Love, Magic, and Gifts of the Creative Life
I like to say that just as rice is the essential ingredient in mochi (the soft, chewy Japanese rice cakes in THE MOCHI MAKERS), my book was made with an essential ingredient: love. When I wrote the first draft of this book, I was suffering major complications from cancer treatment. My body had shut down to the extent that I was unable to eat by mouth for several months. What kept me alive during that time was a pump that dripped liquid nutrition into a PICC line that tunneled through a vein in my arm to my heart.
This was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our household of six (my husband, our two young children, my elderly parents, and me in my medically-frail state) somehow made it through each fragile day. I say “somehow,” but actually, I know that it was because we had each other, and because loving reminders of our distant friends and family reached us in our isolation bubble.
Love arrived in tangible shapes, like hand-knitted hats and throws, flowers, cards, faithful phone calls, and boxes of tea, but also in the form of loyal critique partners who urged me to continue attending our Zoom gatherings, even if I had nothing to share. But because I couldn’t experience the sensory textures of eating, I was thinking a lot about food—and where food, family, and love converge. I wrote THE MOCHI MAKERS in that headspace. When I brought the first draft of THE MOCHI MAKERS to my critique group (as I sat propped up in bed, hooked up to a pump, and craving real food), my critique partners said that this story was the one.
I felt an inkling of this too. This story was the one into which I had poured my most authentic words, flavors of my family stories, and my whole heart. It was the one with a sweet, cozy world that I gratefully immersed myself in when I didn’t want to dwell in the real world where I might not ever eat solid food again and where there was a raging global pandemic compounded by racial tensions and divisive politics.
In that time of gastronomic starvation, so to speak, dreaming up this picture book gave me the gift of being able to cherish something I had perhaps taken for granted in the past–something that had once been as ordinary as, and yet now was as extraordinary as, making and eating mochi, a food so important to Japanese and Japanese American culture. Although I could not sink my teeth into a soft, chewy piece of mochi, I could savor everything about mochi within the pages of my book. In my words and art on every page, I could still celebrate mochi as the taste of tradition, gratitude, and love.
It took many drafts, revisions, and a lot of love to make this book, but in that creative process, it was a gift to be blissfully immersed in the world of THE MOCHI MAKERS where I felt safe and hopeful. But an immersive world is not just a gift for the creator. It’s the gift we children’s book creators strive to give to readers, isn’t it? To enter an entire world between the book covers—better yet, a world built on hope, kindness, and love—is a kind of magic that can nourish a reader’s heart, even long after one closes the book. It is why, like in an artfully-crafted poem, every sentence, every word, every page turn, every brushstroke that we choose as storytellers matters. All of it together becomes a world we share with our readers.
Another reciprocal gift of the creative life is the invitation for us as creators to reach back through time to our childhood selves to feel again what it was like to be small in the world and yet feel a little invincible; to be pure-hearted and yet understand so much more than adults realized; to find treasures that grownups often don’t recognize, like puddles, shells, sunlight, feathers, or even a grain of rice.
When I can find and focus that childlike lens during the creative process, sometimes I feel a flicker of wonder, imagination, and curiosity that children experience so naturally. Perhaps I can remember that a grain of rice is not just a grain of rice but a time capsule of family stories, a main ingredient of food made with love, and the magic from which memories are made. And when I can remember that, maybe, just maybe, I’m a little better at storytelling with heart in that moment. And maybe even a little better at being a better human being.
These days, I still deal daily with permanent damage to my body, but I can at least eat a few foods. I have so much gratitude for the love and the magic that carried me through difficult days. I was in the hospital at Thanksgiving in 2020, and my surgeon told me that, in the worst-case scenario, I might be artificially fed through a tube for the rest of my life. Exactly a year later on Thanksgiving Day, my lovely agent Anne Moore Armstrong—whom I would choose from among several wonderful representation offers—found me as she was scrolling her Twitter feed. If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is.
