It all started when I was 17. I wrote my first picture book for a high school creative writing class, and I fell completely in love. My teacher’s encouragement lit a spark in me. She told me to keep writing, and I did (teachers rock!). Throughout the rest of high school and into adulthood, I wrote stories and poems. I knew then that one day, I wanted to write for children.
Life, as it often does, took me on a different path. I worked as an assistant to the president of a networking company, and while it was a great job, and I was able to be creative through advertising and creating presentations, my heart wanted more. Everything changed when I decided to quit my job and stay home with my children. That’s when my dream of writing for kids came back to life. I used what little free time I had to research writing for publication, read books and newsletters on the craft, and I joined the writing community through in-person conferences (this was well before I had access to the internet).
For me, writing for children is more than a hobby—it’s my dream job. I love every part of the process. I get lost in the rhythm of the words, whether they are lyrical, in prose, or rhyming. But the most magical part is seeing my words come to life through an artist’s illustrations. Seeing the text and art combine to create a beautiful package to share with a child is a feeling I can’t describe.
To date, I have traditionally published 25 children’s books and successfully self-published 4 passion projects that reflect my creative journey and personal growth. I regularly critique other writers’ work, implementing my experience and insights, which helps them hone their craft.
⬇️In a fun twist of fate, my success story has appeared in Children’s Book Insider (CBI), the very magazine I first subscribed to when I was starting out, a publication that inspired me during my early writing days (download the full article below). This incredible journey reinforces my belief in the power of perseverance and community support, showcasing how every writer has the potential to make their mark in the literary world.
I pour my whole heart into my stories because I know how much a book can mean to a child. A good book can be a friend, a comfort, or a guide to a new world. Being a small part of that journey is the greatest gift. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion I get to share with the most important people in the world—our children.
Well, I don’t know how I missed this post, but wow! Amazing! This is so cool. Love the photos too!
Thank you, this job is so much fun! I’ve been posting more than usual 🙂