Connect
To Top
Local Stories

Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Theresa Maria Villarreal of Spring

Avatar photo

Theresa Maria Villarreal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Theresa Maria, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
At my core, I’ve always felt called to be a storyteller. Writing my middle-grade fantasy series Adventures in Oculus has given me the chance to create rich, imaginative worlds where young readers can see their strength and courage reflected back at them. That calling to write has been with me since childhood, but recently it has started to grow into something more.

Now, I am being called to share not just my stories, but my voice, to help others navigate the creative process and feel less alone. That’s why Jackie Garcia-Morales and I created The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast. We both saw how confusing and overwhelming the publishing world can be. It often feels like The Wizard of Oz, with a big curtain and a mysterious figure behind it pulling all the strings. We wanted to pull back that curtain and show people what’s really behind it.

Our goal is to demystify the publishing process and offer insight and encouragement to both emerging and established authors through honest conversations with writers, illustrators, and publishing professionals. We wanted to create a space that is open, welcoming, and full of real talk.

I used to be afraid of putting myself out there, of saying the wrong thing, or not being enough. But I’ve learned that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about showing up, sharing what you’ve learned, and building something that helps others move forward with confidence.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Theresa Villarreal, and at my heart, I’m a storyteller. I’m the author of the Adventures in Oculus series, a portal fantasy saga that begins as a middle-grade journey and evolves into a young adult adventure, following the life and growth of Dominic, a boy who discovers a world beyond imagination.

The series begins with Adventures in Oculus: Dominic’s Closet. An ordinary day turns extraordinary as Dominic stumbles upon a mystical portal hidden in his family’s heirloom wardrobe. Transported to the somber land of Oculus, Dominic finds a realm shrouded in darkness under the rule of the malevolent Spider Witch. Armed with his sharp intellect and The Book of Knowledge, Dominic teams up with steadfast allies Barnabus and Buckle Boots the Brave to rescue Princess Rebecca and restore light to Oculus.

In the thrilling sequel, Adventures in Oculus: The Firedrake, Dominic never expected to return to Oculus so soon. When the legendary pirate Buckle Boots goes missing, he must step back through the enchanted wardrobe. Reuniting with friends old and new, Dominic embarks on a perilous quest into the untamed jungles of Oculus, facing a powerful villain, the dark shapeshifting Wizard Dragon, and uncovering secrets about his own family. With the legend of the Firedrake resurfacing and the fate of Oculus at stake, Dominic must embrace his destiny as the Chosen One and summon all his courage to save his friend and the magical realm.

Filled with adventure, magical creatures, danger, and emotional growth, the Adventures in Oculus series explores courage, friendship, and the power of discovering one’s true self.

Adventures in Oculus is more than just a book series—it’s also the name of my creative brand and website, where I offer books, merchandise, web design, and editing services specifically for authors and small business owners. I love helping other creatives bring their stories and brands to life in a way that feels authentic and exciting.

I also co-host The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast with Jackie Garcia-Morales. Together, we created a space to discuss children’s literature from board books to young adult and bring in industry voices to share behind-the-scenes insight into publishing. We are currently in the process of building our own LLC to turn the podcast into a real business. Our podcast is notable for featuring both self-published and traditionally published authors, as well as publishers—including members of the Big Six—who send us books to review and judge on our panel. Submissions for upcoming episodes are open until October 5. Our goal is to create a professional platform that produces engaging content while supporting authors, illustrators, and fellow creatives through educational resources, merchandise, and collaborative opportunities.

Beyond the Adventures in Oculus series, I am actively working on several other projects, including chapter books and multiple picture books. I am also preparing to re-release my first book this September with bonus material. My work has been submitted for consideration for the Aurora Awards in Aurora, Colorado, and I am honored to serve as a panel judge for this prestigious celebration of speculative fiction.

Right now, I’m focused on growing both the series and the podcast while continuing to build a supportive space for fellow creatives. Whether I’m writing a fantasy novel, designing a website, or interviewing an author, I’m always working to inspire imagination and help others feel seen and encouraged on their journey.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most about work. She was one of the strongest, most determined women I’ve ever known, and she led by example in everything she did. She showed me what it means to work with purpose, to show up fully, and to care deeply about the people and the work you invest in.

Even though she has passed on, who she was and what she believed still lives on in me and in my children. Her strength, her drive, and the way she poured love into everything she touched continue to guide how I approach my life as a writer, a mom, and a business owner. Her legacy is a part of everything I do.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her she is full of light and capable of more than she knows. Her creativity, kindness, and big dreams are not only good but necessary. Even if others don’t see it yet, that doesn’t make it any less true.

Keep going. Keep dreaming big. Every small step matters. Every spark of imagination is leading you somewhere beautiful. One day, you will use your voice and vision to inspire others to believe in themselves. You are worthy. You are loved. Your story is just beginning.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely. What you see is what you get. I try to show up as my true self in everything I do, whether it is through my writing, my podcast, or how I live day to day. I do not believe in creating one version of myself for the public and another behind the scenes. The voice you hear on The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast is the same voice that encourages my kids, supports other creatives, and writes stories with heart and intention.

You can especially see that in my writing, where I pour in the values I care about, such as empathy, courage, and curiosity, and build stories that reflect both wonder and truth. You can hear it in every podcast episode, where my co-founder Jackie and I speak honestly about our experiences and try to make space for others to feel seen. And you will find it in my daily life, where I aim to live with integrity and show my children what it means to be kind, committed, and real.

I believe people connect most with authenticity. We are all drawn to something honest, like real stories, real conversations, and real community. That is what I always try to share, because being fully yourself is not only enough; it is meaningful and deeply needed.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
There have been plenty of times when my work went unnoticed, but I kept going. I kept giving it my best because I believe in what I do. Whether I’m writing, raising my kids, working with other creatives, or building something new, I’ve learned that showing up with heart matters more than being seen.

Yes, praise is encouraging, and we all need it now and then, but real motivation comes from knowing your purpose and staying true to it, even when no one is clapping. That mindset has shaped who I am, and it is something I try to pass on to my kids every day.

Right now, my podcast co-host and co-founder, Jackie Garcia-Morales, and I are working hard to turn The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast into an LLC. We want it to be more than just a show. We are building a platform that lifts up underrepresented voices in children’s literature, celebrates authors, and provides real resources for creatives at every stage. Our episodes feature inspiring guests, including New York Times bestselling author Kwame Mbalia, legendary author Lois Lowry, and Emmy Award-winning writer and author Max Beaudry. We also shine a spotlight on award-winning work, including books nominated for the Nebula Award. Submissions from authors are open, and I am personally submitting my work for the Aurora Awards in Aurora, Colorado, while also serving as a panel judge. Our mission is to pull back the curtain on publishing, amplify voices that deserve to be seen, and create a space where everyone feels supported, welcomed, and inspired.

At the same time, I’m continuing to grow my author work. Two books in my seven-part portal fantasy series, Adventures in Oculus, are out now and available at Village Books in The Woodlands. The series is planned as a full seven-part adventure, and I’m actively submitting queries for my latest picture book.

Whether I’m telling stories or helping others share theirs, I am committed to showing up with everything I have. Stories matter. So do the people who tell them.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Image credit: Theresa Villarreal and Jackie Garcia-Morales

These images are for both my author page and The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast.

Suggest a Story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories