One Year Ago…
More than 20 years ago, I began writing Lost & Found in Lantern Hollow. I would write on it sporadically over the years, never really thinking I had it in me to finish it.
But then, in May 2025 with only ten chapters complete, I dusted off the unfinished novel for the umpteenth time, determined to finish it.
And one year ago this July 28, I did just that. I finished writing my novel. After all that time, it took me two months to finish something I dawdled over for more than two decades.
But what I didn't realize when I typed that last period in the final chapter was that I was about to embark on a path that would divert me far from the dawdling lane. I had merged onto the self-publishing highway, and life has been at full speed ever since! (Okay, I'm done with the road metaphors.)
I have completed (and published) other stories and have more in the works. But writing is only a small part of this past year. I have purchased ISBNs and filed with the Library of Congress. I have had friends and family support me with sales and attendance at signings, with sharing on socials and writing reviews. I have built a website and learned to make ePUBs. I have visited bookstores and libraries. I have met so many new people and been asked to participate in so many exciting ventures.
It’s been hard, relentless work. My garden has paid the price with complete neglect. My waistline has paid the price from all the sitting. My pocketbook has paid the price with all the mailings and author copies and marketing. And I can count on one hand how many nights I have slept more than six hours. The ask has been enormous to get this imprint off the ground, but the sales numbers are still small. I often wonder why I’m doing all of this. Have I lost my mind?
But then…last week…
After a year of nearly nonstop work, I received two photos—each of a nine-year-old girl reading one of my books. Suddenly, the world made sense once more.
Emery, 9
Emery reads How to Fry Chicken & Ditch the Nightlight in the car with her family on the way to summer vacation.
Annie Kate, 9
Annie Kate can’t put down her copy of A Very Strange Reversal of Scales as the adults mingle and visit in the room around her.
I’m writing stories for kids to enjoy. I’m writing to share goodness and humor and emotion and lessons with young people. I have not lost my mind. I’m exactly where I need to be.
Looking back, it cracks me up that it took me twenty years to write a book. But I didn’t know then that writing is the easy part. Sharing takes true tenacity. Believing in yourself and braving rejection takes strength. Making the world aware you have something to give takes repetition and doggedness.
I needed to see Emery and Annie Kate reading my stories. They reminded me why I started all of this. It gives me resolve to keep going and confidence to ask for your continued support in this endeavor. If you have read one of my books, please share! Reviews on Goodreads and Amazon help me tremendously. Liking, commenting on, or sharing my social posts helps extend my reach greatly. And simply telling others about my books is so helpful. (And, of course, I love pictures of readers!)
So here’s to this past year (documented for you through the photos below), and here’s to the year ahead. I see good things in Creekline House’s future, and I hope you'll stay close and be part of the journey. (Okay, now I’m done with the road metaphors.)
