The Best Parts About Reading and Writing...Especially During the Winter Months ❄️📚📝

 

This particularly harsh (and very early!) Upstate New York winter has caused me to be extra grateful for my love of reading and writing, which can be done from the comfort of my own home. Putting my focus on my work and hobbies I enjoy has been a nice distraction from not only the winter, but all of the chaos in the world today. Growing up, reading has always been my escape. How amazing it is to be able to travel to a different world, as seen through someone else's unique perspective, without ever needing to go anywhere! That's what I hope my children's books do for young readers: experience the magic of being transported to another world, needing nothing but their imagination. 

Writing has always been therapeutic for me, long before I began writing books. It allows me to express myself, get my feelings out, and stay organized. Even writing to-do lists can be calming for me! With writing, there's something about visually getting my thoughts out on paper (or my computer) that feels releasing.

What are your favorite parts about reading and writing? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy reading...and stay warm! ❄️📚

What I Love About Valentine's Day 💕❤️💕❤️

Why do you love Valentine's Day? I love the brightly colored pink and red decorations (especially during the winter!), flowers, special treats, and tokens of affection. Another thing I love is the "blind date with a book" idea, which many of my local libraries now offer. It's a mystery book wrapped in Valentine's Day paper with the genre listed on top that you can take home to keep. Isn't that a great idea? It's always something I look forward to. 

I also think it's great how Valentine's Day isn't just limited to mostly couple's anymore (ever heard of the new term "Galentine's Day"?) or kids giving out Valentine's Day cards. It's for everyone! 

I'm really excited about my Valentine's Day children's book coming out next year. As most of you know, holiday books are one of my favorites. I hope that children get just as excited to read mine as I got excited to read holiday books when I was a kid. There's nothing like that magical, festive feeling! Who else here loves holiday books? What were your favorites as a kid? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Valentine's Day (and happy reading)! 💕❤️📚 

The Year Ahead of Me

                                                          Happy February!

This past year has been filled with plenty of writing (including a new children's book!), author events, craft shows, new homes for my books, and more. Some goals I have for the year ahead of me are to finish up my new Valentine's Day book (no, I wasn't able to get it out in time for this year!), to be consistent with blogging, and to venture into new writing territory (particularly article writing that's literature-based or perhaps mental health related). I also plan on publishing some journals that are Upstate New York based (stay tuned for more information!). 

Aside from writing goals, I also want to work on my mental health in relation to being a published author. Like most of us, there are times when we don't sell anything for long periods of time, or we receive negative book reviews here and there. It's hard not to let that discourage me and affect my confidence as a writer; it's still something I'm working on. Unfortunately, it's all part of the job. It's easy to lose touch with why I began writing books in the first place, which is to spread the love of reading to children, to inspire people, honor my family and cherished memories, and to express myself. 

Let's make a promise today to celebrate writing for the sheer joy of it; not for the sales or the good book reviews or awards. What's your motivation as a writer? What are your writing goals for this year? Let me know in the comments below! Also, be sure to subscribe to my blog!

Happy writing!

New Book Recommendation! 📚✝️🙏

 

 

Check out this beautiful new Christian devotional! 📚🙏✝️

"UNEXPECTED ALTARS: MEETING GOD IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS" by Oakland Community Church

Everyday moments become sacred altars where God meets you. God talks to all of us. God can speak to us through that soft voice inside your head; or the perfect words for your circumstance uttered on Sunday morning; or He can come to you in a powerful revelation.

UNEXPECTED ALTARS is a collection of stories of faith from real people, just like you, who have experienced God’s grace and presence in their lives. This heartfelt Christian devotional brings together authentic testimonies from everyday people who have encountered God’s presence in unexpected places.

My review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Unexpected Altars" beautifully captures how ordinary moments can become sacred spaces where God is always present and surrounding us with His love. Many of us wonder if God truly speaks to us, or if our struggles are too small or insignificant to matter to Him. This inspiring devotional answers "yes" to those questions, offering over 100 heartwarming stories that show how God reaches out in personal, surprising, and deeply meaningful ways.

