The move, Field of Dreams , made it look easy. A farmer, played by Kevin Costner, builds a baseball diamond that attracts the ghosts of some incredible legends. A scene from the movie, Field of Dreams . Publishing a book doesn’t work like that. Just because you release your book doesn’t guarantee attention from anyone, especially the media. Visibility isn’t automatic; it’s earned through intentional effort, outreach and most definitely, persistence. I’m grateful for my backgr

After 10 gloriously warm days with my family in Gulf Shores, Alabama for spring break, last night felt like a small gift. The air was warm and I could hear the birds singing through the screen door. The kitchen was clean and the kids were outside with their friends. I sat down at my computer with every intention of checking off a few lingering to-dos from the day’s list. But instead, I opened a manuscript I’d written in three sittings back in July. It was the first time I’d r

In an email interview earlier this week, I was asked what I want my readers to take away from my book. I had to pause to let those words – my readers  – sink in. I have readers!  It’s been three weeks since my publisher, Wilson Lindberg Books , and I released my debut children’s book, Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan . Every morning since, I’ve woken up with a sense of gratitude, joy and a bit of disbelief that my dream came true. I also wake up to a very long to-do list.

I'm still pinching myself! In under a week, Santa's Summer Vacation in Michigan officially became the No. 1 New Release on Amazon in Children's Travel and Children's Christmas Books. I know that those numbers will fluctuate and that rankings don't really matter. At least, that's not why I went on this #AuthorJourney. But, in this moment, I'm going to enjoy it. Let me tell you, watching those rankings are as addicting as watching stock prices! In all seriousness, a heartfelt

When I tell people it took me a solid decade to take my manuscript from a rough draft to securing a boutique publisher with a release date on the horizon, their eyes nearly pop out of their heads. Some are even more astonished that I stuck with the project for so long – especially considering that, according to AuthorMedia.com , while only 15%  of American adults start writing a manuscript, only 3% to 6%  actually finish one. And, of those who do finish, less than 20%  go on

I was born shortly after midnight. Once on my birthday, my mom told me she wasn’t the least bit surprised by my arrival time into this...

Long before I embarked on my #AuthorJourney, I was inspired by those who dared to carve their own path – not because it was easy, but...