Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney (coco) Coffman Cooper
Cortney (CoCo), we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as an author began in 2019, during a deeply personal and challenging time when my dad, David, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At our first oncology appointment, the doctor introduced a powerful metaphor that would shape both our understanding of the battle ahead and my future writing. He likened the tumor to a dandelion, explaining that if we could remove it in its early stages, like a dandelion in bloom, there was hope for recovery. However, if the tumor spread, it would be like the fluffy seeds of a dandelion dispersing, making it far more difficult to control.
This metaphor became a rallying point for our family and community as we supported my father through his treatment. Although the surgery revealed that the tumor was inoperable, we remained determined, utilizing every possible means—prayer, nutrition, medication and radiation—to combat the disease.
After a few months of fighting the dandelion, on April 19, 2019, I wrote this in the CaringBridge journal:
David and the Dandelion
Journal Entry — April 19, 2019
Tatum has a t-shirt that says, “Stop calling the wildflowers weeds.” They’re beautiful, right? Just growing randomly alongside the road, adding pops of color to the scenery. If they were growing in our yard, we would want a lawn pro spraying to get rid of them. But I think instead of looking at daddy’s dandelion as an ugly, horrid weed—I’ll look at it as a pop of bright, beautiful yellow; the color of sunshine ☀️ and happy faces 😀, the color that represents hope. Yes, that dandelion inside daddy changed form and released its nasty spores throughout his body. That part of it is definitely an ugly, horrid weed. But the initial dandelion slowed us down, brought our family together, and brought hundreds and hundreds to their knees in prayer. My sweet, wonderful daddy. My hero. My heart.
A few days later, I wrote this:
Blow and Make a Wish—
Journal Entry — April 23, 2019
When I was a little girl, I wasn’t that interested in the yellow dandelion, but I loved when it changed over to the “fuzzies,” so that I could make a wish and blow. We are making our last wishes in the next several hours as we say goodbye to daddy. Please keep our family in your hearts and prayers. We are asking that no more visitors come by the home, but we are answering texts and Facebook messages as we are able. If you have a dandelion with fuzzies in your yard, pick it and blow—and make a wish for daddy to have a beautiful singing voice in Heaven. 💜 We are #COFFMANSTRONG!
On April 24, 2019, in the dark hours of predawn, daddy passed away, surrounded by his girls and many others who loved him deeply. Throughout the following weeks, our social media feeds filled with videos of people of all ages making a wish as they blew the beautiful fuzzies into the wind. Dandelion pictures and t-shirts were delivered to us. I even have a tattoo of a dandelion on my forearm now, with the stem created by his handwriting taken from his diary entry with “I love and miss my girls.”
This journey of love, grief, and resilience ultimately inspired me to write my first children’s book, David and the Dandelion. The story not only honors my dad’s legacy but also aims to provide hope and comfort to others facing similar challenges. Although the book is not about cancer or loss, it is about finding beauty in unexpected places, like a dandelion weed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It took nearly five years to complete the book, as I struggled with the emotional weight of the subject matter. During that time, I came to the realization that I didn’t want the book to center on cancer, pain, and loss. Instead, I wanted it to capture the essence of my dad—a man who dedicated 30 years of his life as an elementary school principal and had a deep love for children, their curiosity, and their eagerness to learn and explore the world around them. Once I shifted the focus to create an uplifting children’s book, I quickly found my voice. The final version came together in just a few days, with only minor edits needed.
The next step was finding an illustrator. I was fortunate to connect with a talented recent graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, who accepted the challenge of bringing the story to life through her exceptional illustrations. Juliet Lock beautifully captured my vision, creating images that I believe will inspire children for generations to come.
The final step was the challenging process of self-publishing. After countless hours of watching YouTube tutorials, studying articles and websites from other authors, and navigating through significant trial and error, I officially became a self-published author on June 17, 2024. We celebrated this milestone with a book launch party for friends and family on June 22, which coincided with my dad’s birthday. It was a full-circle moment that filled me with both immense pride and deep humility.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Writing is currently a fulfilling hobby for me, complementing my primary career as a Realtor. Together with my daughter, Tatum, we own T&C Collective, where we assist clients in navigating the complexities of residential real estate transactions across the Kansas City metro area, spanning both sides of the state line. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, meditation, and spending quality time with my family.
When asked what I am most proud of, the answer is simple—my children and my family. They are my greatest source of inspiration and motivation, constantly challenging me to believe in myself and strive for more. I hope that the confidence and encouragement I feel from them are mirrored in the way I support and uplift them. My family’s love and strength are at the core of everything I do, and they are, without a doubt, my proudest achievement.
When it comes to what sets me apart from others, I’m not certain it’s a unique quality, but I strive—though sometimes imperfectly—to embody the spirit of David, the character in my book who was inspired by my father. My dad had an incredible ability to find the good in every situation and in people, and I aim to carry that same perspective in my life. Admittedly, it has been a challenge in recent years, especially with the increasing division and negativity in our society. However, I remain committed to the belief that everyone has something beautiful to offer. By focusing on the positive and resisting the pull of negativity, we open ourselves up to experiencing the kindness and goodness that surround us.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Reflecting on my journey to write and self-publish, I’m grateful that I was initially unaware of the challenges I would encounter. Had I known the full extent of the difficulties, it might have deterred me from completing the process. What I want others to understand is that the journey has been profoundly rewarding, far exceeding any financial gain. While this book may not make me financially independent, the personal growth and strengthened self-belief I have gained are invaluable. The experience has been a testament to the enduring value of pursuing one’s passions and the fulfillment that comes from overcoming obstacles.
Pricing:
- $11.99 Paperback
- $19.63 Hardcover
- $6.39 on Kindle
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cococooperbooks.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561092488019
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/David-Dandelion-CoCo-Cooper/dp/B0D79RS415/
