Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
I feel like a kid on Christmas ! Writing makes my heart so happy 😁
I started my writing with picture books. My imagination has always pulled me in this direction. Until one day, I realized my one picture book needed plenty more words than allowed. This then inspired me to write my first ever middle grade chapter book!
This decision was completely out of my comfort zone, but I completed it and never felt so accomplished! Only a few short months later, my publisher made my heart burst! She told me she wanted to publish it! I never felt so reassured that writing is in my blood and this was what I was meant to do!
Fast forward to a few days ago, I had a name pop in my head. This name haunted me! I couldn’t get it out of my head, which told me, it needed to be my next book. I of course assumed it would be another middle grade chapter book. I allowed this assumption to consume my every thought. Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out an idea! It was driving me nuts !
Well…… I don’t know if anyone believes in psychics or mediums…. but…. I felt drawn to reach out to one. She decided to tell me that I would write a very successful suspense thriller series. If anyone knows me, they know I am obsessed with suspense thrillers! I just never saw myself as writing one. I always said, I am not smart enough to come up with an idea that has twists and turns and mystery. After that conversation, I still was convinced that I was going to write another middle grade book.
Then I thought about that name again …. it replayed and replayed and replayed in my head. It honestly exhausted me mentally! And then….
The AHAAAAAAA moment happened! An idea sparked in my mind … with that name… but an idea for a suspense thriller!!! Now listen, I may have had what the psychic suggested still in my mind, but it lit a fire under me! Once I thought of the idea, I convinced myself it could only be one book. There was no way I could turn this into a series.
I started to write down all of my ideas and outline each chapter. And guess what? Your girl now has an entire idea for a series! I lit up! I called my husband, bouncing off the walls with my ideas! He was just as excited as I was!
I am always very passionate about my writing, but this series I am about to embark on… I think has me more excited than anything I have created thus far. I don’t know if it is because I thought this would be impossible… or if this idea really will excite others who read it!
Look out world !!! Suspense thriller series is coming at ya!
Now back to writing …..
SO EXCITED ! I am so pumped to announce another picture book that will soon be released!!! This story is called Twinkle Shines. The story takes you along Twinkle’s journey to be the best shooting star. She must pass each lesson of shooting star school. You will learn about perseverance and selflessness! My book will be published by PenIt! Publications. I am so excited to share each step of the way, with all of you! I will continue to update and share it all! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CONTINUED SUPPORT! IT MEANS THE WORLD!
Life is what you make it. So…
In the tough times …
In the lowest moments…
When the storm pours down…
Always remember to enjoy that rainbow and sunlight that follows.
My writing career has not been the easiest, as I have mentioned before. I feel so passionate about my stories and the messages I want to portray. I honestly will never give up on any of my work and will continue to spread positivity and kindness. I have been so blessed to see my hard work paying off. I still pinch myself from time to time. I even get nervous when others ask me what I do. My answer for so long has been a stay at home mother. I sometimes don’t feel worthy enough to say, I am an author. But honestly, it doesn’t matter your success in your area of work. If you give your heart and soul to what you love, then stand proud and announce it to the world. I AM AN AUTHOR 🤣🙌
My first children’s book, The Rainbow Bubble, has done so well. I have had an amazing support system and so many people who truly believe in me. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I am spreading kindness through my story and having children light up when they read it. I will have very exciting news about this book coming super soon. So please keep your eyes peeled for some really awesome stuff! Also, please continue spreading the word on this story and leaving those reviews. It makes all the difference in the world, and I beyond appreciate it!
Now for my next book.. coming next summer..
CLUMSY CALLIE!
This story is inspired by not only myself but my sweet Savannah. I unfortunately passed on my traits of clumsiness to my daughter. This story will relate to so many others. It will teach children to not allow their flaws to define them. Flaws don’t always have to be a negative.
I met with my absolutely amazing publisher and illustrator yesterday. The vision we all have for this story, has me jumping for joy! My publisher will also be making a very exciting announcement! I feel so honored to be a part of Hurn Publications and the amazing things to come! So definitely keep your eyes peeled for the announcement!!
Like I said… life is what you make it … we all face obstacles.. but it is how you handle it.. that creates your outcome.
HAPPY FRIDAY! SPREAD LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, AND KINDNESS!
