When Pamela Buehl sits down to write, she’s not just putting words on paper — she’s preserving pieces of her heart.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Pamela for this week’s episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, and what unfolded was an inspiring look at how one woman turned childhood pen pal letters with her Nana into a lifelong love of poetry — and a self-published book she now shares with children and families.

Pamela’s journey started early. She remembers swapping poems with her grandmother, performing plays with friends in the neighborhood, and always having a pencil in hand. But like so many writers, life took her down other paths first: teaching elementary school, raising a family, and supporting students’ creativity.

When she retired, Pamela knew she had one more thing on her bucket list: publish a children’s poetry book. She spent an entire year writing two poems for each month of the year — and even created all the colorful illustrations herself, out of construction paper.

But finishing the book was just the beginning.

Pamela chose the self-publishing route — a brave step for a first-time author who had never navigated book design, formatting, or distribution before. There were moments of self-doubt, especially around her hand-made illustrations, but her mission was clear: “I wanted to share my joy for writing and reading with kids.”

That joy shows up every time she hands a new parent or grandparent a copy. Pamela says she loves signing books ordered through her Instagram (@Buehlpamela) — a personal touch that turns each book into a keepsake.

What struck me most was Pamela’s reminder that writing is not just about the final product — it’s about the process. Writing daily, even for 10 minutes, has been her most healing practice. And now, through anthologies and local writing communities, she’s exploring nonfiction and memoir, stepping bravely into telling her own personal stories.

She knows it’s not always easy. Vulnerability is hard. But Pamela believes every woman’s story matters — and someone, somewhere, needs to hear it.

If you’re an aspiring author reading this, take Pamela’s advice: Write something every day. Don’t worry about it being perfect. Just start.

You never know whose life your words might change — including your own.