Nowadays, just like time is suspended in the spell of a picture book spread, I am immersed in gratitude for each day granted to me. My ongoing journey has been illuminated at so many junctures by the brilliance and kindness of children’s book creators, some of whom are here in 12 x 12. With Beach Lane Books as my publishing home, my hope is that I can create books that, like homemade mochi, are authentically, though imperfectly, shaped by my own two hands and filled with kindness, gratitude, and a whole lot of love.
Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson is the author-illustrator of THE MOCHI MAKERS (S&S/Beach Lane Books), in which a girl and her grandmother make Japanese rice cakes together in a celebration of family, tradition, and the memories that matter most. Kirkus Reviews describes THE MOCHI MAKERS, in a starred review, as “a storytelling treat to be savored among family… . Each step of this tasty story glows with joy and kindness, punctuated by rich sensory language.” Sharon’s second book, SHELL SONG (S&S/Beach Lane Books, 2025), is inspired by the seashells her grandfather collected in a Japanese American incarceration camp in Hawai‘i during World War II.
Sharon is offering one lucky winner a signed copy of THE MOCHI MAKERS at our April 2024 check-in. Let her know in the comments below what love, magic, and gifts you have in your creative life.
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93 Responses
Thank you so much for sharing the many layered story beneath your story. I can’t wait to read it. Celebrating your season of renewal. xx
Thank you so much, Joanna! I hope my book brings you joy!
Thank you so much for sharing the many layered story beneath your story. I can’t wait to read it. Celebrating your season of renewal. xx
Thank you for sharing your story. And congratulations on the publication of your lovely book. Wishing you many more in the future.
Thank you so much, Lauri!
Your book looks beautiful Sharon! It’s wonderful to see how creativity gave you strength during your journey. Congratulations!
Thank you, Tonya! I appreciate your kind words!
Wow, Sharon, what a story, yours and your book! And with my passion for shells, I can’t wait for your next one. Congratulations on getting through it all and creating a beautiful story.
Thank you so much for your lovely words! I hope you’ll enjoy my next book as well!
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story. This was an amazing post filled with inspiration and heart. Congratulations on your books. I look forward to reading both. I’m glad to hear your health has improved and allowed for some oral intake. Sending positive vibes that things continue to improve more and more over time.
I’m so glad to hear my post was inspiring for you! Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!
Wow, what a powerful post and a reminder that our best work reflects our authentic selves.
Thank you, Kirsten! I love the concept of authentic selves and agree with you that our best work comes from our true selves.
This was such a motivational story. Wishing you much success with this book and future ones.
As far as what love, magic and gifts I have in my creative life, I would have to say my children and grandchildren. They are truly love, magic and such a gift.
Thank you for your comment, Barbara! How lucky your children and grandchildren are to be so loved! I can only imagine that this well of love, magic, and gifts will provide much inspiration for you!
Oh, my goodness, Sharon! What a journey you’ve taken–physically, emotionally, and creatively! I lived in Japan (in Sakura, two train stops from Narita) about 30 years ago to teach English, and I fell in love with mochi; a local shop not far from my apartment made THE best. I’m looking forward to reading your book! Hugs and continued healing!
I love knowing that you lived in Japan and that you fell in love with mochi! I hope my book will perhaps bring back lovely memories of your time in Japan. That local mochi shop sounds amazing!!
I am so glad your condition has improved. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ashley!
Thank you for sharing the story behind your story and for the reminder to focus with a childlike lens when we are creating our stories for children. I put The Mochi Makers on hold at my library and look forward to reading it! Congratulations!
Aww, thank you for your comment! I hope you enjoy my book! I love knowing that your library has it!
Sharon, your story inspires and embraces the power of courage, family, prayer, hope and love! Thank you for sharing a part of your journey with us and your wonderful gift of storytelling. Your words will resonate to children and their readers – a testimonial to family and traditions! Congrats and looking forward to seeing more of your work!!
