Ximena Romero: An Inspiring Journey from Dreamer to Published Author

At just 11 years old, Ximena Romero has accomplished something most adults only dream of—she’s now a published author. Her debut book, Happy’s Bad Luck, has captured hearts with its magical charm and uplifting message. Ximena’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering support from her family and community, making her journey as inspiring as her book.

A Dream Takes Flight

Ximena lives in Waco, Texas, with her parents, siblings, and two dogs. A fifth-grade student at Kendrick Elementary School, she grew up in a Spanish-speaking household as the daughter of migrant farm workers. Despite language barriers, her deeply supportive parents have always encouraged her to chase her dreams, emphasizing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Ximena’s love for storytelling began in first grade, thanks to her teacher, Ms. Zuniga, who nurtured her passion for writing. That spark stayed with her, and in fourth grade, when she was just 10 years old, an opportunity arose that changed her life forever.

Titan Tomes

Last year, Ximena saw a poster at school for the Titan Tome Writing Contest, which promised the winner a chance to have their book published. For Ximena, who had always dreamed of becoming an author, it was a challenge she couldn’t resist. “I decided to try and write a story,” she shared, and with her parents cheering her on, she poured her heart into what would become Happy’s Bad Luck.

Encouragement came from many corners, including her principal, Ms. Lozano, and her editor, Mrs. Gleason, a 3rd grade teacher at her school. Their support, combined with her parents’ belief in her abilities, gave Ximena the confidence to pursue her dream.

The Magic of Happy’s Bad Luck

The book tells the story of Happy, a unicorn who faces a series of unlucky events. Set in a whimsical world infused with magic, the story carries an important message: bad luck is just a passing storm, and with love, support, and perseverance, anyone can weather it.

Ximena’s love for unicorns and her naturally joyful personality served as the inspiration for Happy’s character. “My friends describe me as happy, just like the unicorn,” she shared. Many of the story’s events are drawn from Ximena’s own life, with her family, friends, and fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Murphy, inspiring several of the characters. At its core, the book is a heartfelt tribute to her deep love for her family and the vital role they play in her life.

Beyond the magical adventures, Happy’s Bad Luck reflects Ximena’s desire to help others recognize the invaluable support family provides, even during challenging times. “My family has always been there for me, and I wanted to share that message in my story,” she said.

The Road to Publication

Winning the contest was just the beginning of Ximena’s journey. The publication process, which took seven months, tested her patience. “The most exciting part was coming up with the idea, but the hardest part was waiting,” she admitted.

Ximena collaborated closely with her publisher, Titan Tomes, and illustrator, Vianna Lasala, to bring her story to life. She shared her own sketches and ideas for the characters and settings, which Vianna skillfully refined into the book’s beautiful, vibrant illustrations, staying true to Ximena’s creative vision.

Throughout the process, Ximena had the unwavering support of her friends, teachers, and community. Their encouragement kept her motivated during the long wait.

An Inspiring Message

For Ximena, the journey doesn’t stop here. If her school hosts the contest again, she’s eager to participate and share more of her stories. Her advice to other aspiring young authors is simple yet powerful: “Just do it! Live your dream and make it come true. There are lots of opportunities available. Go for it!”

Ximena is also deeply grateful to everyone who supported her along the way. “Without them, none of this would have been possible,” she said. She extends her thanks to those who helped spread the word about her book, especially through social media.

A Bright Future Ahead

While Ximena continues to write and dream, she already has her sights set on the future. She hopes to one day become both a singer and a doctor, balancing her creativity and compassion to make a difference in the world.

If you’d like to support Ximena’s work, you can purchase Happy’s Bad Luck on Titan Tomes or Amazon and follow her inspiring journey. IThe book is available in both English and Spanish, with the Spanish edition accessible on Kindle through Amazon, allowing readers from diverse backgrounds—including her own family—to enjoy her magical and heartfelt story.  You can also help by leaving a review, sharing her book with friends, or following her journey on social media to spread the word and keep the momentum going. This is only the beginning for Ximena, and we can’t wait to see what incredible stories she creates next!