Writing ‘Bout My Generation
Candice DelPercio shares what life was like growing up as a millennial in her debut book
Candice DelPercio and her husband, Bobby, returned to their childhood hometown of Downers Grove to raise their daughter, Lola.
Candice DelPercio was tucking her daughter, Lola, now 7, into bed one night last year when Lola began asking questions about what life was like when DelPercio was growing up. DelPercio explained a world where phones were attached to walls rather than in nearly everyone’s purse or pocket. She searched for a book that could help her further illustrate what being a child of the 1990s and teen of the early 2000s was like but came up empty. So, she decided to write one herself.
Downers Grove Magazine: What was this first-time writing and publishing process like?
Candice DelPercio: I don’t have a degree in journalism and haven’t worked as a writer. I’m just a “take chances and figure it out as you go” gal.
I’m basically self-taught. I watched tons of YouTube videos and did a lot of research before starting my book. I’d write and edit whenever and wherever I could. I’d bring my computer and work while I waited for doctor appointments or for my daughter at dance. I then worked with an attorney and created my own publishing company, White Cloud Kids, and found an illustrator. I built a website. I did the marketing, logistics, social media, and publicity all on my own.
DGM: How do the illustrations contribute to the story?
DelPercio: My illustrator, Stefanie Geyer, is also a millennial. We would send memes, videos, and lists back and forth about things from our childhood. There are posters, lava lamps, pop princesses, TGIF on the TV, Nintendo, disposable cameras – even the snacks are ’90s snacks. I want readers to feel transported back into the ’90s when they’re flipping through the pages.
“My Mom Is a Millennial” author Candice DelPercio loved growing up a millennial.
DGM: What memories from growing up millennial stand out most to you?
DelPercio: Listening to bands like the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Watching movies like “Now and Then,” “Little Giants,” and “Coyote Ugly.” Also, having inflatable furniture in my bedroom, glowing stars on the walls, and hanging beads. Coming home and playing Nintendo with friends, going to Blockbuster, or hanging out at the roller rink. Or we’d go to Heritage Fest or the mall, wondering if the boys we liked might be there. There was an unknown that was exciting.
DGM: How has the book been received?
DelPercio: Initially, the target audience was children who wanted to understand how the world had changed and what their parents’ lives were like. The happy surprise has been millennial moms – or even millennials who aren’t moms – really enjoying the book. I’ve had women tell me they cried reading it. That really touched me.
Candice DelPercio, with daughter Lola, promotes her book “My Mom Is a Millennial.”
DGM: What is your next chapter?
DelPercio: I’d love for this to become a generational series: “My Grandma Is a Boomer” or “My Dad Is a Gen Xer.” I’ve even talked to my husband, who is very Italian American, about writing a book for my daughter called “My Family Is Italian American” and possibly doing a series like that. Whatever I write next, it will aim to hit a huge consumer market like
For now, though, I really want to give “My Mom Is a Millennial” the attention and love it deserves. I’m a big dreamer. I want to see it blow up and get featured on the “Today” show. I’d love to have some big publishing company pick it up! My goal is to let everyone know it exists, but if it all ends here today, I’m still really happy about it.
Order a paperback copy of “My Mom Is a Millennial” on Amazon or a hardcover copy through DelPercio’s website: whitecloudkids.com. Follow DelPercio on Instagram at @whitecloudkids.
