Q: First tell us something about yourself?
Ariel L. Brown is the founder and self-published author of Pumped 4 My Journey. She is the only child of Rev. Michael and Mrs. Paulette Brown. Ariel was born in Petersburg, Virginia and now resides in Prince George County. In 2008, she graduated from Prince George High School with an advanced diploma. She continued to further her education, and in 2011, graduated from Richard Bland College, where she received her Associate’s Degree in Science. Ariel is the proud mother of the most amazing little girl Kaliya. She is employed as a certified medical assistant working with an endocrinologist and a nurse practitioner/diabetes educator. In 2022, Ariel became a Dexcom Warrior and a Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach. She accepted her calling last year to write her first book. Ariel is very determined to connect with as many children, and their families that have type 1 diabetes.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
My dream was always to become a nurse practitioner and diabetes educator to help children living with diabetes. I never had dreams or even thoughts of becoming an author. In 2019, I was looking for a book for my daughter because she was afraid of my diabetes. My endocrinologist and I looked online but we couldn’t find one that she could relate to. My doctor then suggested that I write a book and I laughed at the idea. I told my doctor, “I don’t want to write the book, I want to find the book.” We then left it alone and I never thought about writing again but God had other plans. In October of 2021, I lost my Aunt Nita and I became very depressed. In a way, I also died in that moment when she passed away. I began to ask God, “What do I do now that’s she gone?” “Who’s going to call me from New York City on Saturdays?” God allowed me to cry for a little bit but then he started to bring the book back. I ignored the callings because I was broken and depressed. I knew I couldn’t help anyone because I needed help too but then God revealed something to me. I will never forget that Sunday in January 2022, I was sitting in my living room and I heard something say, “Go write the book.” I grabbed a pen and paper and ran straight into the bathroom; Locked the doors and started writing. 3 hours later the book was finished. I couldn’t believe in that moment what had happened but I knew it was God. I searched for a book in 2019 for my daughter and I couldn’t find it. The reason why I coudn’t locate it was because I was her book, I just had to open up and start writing.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I self published my first book last year in 2022
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
Pumped 4 My Journey is a 3 in 1 book. This book consist of my story living with type 1 diabetes, a built in journal full of open ended questions, and blank colored pages. There’s no pictures of me in this book because I want the reader to create their own. This book is blended with my story along with the child’s and I’m here to help guide them through their journey of living with type 1 diabetes.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
My book Pumped 4 My Journey was created to inspire and empower school age children living with type 1 diabetes. Growing up I didn’t see anything that looked like me going around telling me I could survive and I want to be that person for our children. I want to give diabetes a new look and that’s conquering with confidence.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
Pumped 4 My Journey is based on actual events in my life. The main character in this story is myself along with important people in my life.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
I would love for my readers to know this book was created especially for them. I had to experience a lot with my diabetes in order to know how to help others on their journey. Pumped 4 My Journey is a book that can be read with a parent and/or guardian to allow the families to have open discussions on how the child might feel and what they’re going through. I put myself in the minset of my 12 year old self when I wrote this book because I wanted to remember how I felt and what I could have used. My motto for Pumped 4 My Journey’s motto is “let’s conquer diabetes together.”