Thank you so much, Nanci, for your kind and encouraging words!
Thank you for sharing your story. It reinforces my belief that picture books couldn’t be born without the journey that mines writers’ hearts and tests their perseverance, strength, and resiliency. Your experience also highlights the importance of this writing community and the relationships we form in our real life as well as our writing journey. Our support for each other helps us all achieve our goals. I look forward to reading your book.
Thank you for such insightful and powerful words, Judy! I really appreciate you taking the time to share these thoughts!
What an inspiring journey you have had. Thank you for sharing the love you have in your heart and your experience during the pandemic and cancer treatment that kept you fed through your PICC line.
The Mochi Makers will definitely be on my reading list. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Lori! I really appreciate your kind words!
Sharon, I feel such gratitude for the depth of your sharing, and am awed by your perserverence. I look forward to reading The Mochi Makers and Shell Song, and placing them on my shelf in a spot where they will often catch my eye, and make me catch my breath as I remember your backstory. The way you and your agent found each other seems like a satori moment.
Love: beyond all the love that is shared by family and friends, there is love that is sent out into the world just because we can, and there is love that we reserve for ourselves to ensure we heal, endure, and flourish in the challenging space we call writing. Magic: how writers create imaginary worlds that children can inhabit just be turning pages. Gifts: relationships that inspire and sustain, such as those that can be found in abundance in the 12 X 12 writing community.
May you continue on a path to health and mine the gems of your past, molding them into stories children will love even into adulthood. Congratulations!
Wow, Gigi! Your words made such an impact on me. Thank you so much for these incredible thoughts and wonderful wishes! I wish you all the best in your endeavors as well! Thank you!
What a powerful story, Sharon. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry to learn about your medical journey and so impressed with how you’ve channeled your energy for others. Sending you healing thoughts, strength, and best wishes in health and writing.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jennifer, and your wishes for my continued health and healing. I appreciate it so much!
Congratulations, Sharon. What an inspiring story. Wishing you continued healing, happiness and many more wonderful stories crafted from family moments and memories.
Thank you so much, Shaunda! I appreciate your wishes so very much!
Your resilience, Sharon, is inspiring. Your determination, fed by your own positive will and supported by those who love you, and your sharing about it here, reminds us how interconnected we all are. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish for you continued healing.
Thank you so much, Amy! I really appreciate your kind words!
What a time you’ve had. Thank you for this vulnerable piece and for sharing your process with us. I hope you can continue to heal.
I really appreciate your kind words, Tina! Thank you!
Sharon you are an inspiration. Congratulations on your beautiful book – I’ve just requested my local library here in Sydney purchases it, and I look forward to reading it. Very best wishes for your ongoing recovery and continuing writing career. I hope we get to read more beautiful stories from you.
Aww, thank you for requesting my book at your library!! I hope you enjoy reading it. Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate them very much!
Sharon, the first sentence of this blog post is both a humble and powerful statement. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story behind THE MOCHI MAKERS. I wish you continued strength, support, and publishing success. Very well deserved!
Thank you so much, Karen! I really appreciate your kind words!
Sharon, Congratulations for being a survivor! Our family began a cancer treatment for my husband in March,2020 and our love got us through what seemed like terror, so I can relate.Your creative heart shines through your work, your vulnerability evident on the page! No better way to write! Best wishes on your continued healing!
Oh, wow. I’m so sorry you and your husband can relate to such a terrifying experience. I hope that he is doing well now! Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes!
Thank you for sharing such a deep and heartfelt post, Sharon. Congratulations on creating a beautiful book during challenging times. I’m looking forward to reading The Mochi Makers, Shell Song, and many more as you continue your creative journey. Creating for children is itself a rewarding gift filled with love and magic. I’m grateful to be a part it, and this wonderful community. Wishing you much success!!
Thank you so much, Judy! I’m so grateful to know you look forward to reading my books! I wish you all the best in your creative work as well!
