgiveness, not only toward others but also toward themselves. The idea that we’re never truly alone, even in our hardest moments, is central to the book. I want readers to believe that there’s always support, whether it comes from the people around them, their own inner strength, or something greater.

I want Heavenly Kids to capture their imaginations and remind them of the power of hope and love to guide us through even the most difficult times.

MCA: What do you find most rewarding about the writing process? Conversely, what are some of the challenges you face?

What I find most rewarding about the writing process is seeing how my stories connect with readers in meaningful ways. Writing allows me to create worlds and characters from my imagination, but the real magic happens when those creations come to life in the hearts of readers.

One of the most rewarding moments for me was hearing about a girl in Georgia who dressed up as Avery Green (from my Avery Green trilogy) for Halloween. Knowing that a character I created inspired someone to celebrate them in such a personal way was incredible. Similarly, during author visits at schools, I love hearing students come up to tell me how much they love my books.

That said, the writing process does come with its challenges. One of the toughest parts is navigating self-doubt, particularly during the early drafts. When I was writing Heavenly Kids, I often found myself questioning whether the characters were relatable enough or if the emotional journey would connect with readers. It’s easy to get stuck in the “is this good enough?” mindset, and there’s often the temptation to rush through revisions. But I’ve learned to embrace the messiness of the first draft and trust that with time and patience, the story will come together. Another challenge is balancing creativity with structure. For example, while writing Heavenly Kids, I wanted the guardian angels to have freedom to explore their personalities and relationships, but I also needed to ensure their mission stayed central to the plot. It’s sometimes difficult to find the right balance between letting my imagination flow freely and ensuring the story has the structure it needs to make sense and keep readers engaged.

In the end, the process is always worth it, because I get to share a story that’s meaningful to me and, hopefully, meaningful to others as well. Moments of connection with readers, like the ones I’ve experienced, make all the effort worthwhile.

MCA: How would you say your book contributes to promoting family-friendly values or enhancing the lives of your readers?

Heavenly Kids contributes to promoting family-friendly values by celebrating themes like kindness, courage, empathy, and forgiveness, which are all values that are essential for young readers navigating the challenges of growing up. The story’s central idea, that we’re never truly alone and are always supported by unseen connections, provides readers with a sense of comfort and hope during difficult times.

Through the guidance of the young guardian angels, Everett, Lucy, and Alvin, the book shows how small acts of compassion and bravery can make a big difference in someone’s life. It also encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions, seek forgiveness when they’ve made mistakes, and approach others with understanding and empathy.

Additionally, the story addresses universal challenges, such as coping with family changes like divorce, navigating friendships, and finding the strength to overcome personal struggles. By reflecting on these real-life issues, Heavenly Kids offers readers a relatable and uplifting experience that reinforces the importance of resilience, faith, human connection, and the value of always striving to do what is right.

I hope the book enhances the lives of its readers by inspiring them to embrace their inner strength, treat others with kindness, and believe in the possibility of hope and redemption, no matter what challenges they face.

MCA: Can you share any memorable moments or feedback from readers that have touched you or reinforced the impact of your work?

As I mentioned earlier, one of the most memorable moments that reinforced the impact of my work was hearing about a young girl in Georgia who dressed up as Avery Green—the main character from the Avery Green Trilogy—for Halloween. Knowing that something I created connected so deeply with her that she wanted to embody that character was incredibly moving.

Another unforgettable moment happened during an author visit at a school. After my presentation, a student was so excited that she rushed the stage, eager to share her enthusiasm about my books. Though a teacher stopped her before she could reach me, her excitement stayed with me as a powerful example of how stories can spark passion and energy in young readers.

I’ve also had readers come up to me during author visits to tell me how much they love my books or how a particular character or story helped them through a tough time. Moments like these are amazing and motivate me to continue to create worlds and characters that inspire, comfort, and connect with readers.

Receiving this kind of feedback is very rewarding, and it reinforces the idea that stories have the power to touch lives in ways we, as authors, can’t always anticipate.

MCA: That is such wonderful feedback! Tell us, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

My advice to aspiring authors is simple: trust your imagination, unleash it, and write the story that speaks to your heart. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about whether your writing is good enough or if anyone will connect with it. But the most important thing is to start. Write for yourself first, and let your passion for the story guide you.

When I wrote Heavenly Kids, I focused on creating a story that reflected themes and values I care deeply about—kindness, hope, and the idea that we’re never truly alone. I didn’t worry about trying to write the “perfect” book; instead, I focused on telling the story I wanted to share with the world. That authenticity is what I believe connects most with readers.

Also, don’t be afraid to revise. Your first draft is just the beginning. When I finished the first draft of Heavenly Kids, it was far from perfect. But through revision, the story and characters grew stronger, and the message became more powerful. Writing is a process, and every step is part of the journey.

Finally, remember that writing takes persistence and patience. Celebrate the small victories such as finishing a chapter or meeting your writing goal for the day. Those moments will keep you going. Most importantly, believe in your ability to tell stories that matter, because there’s a reader out there waiting for your words.

MCA: What a terrific idea to keep in mind—that there’s a reader out there waiting for your words. I’d also love to know what your future plans or goals are as an author?

My future plans include continuing to create stories that inspire, entertain, and connect with readers. I’m currently working on another novel, scheduled for release in late 2025, which I’m incredibly excited about. This new story will build on my passion for creating imaginative and meaningful tales for young readers.

Beyond this, my goal is to expand my reach as an author, connecting with even more readers through school and library visits, events, and community engagement.

As an author I want to keep telling stories that leave a lasting impression—stories that remind readers of hope, what it means to be the underdog, and the endless possibilities of imagination.

MCA: Jeff, thanks so much for joining us today. Your words are, quite simply, inspirational. Our very best wishes for you and future writing endeavors!