I have so much exciting news to share. October has been full of big milestones, creative projects, and a brand-new way I’m helping people this holiday season. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s catch up. Let’s start with something that’s been filling my heart lately — my next children’s book, "Does Anyone Know My Language?". I’m thrilled to tell you that the illustrations are completely finished. Seeing the artwork for the first time felt a little like unwrapping a Christmas present early. Every page captures the emotion, playfulness, and imagination I dreamed of when I first started writing this story. When I began planning this book, I knew I wanted it to celebrate communication and connection, especially for children who might express themselves in unique ways. The illustrator did such an amazing job bringing that message to life. Now that the art is done, I’m moving on to the designing stage — that’s where I put all the text and illustrations together. I adjust layouts and make sure everything looks just right. Now for one of the biggest announcements of my year. If you haven’t already heard, I booked my first-ever Barnes & Noble book signing. I’ll be signing copies of Does Anyone Know My Language? at Barnes & Noble in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, from one to five in the afternoon. When I first got the confirmation, I honestly had to read the email twice. This has been a dream of mine for years — to be sitting at a real author table, meeting readers, signing books, and connecting with people face-to-face. For me, book signings are about more than just selling books. They’re about meeting the people who’ve supported my journey, hearing their stories, and sharing moments of encouragement. Writing can be such a quiet, behind-the-scenes process, so events like this remind me why I write — to connect, to inspire, and to give hope. If you live anywhere near Jacksonville, I’d love for you to stop by. We’ll take some pictures, chat, and celebrate this special day together. Another exciting update. After three years of brainstorming, sketching, and second-guessing myself, I finally have a company name and logo that I truly love. It might sound small, but finding the right name took me a long time. I wanted something that captured what I stand for as a writer — stories filled with heart, hope, and imagination. Stories that show children with disabilities as heroes of their own adventures. When I finally saw the logo come together, it just felt right. It’s bright, friendly, and full of meaning. It’s a big step forward for me as an author because it gives my work a home — something to represent who I am and what I believe in. I’ll be revealing the name and logo soon, so stay tuned for that announcement. I can’t wait to share it with you all. Now, let’s talk about something new and a little different — my Christmas Personal Shopping Service working online shopping outlets. If you’re anything like me, holiday shopping can be both fun and a little stressful. We want to find that perfect gift, but sometimes our brains just draw a blank. You may be too busy with work, or you would like to spend more time with loved ones. So, this year, I thought — why not help people with that? Here’s how it works. You tell me three to five things your loved one enjoys doing — maybe it’s cooking, gardening, reading, crafting, hiking, sports, or something else. From there, I’ll brainstorm personalized gift ideas, order them through Amazon, or Etsy and have them shipped right to your door. It’s that simple. You can hire me as your Christmas Personal Shopper for fifty dollars, plus the cost of your order. My goal is to make your holiday season a little less stressful and a lot more joyful. And there’s a bonus — this service helps me raise funds to publish more of my children’s books. So not only will you get thoughtful gifts, but you’ll also be helping more stories come to life for kids who need them. It’s a win-win — less stress for you, more stories for the world. As I look back over the past few months, I just feel incredibly grateful. Grateful for the progress on my books, for the upcoming book signing, for the creativity that’s flowing, and especially for you — my readers, supporters, and friends. Every message, comment, and bit of encouragement means the world to me. Writing can be a long journey but knowing that there are people out there cheering me on makes it so much sweeter. So, as we move through November, I hope you take a little time to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the simple things — a cup of cocoa, a favorite song, or a quiet evening with loved ones. And remember, no matter how busy life gets, it’s never too late to follow your dreams or to start something new. Thank you so much for listening and for being part of my world. I’m wishing you a cozy, creative, and joy-filled November. |