author Rayna Jo Zest signing Oliver the Owl children’s cookbook storybook at book event table with promotional materials

FROM MY SIDE OF THE PAGE

The Life Behind the Books

Come behind the books with me for memories, creative detours, publishing adventures, and a little bit of real life along the way.

Explore My Books

Author Life

The Heart of the Holidays

December 14, 2025

Family, Love, and a Year to Remember. As I write this, I can’t help but feel like I should be napping instead. Read more...

Publishing & Profits

November 17, 2025

Oliver the Owl was never about making millions—unless we’re talking about millions of memories. Read more...

Imposter Syndrome and Me

January 11, 2025

Still waiting for someone to bust through the wall like the Kool-Aid man and shout, “You don’t belong here”? Yeah, same. 🙃 Read more...

My Childhood Dining Room

November 1, 2024

Where Chaos, Cookies, and Memories Were Made Let me tell you, growing up in my house during the holidays was like stepping into a festive wonderland—except with way more food... Read more...

Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Pro

October 7, 2024

Did I ever imagine creating a children’s book series about a chef-owl? Not exactly. But when life leads you through restaurant kitchens, childhood memories, and creative chaos... Read more...

From Dream to Reality

September 23, 2024

Becoming an author wasn’t exactly on my five-year plan—let’s be honest, it wasn’t even on my radar. But when I hit the big 5-0, things started to shift. Read more...

DIY Marketing Magic

June 3, 2024

Who needs expensive marketing when you’ve got a bit of creativity and a Saturday night free? I turned my dining room into a DIY workshop. Read more...