Happy February! 

Welcome and thank you for staying with me! Each month, I provide either an author interview, showcase a book, or provide information about my author events. 

Congrats to Jordan Parker from Yorktown. She was my January Free Book Giveaway Winner! 

This month: 

• I look forward to participating in World Read Aloud Day on the 4^th. I’m excited to share my picture book, The Attic Door with students from Newtown West Bengal, India.  

• I will be a guest on “Drinks in the Library Podcast” with Gigi. The podcast will air one month later. 

• I’m presenting an upcoming art class at Colorful Creations Art Studio, where I’ll be presenting “Creating a Picture Book—Accordion Style” for children and adults. Students will learn a little, create a little, and have a lot of fun! Bring your story idea, and I’ll bring the rest. It is planned for 2/28, at 1:30pm, address: 10880 General Puller Hwy, Hartfield, VA 2307, call today and reserve your spot, 804-450-0600. 

Morning Walks Inspire Me:

In January and February, I wrote a lot of new manuscripts. Sometimes ideas come quickly, and other times a word or thought needs to stew for days—or even months—before it’s ready. Most of my ideas come to me during my morning walks. I walk two to three miles each morning. I have to add the ideas quickly to the notes section on my phone, or I’ll forget it. My walks clear my head and allow me to think about new ideas, the day ahead, and tasks to complete.  

It’s a funny thing—sometimes an idea pops into my head even when I’m thinking about something else entirely. If it sticks with me, even after I’ve done research to make sure the topic hasn’t been done before, I know it’s a good one. Sometimes I think an idea is strong, but then I lose interest and decide to save it for another day.

I don’t like throwing ideas away because it might grow into something wonderful down the road. So, hold on to your ideas—they might just turn out to be a great someday. 

Have a great February!