Cecelia Yeary has spent her career working in health care and has a deep passion for cardiovascular care. She wrote this book for her nephew, William Ruff, who was born with double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and for every child facing heart surgery or cardiac care. Through Will's story, Cecelia hopes to raise awareness of congenital heart conditions like DORV while emphasizing that children and their families move through this journey together. Above all, Cecelia hopes this book helps every heart hero-and the families who walk beside them-feel less alone and more confident as they move through their journey, knowing they are strong, supported, and never facing it on their own.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: Heart Hero Super Boost was inspired by my nephew, Will, who was born with a congenital heart defect called double outlet right ventricle and underwent heart surgery at just six months old. Working in cardiovascular care, I see how heart disease affects families, but watching someone you love go through it makes it deeply personal. I wanted to create a story that encourages heart heroes, both big and small, and reminds children that kindness can help someone find their courage.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Start with something that matters to you. You don’t have to have every detail figured out before you begin. Get your thoughts on paper, be willing to revise, and let people you trust give you honest feedback. Your story doesn’t have to sound like anyone else’s.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My favorite book is The Boxcar Children. It was my first chapter book, and I remember feeling like I was right there in the adventure. It made me fall in love with reading and the way a story can take you somewhere new.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes! Warrior Will was inspired by my nephew, Will. His strength at such a young age is at the heart of this story. Through Warrior Will and Brave Ben, I also wanted to show how much it matters to have someone beside you, cheering you on and reminding you that you’re brave.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Seeing something that started as a feeling or an idea become a story that can mean something to someone else. With this book, the most meaningful part was finding ways to turn love, courage, and encouragement into words children could connect with.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think it can be both, but so much of it is developed. You grow by reading, writing, listening, and being willing to make changes. Having something meaningful to say is a starting point. Learning how to share it takes practice.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: My favorite quote is “Grace, not perfection.” It reminds me to give myself and others room to learn, make mistakes, and grow. We don’t have to do everything perfectly to make a difference.
Q: Would you write another book, or are you already writing another book?
A: I would love to explore another book, but I am not at the moment. There are so many stories worth telling about courage, kindness, and the ways we can support one another. I would want the next one to come from something meaningful to me, just as this one did.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: Gertrude Chandler Warner, the author of The Boxcar Children. Her book was my first chapter book, and I still remember feeling completely caught up in the adventure. I admire her ability to create a story that stays with a reader long after childhood. I would love for something I write to give a child that same excitement about reading.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: The Bible, The Boxcar Children, Heart Hero Super Boost, a favorite comfort read, and a practical survival guide, because I would definitely need some help figuring that part out!
Learn more about Cecelia Yeary and her new children's book, Heart Hero Super Boost, here. Coming November 24, 2026!