When the world slowed down in 2020, Mona Liza Santos found her voice as a storyteller. What began as a way to bring light into uncertain times for her son blossomed into a meaningful career as a children’s book author whose words uplift, comfort, and inspire. Since the release of her debut Mama, I Love You, Mona has published heartfelt stories that encourage children to embrace their uniqueness, nurture kindness, and see their worth.
Her books—shaped by her Filipino heritage, the wisdom of her grandparents, and her travels to more than seventy countries—remind readers that beauty can be found in the smallest moments and that love and empathy are universal languages. Whether celebrating cultural diversity in Michael Travels Around the World, teaching acceptance in My Friend is Different and That’s Okay!, or inspiring positivity in her latest release Surround Yourself, Mona writes with both heart and purpose.
Beyond her role as an author, Mona is a full-time mom, guiding her son Michael Blade—who is also a published author—while showing him firsthand the power of pursuing your passions. With a suitcase full of stories and a heart full of compassion, she continues to create books that leave lasting imprints on children and families worldwide.
What inspired you to start writing children’s books during the pandemic, and how did you overcome the initial self-doubt of being a first-time author?
It started with being home and having so few places to go. I would find myself sitting in front of the news, and it just didn’t feel good. I wanted to use that time for something meaningful, something that would make a difference for my son and maybe for other kids too.
I have always been a sensitive and empathetic person, and I noticed there weren’t many books that really captured that simple but powerful “Mama, I love you” feeling. So I decided to create one. Writing gave me a way to bring light into a dark and uncertain time.
There were times when I hesitated to write and even considered publishing a book because I questioned myself: Who am I to write a book? However, my thoughts kept returning to my son and the stories he could grow up with—stories about love, kindness, and courage. That inspiration ultimately overpowered my doubt. I began with one page, then another, and before I knew it, my book was published in 2021.
Your debut book, Mama, I Love You, is dedicated to your son—how did he influence the storytelling and themes?
Michael inspired every part of that book. Many of these lines are inspired by things he has said to me or by moments we’ve shared that I want to cherish. I want him to understand that I will always be here for him, no matter the circumstances, even when I’m giving him a lecture. LOL. This sentiment applies to anyone else for whom I write as well.
Writing this book felt like creating something we could both cherish forever. It is not just for us, it’s for every mother and child who recognizes that the small, everyday moments are often the most meaningful.
You’ve traveled to nearly 70 countries—have any of these experiences directly influenced your stories or characters?
Travel has definitely left its fingerprints all over my writing. Some of my stories wouldn’t even exist without the places I’ve seen. Every trip holds its own treasure of memories—vivid colors, sounds, tastes, and moments.
In Jordan, I remember the lively chatter of market sellers and the enticing smell of spices in the air. While in Japan, it felt like stepping into a painting. The gardens and cherry blossoms were so breathtaking I half-expected time to stop just so I could take it all in. Even the smallest details—like the way a tea cup was set down—were done with such care, it made me realize beauty really can be found in the tiniest of moments.
I’ve also discovered that even in countries where we hear of having high crime rates, many of the people I met are incredibly kind, which shows that the news can sometimes make a place seem scarier than it is. Traveling has reminded me that there’s still plenty of kindness out there, even in this wild world we live in.
The different places I have been to inspire my writing and encourage me to highlight the importance of embracing who you are. For instance, in my book “My Friend is Different and That’s Okay!” published in 2021, the main character is a Martian, but the story reflects lessons I picked up on my travels about how we all share feelings, dreams, and a desire to fit in, no matter where we come from.
I also wrote “Michael Travels Around the World,” inspired by my son, which takes readers to various countries and celebrates their unique cultures.
My latest book, “Surround Yourself,” published in August 2025, is about being around people, places, and things that make you happy. This message echoes what I have learned while traveling: your surroundings can shape your view of the world and yourself.
Many aspiring writers struggle to get started. What advice would you give to moms who want to write but don’t know where to begin?
My advice is not to wait until you feel “ready” to start writing. If you have an idea or a message that matters to you, begin with that, even if it is just a few sentences or a quick note on your phone. Keep a notebook nearby because some of the best ideas come when you least expect them, like while you are cooking, walking, or even lying in bed daydreaming.
Don’t wait for the perfect time because there will always be laundry, errands, or something else that needs your attention. Try to write whenever you can, even if it’s just a few minutes here and there. You got to start somewhere, and even the smallest step forward is still progress toward something you’ll be proud of.
