Meet Amanda Mireles | Optometrist & Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Mireles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have been writing since I was 8 years old- mostly short stories and poems. It started as more of a cathartic way of working through childhood traumas. I never imagined sharing my writing with the world. It has been so close to my heart. Now that I am a successful Optometrist, writing had fallen to the background of my life. Until my daughter asked me to write a book for her for her fifth birthday. It was such a special experience to create a character and story just for her that I was inspired to dive back into writing. Now, I have five published children’s books and five more set to publish this year.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Optometrist, specializing in Pediatrics and Neurology. The journey to my doctorate was not an easy one- I was pregnant my fourth year of school, and had a newborn to care for while taking boards and getting my licensing done. It was incredibly difficult. I’d be awake for 3am feedings with the baby in one arm and my tablet in the other, loaded with exam notes and procedures. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. My baby at 5 months old was on one hip while I walked across the stage to receive my doctorate and my excellence in Neuro-Optometry award. We will have those photos forever as reminders to her that she can do absolutely anything she sets her mind to. She was also announced as an honorary future doctorate, class of 2040 or something like that. lol.

The lessons I’ve learned is that it is not only ok to ask for help and admit that you cannot do everything alone, but it will take you so much further to lean on others with different life experiences and expertise.

All of my books contain some memories of my children. Dragon Princess was written for my oldest daughter’s fifth birthday. Lasso the Moon was written when my youngest daughter had her first birthday. One of the most exciting aspects of my books is that our pet parrot, Azzie, is hidden on every page of every book as a fun hide-and-seek game.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would immediately head to the hill country. My heart is in Wimberley! We would check out Canyon Lake, the Guadalupe River, the Wimberley Marketplace with its one-of-a-kind antiques. Hit up the Wimberley ziplines to get some incredible aerial views of the area, Blue Hole Regional Park, check out Jacob’s Well, take a hike up Mount Baldy for some relaxing sunset views, or one of the amazing wineries in the area. We love the outdoors, so any gorgeous crystal clear water views will always get my family excited!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many loving souls who have helped me on this journey, so many who have taken the time to help mentor and uplift me throughout this process. My family I’d have to credit first: my mother, my husband, and my beautiful children. In the literature world, I’d have to say that Sunny Duran, a designer and illustrator, was extremely helpful in getting my books publish-ready and guiding me through any hiccups in the process. Also Rebecca Coslett, a UK-based children’s book author and one of my best friends, has been there every step of the way with me.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Mireles/e/B09X3GC6SM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1659625488&sr=8-1

Instagram: @amanda_mireles_books