Hello, friends. How is everyone doing… really? A new year brings new challenges (and boy, this one’s a doozy), but it also brings new hope. I’ve been amazed to see the beautiful ways everyone is pulling together for the greater good. So here’s me adding a little something more to that pot of good. When … More The Denim Jungle Storytime – From Us to You!
I recently had a reader reach out with a few questions regarding their own book idea. I thought I’d share our conversation, in the event it could help any of you would-be authors get your dreams out into the world. … More Reader Q&A: Self Publishing
I am absolutely floored by this review of The Denim Jungle I just received from the 24th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Books Awards. And it couldn’t come at a better time. Last week was the one-year anniversary of finally having my book (MY book!) in my hands, and tomorrow is the sixth anniversary of losing Sue, who inspired me … More WOW! Writer’s Digest Review of The Denim Jungle
Many of you have been coming to me with book dreams in hand, wanting to know my tips for how to get published. I’ve posted quite a few resources here, but if you truly want to create a physical book that you can hold in your hands, here’s the one question you need to answer first: Do … More 8 Reasons to Self Publish (and 3 Reasons NOT to)
School is back in session, and it’s that time again for everyone’s favorite fall report: What I Did on My Summer Vacation. It’s been a wild summer for The Denim Jungle. We’ve traveled. We’ve partied. We’ve made friends. And, oh, how we’ve imagined—and crafted! Here are a few highlights… with more in the works for the … More What I Did on My Summer Vacation
One of the great joys of parenting (for me) is reading books aloud to my kids. It’s fun for us all and good for them, too. I remember long drives to Grandma’s house when I was a kid, my mom reading chapter books from the front passenger seat. Little House, Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, The … More Favorite Read-Aloud Picture Books
I’ve lost count of how many people have told me they want to make their picture book someday. That’s why I created a whole Writing & Publishing tips section on this site (under The Archive, upper right). Let’s make that someday now. One of the sticky points I ran into was digitally laying out my … More How to Lay Out a Picture Book with InDesign
For those of you who weren’t able to make it to The Denim Jungle book launch party in Seattle, I wanted to bring the party to you. So… welcome, friends, to my virtual book party! Come on in. I have all kinds of fun in store for you today. Enjoy your own personal author reading. Exercise your imaginations … More Virtual Book Launch Party
Hey, Seattle friends. Up for a little adventure? Bring your imaginations this Saturday, 2/13, 12-2pm, to Ballard Homestead, 6541 Jones Ave NW, for a free community party to officially launch The Denim Jungle! We’ll have lots of fun book-themed crafts, giveaways, and an author story time at 1pm, followed by a short talk about the making … More Party This Saturday, 2/13/16
Ever since I published my children’s book, would-be writers have been coming out of the woodwork asking for advice. And I couldn’t be happier to help. I want to see more dreams take flight! That’s why I’ve created a new Writing & Publishing page under “The Archive” section (to the right, up top), to share resources for aspiring authors. … More Resources for Aspiring Authors
My Castle Heart Publications 