Today we’d like to introduce you to Franz Tomás.
Hi Franz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, I have always been a writer since I can remember. Even before working for my first newspaper in junior high I remember doodling little poems in my notebooks. Then, fast forward to college and I am graduating from USC with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. I had always been drawn to long-format (feature) reporting whether it was as an editor of my high school magazine or as a student self-producing a documentary about skid row. I have always been drawn to telling people’s stories. In essence, that is who I am: a storyteller. Then, fast forward again – after various careers and professional pursuits (including a nine-year stint in the fitness industry), I found myself itching to write again. Something was calling me back to putting the pen to paper. One day in 2019, I visited the local aquarium in Guadalajara and I came across this magnificent, curious and magical creature called an axolotl. I remember being mesmerized by not only its unique appearance but also by its extraordinary healing qualities. It was during the lockdown in the pandemic that I had the idea to write a children’s book. I realized that I didn’t have to be some famous or rich person – anyone could do it! I had actually started with a different idea about a dolphin and his friends, but I just couldn’t get it right. Something wasn’t working so I put it on pause for a few months. Then, one day, it came to me: I was going to write about the axolotl and the book would incorporate themes from my own life and childhood. And it just flowed out of me so easily (I think I wrote and storyboarded it in about six weeks). I thought that the hardest part of the process was behind me, but actually what was to follow was the hard part! As a novice, I didn’t have a lot of access to money, resources or contacts, but eventually I chose the self-publishing route and it was one of the most stressful, painstaking, frustrating and yet rewarding experiences of my life. It took about a year from the moment I locked in my illustrator to actually offering it for sale on Amazon and other retailers online. Then I decided to release a Spanish version and the rest is history! The outreach process is difficult as a one-man show, but I love my book so much and the feedback has just been so overwhelmingly positive. Slowly, but surely copies of the book have made it into people’s homes, bookstores, libraries, schools and more. I truly believe that when you put good work out into the world, it eventually resonates with its intended audience. Even if one child or adult reads my book and feels seen and supported and encouraged, then I know that it fulfilled its purpose in this world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is almost never smooth – ha! I think the biggest challenge was navigating the entire self-publishing world on my own. There are many steps and many choices you have to make and you really don’t know if you’re making the right ones in the moment, but you trust your gut, you do your research and you push forward. As you can imagine, not only were there legal and logistical issues that had to be sussed out, but there was a lot of back and forth during the editing process as well. Then when the book is out online, you think that it’s going to be flying off the shelves. It’s not – ha! This is when you have to dig even deeper, because then you’ve got to manage the social media and marketing aspects of it. Then there’s the outreach to agents, publishers, school districts, podcasts, libraries, parents, teachers, media, film studios, etc. It is never-ending and it is still a work in progress.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think I specialize in making sure people feel seen. An only child of two immigrant parents, I grew up among many different cultures, ideas and traditions. I have moved around a lot in life and that has exposed me to so many different types of people from all walks of life. Many of their stories are untold and many people feel unseen. I hope I can shine a light on issues, causes and stories that should have a space and a platform.
I am fortunate that returning to my creative roots later in life (photography, abstract painting, design, etc.) has helped re-spark those flames of ambition, creativity and confidence. I’m even shopping around my own fitness boutique concept! After all these years, I still feel like the sky is the limit and that anything is possible. Could be a little delusional – but I believe you gotta be a little quixotic if you’re going to make waves in this world.
Not giving up and not caving in to the pressure of naysayers is what I would say I’m most proud of. I’m extremely fortunate to have a partner that is immensely supportive – he is my rock. The truth is that it’s exceptionally difficult to keep going and fighting for your dreams when you don’t know what the end result will be, but you can’t let those negative, intrusive thoughts seep into your head. It’s like drinking a poison. Societal pressures and expectations can also feel like a weight on your shoulders. You don’t have to fit into a premade box and you don’t have to just follow the yellow brick road in front of you. If you want, you can walk your own unmarked path, but be prepared to get pricked by some thorns along the way.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Oh dear – I probably was a weirdo! Well, I think I was very shy and introverted and at some points of my adolescence was an easy target for bullies. Then that also makes you scared to be around people. And then on top of that, it’s difficult to live in constant fear at home. I think overall I was a very joyful person and I always found so many things funny. I’m that kid that would make little figurines or dolls and make them sing and dance and I would just entertain myself. I remember when they asked what we all wanted to be when we grew up I said a veterinarian. I don’t know – something drew me to animals. I was always into the otherworldly things like fairies and witches and spirits and angels. I always loved music and I still do. Music is at the center of my core. There is not one facet of my life that is not touched by music.
Pricing:
- $16.99 (online)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theglowingaxolotl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglowingaxolotl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglowingaxolotl
