About WeNovelists

We for Wellness, Books for fun

We is more than just a word—it’s a promise. “We” means us, together, not as separate individuals but as a vibrant community, united by the stories we share and the experiences we gather. Each time we open a book, we connect not only with the author and their characters, but also with everyone who has ever turned those same pages. Our stories weave us into a tapestry that stretches across generations and borders, turning strangers into companions and moments of solitude into a shared adventure.

Books are gentle companions in our busy days, quietly infusing our routines with moments of joy and peace. Whether it’s reading a familiar tale before bed or discovering a new world over morning coffee, books have the power to soften the edges of daily life. They invite us to pause, breathe, and remember the delight of wonder. Through stories, we find laughter, comfort, and inspiration—a gentle reminder that, in the grand story of life, we are never alone.

We are…

Esteban Espeleta and Kelli Austin. An American-Costa Rican marriage that for the past 15 years have called various places in Asia home, including a whole decade living in China and Hong Kong. Our journey together began thanks to our mutual love for travel and cultures—which still fuels our adventures today! Our background is in business and real estate consulting, but our passion has always been to meet new people and listen to their stories. Now, as parents of three young children, we wanted to create WeNovelists because we believe stories connect us across borders and generations.

We’ve seen firsthand how literature from distant lands can spark empathy, wonder, and understanding—how a tale from one corner of the globe can light up a child’s imagination in another. By sharing books and stories from all over the world, we hope to build bridges between cultures, foster curiosity, and create a space where readers—young and old—can experience the richness of humanity. Through WeNovelists, we aim to kindle a love for reading that transcends backgrounds and boundaries, inviting everyone to join in the joy of discovering new worlds, one page at a time.

Our inspiration and sense of mission

WeNovelists started in 2025 as a family project, born from the wish to bring back the magic of reading for everyone—especially for those of us who, even as adults, still feel like “big kids” inside. Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget that spark of curiosity and wonder we had when we were younger. But deep down, it never really goes away.

Like you, we have journeyed along the well-worn paths of academia and career. We have worked hard, sacrificed much, and achieved a measure of success. These efforts, though rewarding, sometimes left life feeling oddly flat—routine overtaking wonder, and excitement giving way to a sense of something missing.

Then, we had children—three, in fact. And with them, everything changed. Through their wide-eyed wonder and relentless curiosity, we rediscovered what it means to greet the world with awe. Watching them, we learned the joy of simple pleasures: connecting easily with others, delighting in small discoveries, and embracing the unknown without fear or judgment. To understand and support them, we had to return—if only in spirit—to a child’s perspective.

Suddenly, our days filled with the very activities we once abandoned: playing, singing, making art together (and proudly displaying it!), reading little stories with big lessons, and pondering life’s most essential, basic questions. Our children became our inspiration and our greatest teachers.

They reminded us that life isn’t meant to be endured, but savoured—one playful, curious, and grateful moment at a time.

Gradually, we found ourselves craving to reignite that same creative spark we cherished in our youth—the joy of getting lost in a story, the thrill of meeting new characters, and the simple delight of making something just for the sake of wonder. Even as our lives remained full of grown-up responsibilities, we began to carve out moments to play, to imagine, and to reconnect with the world as our children experience it: with open hearts and unbridled curiosity. In embracing these small returns to childhood, we rediscovered the magic that stories can bring, not only to our children, but also to ourselves.

That’s why WeNovelists was created: to be a warm, welcoming place for anyone who wants to find joy and inspiration in stories again. No matter how old you are, you’re invited to join us in exploring new worlds, meeting new characters, and letting your curiosity lead the way. Here, we celebrate dreaming big and being present, so everyone can enjoy the simple magic of storytelling—together.

Why literature?

Literature is something we genuinely love—not just as a hobby, but as a real source of joy, comfort, and inspiration. For us, books have always brightened up even the dullest days, helped us get through tough times, and given us fresh ideas and new ways to see the world. Sometimes, picking up a novel feels like a mini escape or a little adventure.

Stories have always brought people together. They help us make sense of life, spark new dreams, and connect us to each other. Whether you’re curled up with a favorite book at night or sharing a story with friends, literature has this amazing way of making us feel less alone and a bit more hopeful. Through stories, we can step into someone else’s shoes, laugh, cry, and remember that there’s a lot of good to be found—like hope, justice, and imagination—all thanks to the words we share.

Our love for reading isn’t just about passing time; it’s part of who we are. That’s why we’re so excited to share this passion with others. We hope that, together, we can all rediscover just how much fun and magic stories can bring into our lives, no matter how young or old we are.

The connection with mental health and wellbeing

Our project is closely aligned with another of our core interests: promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Just as stories draw us together and help us see the world through new eyes, they also play a vital role in nurturing our mental health and wellbeing. It’s no coincidence that during the most challenging seasons of our lives, we often turn to books for solace, comfort, and a gentle reminder that we’re not alone. Engaging with literature—whether by reading, sharing tales, or even creating our own—offers a powerful way to process emotions, cultivate empathy, and find moments of peace amid life’s noise.

Our journey with WeNovelists is deeply intertwined with our commitment to both physical and mental wellbeing. By encouraging playful creativity and imaginative exploration, we aim to create a space where everyone can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves and others. Literature invites us to pause, reflect, and recharge—nurturing not only our minds, but also our hearts.

Through the simple act of storytelling, we believe it’s possible to foster resilience, build community, and inspire hope. This is why, at WeNovelists, we celebrate the healing power of stories and the profound ways they can enrich every aspect of our lives.