Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Maria Villarreal
Hi Theresa Maria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an author began when my son was born. Becoming a mom sparked my creativity and inspired me to start writing stories that could ignite imagination and bring a bit of magic into everyday life. That passion led me to write my middle-grade series, Adventures in Oculus, and publish my book Firedrake. Writing became not just a creative outlet but a way to connect with young readers and share stories filled with adventure and wonder.
I’ve also enjoyed exploring new creative avenues through my children’s coloring book series. Each project—whether writing or illustrating—has been a chance to share my imagination with kids and families, blending fun with creativity.
A pivotal moment in my journey was meeting Jackie Garcia-Morales through LinkedIn. As a publishing professional, Jackie and I immediately connected over our shared love of storytelling and our desire to support authors from all walks of life. Our conversation quickly turned into a collaboration, and together, we launched The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast. Our podcast champions children’s literature, offering in-depth book reviews, insightful interviews with industry professionals, and valuable resources for both self-published and traditionally published authors. It’s become a space where we celebrate stories and help guide aspiring writers through the literary landscape.
In addition to my creative projects, my husband, Ruben, and I are in the early stages of starting our own hot sauce business. I’ve always loved to cook, and I find so much inspiration in my husband’s rich Mexican heritage. Blending flavors and experimenting in the kitchen has become another creative outlet for me, and we’re excited to share those flavors with others.
Balancing my writing, podcasting, and new business venture has been a rewarding challenge. Every day is filled with new ideas—whether I’m crafting the next adventure in Adventures in Oculus, planning an engaging podcast episode, or perfecting a hot sauce recipe. My goal is to continue telling stories, uplifting fellow creatives, and sharing a bit of our family’s passion—one page, one podcast episode, and one delicious bottle at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—like most creative journeys, mine has been filled with twists and turns. Balancing writing, podcasting, and starting a business while being a mom has its challenges. There are days when finding the time to write feels impossible or when creative burnout sneaks in. Staying motivated through those moments has required a lot of patience and grace with myself.
When I first started writing Adventures in Oculus, I faced the typical struggles of any author—self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the daunting process of editing and rewriting. Feedback from beta groups was invaluable, but it also meant opening myself up to criticism and learning to see it as an opportunity for growth.
Launching The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast with Jackie has been an incredible experience, but it came with a learning curve, too. From figuring out the technical aspects of podcasting to finding the right guests and curating meaningful content, it’s been a labor of love.
Starting our hot sauce business has been another adventure. There’s so much to learn about food regulations, product development, and marketing. We’re still in the early stages, preparing for our Kickstarter, and every step is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking.
What truly keeps me going, though, is the unwavering support of my family. My husband, Ruben, and our kids are my biggest cheerleaders. Whether it’s giving me the time and space to write, taste-testing new hot sauce recipes, or just offering a hug on a tough day, their love and encouragement make all the difference. Having their support reminds me why I do what I do and fuels my passion to keep creating, dreaming, and pushing forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an author, storyteller, and podcast co-host with a passion for sharing stories that inspire and uplift. My work primarily revolves around my middle-grade series, Adventures in Oculus, and my book Firedrake. I love creating imaginative worlds where young readers can embark on thrilling adventures, explore new perspectives, and maybe even see a bit of themselves in the characters. My writing is deeply influenced by my Catholic faith and the works of my favorite authors, such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Their ability to weave faith, adventure, and timeless truths into their stories has always resonated with me and inspires my own storytelling.
Recently, I debuted my daily devotional, which is a project close to my heart. It’s a blend of faith, reflection, and encouragement—designed to help readers find moments of peace and inspiration in their daily lives. The devotional offers thoughtful passages and guided reflections, aiming to bring comfort and inspiration to those seeking to deepen their faith.
I’m also excited to share that I’ve created a study guide for Adventures in Oculus, and I plan to continue developing study guides for all of my books. These guides are designed to support educators, parents, and young readers, offering deeper insights and thoughtful discussions around the themes of my stories.
I also co-host The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast with my friend and publishing professional, Jackie Garcia-Morales. Our podcast is dedicated to championing children’s literature—from picture books to young adult novels—while offering a platform for both self-published and traditionally published authors. Through detailed book reviews, insightful interviews, and practical advice, we aim to support authors, educators, and readers alike. It’s a space where stories and storytelling are celebrated, and I’m incredibly proud of the community we’re building.
In addition to writing and podcasting, I’m working on a children’s coloring book series and am in the early stages of launching a hot sauce business with my husband, blending my love for cooking with inspiration from his Mexican heritage.
What sets me apart is my genuine love for storytelling in all its forms and my desire to help others along the way. Whether it’s through my books, our podcast, or connecting with fellow authors, I strive to bring positivity, creativity, and support to the literary community.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made and the impact my stories have on readers. There’s nothing quite like hearing from a young reader who was inspired by my book, seeing someone deepen their faith through my devotional, or connecting with an author who felt seen and supported through our podcast. Those moments are everything to me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking has been such a vital part of my journey as an author and podcaster. One of the best experiences I’ve had recently was attending the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference this past summer. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow authors, illustrators, and industry professionals. The conference not only provided valuable insights into the world of children’s literature but also opened the door to meaningful connections with like-minded creatives.
Engaging with communities—whether in person at conferences like SCBWI or online through platforms like LinkedIn—has been key for me. In fact, it was through LinkedIn that I met my podcast co-host, Jackie Garcia-Morales. What started as a casual conversation blossomed into The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, which is now a platform for celebrating both self-published and traditionally published authors.
When it comes to finding a mentor or building a network, I always recommend approaching it with genuine curiosity and a desire to learn. Asking thoughtful questions, offering support to others, and being open to collaboration can make a world of difference. Many of my best connections have started with a simple, authentic conversation.
I also believe in giving back. Whether through sharing book reviews on our podcast, offering insights on my blog, or supporting fellow authors, contributing to the community has helped me build strong and lasting relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adventuresinoculus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturellement_theresa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStorytellersShelfPodcast
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-villarreal-852597179/
- Twitter: https://x.com/StoryTShelf
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellersShelfPodcast
- Other: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com
Image Credits
A heartfelt thank you to my husband, Ruben Villarreal, my amazing kids, and my wonderful co-host, Jackie Garcia-Morales, for their unwavering support and encouragement. I couldn’t do this without you!
