Today, as I celebrate Marigold and the Snoring King’s 2nd birthday, I’m reminded that it is also the anniversary of my becoming a published author. Looking back, I’m amazed at all the changes in my career that have taken place in the last two years. HIGHLIGHTS SINCE 2019 Melanie on the Move my middle-grade contemporary…
My younger sister Cindy and I sat on our bean bag chairs in the back of our ranchero’s camper shell as our dad drove the curvy highway to our destination — Alliance Redwood Conference Grounds in Northern California. It was our annual trip to Family Camp, an event organized by our denomination. I loved the…
When my dwarf hamster, Suzie passed away, I told my friend I would never have a pet again. But God had other plans. In early March of 2016 on an unusually warm day, I gazed out onto our swimming pool. The water was clear, but the harsh winter winds had filled it with leaves and…
It is so wonderful that people are trying to help others through this “shelter in place” by posting encouraging and inspiring messages. But sometimes people are all too encompassing with their broad appeal to the masses. I read one post that had me shaking my head. It said, “This is not normal for any of…
It’s finally here! I am pleased to reveal the cover of Melanie on the Move! In my opinion, the cover is perfect for the book, and I mostly had nothing to do with it. My cover designer, Hannah, deserves all the credit. When I saw the book cover for the first time, tears of happiness…
Authors need a tagline, a phrase to explain what they offer as a writer. It also could be called a motto. Essentially, it is a way to tie their books together. Since I write in different genres and for different age groups (which is usually a no-no in our industry) this is an especially important…
One of the hardest things about being a writer for me is losing my anonymity. I’m not one who craves attention or even likes it. Someone else can be the star of the show. I’d rather stay in my hole in the ground like Bilbo Baggins while others go on adventures. But like Bilbo, this…
December 4th win a personal signed hardback copy of Marigold and the Snoring King + book swag. See details below: Marigold and the Snoring King is a children’s picture book fairy tale for ages 4-8, but enjoyed by all ages. Synopsis: Unrest settles throughout the land from King Reginald’s roaring snore and surrounding kingdoms threaten…
In Peculiar Treasures by Robin Jones Gunn and published by Zondervan (2008), quirky, red-headed Katie Weldon is finishing up her junior year of college at Rancho Corona. Her best friend, Christy Miller, is recently married. Katie is in a dating relationship with Rick Doyle, the boy she has had a crush on since high school. As she…
Working in youth ministries, my heart squeezes with sorrow and fills with compassion as I see all of the things our youth face today. They are surrounded by the world’s standards and expectations, and put into highly stressful situations. I try to encourage the young ladies in our youth group, but there is only so…