At AuthorsWiki, we are privileged to connect with Mona Liza Santos, an award-winning Filipino American children’s author, publisher, and advocate from California, USA. Her creative journey is rooted in kindness, emotional well-being, cultural appreciation, and the belief that books can make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Her latest work, Mama, I Love You, reflects the warmth and purpose that define her storytelling.
Mona Liza Santos is the founder and publisher of World Love Press, an independent publishing company dedicated to creating books that inspire kindness, emotional well-being, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. She has published more than 40 books for children and families, exploring themes including empathy, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience, cultural diversity, self-confidence, and personal growth.
Born in Chicago and raised in San Diego, California, by her Filipino grandparents, Mona’s multicultural upbringing has played an important role in shaping her perspective. Her travels to more than 70 countries have further strengthened her passion for celebrating diversity and helping children appreciate different cultures and perspectives.
She is also the founder of National Intentional Kindness Day and Heritage & Heart Day, two annual observances centered on kindness, cultural heritage, and building more inclusive communities.
Through her books, speaking engagements, literacy advocacy, and community initiatives, Mona continues to encourage young readers to believe in themselves, treat others with compassion, and recognize the lasting impact of even the smallest act of kindness.
In this conversation with AuthorsWiki, Mona Liza Santos shares the inspiration behind her writing, how motherhood and the COVID-19 pandemic influenced her creative journey, her approach to writing children’s books, her literary influences, and her hopes for the future.
AuthorsWiki: Apart from writing, what is your occupation for livelihood?
Mona Liza Santos: Apart from writing, I am the founder and publisher of World Love Press, an independent publishing company dedicated to creating books that inspire kindness, emotional well-being, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. I also work as a speaker, literacy advocate, and community volunteer, partnering with schools, libraries, and organizations to encourage children and families to discover the power of reading and compassion.
AuthorsWiki: Tell us something about your first book.
Mona Liza Santos: My first book, Mama, I Love You, holds a very special place in my heart because it began my journey as a children’s author. It was inspired by the unconditional love between a parent and child and reminds families to cherish one another while they have the chance.
I never imagined that one story would open the door to a lifelong mission of writing books that make a positive difference in children’s lives.
AuthorsWiki: Would you like to tell us about your published books?
Mona Liza Santos: I have published more than 40 books for children and families covering themes such as kindness, empathy, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience, cultural diversity, self-confidence, and personal growth.
Each book is written with the hope of helping children develop not only academically but also emotionally, encouraging them to become compassionate, confident, and respectful members of their communities.
AuthorsWiki: Where did you get the inspiration for publishing books?
Mona Liza Santos: My greatest inspiration comes from my son and the experiences that shaped our lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many families, we spent more time together at home, and I began searching for meaningful ways to teach him about kindness, empathy, resilience, and hope.
I realized that books could become powerful tools for helping children understand their emotions and the world around them. That experience inspired me to write my very first children’s book and eventually dedicate myself to creating stories that encourage young readers to believe in themselves and treat others with compassion.
My own life experiences, family, travels around the world, and conversations with parents and educators continue to inspire me to write books that help children navigate life’s challenges with confidence and kindness.
AuthorsWiki: How do you manage your time to write a book?
Mona Liza Santos: Writing takes time and dedication, but I do my best to make it part of my everyday life. Between spending time with my family and running my publishing company, I try to write whenever I can.
Sometimes that means writing at home, but other times I’m writing at an airport while waiting for a flight, sitting at a park, in a coffee shop, or wherever inspiration finds me. I don’t wait for the perfect moment to write. I simply make the most of the time I have and keep working on each book until I feel it’s ready to share with readers.
AuthorsWiki: What is your favorite writing method—the one in which you write the most?
Mona Liza Santos: I enjoy beginning with a simple idea or meaningful life lesson and building a story around it. I usually create an outline first before developing the characters, dialogue, and message. I also spend a great deal of time revising because I believe the editing process is where a story truly comes to life.
AuthorsWiki: When did you start writing, and how did your interest in writing begin?
Mona Liza Santos: I’ve always loved writing and journaling, but I never imagined I would one day become a published author. During the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed. Like many parents, I was looking for ways to comfort and reassure my son during such an uncertain time. I started putting my thoughts, feelings, and lessons I wanted to share with him onto paper.
Those moments gradually turned into stories that encouraged kindness, resilience, and hope. What began as a way to help my son through an unexpected chapter of life soon grew into a passion for writing books that help children and families navigate life’s challenges together.
AuthorsWiki: Is there any special achievement in your life that you would like to share with us and your readers?
Mona Liza Santos: One of my proudest achievements has been using my books to make a positive impact on children and communities. I am especially honored to have founded National Intentional Kindness Day and Heritage & Heart Day, initiatives that encourage people to lead with compassion while celebrating their cultural heritage.
Receiving recognition for my work has been meaningful, but knowing my books have touched the lives of children and families is the greatest reward of all.
AuthorsWiki: Are you planning to write or publish a book in the present or future?
Mona Liza Santos: I hope to continue writing and publishing books that encourage kindness, emotional well-being, financial literacy, cultural appreciation, and personal growth.
I feel grateful to be able to share stories that may encourage children and families in meaningful ways. If even one of my books helps a child feel inspired or more confident, then I know I’ve accomplished something worthwhile.
AuthorsWiki: Would you like to give a message to your readers and fans?
Mona Liza Santos: Never underestimate the power of one kind word, one thoughtful action, or one meaningful book. Every person has the ability to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.
Continue reading, continue learning, and never stop believing in yourself. Your kindness, your dreams, and your voice truly matter.
AuthorsWiki: Every writer has their own ideal. Do you also have an ideal writer? And what are your favorite books that you always want to read?
Mona Liza Santos: I admire authors who create stories that leave a lasting impact on readers. Writers such as Danielle Steel and Beverly Cleary have inspired me in different ways through their ability to tell meaningful, memorable stories that resonate across generations.
I especially enjoy books that encourage empathy, imagination, resilience, and hope because those are the same values I strive to share through my own work.
AuthorsWiki: Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Mona Liza Santos: I love traveling, exploring different cultures, spending time with my family, reading, photography, and supporting literacy and community events.
Traveling has allowed me to visit more than 70 countries, and each experience has broadened my perspective and inspired many of the stories I write.
AuthorsWiki: Would you like to remain in the writing world in the future as well?
Mona Liza Santos: Absolutely. Writing has become more than a career for me; it has become my purpose. I hope to continue writing and publishing books for many years to come. My goal is to create stories that inspire kindness, empathy, hope, and resilience, leaving a positive impact on children and families long after the final page is turned.
About Mona Liza Santos
Mona Liza Santos is an award-winning Filipino American children’s author, publisher, speaker, and literacy advocate based in California, USA. She is the founder and publisher of World Love Press and has published more than 40 books for children and families.
Her work focuses on kindness, empathy, emotional well-being, resilience, cultural diversity, self-confidence, and personal growth. Her multicultural upbringing, family experiences, and travels to more than 70 countries have influenced her approach to storytelling and her commitment to cultural appreciation.
Mona is also the founder of National Intentional Kindness Day and Heritage & Heart Day. Through her books and community work, she continues to encourage children and families to read, learn, embrace diversity, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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It was a pleasure connecting with Mona Liza Santos and gaining insights into their creative journey, experiences, and perspectives as a writer. We sincerely appreciate their time and contribution in sharing their thoughts and insights with the AuthorsWiki community.
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