I’m Jen: Picture Book Author, Silliness Extraordinaire!
Picture Book Authoring
I have handfuls of humorous picture books waiting to be snatched up by publishers! Presently, I have one silly book on submission and a two-book deal with HarperCollins (plus another unannounced deal that I must keep quiet for now). My debut Picture Book releases July 21, 2026 and you can pre-order it here. I’m represented by Morgan Hughes of FinePrint Literary Management and cannot wait to sell all the picture books with her for years to come!
Dementia Caregiving
In July of 2023, our family began serving as full-time caregivers to my father, Randy, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration at age 58. It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done, but it bonded our little family and was the most enriching season – drawing each of us closer to the Lord. Now my dad is in Memory Care and we’ve stepped into a much more part-time caregiving role. We’re so grateful to the team of loving people who care for him daily and for a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Wife & Mothering
My husband Keith and daughter Jemma are just the very best. They support me in all the things I do, both completely sensible and totally hair-brained. They also serve as my muse: not a day goes by where they don’t make me chuckle with their off-the-wall comments and abstract (that’s putting it kindly) thinking. I hope that in time, my audience will get to know them, too, as I continue to sprinkle their genius into my work. I most certainly couldn’t do this without them!
Book Deals
Other Riveting Tidbits
Beyond picture book authoring, I am a part-owner and social media manager for a snazzy little jazz lounge in Downtown Edmond, OK. I’m a second generation Hungarian-American and my mom lives with the love of her life in Budapest, Hungary. My husband is Chinese-American, so that, mixed with my Hungarian heritage makes for lots of multi-cultural fun and an array of holidays and traditions. I’ve served on the board of my sorority’s Alumnae Chapter for over ten years. I have a black lab mix rescue pup who inspired the picture book that helped get my literary agent. I’m blessed with the very best bunch of writing pals between my local SCBWI and The Courage to Create. I talk to my best friend every single day and we’re going on 33 years of wacky friendship. I’ve just loved this pilgrimage to publication and I wait with hope and great expectation for all that comes next.
My Pilgrimage to Publication and Beyond 