Darlena Saunders, nurse at the Health and Wellness Center at Kettering University, has transformed her passion for writing into authorship.

In September 2016, she published No Bubble Bath for Desmond, a children’s book about a bear named Desmond who wants to skip his bath to go to the fair. The book was written by Saunders and illustrated by Sheldon Deon Bradley.

“I’ve been writing all my life,” Saunders said. “Even as a child, I was writing children’s books.”

Saunders’ love for writing stems from her passion for reading. Growing up, a good book was always something that made her happy and she wanted to share those emotions with others.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss, Saunders writes in rhymes. Saunders’ son’s name is Desmond and this publication is dedicated to him.

“I decided to put a book together that represented him,” Saunders said.

Saunders has also published a collection of spiritual poetry titled: Will You Be Ready? Prior to the publication, Saunders read one of her pieces at a church in Detroit. She was praised at the conclusion of her reading and encouraged to complete and publish a collection of her works.

“Since I have this talent, this is a way for me to reach out to other people,” Saunders said.

The collection of spiritual poetry took her a couple of years to write. Like the children’s book, the collection poems is also written in rhymes. Saunders says she thinks in rhymes when considering the construction of meaningful ideas and stories.

“I believe everyone will like the way the words flow,” Saunders said. “Anyone who enjoys poetry will enjoy the book.”