Regina Noel Downing

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm the owner and instructor of the Regina Noel Music Studio in Iowa. I teach private piano, voice, and ukulele, with some small group instruction as well. I'm also a health and life coach. I'm a wife, and mother of 2 kiddos, and 3 doggos. I keep insanely busy, but I do make space to do the things I enjoy. I love exercise, weight lifting especially. And baking is a great way for me to de-stress! I also enjoy singing, and playing the piano or uke. And movies - I really love family movies.

When and why did you start writing books?

I've kept a journal ever since I was 8. I didn't officially write anything until 2019...and it was actually a song first! I came up with it to help comfort and connect with my son, in a moment of real upset. It worked! Then I started writing other songs with the same goal of connecting. A friend showed me some song-story books one day, and a lightbulb went off. I thought, "Why am I not doing this!?" And the song I wrote that night for my son, became my first book, Give a Little Snuggle. It's funny, because I've been striving for a way to have a bigger impact for a long time. I know I make a difference with my teaching and coaching. But I want to do more...and it seems like books just may be the way to do it!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

It's certainly not something I set out to do, honestly. If you want the truth, I wanted to be Madonna when I grew up! Not - "like" Madonna (be kind, I was a kid of the 80s/90s!). Madonna. Well - that didn't really work out for me. Life is never a straight path. Over the years I have created a career for myself that really brings me joy, and feels like I'm giving back and making a difference. I think ultimately, I really just want to have a bigger impact. Especially on families - not just children. And as I stumbled into writing, I think I may have just found a way to do that!

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

The little boy on the cover of my book, Give a Little Snuggle. My illustrator fashioned him after my son, since the song was originally written for him. He brags it up all the time, too. Telling his friends he's "in a book." I love that he feels special and valued. I think that's really the most important thing for any of us.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I can't really say. My 2nd book comes out in November. Currently there are 5 total waiting to be transformed to paper and ink. They each came fairly easily. But they are all songs - and really from the heart. I'm a very touchy-feely person, and when I am being authentic, things flow fairly smoothly. That's probably why they are all songs...when I'm engrossed in music, I'm just fully myself, and things are "easy."

Who is your favourite author and book?

I love Barry Neil Kaufman. So far, my favorite book that he has written is, "To Love is to be Happy With." It's a philosophy to live by, that's for sure!

What book are you reading right now?

The Good Neighbor - a Fred Rogers biography

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My personal childhood experiences, my parenting experiences, my teaching experiences, and definitely Mr. Fred Rogers.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spare time? What's that!? Kidding. I love exercise. I weight train 5 days a week, and cardio every day. Honestly, I'm so busy all the time, that in truth, what I enjoy most...is a good nap. No joke! In truth, there is nothing in my life that I don't enjoy right now. I may work a lot - but it is work that fulfills me and brings me joy. The old saying, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life," I really find to be true.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes. I'm working on a very special book, meant to be a bit of a tribute to Fred Rogers. It's on the calendar for a November release!