Conversations with Justin Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Ford

Hi Justin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where to begin? Growing up, I was always a creative kid. I loved singing, songwriting—really, anything in the arts. Like many people, the pandemic changed a lot for me. But I believe there’s a silver lining in everything. While the pandemic was one of the worst experiences for so many, including myself, it also became the very thing that changed the trajectory of my life.

A little backstory— I was born and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness for most of my life, but deep down, I always knew it wasn’t something I truly wanted to be. During the pandemic, I made the life-altering decision to leave and embark on a journey to find my voice, my identity, and my freedom. Unfortunately, that freedom came at a heavy cost. Overnight, I lost my relationship with all of my friends and family due to leaving the religion. My worst nightmare became a reality, and I had no idea what my next step would be.

From depression to anxiety, I went through all the stages of grief and loss. But in my lowest moment, a life-changing conversation happened. A friend of mine, who had a young daughter, mentioned how he wished he could find a children’s book with a character that looked like her—but he couldn’t. Something in that conversation sparked a light in me. The next day, I went to a bookstore and saw firsthand the lack of representation in children’s books. When I later dove into statistics, I was shocked to learn that there are more animals in children’s books than kids of color. That’s when a light bulb went off.

I went home and immediately started writing. As I wrote, the weight of my depression and anxiety slowly lifted. Through my pen and the illustrations forming in my mind, I felt free. I had no idea how to write a book or what the process even looked like, but the more I learned, the more it became a true passion—something I fell in love with. Within a year, I wrote, rewrote, and rewrote again until I finally held in my hands my first book: I SEE ME.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that through my own loss and sense of being lost, I was writing to my younger self. This book wasn’t just for kids—it was healing for me. I SEE ME went on to become a bestseller, reaching children from all backgrounds across the world. The book celebrates self-love and acceptance while honoring the unique qualities that make every child special.

When I see kids from Africa to South Korea to Australia holding copies of this book and saying, “I SEE ME,” the feeling is indescribable. In those moments, I know that this is more than just a passion—it’s my purpose. And I know, without a doubt, that this is what I’m meant to do for the rest of my life.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been anything but smooth—there have been many moments that left me questioning why I even decided to embark on this adventure. But every doubt fades away when I see my books in the hands of children, empowering them to embrace their best selves. That makes it all worth it, time and time again.

For starters, my background isn’t in writing—it’s in Alzheimer’s research. I was starting from ground zero. I spent countless hours learning everything I could about storytelling and what it takes to create a great children’s book. I poured my heart, sweat, and tears into it, and after all that hard work, I created a book I was incredibly proud of.

But the next challenge was just as daunting: how do I get this book into the hands of kids all over the world? Like most authors, I dreamed of seeing my book in Barnes & Noble, maybe even on The New York Times bestseller list. So, I set my sights on getting traditionally published.

The first step? Finding a literary agent who believed in my book and could pitch it to a major publishing house. I knew rejection was part of the process, and I braced myself for a few “no’s.” What I wasn’t prepared for was over 80 rejections. That level of rejection was crushing—it made me question myself, my book, and my future as a children’s author.

But if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’ve always believed I can do anything I set my mind to. In 2023, I was one of 456 people chosen to compete on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I made it through, outlasting over 200 contestants in the first two challenges. Whenever I hit a rough patch, I remind myself—if I could survive playing Red Light, Green Light for eight hours in below-freezing temperatures, I can do anything!

I knew I had a book that I loved, but more importantly, I knew there were kids who needed its message—kids who deserved to be seen, loved, and represented. I couldn’t stop. This was bigger than me. Then, it hit me—this rejection was the very reason why there are more animals in children’s books than kids of color. And I couldn’t accept that.

So, I pivoted. I began my journey into independent publishing, launching Ford Publishing House and releasing my debut book, I SEE ME, under my very own imprint. Now, I’m not just telling my story—I’m helping other aspiring authors bring their books to life.

Life gives you lemons, and I’m making the best lemonade possible.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Prior to writing children’s books I worked and still work hard at finding a cure for Alzheimer’s research. A cure for Alzheimer’s is crucial for all communities, but it is especially needed in underserved populations where the disease disproportionately affects individuals and access to healthcare is often limited. Studies show that Black and Latino communities are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s yet are significantly underrepresented in clinical research and less likely to receive an early diagnosis or proper care. The lack of resources, cultural barriers, and systemic healthcare disparities make it even more challenging for families in these communities to manage the devastating effects of the disease. Advancing Alzheimer’s research with a focus on inclusivity ensures that treatments and potential cures are effective for everyone, not just a select few. Addressing these disparities through increased funding, education, and diverse participation in research is essential to achieving equitable healthcare and providing hope for future generations.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Oh wow! That’s such a great question. I’m so excited to announce that I have a new children’s book entitled “There Is A Monster In The Sink” coming this summer. It will encourage kids all over the world to overcome their fears and live life to the full. In the next 5-10 years, I see myself continuing to expand my impact in the world of children’s literature with several more books published, each one inspiring and empowering young readers. Beyond books, I’ve launched my own YouTube channel, JustinTime 4 StoryTIME—a talk show by kids, for everyone—where I interview young visionaries, creatives, and trailblazers doing incredible things. My ultimate goal is to take this platform to a major network, giving kids from all backgrounds a space to share their voices, talents, and dreams with the world.

In addition, I’m passionate about literacy and creative expression, so I would love to develop a JustinTime 4 StoryTIME curriculum for schools. This program would guide children through the process of storytelling and publishing, helping them become authors and see their own stories come to life. Imagine classrooms full of kids writing, illustrating, and holding their own published books—it would be a game-changer!

I also see myself expanding Ford Publishing House, not only publishing my own books but also helping aspiring authors—especially those from underrepresented communities—bring their stories to life. Whether through books, media, or education, my mission is to uplift and inspire the next generation.

The sky is truly the limit, and I’m not just reaching for the stars—I’m determined to leave a lasting legacy that encourages kids everywhere to dream big, tell their stories, and believe in themselves.

Pricing:

• 12.00 for “I see me”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fordpublishinghouse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinwrites4kids/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justintime4storytime
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/See-Me-Justin-Steven-Ford/dp/B0BFWKTNF5/