My name is Gwendolyn Yvette Santiago. I am a mother, dreamer, writer, and founder of Gwendolyn Yvette Books - an independent publishing imprint dedicated to celebrating love, family, tradition, legacy, and creativity through storytelling and imaginative experiences.

When I was in the 5th grade, my teacher, Ms. McCoy, read a creative writing assignment that I submitted, and asked why the ending felt so rushed. I admitted that I had cut the story short to avoid a lower grade - since she had mentioned that stories with too many pages might be penalized. Ms. McCoy smiled and gently said, “You are a writer.” She invited me to rewrite the ending - no page limit, and no risk of a lower grade. That moment, to this very day, stays with me. I have been writing ever since.

My best stories were the ones that I would tell my son, Cameron - not just at bedtime, but anytime. Our bond and shared imagination is the heart of my debut children’s book, The Jar of Kisses.

The Jar of Kisses is a tribute to the thousands of moments that I share with Cameron - the kisses, the snuggles, the laughter, and the legacy of love that I want to preserve forever.

The same bond inspired Cameron! Look at the Moon!, a whimsical journey through the night sky that celebrates curiosity, imagination, and the wonder of discovering the world together.

As my creative journey has continued, I have discovered another way to tell stories - through coloring. My Girl…What???? premium adult coloring book series brings together my love of creativity, humor, and true-crime. Inspired by the little things that true crime enthusiasts know so well, these books invite adults to unwind, color, laugh, and enjoy a little mystery along the way.

I am based in Los Angeles, where I continue to create stories and experiences that connect us through love, laughter, curiosity and imagination. Whether through the pages of a children's book or the illustrations of an adult coloring book, my hope is to create something that stays with you long after you have turned the last page.