Introducing...one of the characters from my soon-to-be-published children's book.
I have AMAZING news!
All my life I've wanted to write fiction, especially fiction for children. I can't think of a time when I didn't want to write books. My desire to become an author was strong by age four.
Now I'm thrilled to announce that my first children's novel will be published by Simon & Schuster: The Griffins of Castle Cary.
So excited! The book is being described as a charming, slightly spooky adventure story for elementary readers ages 8-12. You'll meet the Griffin siblings, a couple of ghosts with big feelings, and a ginormous, drooly Newfoundland dog. My new editor says it's got "Penderwick-y appeal and Neil Gaiman themes," so if you like books with wholesome, family charm, like the Penderwicks or a touch of magic mixed in with real life, this might be the book for you and your family.
I like to think that preschoolers who started out with It's OK Not to Share in their lives will be ready for The Griffins of Castle Cary when it comes out. Only one year to wait - publication is March 2019. In the meantime, we'll be busy with revisions, copyedits and creating a cool cover. Maybe with a Newfoundland on the front?
Can't wait to show you the finished book!
Meanwhile, here's what some early readers had to say. These are all quotes from kids. As part of the book writing process, I had children read the draft manuscript.
Elizabeth, age 8: Keep going! Keep going! I was so excited. I wanted my mom to read more chapters before bed. There were so many mysteries.
Emerson, age 11: I've never read anything like this. I love all the action!
Tess, age 11: If there was a sequel, I would read it in a flash! It was really gripping. And just the right amount of scary. I finished it in two days and it was hard to put down when I had to go to bed.
Alex, age 9: It was awesome! Part mystery, part ghost story. I never wanted to stop reading it.
Thrilled to be a children's book author as well as a renegade. Looking forward to sharing more book adventures with you.
How cute is that Newfoundland dog? Will your kids or grandkids be the right age to enjoy this adventure next year?