Thank you for sharing your very personal writing journey with us. Your story really resonates with me. I have chronic illnesses that limit my activities and hobbies, but writing has always been something I can do when I can’t do much else. I will spend some time this month reflecting on those things I crave and the stories that they spark.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Angela! Chronic illnesses can impact daily life so much, and I’m sorry you know that that’s like. I’m so glad writing brings you something special even when you’re not feeling well. I hope that you’ll find inspiration and stories and joy in your writing!
A beautiful, and beautifully written, record of your writing journey. To produce a hopeful book during a time of such difficulty is a real example to me.
Thank you so much, Brenda! I appreciate your kind words!
Dear Sharon — You are a true inspiration and treasure. I am so excited to learn about your book. It brought back memories of my own childhood and baking with my Bapka, my grandma. You are correct — we have so many great stories to share. I am so grateful that your words are out in the world. May your healing continue and may you continue to create wonderful works amd Mocchi, too!
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment, Linda! I appreciate your kind words so much! How lovely that you recalled baking with your Bapka! I hope you find inspiration and wonderful stories in your memories!
Thank you for sharing your personal story and the story behind your pb. My library has a copy of your book and I’m looking forward to reading it. I hope your healing continues and that you continue to gift us with special stories that only you can share.
I’m so happy to hear your library has my book! That made my day! Thank you for your kind words and wishes!
Congratulations on your story–and many wishes for your healing and many servings of mochi in your future.
Thank you so much for your kind words and warm wishes, Wendy! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my post!
Sharon, what a powerful post! How wonderful to have this story out in the world and to have you writing more of them as time goes on. Sending wishes for continued health, happiness, and days filled with love, writing, and all that you treasure.
Marty, thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate your warm wishes so much!
Thank you for sharing your personal journey and your beautiful book.
Thank you so much, Diane!
Metaphorically Sharon, if I were being chased by a monster I am more likely to stop, drop and just get it over with. You got ahead of it, ran and kept going. Thank you for sharing parts of your journey.
Julie, your comment made me both laugh and feel warm and fuzzy inside. Thank you so much for your kind words!
Dear Sharon,
I never met my grandparents, as they died during the Holocaust. When I read a book where the child shares life connection with a grandmother, my eyes start to tear and I try to feel the love as it was my own.
Both your books show a lot about you, I am very impressed by the stories you chose. It is like seeing your family spread on paper. Being a Writer and an Illustrator gives you double the pride creativity. May your life be always rich and fulfilled with love, warmth, and magic.
Sharing your illness with us in such an open way, is so inspiring.
Thank you so much for EVERYTHING. Can’t wait to enter your world between the book covers.
Eva, thank you so much for sharing your family’s story. I was so moved when I read your comment. Thank you so much for your kid words. I hope that you will enjoy my books. Thank you for being so encouraging!
Dear Sharon,
Your life story brought tears to my eyes. You have certainly overcome many personal medical challenges especially if your health failed during the pandemic.
Your strength and perseverance prove that with the love and support of family, friends and critique partners it’s possible to move ahead. My husband has been in poor health for over a year and he’s on a waiting list for an organ transplant. I accompany him to all of his many doctors’ appointments and recurring treatment sessions. I made that commitment early so I make sure I pause my writing and revisions because his health comes first.
Thank you for this lovely book and may it be inspirational for all those who have health issues and still prevail.
Carmen, thank you so much for your heartfelt words! They went straight into my heart. I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s health struggles, and I hope that transplant becomes available for him very soon. He is so blessed to have your care and love and presence. Indeed, his health comes first, and the words will come when there is time and space when hopefully he is in better health. Thank you for your kind words! I wish all the best for your family!
What a beautiful, tender story! Not only do I look forward to reading this book, I also want to bite into a mochi. And I hope they are one of the foods you can now eat. Thank-you for this book and its story.
