As a first-time author, Jaeli is inspired by hope, perseverance, and the beauty found in unexpected journeys. After years of traveling alongside her husband, Kort, and dreaming of growing their family, she discovered that some adventures take a little longer but lead exactly where they’re meant to. The arrival of their son, Hudson, became the greatest adventure of all and the inspiration behind We Looked for You. When she isn’t writing, Jaeli enjoys slow mornings with a good cup of coffee, creative house projects, and making memories with her family. She lives in Nebraska and finds inspiration both at home and while exploring the world.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: My son, as well as just my overall reflection on our journey of starting our family. We traveled a lot in the two years it took us to have him, and I wanted to put those memories in a permanent spot. All these locations hold a very special place in my heart, and they served as a distraction from some of the heartache and anxiety we dealt with at times. But as soon as we had our son, we knew the true adventure was becoming parents and raising him!
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: There’s no better story than your own story. Just go for it! Your words don’t need to be fancy; your ideas just need to be from the heart, and everything else will come together.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My favorite book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: The book was written around my own family—my husband and my son.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: My favorite part was seeing the words and illustrations come together. That’s when it truly felt like a book!
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think it can be both. Just like any skill, it can be honed and developed, and natural talent can take it even further. I think it’s largely the result of effort!
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: I can’t say I do! Although I love just about every quote in the TV series Schitt’s Creek.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I would love to write another book in the future. We are expecting our second child in November. Perhaps the next book will feature them!
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I love Kristin Hannah and the way she incorporates history in her storytelling.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, The Women by Kristin Hannah, Happy Place by Emily Henry, I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi (for my son!), and obviously We Looked For You! :)
Learn more about Jaeli Steele and her new children's book, We Looked For You, here. Coming soon July 28, 2026!