It seems like every time Jennifer Humphries turns around, there are princesses. She sees little girls in tiaras and tutus at the library, at pre-K, in the grocery store. And yet, she hasn't found a decent princess book for her 4-year-old.
The books she finds are "lame" or filled with flat characters, she said.
So, she decided to write her own.
Pretty soon, the full-time mom and part-time public relations manager, and her sister, another mommy and an attorney, Nicki DiCampli, were collaborating.
"Rebekah Grace, The Practically Perfect Princess" came out three weeks ago, along with bookmarks, crowns and T-shirts.
Rebekah is based on and named after Humphries' youngest, who has closets filled with princess outfits, believes herself to be a princess and is constantly finding herself in trouble.
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"Cute, messy, imperfect," describes both Rebekahs, Humphries, 34, said.
The entire process has been fun, challenging, inspirational and educational, the sisters said.
During the writing process, the two would gather at one or the other's house after their children were in bed.
Between 8:30 and 11 p.m. they'd chitchat about growing up and their children's exploits, bounce ideas off each other and construct and deconstruct each sentence.
They worked hard to keep each sentence short but attention-getting - never forgetting their target audience of 3- to 5-year-olds, Humphries said.
Rebekah, her siblings, cousins, dad and uncle sat and listened to probably 15 different variations of the book.
If Rebekah's mind wandered, they knew something wasn't quite right, Humphries said.
DiCampli's 22-year-old daughter, Erica, who is now a newly minted fourth-grade teacher, earned the honorary title of "creative director" for her input.
Humphries originally had intended to find a publisher for the book, but DiCampli, 52, had other ideas.
"I told her, 'Why are you waiting for a publisher to tell you whether your work is good? Self-publishing is the way to go,' " DiCampli said.
Inspired by authors such as Amanda Hocking, a paranormal fiction writer who has earned more than $2 million selling her books on Kindle, the sisters decided to go for it. (Although they did take up a New York editor's kind offer to edit the book pro bono.)
"Rebekah Grace, the Practically Perfect Princess," is available on Amazon.com and through the Barnes and Noble website.
The hardest part of their venture was finding an illustrator. They wanted to own both the character they created and her image. Most illustrators are unwilling to let go of their visions.
Eventually, the sisters struck a deal with a company that put them in touch with John Ewing - the only illustrator who seemed to "get" who Rebekah was, the sisters said. Other illustrators merely sent them illustrations of Cinderella at the age of 4.
Being their own publishers also meant the sisters would have to promote the book. Rebekah now has her own website, Facebook page and Pinterest presence.
Their biggest support so far comes from "mommy bloggers," though, Humphries said.
Moms far and wide heard about the book and offered the authors words of encouragement. Now that the book has been out, they've even been blogging reviews.
"Mommy's are taking over the world online," Humphries said. "They are everywhere."
Even if the book isn't a Top 10 seller, the sisters have no regrets.
"It was just something fun," DiCampli said. "I'd love for it to be successful, but I'd much rather say 'I tried' than to wish I (had) tried."
"Childhood is so short and magical, and then it's over," Humphries said. "If anything, we had fun and we know there are at least some little girls out there getting enjoyment out of it."
If the book takes off, though, the pair have ideas for books number two and three. The second book would revolve around preschool, sharing and getting along. The third might revolve around Erica's upcoming wedding. It seems Rebekah, who is part of the wedding party, insists she be allowed to wear her pink bunny costume.
One thing is true: All of the books will end the same, the sisters said.
"Tonight, all is well in Rebekah Grace's kingdom."
Humphries and DiCampli, who call themselves the Queen Mommies, will be promoting the book Saturday, June 23, at Mildred and Dildred, the toy store at La Encantada Courtyard, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will be princess story time, face painting, princess crafts and photo opportunities.
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com
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