A Journey from Childhood to Creativity

Growing up in Bay Point, California, Rocker spent much of her time outdoors, letting her imagination run wild alongside her beloved German Short-Haired Pointer, Gator. Those cherished memories became the foundation for her books, where Snook, a spirited and adventurous young girl, explores the world with curiosity and creativity.

But for Rocker, storytelling goes beyond nostalgia, it’s about perspective. She sought to emphasize the positive aspects of her childhood, conditioning herself toward gratitude while also accepting life’s challenges. This personal philosophy deeply informs her writing, as she crafts stories that encourage resilience, inclusion, and understanding.

“I wanted to put emphasis on the positive aspects of my childhood rather than focusing on the negative things that happened,” Rocker shares. “I wanted to condition myself into having more gratitude for the positive things and acceptance of the less desirable things.”

The Making of Snook and Gator

Her love for animation also played a significant role in her decision to create children’s books. Even as an adult, Rocker is drawn to animation in all its forms. Merging her passion for illustration with her desire to tell stories, she brought The Adventures of Snook and Gator to life.

Snook, the series’ protagonist, represents a version of Rocker’s childhood self, playful, imaginative, and always learning. The books offer readers lighthearted yet impactful lessons about navigating childhood, making smart choices, and embracing friendship.

Among the most notable installments is Snook Meets a Buddy, a book inspired by Rocker’s commitment to encouraging friendships between neurotypical and neurodivergent children. She wanted to challenge misconceptions, showing young readers that individuals with autism and other learning differences are capable, vibrant, and worthy of genuine friendships.

“The message often given to children is that neurodivergent individuals can’t do things the same way as their neurotypical peers,” she explains. “But that’s simply not true. Every child has their own strengths, and I wanted to show that.”

The Challenges of Independent Publishing

Like many independent authors, Rocker faced significant challenges in gaining visibility for her books. The indie publishing world is filled with obstacles, from navigating misleading publishing offers to managing financial investments in her work. Getting her name out there required persistence, networking, and a willingness to advocate for herself.

“Perseverance is key,” she advises aspiring authors. “You are your first marketing agent. Word of mouth, social media, schools, and libraries those connections are what help your books reach the right readers.”

Despite these hurdles, The Adventures of Snook and Gator found success. Schools and libraries embraced her stories, recognizing their value in teaching inclusivity and social-emotional learning. Her books were featured in outlets such as Fox 4KC and LA Times, solidifying her place in the literary world.

A New Chapter: Partnering with Her Daughter

Rocker’s next project is particularly close to her heart, she is collaborating with her teenage daughter, who is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, to create a comic book-style story. The book will feature her daughter’s illustrations, with Rocker shaping the narrative based on her daughter’s ideas.

Through this partnership, she hopes to show that neurodivergent individuals can excel in storytelling and the arts. She also wants to highlight how parents can support their children’s talents, helping them build careers that align with their abilities and passions.

The Power of Representation in Children’s Literature

One of Rocker’s driving forces as an author is representation. She strives to create stories where children of color and neurodivergent individuals see themselves reflected positively. She wants readers to understand that despite differences, people share common experiences, emotions, and dreams.

“I wanted to present a little girl who plays with dolls but also climbs trees and gets into adventures,” Rocker says. “I want kids to look at these stories and say, ‘Hey, that’s me!’ or ‘Someone like me can do that too!’”

Lessons for Aspiring Authors

Rocker offers key lessons for those looking to enter the world of children’s book writing:

1. Perseverance is Everything – The excitement of publishing is often followed by the challenge of marketing and sales. Authors must push forward even when the journey is tough.
2. Networking is Essential – Building relationships with schools, libraries, and readers makes a significant impact.
3. Believe in Your Message – Passion and authenticity resonate with audiences.

At the heart of her books is a simple yet profound message of kindness, humor, understanding, and representation of matter. Through The Adventures of Snook and Gator and her upcoming projects, Rocker continues to champion these values, inspiring children and families one story at a time.