From Digital Doodles to Real Books: How I Accidentally Built a Publishing Business
Sometimes the best adventures start with the simplest intentions. Mine began with just wanting to make my kids smile, and somehow turned into creating over 60 published coloring books in just over a year.
It Started with Midjourney
Like many parents during those long afternoons when the kids were restless, I was looking for something creative to keep them busy. I'd been experimenting with Midjourney, fascinated by how this AI could turn simple text prompts into stunning visuals. The technology felt like magic – type a few words, and suddenly you have art.
One day, instead of creating abstract landscapes or surreal portraits, I had a different idea. What if I could make something specifically for my children? Something they could use and enjoy beyond just looking at a screen?
That's when I discovered I could generate coloring pages.
The First Coloring Page
My first attempt was simple: I prompted Midjourney to create a coloring book-style illustration of their favorite animals. The AI delivered exactly what I hoped for – clean, bold outlines perfect for little hands holding crayons. When I printed it out and handed it to my kids, their faces lit up. We weren't just consumers of digital content anymore; they had something tangible to create with.
But as I watched them color, a thought crept in: what if other parents would love this too?
Down the Research Rabbit Hole
That single coloring page sparked hours of research. I started digging into the world of self-publishing, print-on-demand services, and book creation. The more I learned, the more amazed I became at how accessible publishing had become.
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) kept coming up in my searches. What caught my attention wasn't just that it was free to use, but that it handled everything I couldn't do myself – printing, shipping, customer service, and global distribution.
The Lightbulb Moment
The real breakthrough came when I discovered I could order proof copies of my books. This wasn't just about selling to strangers online; I could create professional-quality books for my own family. Instead of printing individual pages on my home printer, I could have actual bound books delivered to my door.
The math was simple: for the cost of a coffee, I could get a professionally printed coloring book that would keep my kids entertained for hours.
From One Page to almost Hundred Books
Creating my first book was surprisingly straightforward. I generated several more coloring pages with Midjourney, making sure each one had a consistent style and appropriate difficulty level for my children's ages. I learned about bleed lines, margins, and print resolution – technical details I never thought I'd need to know as a parent.
The day my first proof arrived in the mail felt surreal. Holding something I had created from idea to finished product was incredibly satisfying. My kids didn't just see it as another coloring book; they knew Dad had made this specifically for them.
But that first book was just the beginning. What started as a single project quickly became a creative obsession. I began exploring different themes – magical unicorns for girls, forest friends, even prayer-themed coloring books that combined my faith with creativity. Each book taught me something new about design, audience, and the publishing process.
Over the past year, I've published nearly 40 coloring books on Amazon KDP. What began as a weekend project for my family has evolved into a legitimate side business, generating a small income while bringing joy to families around the world.
Then something unexpected happened – I discovered my true calling wasn't just in coloring books, but in faith-based content that could make a deeper impact.
Children’s Books, Coloring Books, Bible Studies, Journals & Devotionals
What I've Learned After 100+ Books
This journey has taught me far more than I expected. Beyond the technical aspects of book creation, I've discovered insights about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the power of consistent action.
The barrier between idea and reality has never been lower. AI tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT democratize creativity, while platforms like Amazon KDP democratize publishing. You don't need artistic training, publishing connections, or significant upfront investment.
Consistency compounds. Publishing one book felt like an accomplishment. Publishing 90 books has created a portfolio that generates passive income and reaches customers I never could have imagined.
Quality matters more than quantity. While I've been prolific, each book gets careful attention. I've learned to understand my audience – what themes resonate with different age groups, what art styles work best for coloring, and how to create books that parents actually want to buy.
It's evolved far beyond coloring books. The skills and confidence I gained led me to my real passion – creating stories and faith-based content that makes a deeper impact. I've transitioned into writing Bible studies like "Marked for Mercy" and "Christian Ethics: Living Out Your Faith," prayer journals such as "The Poet's Prayer Journal," and devotional books that help people grow in their faith journey. I have written multiple children’s stories, each with its own set of learnings and teachings for children. What began as entertainment for children evolved into a platform for growth and encouragement.
The foundation opened unexpected doors. Those early coloring books taught me the mechanics of publishing, but they also revealed my heart for creating meaningful content. Now, instead of just keeping kids busy, I'm helping adults dive deeper into their faith, process grief, and find purpose in their daily lives. I am showing kids what is possible if they use their imaginations.
Most importantly, I've learned that sometimes the best projects start with the simplest motivations. I wasn't trying to build a business or become a published author. I just wanted to make something special for my kids.
Where It Goes From Here
What started as a single coloring page has evolved into something I never expected – a faith-driven publishing mission that's moved far beyond entertainment into spiritual impact. While I still create the occasional coloring book, my focus has shifted to Bible studies, devotional journals, and resources that help people grow in their faith and find purpose in their daily lives.
The business has grown organically, teaching me about market research, customer feedback, and building a sustainable creative practice that aligns with my values. My children remain my best critics and most prominent supporters, but now I'm also hearing from readers who've found encouragement, healing, and spiritual growth through these resources.
This transition from coloring books to faith-based content has been incredibly fulfilling. It's allowed me to combine my technical skills, creative abilities, and deepest convictions into something that truly matters. Whether someone is working through grief with "When a Candle Goes Out" or diving into scripture with "Marked for Mercy," I'm creating tools that serve a higher purpose.
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with the smallest steps. Mine started with wanting to entertain my kids on a quiet afternoon, and led me to discover that in today's world, anyone can turn their passion and purpose into published works that impact lives around the globe.
Have you experimented with AI tools for creative projects? I'd love to hear about your own unexpected creative journeys in the comments below.
Children’s Books, Coloring Books, Bible Studies, Journals & Devotionals
