Samantha VanAlstyne, 25, can now list “published author” on her resume as she continues to juggle life and college during an ongoing pandemic. Earlier this year, she self-published “Hi, I’m Sam,” which details her journey with cerebral palsy and learning self-acceptance.
“The whole thing started as a conversation with my niece who’s seven,” said VanAlstyne, further explaining that she is an aunt of five, with two on the way. “She wanted to know why I live in a group home instead of with my dad.”
“Then,” VanAlstyne continued, “the idea evolved into a teaching tool for children and adults who might not otherwise know how to broach the subject.”
Having always enjoyed reading and writing growing up, VanAlstyne said she wanted to become an author when other kids aspired to be a firefighter or police officer. “I’ve always inhaled books and, even now, I read or listen to two to three books a month,” she said.
But, one can also say that being an author is in VanAlstyne’s blood. “As a kid, my favorite books were the Little House on the Prairie series,” she explained, “mostly because the author is my distant maternal relative.”
VanAlstyne began the writing process last October and carefully arranged her college semester schedule so that she could use her Fridays off as “work days” to write. She saw the final product come to fruition in January, after learning how to self-publish the 700-word story as well as designing the page layout and cover. She also collaborated with her cousin Tessa for the book’s illustrations.
“Getting my first batch of books after publishing was fun,” VanAlstyne said. “I cried when I opened the box.”
Throughout this process, VanAlstyne said she learned that the children’s book was needed by the public more than she had anticipated. Pictures of children holding up VanAlstyne’s book have also been posted across different social media platforms, which have helped spread VanAlstyne’s messages of learning, love, and acceptance.
“When I published it, I had hoped to sell maybe 10 copies to my family and friends,” she said six months after her book hit the shelves. “But, I’ve sold around 300, which is way more than I ever expected.”
The Chatham, N.Y., native moved to Hudson five years ago and currently lives at and receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New York. VanAlstyne credits the Devereux New York team members with helping her “come into my own and become more independent.”
“We are extremely proud of Samantha and all she has accomplished,” said Devereux New York Executive Director John Lopez. “She is a talented young woman who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, decided to take the time to write and publish a book – on top of completing several college courses.”
He continued, “At Devereux New York, we strive to help the individuals we serve pursue their dreams, and Samantha is doing just that.”
With summer in full swing, VanAlstyne continues to pursue an associate’s degree in psychology from Hudson Valley Community College – with the hope of, one day, helping individuals with substance use disorder. She also plans to write multiple sequels to “Hi, I’m Sam” in the future.
“Hi, I’m Sam” can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart. Those interested in supporting VanAlstyne directly can also purchase an autographed copy through her website, samvanalstyne.com.
