Author Interview with DeMario Pressley of "Among the Clouds"

Purchase the book on Amazon

When did you become a children’s book author?

I’ve always had a love for storytelling, but I officially became a children’s book author when I wrote Among the Clouds. The idea had been with me for a long time, and I knew I wanted to create stories that inspire kids. Once I committed to bringing Among the Clouds to life, I realized this was something I was truly passionate about, and now I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.

Do you have a writing background?

Not at all, not in the traditional sense. I didn’t go to school for writing, but storytelling has always been a big part of my life. I love creating things, whether it’s an idea, a business, or a drawing. I’ve always enjoyed the creative process.

Writing, specifically, grew on me over time. I credit my 10th-grade English teacher, Mrs. Anne Robinson, for that. She pushed and challenged me to appreciate literature and writing, especially when I struggled with communication.

I grew up with a pretty bad stutter, and it made me hold back a lot. I constantly felt embarrassed, like I didn’t have a voice. While verbal communication was a weakness I found a larger voice when I started to appreciate writing.

Mrs. Robinson was a tough teacher—no one really wanted to take her class. She taught Honors English and AP English, and I was relieved when I passed Honors because I thought I was in the clear. But she wasn’t done with me. She noticed I didn’t sign up for AP English and let me know she wasn’t happy about it. Next thing I knew, I was in AP English.

Looking back, I’m grateful for that push because it helped me see the power of words and storytelling in a way I never had before.

How did you come up with the story?

The idea for Among the Clouds came from a mix of my own life experiences and my belief in dreaming big. I’ve always been drawn to stories about perseverance and pushing past challenges. I knew I wanted to write something that encouraged kids to go after their dreams, even when things get tough. Over time, that idea started taking shape, and eventually, Ace’s journey became the heart of the story.

How did you come up with the character?

From the beginning, I knew I wanted a character that represented resilience and determination, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. Birds have always been a part of my life. My mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother all had a deep love for them. My great-grandmother’s backyard was full of bird feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses, and inside, there were bird statues and knickknacks everywhere. Birds have always felt symbolic to me—freedom, strength, and the ability to rise above challenges.

So when I started developing Among the Clouds, making the main character a bird just made sense. A song sparrow, in particular, felt right. They are small but fearless. They don’t let their size define what they are capable of, and that’s exactly who Ace is. Determined, relentless, and willing to push past doubt to reach new heights.

How do you select names for your characters?

For Among the Clouds, the names had to feel right. Ace’s name came from the feeling I wanted him to represent—confidence, boldness, and someone who rises to the occasion. It’s simple but strong, a name that carries determination.

For Finn and Zhuri, I went through several name ideas, but those felt right as supportive characters. My main focus was making sure the names were short, easy to identify, and memorable for kids.

Kristle, on the other hand, is actually my wife’s name. She has always been incredibly supportive of me, and at one point, she told me to stop talking about writing and just do it. That conversation was a turning point in my journey, so it only felt right for her character to play a pivotal role in the story.

Did you hire an illustrator or do the illustrations yourself?

I worked with an illustrator. From the start, I knew the artwork needed to be bold, vibrant, and larger than life to really bring the story full circle. Finding the right illustrator was a big deal for me, and I went through several before coming across Maryna Kryvets. Her artwork immediately stood out, and once we started working together, I knew she was the perfect fit.

She’s incredibly talented and did an amazing job bringing this story to life. She completely blew me away, and I’m certain I’ll be working with her again. I had a vision for this book, and she nailed it.

The process was incredible—watching the words turn into these beautiful illustrations was one of the most rewarding parts of creating this book.

Are you self-published or published through a publishing company?

I’m technically self-published, but I founded my own publishing company, Fifth Quarter Publishing, to release Among the Clouds.

When I started my publishing journey, I struggled to find guidance on the process. At one point, I had finished my story but had no idea what my next step was. That experience showed me how many other aspiring authors must feel—excited to share their work but unsure how to navigate publishing.

That’s what led me to create Fifth Quarter Publishing. I oversaw every step of the process, from choosing the right editor and assigning ISBNs to handling digital distribution and ensuring the book was available on major platforms from day one. My goal is to provide the support I wish I had when I was starting out and help other authors bring their stories to life.

Fifth Quarter Publishing is more than just a name on my book. It’s about creating a platform that makes publishing easier, more accessible, and truly empowering for independent authors.

From the day you came up with the idea for the story until you were holding your published book in your hand, how long did it take you to complete this book?