What are your long-term goals for your writing career, and do you plan to expand into other genres or formats?
I plan to explore other genres in the future. I want to write a women-empowering fiction novel because they’re love stories that give women the courage to believe in themselves and take control of their own lives. I am also open to trying different types of books, but children’s books will always have a special place in my heart. They are where I started, and they continue to give me the chance to inspire children to be confident, kind, and trustworthy in themselves.
Being a true empath, I notice things deeply. It stays with me when I see someone being mistreated, and I have never liked seeing people hurt or made to feel small. That is why I want to write more to inspire kindness, compassion, and the belief that we all have value. Whether it is for children or adults, I want my stories to encourage people to believe in themselves and treat others with respect.
You’re a full-time mom to your nine-year-old son—what’s the best part of motherhood for you?
Even though I’m a full-time mom to my almost 10-year-old son, whose birthday is on October 22, I’ve loved being there for every milestone along the way. Since my husband is in the Navy and often away, I’ve been the one raising him day to day, and I’m grateful for all the time we’ve had together.
One of my favorite moments is seeing my son enjoy the book I read to him, and watching his excitement when I publish a new one. The best part of motherhood for me is knowing my child can see what makes me happy, doing the things I love, and writing is primarily one of them. I have noticed that my books have inspired him to love himself more and embrace his uniqueness, and that is what makes motherhood so special to me.
Over the years, he has grown into such a sweet and thoughtful boy, and the best part is knowing he is connected to his feelings and comfortable expressing them.
How do you find balance between being a mom, a writer, and someone with a deep love for travel and adventure?
I am fully present in whatever I am doing at the moment. When I am with my son, I focus entirely on him and our time together. When I am writing, I let myself get lost in the story. Travel is a big part of my life, and I make space for it because it fuels my creativity and gives me fresh ideas.
I plan ahead and organize everything in my journal or even in my phone notes, so I know what needs to be done and when. If I start feeling stressed, I listen to a relaxing podcast to help me reset. When I am traveling, I write in between, juggling multiple tasks while keeping things manageable. I also ask for help when I need it and am grateful to have a few support people I can count on.
It may sound like a tight schedule, but over time you learn what works for you and what does not. I have learned to pace myself, take breaks when I need them, and blend my passions in a way that still leaves room to enjoy the moment. I like to think of myself as a very busy bee—but one that knows when to slow down and enjoy the flowers.
What are your long-term goals for your writing career, and do you plan to expand into other genres or formats?
I definitely see myself exploring other genres in the future. I may want to write women-empowering fiction novels, because I love stories that give women the courage to believe in themselves and take control of their own lives. I am also open to trying different types of books, but children’s books will always have a special place in my heart. They are where I started, and they continue to give me the chance to inspire children to be confident, kind, and true to themselves.
Being a true empath, I notice things deeply. It stays with me when I see someone being mistreated, and I have never liked seeing people hurt or made to feel small. That is why I hope to write more books that inspire kindness, compassion, and the belief that we all have value. Whether it is for children or adults, I want my stories to encourage people to believe in themselves and treat others with respect.
What are three things you always carry with you when traveling?
My phone is always with me, not just for staying connected but also for taking way too many photos and jotting down story ideas in my notes. I always carry a small journal because sometimes I need to write things down by hand—plus, it makes me feel like a “real” writer even if I am only scribbling a grocery list in it. And snacks… always snacks. I have learned the hard way that exploring on an empty stomach is never a good idea. There might even be a random candy bar or a pack of crackers rolling around at the bottom of my bag right now.
If your life were turned into a children’s book, what would the title be and why?
I think I would call it Suitcase Full of Stories. Life has given me many challenges, but I always find a way to keep going. Sometimes I move forward smoothly, and other times I stumble, but I try to turn hard times into lessons and lessons into something worth sharing. It is a story about staying strong, loving deeply, and following your dreams, even when the road is not straight.
It would show how much I love traveling, meeting people from all kinds of places, and learning about their cultures. My experiences have changed my perspective on the world and my writing. Like my characters, I’ve learned that everyone and every place has something to teach us. It’s about being true to yourself, taking pride in your uniqueness, and finding joy in the journey and the destination.
Discover the inspiring stories of Mona Liza Santos:
Books:
Official Website: monalizasantos.com
Follow her journey on Instagram: @momosvoyage
