At AuthorsWiki, we are delighted to connect with Keisha Williams, an author from Maryland, USA, whose debut picture book, Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike, brings together imagination, courage, perseverance, friendship, and the power of believing that anything is possible.
Keisha Williams is a lawyer, former educator, tennis enthusiast, and mother who has always believed that the most important stories are the ones that show us what is possible before we ever think to try. When her son, Cosmo, came along, storytime became one of her favourite parts of the day—and the place where her journey as a children’s author truly began.
After reading countless picture books together, Keisha began to feel that something was missing. She wanted a story that would tell Cosmo what every child needs to hear: that you can do anything you put your mind to, that falling down is part of the journey, and that just because you have never seen it does not mean you cannot be it. So, she sat down and wrote the story she wanted to read to her son.
That story became Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike, her debut picture book and the first in the Purple Panda Adventures series. It is a charming, rhyming story about courage, perseverance, and trying something you have never seen done before. At the same time, it celebrates friendship, community, and the people who cheer you on while you find your way.
Keisha is the founder of Magical Cosmic Tales, LLC, and creates from her home in Silver Spring, Maryland. She hopes that every child and caregiver who reads her book walks away having not only visited a magical world but also knowing, deep down, that they are the magic. Cosmo is now two years old, and the bright smile he shares whenever he hears his name on the dedication page remains one of the most special parts of the Purple Panda Adventures journey.
In this exclusive AuthorsWiki interview, Keisha Williams opens up about the inspiration behind her debut picture book, her experience as a mother and educator, her creative process, her love of reading and storytelling, and her plans for the future. She also shares a heartfelt message for children and caregivers: just because you have never seen it does not mean you cannot be it.
AuthorsWiki: Apart from writing, what is your occupation for livelihood?
Keisha Williams: I am a lawyer working in higher education.
AuthorsWiki: Tell us something about your first book.
Keisha Williams: It was inspired by my two-year-old son, Cosmo, his favourite animals, the first colours he recognised, and our love of reading and cuddling together.
AuthorsWiki: Would you like to tell us about your published books?
Keisha Williams: Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike is my very first published book! It is the beginning of an exciting journey.
AuthorsWiki: Where did you get the inspiration for publishing books?
Keisha Williams: I have always wanted to write a book but never thought about children’s books until my two-year-old son, Cosmo, was born. After reading countless picture books together, I kept feeling like something was missing. I wanted a story that would tell Cosmo what every child needs to hear: that you can do anything you put your mind to, that falling down is part of the journey, and that just because you have never seen it does not mean you cannot be it. So I sat down and wrote the story I wanted to read to my son.
That story became Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike, my very first picture book and the first in the Purple Panda Adventures series. It is a charming, rhyming picture book about courage, perseverance, and trying something you have never seen done before. But just as much, it is about friendship and community and the people who cheer for you while you figure it out.
AuthorsWiki: How do you manage your time to write a book?
Keisha Williams: I allow the whimsy to take over when it comes. I may be at the beach, walking with Cosmo, or even at the dentist. When a moment of inspiration comes, I go for it. I have also been intentional about infusing more joy and play into my “adulting” routine, and that has been a great catalyst for sparking my creativity as well.
AuthorsWiki: What is your favourite writing method—the one in which you write the most?
Keisha Williams: It starts with having an idea and then doing a deep dive into the character and the idea itself. I spend a lot of time daydreaming before I start writing.
AuthorsWiki: When did you start writing, and how did your interest in writing begin?
Keisha Williams: I have always loved reading fiction books and getting lost in fictional worlds. That was my initial inspiration to write a book many, many years ago. After my son was born and I had a niece and nephew, children’s books became a new interest of mine.
AuthorsWiki: Is there any special achievement in your life that you would like to share with us and your readers?
Keisha Williams: I have always loved educating, inspiring, and encouraging others. It’s part of my life’s purpose. When I got the opportunity to serve as an adjunct professor for several years, that was a dream come true for me.
AuthorsWiki: Are you planning to write or publish a book in the present or future?
Keisha Williams: Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike was published on April 14. I am also working on more Purple Panda Adventures stories that I plan to publish soon.
AuthorsWiki: Would you like to give a message to your readers and fans?
Keisha Williams: Just because you have never seen it, doesn’t mean you cannot be it. That is the message from Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike. I realised that I wanted my son to hear this message, but I also realised that I needed to hear it myself. I hope this inspires children and caregivers to dream big dreams!
AuthorsWiki: Every writer has their own ideal. Do you also have an ideal writer? And what are your favourite books that you always want to read?
Keisha Williams: I do not have a single ideal writer. However, here are some of my favourite books: Untamed by Glennon Doyle, which is a great metaphor for how we can all live our own authentic lives. The Artist’s Way, because I feel inspired every time I read it and rediscover my inner artist. The Wisdom of the Enneagram, because it teaches me to be more compassionate towards myself and others each time I read it.
AuthorsWiki: Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Keisha Williams: I love tennis, and I love to sing! I used to dream of going on American Idol.
AuthorsWiki: Would you like to remain in the writing world in the future as well?
Keisha Williams: Yes, absolutely! I also want to eventually help new authors after I gain more experience.
About Keisha Williams
Keisha Williams is a lawyer, former educator, author, mother, and founder of Magical Cosmic Tales, LLC, based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her debut picture book, Purple Panda Learns to Ride a Bike, is inspired by her son, Cosmo, and her belief in the importance of encouraging children to dream, persevere, and believe in what is possible.
The book is the first in the Purple Panda Adventures series and reflects Keisha’s passion for storytelling, education, creativity, and community. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire children and caregivers to embrace courage, imagination, and the belief that just because you have never seen it does not mean you cannot be it.
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It was a pleasure conversion with Keisha Williams, whose journey and reflections offer a meaningful glimpse into the creative life of a writer. We sincerely thank them for sharing their time and wisdom with the AuthorsWiki community.
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