Wow, 28 books! Sometimes, I have to pinch myself when I think about that number. Each one represents a journey, a new world explored, and a chance to connect with amazing young readers, parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians. As I look back on all those stories, characters, and countless cups of tea (my books and blogs are powered by caffeine!), I’ve realized some pretty great things. And today, I want to share them with you!
❤️Every Story Has a Heart
You know how every person has a heart that beats and keeps them going? Well, every good story has a heart, too! It’s that one big idea or feeling that makes the story special. For some, the heart might be about gratitude, as seen in my book, The Thank You Book, where a group of children explore all the different ways to say “thank you.” Or, it might be about community, as in my book Rooftop Garden, where a diverse group of people grow an urban garden together and then host a harvest party and a feast to celebrate their hard work. And sometimes, it’s about discovering something new and exciting, like the fact that balloons do come from trees, as I write about in my book, Balloon Trees!
When I start a new book, I always try to find that heart. What do I want readers to feel? What message do I want to share? Once I find it, I have a good jumping-off point.
💪The Power of “What If?”
This is probably my favorite part of writing: asking, “What if?”. What if a bunny could teach the concept of opposites? Would it be called “hopposites?” This manuscript was pitched with the title “hopposites,” but became “Bunny’s Easter Basket,” published by Simon Kids. What if fish could play follow the leader? This book was later published as “Swallow the Leader” by Clarion Books. And what if a penguin is stressed out by the constant squawking of their colony? Zenguin will be published January 6, 2026.
These “what if” questions are like magic keys that unlock whole new worlds that didn’t exist before. They help me imagine crazy, funny, and sometimes even a little bit sad scenarios. Don’t ever stop asking “what if” in your own life! It’s how new ideas are born, whether you’re writing a story, building a sandcastle, or just daydreaming.
🙀Mistakes Are Just Stepping Stones
Oh boy, have I made mistakes while writing! Sentences that didn’t make sense, characters who didn’t quite feel right, and even whole manuscripts that ended up in the trash (the digital one, of course!). But here’s the secret: mistakes aren’t bad; they’re learning opportunities.
Every time something doesn’t work, it helps me figure out what will work. It’s like building a tower: sometimes a block falls, but you just pick it up and try a different way.
📕Reading Makes You a Better Writer (and Thinker!)
This might seem obvious, but it’s so true! The more I read, the more ideas I get for my own books. I learn about different ways to tell a story, how to make characters interesting, and how to create exciting plots.
So, keep reading, exploring new books, and letting your mind wander through all sorts of adventures. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps you when you want to tell your own stories.
Writing 28 books has taught me a great deal, not just about storytelling, but about life itself. It’s taught me to be curious, to embrace imagination, and to never give up. And the best part? I get to share all of it with you!
What kind of stories do you love to read? And what “what if” questions are buzzing in your head today? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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