West Grad’s First Book Earns Rave Reviews

Courageous, raw, riveting, inspiring, motivational, and gripping are just a handful of words readers are using to describe author Leia Baez’s new book A Star for Stella: A Mother’s Journey to Overcome. From childhood trauma to alcoholism, divorce, and a custody battle – the 2001 Bellevue West graduate has seen more than her share of struggles. Instead of allowing those hardships to keep her down, Baez’s story is one of hope.

Baez was born and raised in South Omaha and transferred to Bellevue West her sophomore year to play volleyball for Coach Joanne Kappas. She graduated in 2001 and, although she originally had plans to pursue a career as an attorney, Baez decided to major in journalism at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. While at UNO, she began working for the Omaha World-Herald and eventually began her career there as a business reporter.

Baez worked at the World-Herald for 14 years where she ended up as the first Latina Deputy Director of Omaha.com. She is currently the Communications Director for Douglas County and is also a motivational speaker. She sits on the board of both Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and the Rose Theater.

We recently had an opportunity to catch up with Leia and talk about her story.

What is your story about? While I was a successful journalist for many years on the surface, I was struggling with a longtime addiction to alcohol underneath. A tragic night involving alcohol in 2015 thrust me into the lowest point of my life, sending me on a journey of self-discovery for many years.

What was the book writing process like? Because I was real and authentic about my journey, the writing process was emotional. It was difficult to go back to those dark times of my life and make sense of them. But on the flip side, it was very cathartic and extremely important to my healing journey. 

When did you begin writing the book? My book writing journey began in September 2020. When we were all forced to stay home during the pandemic, I decided to start writing my book. I finished chapter 1 and then started researching how to get published. That was overwhelming so I just focused on writing and trusted that if it was meant for me it would happen. A few months later, I got asked to be featured in another local author’s book on bravery. She connected me to the Creator Institute at Georgetown University, the same program that published her book.  I was accepted into the program and began my year-long journey of writing in January 2021. 

Did you ever think of yourself as an author when you were growing up? I’ve always been a storyteller. My mother always says that I would make up extravagant stories when I was in preschool. I had quite the imagination. Writing a book was always on my bucket list. 

Who do you see as the general audience for your book? Anyone struggling with addiction or unhealed trauma or anyone who wants a story of hope and inspiration. 

What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking of writing a book? Writing a book seems like an out-of-reach goal but it is attainable. I am thankful the Creator Institute landed in my lap because I am not sure I would have published without it. Writing with accountability and a community makes the process so much fun and not so lonely. I loved being able to brainstorm ideas with the other authors in my cohort. 

Who was one of your most influential teachers? Mrs. Linda Beckstead at Bellevue West. She was my journalism teacher and played an instrumental role in my career. She told me she’d rather have me on the newspaper staff instead of the yearbook because she saw my talent as a writer before I knew I had it. She introduced me to the West Wind school newspaper and eventually my passion for journalism.

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A Star For Stella: A Mother’s Journey was officially released on December 21, 2021. Shortly after its debut, it was the #1 New Release on Amazon in the categories of Alcoholism and Hispanic American Studies. The book has received tremendous support and can be purchased in electronic or paperback form at https://www.amazon.com/Star-Stella-Mothers-Journey-Overcome/dp/1637307098/

Photo Credits: Siera Nikole Photography