Life & Work with Tina Neely of Cincinnati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Neely.

Hi Tina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When Covid hit, like so many others, I found myself at a turning point. I had been working as a sous chef for an international corporate office, but everything came to a halt. I came home, told my husband I was going to sit in the backyard and start journaling—to reflect and try to come up with a game plan for what might come next. I thought, “If I could be anything, what would I be?”

That’s when our potbellied pig, Bacon, started to demand some attention. As I sat there with him, three story ideas popped into my head all at once. I walked back into the house and told my husband, “I know what I’m going to do. I’m going to be a children’s author. And I’m going to illustrate the books myself.”

He looked at me and asked, “Do you know how to do that?”
“Nope, but I’ll figure it out.”

And I did. That moment became the start of It’s Bacon’s World!—a collection of heartfelt, joyful children’s books inspired by our very real, very lovable pig. What began as journaling evolved into a mission to share love, laughter, and a sense of belonging through storytelling and art.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all! I was very naïve in the beginning. I honestly thought all I had to do was write a cute little story, add some colorful illustrations, put it out into the world, and I’d be good to go. I’m actually grateful for that naïveté—if I had known everything involved from the start, I might have felt too overwhelmed to take the first step.

There have been lots of challenges along the way—learning the publishing process, marketing, distribution, branding—it’s so much more than just writing a book. But every obstacle has helped me grow, both personally and professionally.

This journey has created a whole new world for me. Bacon has his story, and now I have mine. It’s pushed me to try things I never would’ve imagined, and I’m truly grateful for that.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a children’s author and illustrator, best known for creating It’s Bacon’s World!—a heartwarming picture book series inspired by our real-life pig, Bacon. My stories center around themes of love, belonging, and finding your place in the world. I specialize in creating engaging stories paired with bold, colorful illustrations that children can connect with—not just visually, but emotionally.

A lot of my creative roots come from childhood. My parents owned a sign shop for over 40 years, and I worked there off and on starting at age 15. My dad taught me about layout, spacing, and how design impacts communication—lessons that stayed with me and now influence how I build my illustrations. When I created my first book, I originally used watercolors for the interior art, but it didn’t feel quite right. I wanted something brighter, bolder—something that kids could feel inspired to draw themselves. So I went old school with a quirky, playful style that feels both nostalgic and accessible.

What I’m most proud of is my determination. I truly believe the Lord gave me the courage—or a “love nudge,” as I like to call it—to pursue this path. I’ve had to learn so much, from writing and illustrating to marketing and publishing. I didn’t even know how to turn on Photoshop in the beginning! But I didn’t let that stop me. I knew that if I waited until everything was perfect, I’d miss the chance to share something meaningful. Seeing children light up when they meet Bacon or hear his story—that’s what keeps me going.

What sets me apart is that I view creativity as a way of life. Whether I’m decorating my home, baking a cake, writing a story, or drawing a character, I pour the same heart into it. I’m not afraid to share my work, even if it’s imperfect. Like Bacon, I may not be for everyone—and that’s okay. My hope is simply that the right hearts find these stories and feel a little more loved, seen, and reminded of how much they matter.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Not to sound cliché, but we only get one shot at this journey we call life. If there’s something tugging at your heart—some dream, idea, or calling—don’t talk yourself out of it. Instead of saying, “I could never,” try asking, “How could I not?”

Sometimes the most beautiful things begin when we give ourselves permission to try, even if we don’t have it all figured out. I’m living proof of that—and so is Bacon.

Pricing:

• Bacon Loves Everyone! $18.95
• Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job! $18.95
• Bacon Stuffy $20.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TinaNeely.com
• Instagram: @TinaNeelyAuthor
• Facebook: @TinaNeelyAuthor
• LinkedIn: @TinaNeelyAuthor