Why We Created Trying
OUR STORY
This book was born out of a moment of clarity between the two of us, Alessa Martin and Liz Swenson.
The idea sparked during Liz’s first visit to meet Alessa’s newborn son. Amidst the celebration of new life, Alessa began to reveal the full story of her family building journey. As the author of two bestselling parenting survival guides, Liz was overcome with a painful realization: she hadn't known the extent of her friend’s struggle. Alessa had suffered six years of loss, grief, and disappointment, largely in silence.
We knew immediately that a new book needed to exist, serving two essential purposes:
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To give others a compassionate companion for the often-silent struggle with infertility and loss.
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To give friends and family the language and tools to truly be supportive.
We decided to sit side-by-side and create the resource we both wished we had.
A Book Built on Shared Stories
To ensure our guide captured a full spectrum of experiences, we conducted extensive interviews to gather stories that destigmatize, normalize, and legitimize the complex emotions of the family building journey.
Trying is more than just advice; it is a collection of voices and the beginning of an ongoing conversation.
This project became a source of healing.
We found strength in conversation,
in sharing our experiences together.
Alessa Martin
A brand strategist and storyteller, Alessa Martin has spent the last decade as a marketing executive in the luxury and fine jewelry space. Her creative concepts have connected with millions.
After a six-year struggle with infertility, what began as a project to support others became a deeper journey she could not have anticipated. While creating Trying, she endured a late-term pregnancy loss—an experience that reshaped each page with greater honesty, empathy, and a profound determination to help others feel less alone.
Liz Swenson
Liz Swenson is a best-selling author and illustrator of parenting and children’s books.
She is a mom to three small children and is inspired by making the world more loving, beautiful, and inclusive. Her books are helpful, humorous, and endlessly supportive.
Check out her full catalog of books on her website LizSwenson.org or follow along her journey @lizswensonBFF on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.