View life’s interruptions as interruptions, not ending points. This is one of “Patty’s Points” in Patricia Heaton’s latest book Your Second Act. I consumed this book over the weekend in two days. I loved it. I needed it, and now I want to gift it to my closest friends and female relatives. These interruptions we …
I have not worn makeup since mid-March, since this pandemic began. But I put on mascara and lipstick and curled my hair to see Judy Blume. By “see” I mean through my computer screen for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Summer Spectacular happening now through August 4. This conference normally occurs in …
I have been thinking about the importance of reading the past few days. As next week is Celebrate Literacy Week in Florida, schools all over the state and in my district are planning activities to engage kids in reading. This makes my soul happy. I wish adults could have a break from the regular work …
Today is Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday. Today is the day I thought I’d be selling my children’s book in local retailers for #ShopSmall and #ShopLocal. I had it all pictured in my mind. Friends and family would come by to pick up their copies. Maybe I’d even sign a few of …
My oldest daughter and I formed a book club recently. Right now she and I are the only two members. We named it “The Terrific Toad Book Club.” My first suggestion was “Bloody Brilliant Book Club,” but Vivian didn’t like the idea of using the word “bloody” in it so she changed it to “Brilliant …
The world needs more children’s books. And more adults need to read them in this uncertain, disturbing society that we often live in. As I read book after book to my kids today, I heard all the important messages that we adults need to remember. I felt uplifted and hopeful after hearing simple reminders of: …
I enjoyed a lunch meeting with three other ladies on Friday. We met for work purposes but the conversation later turned to personal endeavors and lastly, one of my favorite topics: creativity. I referenced how I recently read the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) to the group. That’s when I …
The lights were off. No glowing pumpkins sat on our home’s front porch. Zero candy bowls were gently placed at the door for children seeking chocolates. Darkness, fear and uncertainty filled the air inside my house instead. The eerie feelings grew with each breath I took. Continual screams blasted in my aching ears. I had …
I’m so honored that the Pensacola News Journal chose to publish my piece on what it means to be a writer. I compare the writing process to the weather – there are no two days alike. Enjoy the feature: Originally published in the PNJ: July 5, 2015. Being a writer means taking on the weather. …
As I navigate forward in my writing, I’m trying to understand this vast, complex publishing world that exists around me. Digging into the publishing realm is overwhelming and often challenging. I have so many questions and just want some simple, straight-forward answers. So I did what any inquisitive, determined writer should do – I began …
