I am celebrating the first day of summer with the release of the cover for my newest picture book Strawberry Tea! Featuring illustrations by Northern Ontario artist Sara Thompson, this story filled with whimsical forest creatures explores the value of sharing in building friendship.
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Kayaking Warrick Lake
Warrick Lake I found this long lake last summer hidden behind a pretty highway pull off. Muffled by forest, the absence of road noise makes it seem like it is in the middle of nowhere. Perfect calm water with the occasional startled beaver splash.
Kidlit resources for homeschoolers
As a homeschooler, my greatest challenge was also my greatest joy: spending all day, everyday, with my kids. I loved learning with them, seeing their faces light up when they mastered something and finding ways to tailor the learning to their strengths. But it wasn’t all fingerpaint and field trips. It was also finding ways…… Continue reading Kidlit resources for homeschoolers
Inspiration for Writers
As writers, we may feel that our most productive time is spent getting the words down. But where do we find those words to begin with? And when we are burned out and our well is dry, where can we go for inspiration? Are you a writer first? A mom? A dad? Are you a…… Continue reading Inspiration for Writers
Ten years later
This long weekend marked ten years since I finished treatment for breast cancer. A lot has changed and I am grateful for these bonus years. I am remarried to a wonderful man and my family has grown to include stepchildren, son and daughter-in-laws and many grandchildren. I have a new career as a children’s book…… Continue reading Ten years later
Thank You!
To all of you who have purchased a copy of any of my books, I wanted to say thank you! For the teachers who have bought books for their classrooms, for librarians who are using the books for reading clubs and subscription boxes and for everyone who has gifted one of my books to a…… Continue reading Thank You!
Building community one friendship at a time
Building community starts with being vulnerable enough to invite others into our messy, imperfect, authentic lives. Pushing the mail and homework and clutter to the end of the table to make room for food and conversation. Setting aside expectations and entering into heartfelt, soul stirring relationship. Risking rejection and judgement and offering ourselves up to…… Continue reading Building community one friendship at a time
Penelope: Chapter One
Free for readers of this website, the first chapter of my newest novel, Penelope. I hope you love reading about her as much as I enjoyed creating her story! Comment below and share! I’d love to hear what you think! CHAPTER 1 Penelope Kildare hung up her apron and marvelled again at how blessed she…… Continue reading Penelope: Chapter One
Sharing special moments
Birthdays can be tricky with kids. Celebrations with family and friends can turn ugly when the other children present don’t yet understand why they aren’t also the recipient of gifts and attention. Recently we attended the birthday of a three-year-old. As she received our gift, tears ran down her four-year-old sister’s face. Our attempts at…… Continue reading Sharing special moments
Investing in our stories
The same spirit that drives a writer to take a hybrid or indie approach to publishing can lead to the decision to take on every facet of publishing single-handedly. Writing, editing, formatting and cover design can be done independently depending on the writer’s abilities but there is an argument to be made for partnering with…… Continue reading Investing in our stories