My Castle Heart Publications

 

My birthday (the big 4-0!) has added an extra patina of sentimentality and reflection to this holiday.

In honor of this milestone—punctuated by finally unlocking the “author” achievement—I’ve assembled my own 12 days of Christmas* Thankfulness.

Day 1: Cathy Taylor
Day 2: Sue LaGow
Day 3: Ryan Hylland
Day 4: Jackie Phillips
Day 5: Szaba and Von
Day 6: Shanon Lyon
Day 7: Kerry Colburn
Day 8: Debbie Reber
Day 9: Peter Orullian
Day 10: Christa Charter
Day 11: Steam Crow
Day 12: 1986 State Fair Judging Panel

These people dropped the breadcrumbs that led me straight to this publishing adventure. Thank you, all, for your part in this Hero’s Journey.

* Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the 12 days before Christmas. Per the Oxford English Dictionary, it’s the 12 days leading up to the Epiphany (January 6) “observed as a time of merrymaking.”

Jackie Phillips, aka Precious Beast

Would you believe that my illustrator, Jackie, and I have never actually met? We became acquainted via a mutual college friend on Facebook, and through social media, emails, calls, and late-night texting sessions, we achieved a true collaboration of story and art—all via the aether.

Her talent amazes me, and I’m so fortunate she lent her colorful magic to The Denim Jungle.

Thank you, Jackie, for all your hard work, intuitive listening, cheerleading, fun ideas, and commitment to making this the special book that I always wanted it to be. You rock.

 

I look forward to seeing where the journey goes from here and all the amazing people I’ll have the pleasure to encounter in the next 40 years…

 

Banner photo inspired by Sarah Witherby’s 12 Days, Flickr Creative Commons.