Jamie Heimos - February 2026 Featured Author

Jamie Heimos is a mom, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist ™, and children’s book author who never quite grew up—and she’s proud of it! With a heart full of empathy and a playful spirit, Jamie brings a child’s-eye-view and vivid imagination to every story she writes. Inspired by the magical moments in her children’s playroom, the creativity of her play therapy clients, her own childhood adventures and her past work experiences in children’s museums, hospitals, and classrooms, she has a special gift for turning big feelings and tricky topics into stories that feel safe, gentle, and full of wonder.

When she’s not dreaming up her next book, Jamie can be found reading, building LEGO, or exploring the St. Louis area with her beautiful family.

Congrats on your recently released picture book, Rosie and the Dream Fairy, which released in October 2025. Tell us a little about it.

Thank you! Rosie has a big imagination, which can sometimes make her dreams turn frightening. Rosie’s Mom shares a doll called the Dream Fairy that comes to visit your dreams when you set out the fairy at night. Dream Fairy comes to visit Rosie’s dreams and turns her scary dreams into silly ones as she explores in Dreamland. Rosie’s sleep troubles turn from tricky to peaceful and soon, falling asleep is no problem for her with the help of Dream Fairy. The Dream Fairy is inspired by a doll that belongs to my 4-year-old daughter and the story kind of evolved from there! 

How did you get started? Did you always want to be a children's author?

I actually sat on this story for over a year. It was a tool we talked about in our house a lot and one day, I finally told my husband I thought it would make a good children’s book. I’ve always wanted to be an author. I loved creating stories as a kid and often as a play therapist, we create a lot of metaphors for kids to understand big concepts. So, taking the concept of bad dreams or nightmares and working on a visualization tool for kids through the dream fairy seemed like an easy story for me to write. 

We'd love to hear more about your writing journey. What's the process been like?

I feel like such an imposter when it comes to the title of “author” because I don’t feel like I had much of a process, per se. Currently, I have a note in my phone of ideas for stories, and I continue to brainstorm through a note. When it came to actually writing Rosie & the Dream Fairy, I would take little metaphors around sleep and jot them down. Each day, after seeing play therapy clients, I would set a timer for 15 minutes and start writing something down in a document. Right now, I have my second book somewhat planned, but I am working on where to begin! 

What is your daily writing routine?

Between being a Mom of 2 (4 yo and 6-month-old!), Therapist, Business Owner, and now, author, time is… slim! Sometimes my daily writing looks like rocking my baby to sleep and jotting down some words or an idea, other times, it looks like dedicated pen to paper or fingers to keyboard time set aside. I hope to be more intentional with this in 2026. 

How have you stayed connected to the writing community?

I have connected a lot with wonderful creators through Instagram and this has been a great resource and sounding board for me to ask, lend advice, and be a cheerleader for other writers and creators in the community. 

How has networking with other writers helped you along the way?

I truly believe that, without networking, I would never have a book to share. There was a day in March 2025 that I had 3 wonderful humans in my life say to me, just publish it. These were all on the same day as well, and that was the day I reached out to an editor. I’ve found such wonderful new friends and confidants through networking. I’ve shared ideas about my upcoming ideas, printing struggles, and self-publishing self-doubt that I’ve been reassured on by some wonderful friends I’ve met through networking. 

Who would you say influences you and your writing?

Children in all different facets of my life are big influences for me. I love watching children play, whether it’s my own 2 kids, my niece, or play therapy clients; they are so inspiring. I love listening to their thoughts and different concepts that seem so complex to them. I also grew up with a Mom who was a 1st grade teacher and reading specialist, so my love for reading runs deep. 

What challenges have you experienced that you didn't expect?



I think the self-doubt has been the biggest challenge through becoming an author. I think I’m just now coming around to identifying myself as a “children’s book author” because I wear so many other hats! It is such a vulnerable thing as a grown-up to put something out in the world for others to critique like this.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I’m a mom of 2, a 6 month old boy and 4yo girl. I own my own mental health and play therapy practice in Wildwood, MO specializing in teens/youth with anxiety. I also am an avid reader, myself, and love my book club! We attend author events together and play Mah Jong often. My family and I also love exploring the St.Louis area and finding family-friendly events to do together and with our friends. 

What are you currently working on? Anything else upcoming you'd like us to know about?

I do have a new book that I’ve started outlining and several more ideas in my brain. I do hope to publish a book in 2026 about Rosie’s brother, who struggles with sleeping on his own! 

I hope to host several more playdates and story times in the St. Louis area in 2026. Stay tuned on my Instagram page @jamieheimoslpc for more events!