Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Basora.
Hi Erica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Erica Basora MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR. At a young age I learned English as a second language. Much of my adult life was spent in Florida and I am a graduate of Rollins College and the University of Central Florida. Currently, I live in Georgia with my two beautiful daughters, Jolyn and Ava and work as a Quality and Education Clinical Specialist for Surgical Services. Before become a circulating nurse in the operating room, I was an elementary school teacher and a middle school media specialist. As a mother and media specialist, I saw the need for more diversity in literature for children and diverse authors. During COVID, I had the opportunity to learn how to self-publish. I love being an author and seeing my writing come to life and helping others become authors as well with my publishing agency, That’s Love Publishing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth publishing road. When I had my first idea for a book, I spoke with an agent and never heard back from them. I didn’t know how to go about publishing my stories. Then when COVID happened, I found myself alone as I quarantined myself from my girls and family. Everything was shut down so I had a lot of time to research and explore. I found a self-publishing course online and got to learning. I’ve had to learn the basics of publishing and marketing on my own. As a shy individual and an introvert, getting out there and promoting myself has been a struggle. However, I am learning each day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a Clinical Development Specialist for the operating room by profession. Previously I was a circulator in the operating room, advocating for patients and taking care of them while they were under anesthesia in the operating room. Today I get to educate Surgical Service staff and improve the quality of the care we deliver to our patients. In addition to being a nurse, I am an author and publisher. I have written four children’s books and have published coloring books and journals. I am most proud of facing my fears and finding a way to accomplish my dream of becoming a published author. What sets me apart from others is my passion for making sure children have access to books that has representation and diverse characters. What also sets me apart is my past experience as a teacher and media specialist. I am determined to make other’s dreams a reality and ensure that the health literacy in the community is impacted by the books I have published.
My next book that will be released in late September is dedicated to my profession. “Little Miss Goes to Surgery” will debut to help children who will undergo surgery.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, my first language was Spanish. So I was placed in ESL classes to learn English. I struggled academically because of the teaching model at the time and missing class time. I worked diligently to make it into the top of my class. Down the street from my home in Long Island, New York was a public library. It was one of the few places my dad allowed me to go to when I was little. I often visited the library and would check out as many books as I could. Books allowed me to escape, travel and go on adventures. I would read everywhere I would go, in the car, at church, at a family member’s home, etc. I was a bookworm. As a young girl, I was considered to be quiet yet displayed key leadership qualities. I was determined to do well in school in order to get into a good college and succeeded.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thatslovepublishing.com
- Instagram: @thatslovepublishing
- Facebook: @thatslovepublishing
