Meet Bert – or at least the puppy version of Bert – he’s our rescue lab-mix and the main inspiration for my Princess of Barkness picture book series. Look at those little toofies! With Bert, it was, in fact, love at first bite! He was actually pretty quiet and calm those first days back inContinueContinue reading “Love at First Bite”
Tag Archives: Picture Books
GHOST’S Cover Reveal!
It’s one of the most exciting days in the life of an author… My BIG Picture Book Debut COVER REVEAL is here! But first, I cannot praise Kaly enough for all of the incredible ways she brought life to this story! Working with her has been a dream realized and I am truly honored thatContinueContinue reading “GHOST’S Cover Reveal!”
Reflecting on Thanksgiving
It was two years ago, to the day, that my silly husband, Keith, tucked our daughter into bed and said, “Now, don’t you worry if you hear the sound of the turkey coming down the chimney…” Those words inspired what’s become the Who Saved the Holidays series, written by ME, Illustrated by Kaly Quarles, andContinueContinue reading “Reflecting on Thanksgiving”
Standing on the Promises
It’s my typical practice to NOT act out of emotion (at least online). Like the old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” In light of that, I’ve been intentionally less intentional with my social media lately – and I hate that. But, overall, I haven’t feltContinueContinue reading “Standing on the Promises”
Two Years of Growth…
As I settled in on the terrace of my mother’s home in Hungary, I couldn’t help but notice how after two years, the view had changed to me. The view from my mom’s terrace in June 2023 – Erdokertes, Hungary My mom jumped in to remind me, “Well, there’s been two years of growth.” HowContinueContinue reading “Two Years of Growth…”
Flying High
A few weeks ago, I was geared up to fly to Seattle for a film festival; a research trip for my very special non-fiction project. I was all packed, spending some time working on my laptop when suddenly…my phone dings: it was the hospice nurse sharing that my dad had fallen. That news was absolutelyContinueContinue reading “Flying High”
Valentine’s Crush
I have gained some wisdom in the past three weeks. Wisdom I wouldn’t wish upon my fellow writing cohorts, but wisdom I’m grateful to now possess. On February 14, 2025, I quite frankly had the rug pulled out from underneath me. After six months of working and waiting and working some more, I received wordContinueContinue reading “Valentine’s Crush”
More Than Survival
When it comes to my writing career, things are chugging along at the typical industry rate: slow and steady. I’m so thankful to share that I received notes back on my PICKLE manuscript from the S&S editor in early December. Hooray! We met again on Zoom to discuss next steps and it was a lovelyContinueContinue reading “More Than Survival”
The Final Rejection
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, I received my final query rejection. And now, the “good news” I referenced in the last post… That rejection left the path completely clear for me to say YES during MY CALL on September 30 with Associate Agent Morgan Hughes of FinePrint Literary Management! And I did! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I haveContinueContinue reading “The Final Rejection”
I’m Fiona in the Tower
You know? From Shrek the Musical! “The waiting, the waiting, the waiting, the waiting, THE WAITING!” I wonder if Fiona knew just how slow the publishing industry moves? Could that have been a secondary motive for her tearing up all those books!? I kid. Since my last blog, a lot has happened…and not much atContinueContinue reading “I’m Fiona in the Tower”
My Pilgrimage to Publication and Beyond 