Since starting the first page, it’s been about three years.

What made you want to publish a children's book?

I’ve always wanted to create children’s stories, and storytelling has been something I’ve carried with me for a long time. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful stories can be in shaping the way kids see themselves and the world around them.

What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning your book publishing journey?

I wish I had known just how much there is to learn beyond writing the book itself. The publishing process is a whole world of its own with editing, formatting, distribution, and marketing. Each step comes with its own challenges, and it is a lot more work than I initially expected.

I was determined to get it right and to produce a high quality book that could stand tall next to anything published by a major publisher. That meant learning everything I could about the process and making sure every detail, from the illustrations to the final print, matched the vision I had in mind. Looking back, I realize how important it was to take my time and do it the right way, but I also know that having the right guidance early on would have made the journey a lot smoother.

Any tips for future children’s book authors?

Do it! Since becoming an author, I’ve met so many people who want to write but feel overwhelmed by the publishing process or fully committing to the project. My advice? Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect time, because your story needs to be read. The process can feel daunting, but every step forward is worth it.

What is the best reaction from a reader, so far?

The best reaction was from my mom. She’s known for a long time that I wanted to write, but I didn’t tell her about Among the Clouds until it was finished. I gave her the manuscript on Mother’s Day, and later, when she visited, I handed her my author’s copy. Seeing her hold it in her hands was an incredible moment. It was real.

What is something you’d like people to take away from your book(s)?

I want people to walk away feeling inspired to dream bigger and believe in themselves. Whether it is a child reading Among the Clouds or an adult sharing it with them, I hope the message sticks—obstacles will come, doubt will creep in, but that does not mean you stop chasing your goals. Ace’s journey is a reminder that challenges are just part of the process, and the only way to rise above them is to keep going.

Where do you get ideas for your stories?

I find inspiration everywhere. A conversation, an experience, even just watching my kids can spark an idea. I am really intrigued by animals as well. There is so much we can learn from them—how they adapt, survive, and push through adversity. That is why Among the Clouds felt so natural to me. A bird’s journey is full of challenges, but they still take flight. I tend to pull from life and nature in ways that help shape meaningful stories.

What's your writing process like?

Since I started writing, I’ve learned that creativity comes in unexpected moments. My best ideas rarely happen when I sit down to write—they come while driving, watching my kids play, or just reflecting on life. I enjoy quiet moments where I can escape into an idea and let it unfold naturally. When inspiration strikes, I write it down and build from there. Every story starts as just a small thought, but when I follow it, that’s when the magic happens.

Do you have any other books in the works?

I’ve written several other stories, but right now, my focus is on building Among the Clouds into something bigger than just a book. I believe it has the potential to inspire kids in ways beyond the pages—through animation, interactive experiences, and other creative projects. I want to make this story truly special.

There are definitely more stories on the way, and when the time is right, I’ll be excited to share them!

What does literary success look like to you?

Impact. If my story reaches kids, sparks their imagination, and helps them believe in their own dreams and goals, that is success to me. If parents and teachers use it to start meaningful conversations, that is success. Of course, I want Among the Clouds to reach as many people as possible, but more than anything, I want to know that my words made even the slightest difference.

Do you read all of the book reviews you receive?

Absolutely. Knowing how the book resonates with readers is important to me, especially when it comes from kids or parents who truly connect with the story. Whether the feedback is positive or constructive, it helps me grow as a writer and continue creating meaningful stories.

What was the hardest thing about getting your book published?

Writing the book was one thing, but executing everything else—editing, illustrations, formatting, distribution, and marketing—was an entirely different challenge. I had to learn as I went, ensuring that the final product met the same standards as books from major publishers. At times, the process felt overwhelming, but in retrospect, every challenge was a lesson that helped me grow. That experience ultimately led me to create Fifth Quarter Publishing —a platform designed to guide and support other authors so they would not have to navigate the complexities of publishing alone.

What is your favorite children's book(s) of all time?

Growing up, A Light in the Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein left a lasting impression on me. His stories and poems stretched my imagination in ways other books didn’t. They were playful yet thought-provoking, and that balance of fun and depth always stood out.

Now, as a parent, I have a deeper appreciation for books like Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins and I Wish for Freedom by Monique Lorden. Watching my kids engage with these stories has reshaped how I see children’s literature. It is not just about entertainment—it is about creating moments that inspire, empower, and spark meaningful conversations.