Jenny A Castillo

Sometimes the hardest part of starting an idea isn't the idea itself.

It's believing we need to know what happens next.

And then what happens after that.
And after that.

Before long, we're trying to solve a version of the idea that doesn't even exist yet.

I'm learning to give ideas a little more room to unfold.

Instead of asking, “How am I going to do all of this?” I can ask:

“What can I do with it today?”

Maybe it's one page, one sketch, one question, or one tiny experiment.

The rest can reveal itself along the way.

You don't need to see the whole path to take the next step.

✨ Start there.

I used to think I needed to know exactly where an idea was going before I could begin.

But Grace & Waffles didn't start with a plan for books, characters, websites, experiences, or an entire world.

It started with one little idea inspired by Nyx and a decision to take the first step even though I had no idea where it would lead.

I've learned that creativity often works that way.

You notice something.
You get curious.
You take one small step.
Then another.

And somewhere along the way, you look back and realize those small steps have become something much bigger than you imagined.

So if you've been carrying around an idea but haven't started because you don't have it all figured out yet, maybe you don't need the whole plan.

Maybe you just need one small step.

What's one small step you could take with your idea today?

✨ Keep noticing.

🍂 Nyx’s Cozy Corner 🐾

Mom saved this old dog house from being thrown away and turned it into my very own fall hideaway! 🍁
A little paint, a festive tree, my favorite toy, and the fluffiest blanket... and guess who moved in right away?
Yep—me. 😴💤

There’s nothing better than a good nap in a cozy spot. 🧡

✨ On Tuesday, I had the amazing opportunity to share my author journey at People’s Church Phemom, a story that began with a shy little girl who grew up afraid to be seen… and somehow found her courage through a tiny poodle named Nyx 🐾 and a big dream called Grace and Waffles. 💕

I talked about how fear doesn’t always disappear. Sometimes, you just learn to move forward with it.
How a spark of an idea can grow into something beautiful when you say “yes” to that quiet voice God places on your heart. ✨

From creating my first children’s book with no idea where to start (thank goodness for YouTube 😅) to self-publishing, learning about ISBNs, LCCNs, and everything in between, every step has been a mix of faith, courage, and tea. ☕️

And standing in front of that room full of women and grandmothers reminded me:
Sometimes bravery looks like writing a book.
Sometimes it looks like sharing your story out loud.
And sometimes… it looks like doing both. 💗

📚 Grace & Waffles Adventures — Heartfelt stories for growing hearts 💕