Thank you so much, Maria! I appreciate your kind words so much and am thrilled that you are looking forward both to my book and a bite of mochi! In fact, I cannot eat mochi, so please eat an extra on my behalf. 🙂
Oh my gosh! YOU are a warrior! Congratulations on your book and wishing you great strides of advancement with your health! Thanks for sharing your story!
Awww, thank you, Sue! You are too kind! Thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes!
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you health.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Marilyn! I appreciate you taking the time to read my post!
Thank you for reminding us how important heart is in our manuscripts. You tapped into the most difficult events and times to create an amazing book of comfort and inspiration. May you continue to heal and write!
Thank you, Nancy! I really appreciate your kind words and warm wishes!
What a powerful and inspiring post, Sharon. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it just goes to show how much strength you have to bring something so beautiful to life through such a difficult time. Wishing you all the best.
Elena, thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment! I appreciate your words very much! Wishing you all the best as well!
Sharon, what a powerful story of heart and hope and healing. Thank you for sharing it. Your books sound genuine and beautiful, and I look forward to reading them.
Thank you, Shay! I hope you’ll enjoy my books. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and leave such a lovely comment!
Thank you, Sharon for sharing your amazing story. You book sounds wonderful. Congratulations to your success and your strength to succeed and heal.
Thank you, Theila! I appreciate your kind words very much!
Thank you for sharing your story. Your journey on how the story came about was incredible. Congratulations on your improved health and published book.
Thank you for reading my post, Marcia, and for your very kind words! I appreciate it very much!
Sharon, my sister has been receiving nutrition through a PICC line for more than a decade due to a medical condition so I have seen firsthand the struggles she has had to endure. To be able to create your beautiful picture book during such a trying and emotional time is a testament to your strength and perseverance. May THE MOCHI MAKERS and SHELL SONG bring you the success you so greatly deserve and may your health continue to improve.
Susan, my heart goes out to your sister, and I wish her continued courage and strength! My several months with a PICC line pales in comparison to the perseverance it must take to maintain nutrition for more than a decade! I am in awe, and also have so much empathy for what she must be experiencing. Prior to my own experience, I had no idea there were people who relied on PICC lines for nutrition long-term. It is both an incredible medical intervention and a difficult thing to face. Thank you so much for your kind words. Wishing you and your sister both all the best on all fronts!
Sharon, all I can say is: WOW. What a story behind the story–I wish you continued health and success; The Mochi Makers looks beautiful and I look forward to reading it!
Elayne, thank you so much for your heartfelt comment! I appreciate your kind words very much!
Thank you. I can’t wait to read THE MOCHI MAKERS. I’m sure it is filled with “kindness, gratitude, and a whole lot of love.”
Thank you so much, Lisa! I hope you’ll enjoy my book. I appreciate your kind words!
Thank you for an endearing story about your family tradition and building love with the mochi recipe. Important story for understanding about food roles in family memories and taking part in inter generational activities. Lovely illustrations set the tone for this sweet story.
Food has power. A smell can bring you to a memory. I am Choctaw. We have similar way of thinking that food has power. We eat certain foods our ancestors ate. Sometimes when enjoy tanchi labona (hominy stew) I feel that my memory of being a little girl in my grandmas kitchen. Listen to them gossip in Choctaw.
Thank you for sharing your journey! You are an inspiration to us to keep moving forward!
Sharon,
I agree that living a creative life is a gift. I enjoyed your post and its uplifting message. It sounds like you’ve been through a tough time with your cancer journey. I wish you healing and peace and much time for creativity and joy.
Somewhere I read how our truest self emerges through the most difficult times. Finding the heart in your stories and yourself, and sharing your journey, has gifted us, your colleagues and readers, with stories to hold and cherish. Thank you for trusting us with your story. I look forward to reading THE MOCHI MAKERS.
Sharon, thank you for sharing your story! Isn’t it cool how creating can help us get through difficult times? Can’t wait to read The Mochi Makers!