Dreams Do Come True

Nine years ago, I decided I wanted to write and publish a book. I’ve always been drawn to picture books, so naturally, that’s where I started. In the beginning, it was a little rough and bumpy, even though I’ve been a writer for what seems like my whole life. Where do I start? What‘s my topic? How do I begin the story?

I began thinking of my most precious childhood memories, and easily chose catching lightning bugs with my grandma. It was easy to create a story surrounding some of my favorite times in my life. Upon completing the manuscript, I began the submissions process...and the dreaded waiting game. I quickly learned that rejection was somewhat of a commonplace for writers and used this to fuel my revisions and future submissions.

Over the years, my manuscript evolved from both feedback from fellow writers and my own personal growth . There were more rejections than I care to count, and many times I decided to just put my writing away and let it rest. Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a published author.

Fast forward to January of 2019, a new year, a new beginning. I decided that this was it—time to get the job done. I dug out my manuscript, dusted off the keyboard, and got to work. After a few more revisions, I carefully researched and selected 10 publishing houses to submit this round. Two weeks later, I received an email from Orange Hat Publishing. They were interested in publishing my book! Within another few weeks, contracts were signed and I began working with an editor, hired an illustrator, and worked with their graphic designer, all to create my book.

LIGHTNING BUG LANTERN was released in May 2019 and is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. To say the last six months have been a whirlwind, would be an extreme understatement. But it was all worth the hard work, persistence, and dedication over the last nine years. Dreams do come true.

Adventures Await,