When Aden Blake moved to Hermiston in 2009, the plan was simple: save money and leave. Fast-forward 15 years and the Vancouver, Washington, native created a life with a family and a viable creative profession in this Eastern Oregon town. He’s also just recently added “children’s book author” to his catalog of triumphs.
Blake’s debut book, “Magical Mindset Glasses,” follows a young boy named Milo Mae through a challenging day transformed by a pair of perspective-changing glasses. The story can trace its roots to Blake’s examination of how different children meet life’s challenges.
Inspiration Through Observation
Blake’s journey to writing “Magical Mindset Glasses” started by studying the reaction of children to everyday problems. As a parent of 5 — including foster children — his examinations evolved into the foundation to investigate how mindset impacts young people’s responses to challenges.
“I started to notice over time each 1 of my kids had a different mindset. They dealt with things that came up completely differently,” Blake says. “As a parent, I had to learn how to pivot to make each thing work with each kid. Some of them would be frustrated by something that appeared on the outside as really small and another child would approach that same situation and it wouldn’t bother them at all.”
Blake — who is also the owner of a videography company and a longtime poet — used 3 years to develop his book. The book’s central theme is the idea of growth in mindset versus fixed outlooks and attitudes for young readers.
The Creative Process
The process from idea to published books turned out to be more of a challenge than Blake anticipated, especially regarding adapting complicated ideas for young readers.
“In children’s books you have to simplify everything,” Blake says. “I think I had to learn and figure out how to simplify it but still keep the message of the book.”
After developing initial ideas common to parents and children — picky eating, sibling dynamics — Blake went “back to the drawing table” to focus more directly on growth mindset concepts. The search for an illustrator led Blake to UK-based artist Kruti Desai, whose previous children’s bookwork and distinctive style caught his attention. For Desai, a seasoned illustrator and graphic designer whose work is influenced by her international travels, the project’s message immediately resonated.
“The story itself — about a pair of magical glasses that help children develop a positive outlook on life — was such an important theme to illustrate,” Desai says. “Aden Blake masterfully crafted a narrative that not only entertains but encourages readers to embrace challenges with a more optimistic perspective.”
The collaboration between author and illustrator proved to be seamless, with both sharing a vision for creating an impactful experience for young readers.
“Working with Aden was an absolute joy,” Desai says. “From the very beginning, his vision for the story was clear and inspiring, which made it easy for me to translate the narrative into visuals that complemented the book’s message of hope, positivity, and resilience.”
Blake echoes this sentiment about their partnership.
“I loved working with Kruti and it was cool to see her bring these images to life through her illustrations after I had the words down,” he says. “When you write something you’re like, ‘Oh, it makes sense to me. And I think I know where I’m going with this.’ And then to see her put it into a story and it makes sense — I felt really good about that.”
The self-published book is available through Blake’s website and locally at The Next Chapter Bookstore in Hermiston, with plans to expand to other independent bookstores.
“I’m actually working with the owner of The Next Chapter Bookstore and trying to make it available to other independent resellers so they can order it,” Blake says.
From Vancouver to Videos
Blake’s writer’s path started far from Hermiston. After graduating from Columbia River High School in Vancouver, family connection and the allure of affordable housing lured Blake to this area in 2009. The change of scenery also proved beneficial in other ways, said Blake. After he moved, he met his future spouse, Raeanne, originally from Boise, Idaho, at work. Now married for nearly 14 years, they are raising 5 children.
In 2018, Blake kick-started Aden Blake Films and constructed a successful photography and videography business. While “Magical Mindset Glasses” represents a first venture into children’s literature, writing has been a persistent creative channel.
“I’ve always written. I am way more into writing poetry,” Blake says, noting work is also underway on “a middle-grade book in verse.”
The success of “Magical Mindset Glasses” prompted Blake to plan a sequel that centers on Milo’s friend from the first book. This news excites Desai, who looks forward to future collaborations with Blake, noting their shared commitment to creating meaningful content for young readers.
“I’m grateful to Aden Blake for the opportunity to bring this story to life visually and I look forward to more collaborations in the future,” she says.
With his videography business and now children’s publishing, Blake discovered a path to channel his creative triumphs. That temporary stop in Hermiston has transformed into building a family, business, and creative ventures — an outcome Blake reflects on with amusement.
“I just moved here thinking, I’ll just save up a little bit and leave,” he says. “I didn’t leave. I’m still here.”
Aden Blake’s book, ‘Magical Mindset Glasses,’ can be ordered online at AdenBlakeBooks.com or purchased locally at The Next Chapter Bookstore in Hermiston.