New book

 Hey y'all. I know it's been a while, and I've gone a bit backwards on releasing my newest book, but it's here!

Strange noises ensue when the neighbors move out, sounding like an assortment of animals heading to the zoo. Come explore the different sounds and what animals might be making them in this imaginative book from the perspective of one child's imagination.

 

 

This title will be available on Amazon soon, and in hardcover. Currently only available in paperback. Please see the books page for current available links to online sellers.

New podcast stuff

 Hey y'all! I just thought I'd share that I've started posting my podcast on self-publishing. I will try to remember to update the new page (found here) each week with the newest episode.

In other news: I am so much closer to publishing my newest book, Moving The Zoo, which is a young children's illustrated book about, well... moving and a child imagining all the sounds the movers make are animals being moved to the zoo.  I'm not ready to give you a sneak peek yet, but probably will soon, so keep an eye out for that.

And in final news, for this post at any rate, I will be presenting a class on Fan Fiction and how it can be used as a writing tool July 28-30 at Kanab Writer's Conference in Kanab, UT, so if you're in the area, feel free to join us there.

Some exciting news

 As many of you may know, I haven't written a post here for a hot minute. I've been busy working on various projects so here's a reminder of this year's goals, with an update on them.

Goals/Plans for 2022

1 - Finish formatting the Tarragon Trilogy for screenplay (hoping I get the chance to shop it around to producers in the next few years)

 I have two of the three finished and ready to shop around, and am working on the third.

2 - Complete and publish one new children's illustrated work

I am close to finishing all of the line art for my newest children's book, Moving the Zoo, which will be released this summer. Dates to be announced.

3 - Participate in at least one writer's conference 

I will be doing a virtual class for the Storymaker's Conference held in Provo, UT for their digital catalogue - held May 12-14th

New booking as a conference presenter for the Kanab Writer's Conference in Kanab, UT - July 28-30th

4 - Hopefully get a new book written, or at least get a good start on it. There are several ideas percolating in my brain that want out.

Still working on this one.

5 - Prepare, and hopefully publish, my husband's first book. 

Still working on this one.

6 - Start a podcast on self-publishing and everything I wish I'd known about it before I started the venture.

I have recorded the first few episodes and am doing research on a few more before I release so that I have a "buffer" of episodes ready to go.

7 - Complete at least one audio book of my currently published works, and release it in podcast form (probably on Spotify)

I am working on this and have a few chapters recorded but not yet edited.

 

 With all that said, I will soon give more information on Moving the Zoo, its release date, a sneak peek at the artwork, and maybe a few other surprises.

So far, I think I can say it's been a productive year. I can't wait to see how the rest goes. And how many more of my goals I can finish!

Happy New Year! 2022 Edition

 

 

 

 

Well, it's a new year again, 2022 and all that. I know I haven't been the most active in posting updates and the like. It's been a difficult past month as I remember my mom, who passed in July. It was our first Christmas without her. And a few other things came up we weren't happy about but can work around.

 

Last time I updated you guys, it was to let you know I am working on some screenwriting projects. I am still working on one, but did finish another, and entered that one into a contest, so we'll see what happens there. Who knows, it might even end up being made into a movie.

 

All that aside, I did want to let you know the general plan I have for this coming year. Everything is, of course, subject to change as circumstances change.

 

Goals/Plans for 2022

1 - Finish formatting the Tarragon Trilogy for screenplay (hoping I get the chance to shop it around to producers in the next few years)

2 - Complete and publish one new children's illustrated work

3 - Participate in at least one writer's conference (I will be doing a virtual class for the Storymaker's Conference held in Provo, UT for their digital catalogue)

4 - Hopefully get a new book written, or at least get a good start on it. There are several ideas percolating in my brain that want out.

5 - Prepare, and hopefully publish, my husband's first book. 

6 - Start a podcast on self-publishing and everything I wish I'd known about it before I started the venture.

7 - Complete at least one audio book of my currently published works, and release it in podcast form (probably on Spotify)

 

Everything else is up in the air, but things can always change.

 

 

 

A Change in the Wind

 Hey guys,

I thought I'd best give you the update on things. I was going to do an event in Irving, Texas last weekend, but if any of you showed, you know it didn't happen. The store manager canceled on me and it is what it is. Hopefully I will see you in December in Little Elm, TX instead.

Now, on to the bigger news, I am going to turn my focus onto turning the Tarragon Trilogy into a series of screenplays that I hope to find a producer for. I know I'm at a huge disadvantage, as I don't have an agent, and I don't really have any contacts in the industry, but I feel compelled to go this direction right now.

This will likely put my newest children's book, Moving the Zoo, on hold, but I do promise I will be working on it intermittently. It just probably won't be out in time for Christmas.

I do have some experience with screenplays, though nothing produced. I was a semi-finalist in a screenwriting contest last year, and I was an intern with an independent film company back in 2006, so not completely new to me, but I have never pitched to any Hollywood big producers, but that is the goal. If I'm being honest, never actually pitched it to any kind of big wigs, unless you count sending query letters when I tried to get traditionally published.

All that aside, if you have read any of the books in my Tarragon Trilogy, and liked them, please spread the word. Write a review. The more online presence I have, the better. And, maybe, someday in the not too distant future, you will see either those books, or something else I've written, on the big screen. That is my hope.

Thanks, y'all, for being great fans. I hope to improve my craft and make y'all proud.

New book release and cover reveal

 Hey guys, first, thanks to those who came out and saw me at Kroger in Bartonville, TX. I met a lot of new people and hope those who bought copies of my books enjoy them.

Now on the the meat of the post. I am officially announcing that The Tarragon Trilogy will be released November 1!

 I know it's been a long time coming, but I've finally got everything together, complete with two new short stories (Walter's Story and Emi's Story), as well as some illustrations depicting how I see key items in the books. These are all "never before released" additions specific to this all-in-one book.

 

And here is the cover:

 

This book will be available in ebook and paperback formats to start, with hardcover to follow, and I will share the links as they become available.

A few changes and updates

 Hey guys, I know it's been a while, but I thought I'd first remind you of some upcoming events, and let you know the location of the signing in October has changed so please keep that in mind.

Book Signings:

October 16 (sat) 10-3pm
3400 FM 407 E, Bartonville, TX 75226

November 6 (sat) 10-3pm
7505 N. MacAurthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75063

December 11 (sat) 0 10-3pm
2671 Little Elm Parkway, Little Elm, TX 75068

 

Tarragon, the audio book/drama has completed its run, and you can find all of the links to listen to each episode under the Audio Dramas page.

I am also getting close to releasing the omnibus version of the Trilogy, complete with two new short stories (not previously released), and some illustrations. I am finishing up those illustrations and working on the cover but hope to have a preview of it for you soon.

 

And in the newest news, I am working on creating a new Children's Illustrated book. Moving The Zoo should be available later on this year, hopefully in time for Christmas, but definitely by the end of the year.