Angelina Phelan
My stories sprout from the fusion of my Portuguese heritage, resilience as an amputee, and joys of grandparenting.
Born and raised in the Azores Islands (Portugal), I underwent a radical limb amputation in childhood, thrusting me on an arduous and most adventurous trail. As a young adult, I landed in the United States, weathering through a Chemical Engineering degree, but never mastered football jargon despite decades of my husband coaching the sport and our two children performing at the half-time shows.
Retiring from my career finally opened the gate to feed and grow the dream seed in my writing garden, tending it with inspiring stories for readers of all ages. I envision a fruitful kidlit field with rows of my pictures book series, including a bilingual crop.
When not writing something, I can be found hopping around after my grandchildren, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, attending Portuguese heritage festivals, travelling, or painting with my ever-increasing collection of acrylics.
My hope...
Across the globe, people, children and adults alike, are naturally drawn to what is different, and react instinctively, regardless of reasons. When encountering an amputee, their bewilderment is ignited by their preconceived idea of a sorrowful, incapable, doomed human - not one exuding joy and displaying unusual capabilities. This realization leads to people feeling some shame, followed by avoidance, which hinders curious questions. While the amputee's physical condition does significantly increase the level of difficulty for most tasks and activities, the accomplishment is that much more deeply rewarding.
Therefore, my hope... is for children and caretakers to realize curiosity is an opportunity for growth and connection.
My motto...
Where there is a will there is a way!
Interests/Credentials
A few life lessons...
CONTACT:
Email [email protected]
Born and raised in the Azores Islands (Portugal), I underwent a radical limb amputation in childhood, thrusting me on an arduous and most adventurous trail. As a young adult, I landed in the United States, weathering through a Chemical Engineering degree, but never mastered football jargon despite decades of my husband coaching the sport and our two children performing at the half-time shows.
Retiring from my career finally opened the gate to feed and grow the dream seed in my writing garden, tending it with inspiring stories for readers of all ages. I envision a fruitful kidlit field with rows of my pictures book series, including a bilingual crop.
When not writing something, I can be found hopping around after my grandchildren, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, attending Portuguese heritage festivals, travelling, or painting with my ever-increasing collection of acrylics.
My hope...
Across the globe, people, children and adults alike, are naturally drawn to what is different, and react instinctively, regardless of reasons. When encountering an amputee, their bewilderment is ignited by their preconceived idea of a sorrowful, incapable, doomed human - not one exuding joy and displaying unusual capabilities. This realization leads to people feeling some shame, followed by avoidance, which hinders curious questions. While the amputee's physical condition does significantly increase the level of difficulty for most tasks and activities, the accomplishment is that much more deeply rewarding.
Therefore, my hope... is for children and caretakers to realize curiosity is an opportunity for growth and connection.
My motto...
Where there is a will there is a way!
Interests/Credentials
- Kidlit: Picture Book Rising Stars mentee 2025, SCBWI member, Children's Book Academy graduate, 12x12 member, member of critique group.
- Correspondent for Portuguese-American LusoAmericano newspaper.
- Communications Chair for the Portuguese-American Association in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- Member of Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States.
- Chemical engineer.
- Oil/acrylic painting, writing poetry, children's books.
- Engaging with my grandchildren in their activities.
A few life lessons...
- Never compare yourself against others to find self worth (avoid envy up or scorn down). Avoid comparing yourself to who you were. Find a way to set yourself free of anything that imprisons you. Search until you are finally and unquestionably free.
- Get on with your life and maximize your true potential.
- Serving others brings immeasurable joy.
- Be grateful for all experiences, even the unpleasant ones, for these become the break-throughs and corner stones in life.
- Life is a gift - appreciate it today.
CONTACT:
Email [email protected]