American Idol Alum, Christina Cewe Pens Inspirational Children’s Book!
American Idol alum Christina Cewe wants kids to know that they can fulfill their dreams with work, dedication and, most importantly - belief in themselves. In her first children’s book, “I Believe in Me: Do You Believe in You?” she shows kids how to build confidence in their abilities and empowers them to start on the road to achieve their dreams
And Christina knows what she speaks. Having achieved and accomplished myriad goals including appearing on and touring with American Idol, and writing and recording with top musicians and producers, Christina is a living example of how hard work, dedication and belief in oneself can turn dreams into realities.
Christina then chose a different life path focusing on her family and professionally shifting her focus from entertainment to technology. With the arrival of her first-born son Christina wanted to help him build his self-confidence and belief in himself which eventually turned into her first book, “I Believe in Me: Do You Believe in You?” She wants every child to know their dreams and goals are achievable as long as they believe in their ability to succeed.
In this exclusive Writer’s Life interview, Christian tells us about her journey from entertainment, wife and mother, to technology, and now – author.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
Wife, mother of 3, Technology sales leader, lover of life, life designer, lifelong learner, and dream chaser
What was the experience like on American Idol?
It was life changing. Hard to get accustomed to the pace of it all at first, but I had so much fun and made lifelong friends. I unfortunately was sick during the show, not knowing at the time that I had an autoimmune disease called sjogren's syndrome, it affected my voice and body, and caused major fatigue and dehydration.
How did that experience change your life? What was the biggest lesson you learned? I accomplished many dreams because of Idol. Getting to perform in sold out arenas, traveling the country and living the “rockstar” life for a couple of months was a blast.
I was able to travel the world, writing and recording with top musicians and producers, I saw so much of the world so young, and it gave me confidence that I can design my life the way I wanted as long as I focused on building the life I wanted. You chose to pull back from the entertainment industry. What drove that decision and do you think you’d ever go back?
I chose a life with my husband of almost 20 years. We have been together going on 24 years, and I knew even though I was getting a lot of pressure from people in the business to end my engagement and focus on myself and career, I knew that the bet I wanted to take was betting on us. So far it has worked out pretty well, we have built a pretty nice life together.
You never know, I love music and I have written a lot of music, so I will never say never!
Tell us a bit about your life now?
I love the life my husband and I have built. We have 3 incredible children and 2 dogs; wonderful careers and we really focus on enjoying our lives with our family and showing our kids that working hard and smart allows you to create the life you dream about. Bad things will happen, that’s just life, but you must find a way to survive and thrive, and never stop believing in your own ability to create the life of your dreams.
You’re now an author. What was the impetus for writing your children’s book, “I Believe in Me: Do You Believe in You?”
I wrote this story 14 years ago when I only had one child. He was 2.5 and I wanted to help him build confidence in his abilities, so I wrote this story as a way for me to build him up and help him build himself up. When I wrote it, life was busy and I didn't have the ability to complete the book then, but I never stopped believing that I would complete it one day. Covid happened, and I was able to find the resources to help me bring my vision to life.
How would you describe the book?
This picture book is a book for young children that helps to build a narrative of belief in their own abilities.
Were there any obstacles to writing your first book?
Finding the right illustrator. It took me 4 different tries until I found Ros Webb. She was really able to take my vision and bring them to life with her illustrations. What did writing it teach you?
I am learning a lot about the literary world, and have so much more to learn, but looking forward to attaining more knowledge Although it’s written for children, the advice could serve anyone. What is the main message you’d like readers to take away?
To never stop believing in your own ability to succeed. That anyone has the ability to dream big and accomplish those big dreams. I am living proof.
Are you working on other projects? Yes! I am very excited about the second story I just finished. Hoping to have it published mid next year.
For further information, learn more at https://www.ibelieveinmedoyou.com.