I have been waiting for the moment to see a rainbow since my book, The Rainbow Bubble released in July🥰 1 month later … and a double rainbow graced us with its beauty 💗 I ran outside like a little kid on Christmas morning. I truly believe a rainbow can bring such joy! This is why I needed to put one into my children’s book. The colors of the pages, the rainbow around the page numbers, the brightness … makes my heart so happy ! I want to bring a smile to every kid who reads my book and teach them such a valuable life lesson 🌈
Happy Motivation Monday ❤️ I couldn’t wait to post this. I really hope this helps others. Let us talk about REJECTION. We have all faced rejection whether it is in our career, our personal life, or even to ourselves. I created this shadow box to show how rejection can be the best fuel to thrive. When submitting my stories to different agents and publishers over the past year … I faced 121 rejections.. but who is counting 🤪 121 No’s. I received several a day. I would call my husband up and joke about the number of denials each day … “Today I reached 5!” 🤣 But I didn’t always joke… there were days where I felt so defeated. On many occasions, I considered giving up on my dream. I will say … I never took the denials personally.. I completely understand that agents and publishers struggle when having to turn down work.. just as much as we struggle receiving that No. Even though I never took it to heart, I started to have self doubt. I spent hours and hours a day trying to pursue my writing. I followed every author blog and community.. I had others critique and help edit, and I never once gave up. After a year of grinding and pushing through the rejection… I had 2 amazing publishers @penitpub @hurnpublications see my vision and passion. They took a chance on me and I will forever be grateful! They made my dreams come true, they fueled my fire, and they celebrated my passion. Every No just means you are one step closer to a Yes. I placed a rose petal for each rejection into the shadow box and placed my publishers above it. I wanted to show how something that could feel discouraging can bloom into something so beautiful and worth it! If you want something bad enough.. overcome the Rejection and fight for what you deserve ! 🙌🏼❤️ 🌹 #rejection #overcome #motivationmonday #hurnpublications #penitpublications #writingcommunity
What a week!!! My first ever picture book is now available on amazon! I am still in shock 🥰 I started the week with a countdown for the launch of my book.. The Rainbow Bubble. Each day was a theme… a different color from the rainbow 🌈 It was so fun to share fun activities and the support has been unreal!
www.instagram.com/p/B_VLus4JV5B/
Rhyming Charades! Fun for the whole family ! Enjoy!
Hey everyone !!! Happy Wednesday! I know everyone is still in quarantine. This time can be scary or confusing for children. My kids are young and just more confused. I am filling their days with fun in the sun and lots of positivity. As a writer and a mother … I wanted to put together a book that inspires during this time. My absolute favorite children’s book that helps inspire and motivate is … Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. I decided that although we are unable to physically go anywhere during this time .. we can still succeed at school .. we can still succeed at virtually staying in touch.. and we can still succeed at life in general. We must count our blessings. I did a little remake of Oh The Places You’ll Go and made it a Quarantine Version :-)! I hope you all enjoy !
The struggle has been real! I have gone through a total of 112 NO’S! 112 agents and publishers have denied my work. I understand how competitive the writing world can be and how many brilliant illustrator and authors are in this world. As much as I don’t take it personal, it can take its toll. I pretty much hit rock bottom and I told my husband I might just give up the dream of being published. He honestly believed I would, but I couldn’t stop sending manuscripts out. The passion just would not go away. It didn’t matter how long it was taking or how many people turned me away… I wanted this!
The process began in May 2019. I sent. And sent. And sent. And was denied. And denied. And denied. Then offered a deal, that wasn’t the right fit. Then was offered another deal, which wasn’t the right fit. Then back to denied.. denied..denied. Fast forward to February 2020… I was finally offered my first ever publishing deal !!! The most exciting part, the book I wrote was one of my favorites! My son is the main character! I was beyond shocked and grateful! I will finally be having a book published in 2021! The blessings did not stop there….
Three weeks after I signed the contract, I was contacted by another publisher. They not only wanted to publish one of my book’s, but 2!!!!! I absolutely love what this company stands for and instantly felt connected ! God had answered my prayers. My passion and drive pushed me here. I will be having a book published by this company in 2021 and another in 2022! My heart is so happy! Dreams do come true. You just need to work your ass off and never take No for an answer ! I can’t wait to share this journey with you all! Cheers to 3 books and hopefully many more ! Also during this time .. I pray every family is staying safe and trying to see the light during the darkness. Love you all for the support !!!
Officially a children’s book author !!!!! Woot woot!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Today is special.
I have been speaking about the constant grind of becoming a children’s book author. I can honestly say, I have received so many denials. Normally… in life.. I allowed failure to define me. If I failed , I eventually gave up. This is how I know, writing is my absolute passion! The denials lit a fire under my ass. I spend so much of my day, writing new stories, editing old ones, sending submissions, learning the field, I literally dream of stories at this point. It has consumed me. I received an email today that has made this hard work finally pay off. I won’t speak on anything just yet, but just know… dreams really do come true. But you must work for them. You must put your all into it. I will keep you all updated on the exciting things to come. Thank you God and my family and friends for the constant support. I am off to go eat some heart-shaped pizza, and I may just pour myself some tequila ! Enjoy this day of love! I know I will be !
