New Year's Resolutions & Goals

First of all, I apologize for not blogging lately. Good grief. I thought it had been a month but it has been over TWO months. That's terrible but we have hosted family for Thanksgiving, Christmas (doesn't everyone?) and flew to Arizona to be with grandkids and more family. It has been a hectic fall. I'm ready for some routine and normalcy.

Now, for my timely (haha) New Year's Resolutions and Goals:

 * Finish and submit my sequel to THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS. I'm currently at about 30,000 words last I checked. The working title is either COWBOYS AT COCONUTS or MEET ME AT COCONUTS or something else entirely. Any ideas? Maybe I'll have a contest.

 * Submit one (or two) picture books. For months, I've been SO close to finishing SOUR POWER. I just need to tweak it a bit and get it to my publisher.

 * Write a novella (a first!) I am excited about this one. I like writing shorter stories and have several ideas. I just need to harness them.

 * Get back on my exercise routine. I used to work out four times a week. For years! A massage therapist messed up my knees two years ago and I really got out of my exercise routine. I miss it.

* Get organized. I’m a mess lately. My files are in shambles. My photos are all lumped together. I have boxes of books and swag in my office. Don't even ask about my closet. Oy.

Now, that I'm holding myself accountable by putting these in writing, feel free to yell at me if I don't comply with them. And what are your resolutions? Do you make them? Keep them?

Sprinkle Fairy Dust

No, I don't write fantasy, although I do write children's picture books, as well as novels. You'll get the gist of the fairy dust soon.

While dining with my husband at Nicola's, our favorite restaurant, the chef, Nicola Gilardi (who is well aware that I write children's books) pointed me out to a young couple and their first-grade daughter. They were sitting one table over and I could see the young girl's mouth fall open as the chef told her about me. (This is how young children react to authors. It's precious.)

Luckily, I had some bookmarks in my purse and asked the parents for their daughter's name. At first I spelled it Landry (should have asked) and handed it to her. I asked if I had spelled it correctly. The mom said, "No, but that's okay." I assured her it wasn't okay and found another bookmark in my purse.

I then made it out to Landrie and autographed the bookmark. I asked the young girl where she went to school and let Landrie know about my upcoming contest for SANTA'S SECRET. As hubby said, her eyes were as big as pizzas and she nearly trembled with excitement. I gave her a hint (the same hint I'll give everyone when I announce the contest) and told her I'd be in contact with her teacher.

We proceeded to eat, and after a few minutes Landrie (who was wearing my favorite leopard print, by the way,) brought over a beautiful page she had carefully colored while her parents were enjoying wine. She addressed it to me and signed it, so now we both have a treasured keepsake.

Have you sprinkled any fairy dust lately? Please do. It'll come back to you.

Meet Mrs. McGee

Meet Mrs. McGee, the teacher in my upcoming children's picture book: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE? Isn't she adorable? I just love her. The illustrator, Leo Silva, did a fabulous job creating Mrs. McGee as well as other characters in my book.

On the first day of school, Mrs. McGee challenges the students with that important question and gets a variety of answers (excitedly and sometimes shyly) including dancer, fireman, baker, mommy, astronaut, and many more careers written in verse. The teacher also emphasizes why learning is so important.

During our economic downturn and high unemployment, children hear dreary news daily and retain more than we give them credit for. My goal in writing this book was to instill hopes and dreams in children that they can be whatever they want to be.

Yesterday, I saw the cover art, which was an exciting day. I'll let you know when I have a release date but it's looking like October or early November--just in time for the holidays! I'll keep you posted.

Writing Children's Picture Books

Some of you may not be aware that I also write children's picture books. I absolutely ADORE writing them. They make me laugh, giggle, and just feel warm and fuzzy inside--something I hope to bring to my readers.

Now that JANO is over, I'm going to let my novel rest for a month and focus on writing more picture books. If you have any funny children's stories, traditions, or anecdotes you'd like to share (and let me possibly incorporate), please let me know. I'll mention you in the acknowledgement section if I use your information.

Children's literature is so important. Let's instill the love of reading at an early age.