I'm happy to be a part of STORYSTORM for the second year in a row. Between being a part of 12 x 12 and taking part in this month-long fun flurry of ideas, I'm having more fun with writing than I've had in a long while.   

If you're interested in writing picture books and your serious about it ( sounds weird right?) think about joining 12 x 12 and next year trying to come up with 30 ideas in 31 days. It's a fantastic way for any PB writer to start a new year. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

 After being closed for years, our library is open again with a new name. What a wonderful celebration for opening day. Thanks to all the librarians, staff and volunteers who made the day a success. 

 I checked out the children's section filled with old and new books for youth of all ages. 

This photo was snapped outside the space. Behind that window the area was filled with families.

I spent my childhood on those shores looking out over the endless ocean and was was humbled by it.

President Barack Obama

 

                                     
 

2024 Writing Successes

 

Children's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to share our SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) this year. She believes the way New Year's resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity - what DIDN'T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! 

But now it's on to 2025 and making a success of this year. 

When the azaleas are in bloom outside our window, the world bursts with colors. :-)

 

 

            

 

                                                                    A discarded eraser. 

                                 A cat toy to bat around by day for Abbey, but at night... 

                                                She conducts covert cat critiques. 🐈✐

 

                                           I'm excited to be attending my first 

  Picture Book Summit.  

Rob Sanders's Book of Poetry: Queer and Fearless

                                                         

 Tombolo Books, Equality Florida  and Allendale United Methodist Church 
Present: QUEER and FEARLESS, by and with Rob Sanders

                          

Rob reads a poem from his book that honors the lives of 17 brave LGBTQ+  Heros.

An Interview with Colette Bancroft

How wonderful that my husband and I were able to be a part of this incredible evening. Rob and local poets read some poems from his book, QUEER and FEARLESS. Each reading brought the heroic stories to life for those of us lucky enough to be at Allendale United Methodist Church in person. Thanks to Tombolo Books and Equality Florida for an uplifting event. Colette Bancroft, Book Editor of the Tampa Bay Times held an engaging interview with Rob and brought some of the hardships he's endured throughout his life and career to the forefront. He knows of what he writes. 

It has been a gift to watch Rob blossom as an author over the years and to follow his publishing success. Rob's books, like the man himself, have changed the world for the better.

Carry on bravely my friend. You truly are one of the LGBTQ+ Heroes.