We recently caught up with local author, Deanna Bussadori, to learn more about her life and how she came to be a writer. Here is what she had to say.

I grew up in South Africa in a Greek family with two siblings. I was always surrounded by loved ones—family and friends gathered around food, the outdoors, sunshine, the beach, and lively get-togethers. After completing my studies, I moved to London, England, where I spent many years working, traveling, getting married, and welcoming both of my children. Seeking more adventure and an active outdoor lifestyle, my husband and I relocated our family to Vancouver, Canada, where we embraced hiking, skiing, boating, and the stunning oceanfront scenery. More recently, life has brought us to Bellevue, Washington, where we continue to adapt, explore, and appreciate the warmth of a new community and the beauty of our surroundings.

We chose Bellevue after relocating from Canada because its environment closely resembles what we were accustomed to, making for a smooth transition along the West Coast—especially for the kids.

In my previous job, I was deeply involved in the community, managing events and fundraising for their charity while also volunteering at my children’s schools for various activities. Recently, I’ve been engaging in community service events with my daughter as she navigates her high school program, where participation in the community plays a crucial role in fostering responsibility, empathy, and compassion in young adults.

The Bellevue area has been very welcoming, and I’ve found the community to be incredibly supportive and friendly. The opportunity to engage in enjoyable outdoor activities, many just a short distance from home, makes it a place of adventure, connection, and balance—a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty that encourages an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

My passion for poetry and rhyme and my journey as a parent inspired me to become a writer.

My debut book, Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, was inspired by my two children. Watching my son naturally step into the role of a mentor for his younger sister—who looked up to him as her hero—deepened my appreciation for their growing sibling bond. This connection inspired me to create stories that reflect the different stages of childhood and the unique relationship between siblings.

Their acts of kindness and the special growing milestones they shared became the foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support, which inspired the creation of Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day and Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister. I aspire to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one another, and embrace the power of family bonds.

Stepping away from a writing project is my greatest source of motivation and inspiration. Whether it’s for a day, a week, or even months, taking time to focus on other things helps me return with fresh eyes and a new perspective. This break allows me to approach my work differently, bringing clarity and the ability to refine or reshape my writing as needed.

One of my biggest challenges was overcoming self-doubt, which initially held me back from publishing. However, my ongoing challenge has been navigating the complexities of marketing. I’ve come to realize success as an author isn’t just about strategy—it’s about passion, dedication, and love for the craft. Understanding this has helped guide my journey and keep me focused on what truly matters.

Don't overthink—just take action! Do your research, and if you have a story to tell, tell it. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back—it’s nothing but a distraction that keeps you from moving forward. Have a plan, stay committed, and follow through.

For me, the biggest challenge—then and now—is understanding the role of marketing and what it truly takes to establish a presence and reach the right audience.

In 2025, I will be publishing a standalone book in my present style of poetry that highlights a key mental health issue, focusing on children from early childhood through adolescence. Following that, I am scheduled to start publishing my next book in the Super Big Brother series, as I currently have ten books in the series already written.