The book highlights spiritual encounters from everyday people, just like us. Each story reveals that God’s voice can come as a gentle whisper, an unexpected word from a sermon, or a powerful, life-altering revelation. What makes "Unexpected Altars" so special is its reminder that divine moments are woven into our everyday lives, not just in major spiritual events or revelations. These testimonies encourage readers to view their circumstances through a different perspective that's guided by faith, transforming worries into opportunities for a true connection with God.

If you are seeking a deeper connection with God and a feeling of His presence in your life, I highly recommend you read this heartwarming and inspirational devotional.

📚Link to purchase book on Amazon: 

https://amzn.to/3WRsCi0 

New Children's Ballet Book! 🩰

 

Check out this delightful new children's ballet story written by Once Upon a Dance! 🩰📚💕

"Bellyrina"

📚Description:

Bunny leaps from the wolf’s belly with only one memory—she loves to dance. But something, or someone, is STILL MISSING! "Bellyrina" delivers Once Upon a Dance’s signature blend of heartwarming stories and playful humor wrapped in the mission of inspiring joyful movement. Perfect for ages 4-8, "Bellyrina" features adorable animals, fairy magic, gentle drama, and plenty of sparkle. Whether shared in classrooms, studios, or at home, this "Dancing Ever After" series debut invites children to dance their own happily ever after.

📝My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This sweet story for children was such a delight to read! It's about a young boy named Peter and his cute animal friends who are having a crazy time rescuing creatures from the Big Bad Wolf by making him sneeze! This clever story uses elements from "The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf" and mixes it in with special little dancers. It teaches children in a humorous way the importance of friendship, kindness, helping other people, the joy of creative movement, and believing in oneself. They will learn new dance moves that are fun, simple, and can be modified any way you'd like. There's no right or wrong, so you can be as creative as you wish! The adorable and detailed illustrations truly bring out the characters' unique and sweet personalities. 

I highly recommend this children's book to all children, both dancers and non-dancers alike (but I'm sure young dancers would especially enjoy it!). 💕🩰📚 

🩰Link to order on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Bellyrina-Belly-Beast-Dancing-After-ebook/dp/B0FYHVB8W3/

An Exciting New Adventure Story for Kids! 🐩👾🍜🌌🚀🛥

 

Check out this exciting new adventure story for kids! 📚🐩👾🍜🌌🚀🛥

📚"Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz" by Steven Joseph

Strap in, because the Snoodles are back and things are about to get… weird. In this third out-of-this-world adventure, Droodle the Poodle and Doo Doo Kidoodle are in big trouble. They’ve broken the one rule on planet Zoodle — no pets. Now Droodle and another poodle named Schmoodle are locked up in Zoodletraz, the most escape-proof prison, this side of the Milky Way. Think Alcatraz, but with more tentacles and fewer lawyers.

Enter a cast of brilliantly bonkers heroes: noodle-powered scientists, intergalactic musicians, talking cats with trash can drum kits, and a villain so cranky he reads self-help books about revenge. There’s also a Jalapeño Popadoodle Noodle, a flying Balloonadoodle, and something called a Cloakadoodle Swoodle Car. Don't ask, just roll with it.

This wackadoodle tale is packed with vibrant art, making it perfect for young and old readers who love silly stories, bold visuals, and absolutely zero boring parts.

Whether your kid’s obsessed with noodles, aliens, or saying the word “Groodle” over and over again, Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz! is the laugh-out-loud ride you’ve been waiting for. Time to get ready for your NEXT GREAT ESCAPE!

Highly recommend! 😍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Link to order on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Snoodles-Space-Zoodletraz-Steven-Joseph-ebook/dp/B0FMKSM2CK/

Some Updates! 💕📝📚🍂🍁🎃🐈‍⬛

So it's been a while! My writing and author events haven't slowed down one bit 😉 I am currently working on a new children's book (this will be book number TEN! Crazy, right?) that I hope to have out in January. Oddly enough, what takes the longest are illustrating it and the editing/formatting. It's going to be a new series, and the first book will be about Valentine's Day. Stay tuned on my social media pages! 💕📚📝

Also, with Halloween coming up on Friday, be sure to check out my "Cats on Halloween Night" picture book (you can still download the kindle version immediately if you can't get the paperback book in the mail on time!). As always, my books are free through Kindle Unlimited. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1088056520/

Happy Halloween, and happy reading!

🐈‍⬛🍂🍁📚🎃👻