Life & Work with Ariona Turner of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariona Turner.

Hi Ariona, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew I wanted more for myself, but at the time, I didn’t fully know what that looked like.

Back in 2021, I was working a security job from 3pm–11pm, and during those long shifts, I had a lot of time to think. I found myself constantly thinking about my future and what I truly wanted to build for myself. I knew I didn’t want to stay in the same place forever—I wanted something of my own.

I eventually attended an academy focused on modeling, leadership, and entrepreneurship, where one of the requirements was to create a business. I explored a few different ideas, including selling products, but nothing felt like me. I didn’t want to just do something—I wanted it to actually mean something.

During that time, I kept coming back to something I had always loved—reading and writing. Writing has always come naturally to me, and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed. One night at work, I told a coworker that I wanted to write a book. Saying it out loud made it real, and instead of letting it stay an idea, I decided to actually go for it.

That’s when I thought about my baby brother, who has always been a huge inspiration in my life. He’s the only brother I have, and our bond means everything to me. I decided to write my first children’s book inspired by him, and that decision ended up changing everything.

I started writing my first book in September 2021, and by December 2021, it was officially published. That moment showed me what I was capable of, and it gave me the confidence to keep going.

From there, I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. I focused on building my confidence, developing my leadership skills, and putting myself in positions where I had to speak and present my work. Seeing people connect with my story and support what I created meant everything to me, and it pushed me to keep growing.

Today, I’m a children’s book author and the creator of The Spaceship Match Series. My books are inspired by my baby brother, who is the main character in each story, and they’re written for children ages 4–8. Through fun and imaginative storytelling, the series focuses on important values like honesty, teamwork, confidence, and doing the right thing.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has helped me grow.

One of the biggest challenges was figuring everything out on my own. When I first started, I didn’t have a step-by-step guide or anyone showing me how to turn an idea into a finished book. I had to learn through trial and error, which took patience, consistency, and a lot of self-discipline.

At the same time, I was balancing a full-time job while writing and building my brand. I wrote and published three books while working, which meant late nights, staying consistent, and holding myself accountable even when I was tired.

Another challenge was stepping outside of my comfort zone. Creating the books was one thing, but actually putting myself out there and presenting my work to others was something I had to grow into. Over time, I built confidence by continuing to show up and stand behind what I created.

I also had to push past moments of doubt, especially in the beginning when my vision was still taking shape.

Overall, the journey has taught me resilience, discipline, and confidence. Every challenge played a role in shaping who I am today, and it made everything I’ve accomplished feel even more meaningful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a children’s book author and the creator of The Spaceship Match Series. I specialize in writing imaginative, meaningful stories for children ages 4–8 that focus on important life values in a fun and relatable way.

My work is centered around storytelling that teaches lessons like honesty, teamwork, confidence, friendship, and doing the right thing. Each book is inspired by my baby brother, who is the main character in my series and the heart behind everything I create.

What I’m most proud of is turning something personal into a published children’s book series. I wrote my first book while working a full-time job and continued building from there. Taking an idea and turning it into something real that children and families can actually read and connect with is something I’m truly proud of.

What sets me apart is the intention behind my work. I didn’t just decide to write children’s books—I built my stories around real inspiration, real connection, and a purpose. I also bring a strong creative and entrepreneurial mindset to what I do, focusing not just on writing, but on building a brand and consistently sharing my message through storytelling.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
One of my biggest inspirations has always been reading and storytelling itself. I’ve always been drawn to books that spark imagination and creativity, especially in children’s literature.

My favorite author is R. L. Stine, and meeting him was a very special moment for me. I was able to share my own books with him, which really inspired me as a writer. It reminded me that storytelling has the power to connect people in meaningful ways, no matter where you are in your journey.

In terms of resources, I stay inspired by reading children’s books, studying storytelling, and paying attention to how other authors create characters and worlds that connect with readers.

I also use content platforms and creative tools to stay consistent with building my brand as an author.

Overall, I just try to stay creative by continuing to learn, read, and pay attention to what kids enjoy, because that’s who I write for.

Pricing:

• The Spaceship Match – Softcover: $12.99
• The Spaceship Match 2: A Christmas Special – Softcover: $14.99
• The Spaceship Match 3: The Last Space Adventure – Softcover: $14.99
• The Spaceship Match 3: The Last Space Adventure – Hardcover: $28.99
• All eBooks — $3.99 each

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thespaceshipmatch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespaceshipmatch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083085384576#
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaceshipMatch

Image Credits
JCPenney Portraits
Marie Thomas