Seven Years, Twice His Lifetime Last night was Meet the Teacher night. Jimmy’s teacher is new to the school this year. I see him almost every day because I work there too, but we’re still getting to know one another in this new capacity. His EA’s, though — I’ve known them a little longer. I’ve…
Q4 is Here: Quick Niches to Publish Before the Holiday Rush Coffee in hand, reality check time: Q4 is officially here, and if you’re in publishing, this is where the magic (and the sales!) happen. Don’t panic — you still have time to get books out there that can sell all season long. Here are…
💩 This Morning Smelled Like Progress There are some stories I wish I never had to tell — and yet, they’re the ones that need to be told the most. This morning was supposed to be about stuffies. The Outsiders were perfectly placed. My coffee was hot. I had my narrator voice ready. I even…
From Idea to Upload: My Real-Life KDP Workflow Turns out winging it is my creative superpower. Here’s a little publishing secret no one wants to admit:The books I throw together on a whim?They’re the ones that actually work. I’m not saying I don’t love a good plan. I’ve spent hours mapping out the perfect activity…
The Gate, the Guessing Game, and the Water: Learning to Follow Jimmy’s Lead Yesterday’s beach day wasn’t planned.It wasn’t packed, prepped, or even expected.It was insisted upon—without a single word. It was around 5:30 PM. I was sitting on the porch, thinking the day was winding down, when Jimmy stood directly in front of me,…
🏖️ The Beach Day That Was (But Barely) Today was supposed to be a beach day. You know — sunshine, fresh air, joyful splashing. The kind of outing that lives in your mind as a Pinterest-worthy memory and ends with sandy giggles and a tired-but-happy kiddo on the ride home. But this is real life…
Creating for the Chaos: What Fuels My Projects Some people light a candle, pour a fancy tea, and sit in serene silence to create. I shove a basket of half-folded laundry onto the couch, kick a toy truck out from under my foot, and mutter “Fine, I’ll just work standing at the counter again.” And…
Buddy One and the Washing Machine Misadventure Because every great hero has an origin story… and a patch. Every kid has that one toy they love a little too hard — the one that’s always nearby, always slightly grubby, and completely irreplaceable. For Jimmy, that toy is Buddy One — a vintage My Buddy doll…
Dear Jimmy, Look How Far You’ve Come A Grade One Reflection There’s something about the last day of school that makes you pause — like standing still in the middle of a storm that’s finally passing. Grade one is over. And Jimmy? You made it. You made it through early mornings and long days. Through…
When Coffee Comes With a Side of Sass: Jimmy, His AAC, and a McMessage Loud and Clear Some kids write essays.Some give speeches.Mine makes his point with a cheeseburger button — and only when he feels like it. Let me paint the picture. It was early evening, and I decided to slip out for a…