Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors and illustrators.

Congratulations to Cindy Williams Schrauben on the release of This Could Be You

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

As is the case with many of my manuscripts, the idea for This Could Be You came while interacting with my grandsons – I wanted to empower them and other kids with a growth mindset. Though it morphed from early drafts, the intention was always to use a poem format, no storyline, and universal experiences that would resonate with every child.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

As I mentioned in question #1, I hope to inspire kids AND adults to use a growth mindset to tackle challenges. It was also important for me to include a guide to equip adults with the tools needed to cultivate this process. That is one reason why Cardinal Rule Press was the perfect publisher for This Could Be You. My book aligns closely with their mission to produce high-quality children’s literature that empowers children through timeless messages of hope, courage and the Golden Rule and they are extremely passionate about providing resources.

One of my dreams for this book is to share it with children’s hospitals, counseling practices, and other support services.

What inspires you to write?

Kids! I have always marveled at their wonder, their acceptance of others, and their open minds. I wish we could all hold on to these perspectives as we age – maybe books can help.

On your website, you share what’s next for you is illustrating your own picture book. How has having a ‘growth mindset’ help you become an author and stretch yourself to become an illustrator too?

It’s funny because writing this book made me realize that I didn’t always embrace a growth mindset in my own life – I have been known to give up too easily. The message in This Could Be You has helped me to be more intentional, to consciously talk myself through uncertainties, and to keep pushing. A key growth mindset principle is… ‘I can do hard things.’ This has become one of my mantras. Attempting to publish my first book at 60+ drudged up thoughts such as ‘I am too old’, ‘it’s too late’, and ‘no one will take me seriously’. Now, I remind myself that anyone at any age can have similar doubts and to view them as ‘excuses’. So, upward and onward.

What are your marketing plans for the book?

Educating and developing relationships. I am using social media and my own website to establish the importance of having a growth mindset and to share other picture books as well as activities, and actionable content for parents and educators.

https://cindyschrauben.com/

I am a member of two debut groups, partnering with other authors to market our work. You can find them here:

https://www.picturebookpals.com/ and https://pb22peekaboo.weebly.com/

I am having a Launch Party at Impression 5 Science Center (https://impression5.org/) in Lansing on April 2, 2022 with a reading, activities, treats, and more. I am also scheduling events at bookstores and other kid-friendly locations.

I will be appearing on numerous podcasts and blogs before and after my release date - April 1, 2022.

I am also planning a series of interviews with kids who have exhibited a healthy growth mindset. These interviews will be featured on my site and on social media. I would love to hear your ideas.

A little bit about the book . . .

Will you be an astronaut? Farmer? An Artist? A Nurse? No matter where your dreams take you, your own unique flair will get you there. Keep pushing...it could be you!

Mistakes help me learn vs. I’m a failure! A growth mindset -- believing that drive can outshine natural talent -- helps us envision endless dreams and possibilities. The diverse characters in This Could Be You, empower readers to believe in themselves, identify their own valuable traits, and persevere.

Who applies a try mind,
an engineer’s but-why mind,
an always-aiming-high mind?
Invent. It could be you!

A little bit about the author . . .

Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in Michigan where she writes books for kids that range from truly serious to seriously silly. As a life-long educator, inspiring kids has always been her passion. Using the growth mindset principles she writes about, Cindy now encourages other adults (especially writers) to follow their dreams, as well. Learn more at:

https://direct.me/cindywilliamsschrauben