Yes, thanks for asking. Keep your eyes open for "There's No People LIke Snow People " - tales from Snowville, book one. It is a beautiful picture book, illustrated with Lauriena Rager. We are putting finishing touches and final edits in now; I can't wait to bring it to you!

Major motivators were a dream that wouldn't die, a family who urged me to write and "do something" with my work, and the discovery of a platform that allowed me to make that happen without a budget and with dedicated, careful work. God opened doors I had not seen before and kept bringing to mind two verses over and over again. Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 6:33.

My earliest remembrance is a short story I wrote in third grade about a little girl and her best friend "Sally". The storyteller (I wrote in first person) shares with us her love for Sally and their favorite things to do together; a surprise ending reveals Sally is her dog. My grandmother, in true grandmother fashion, treasured this story and she kept a the original copy her entire life. I'm not sure who has that copy now.

Finding Smashwords is one of the "doors" mentioned before. Mark Coker's eBooks are so well written they offer even a newbie inspiration and hope. I found 'possibility thinking' and 'what ifs?' becoming a compelling force to give this a try. The Style Guide was very clear and I followed it step by step taking my time to double-check everything as I went. When my book made it through the "meatgrinder" on the first try I was ecstatic and on my way! Thank you Smashwords!

Witnessing the first expression of emotion on my readers face or in their email responses. Cortland, my 10 year old grandson, thrilled me when he read it through as I waited and watched. Immediately upon finishing it, he jumped up and thrust it into my hands and with shoulders back and chest thrust out he said with conviction: "Publish it! I like it!" Ashley blurted out: "Write another one, Grandma, tell us what happens next, and then tell us more about Greta."

Because of the surprises in this story, it was my intention to use an image that would not give the ending away but be supportive of the storyline and the foreword. The photos in my book are some of my favorites shots and each one has special meaning.

Sorry, can't stop with five, but I'll give you six or seven.
1. "The Holy Bible", because it is the book that changed my life and never stops giving me what I need to live my life and it is inspired by my favorite author, who goes by many names.
2. "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss, wonderful, inspirational and it speaks to all ages.
3. "Silver Boxes" by Florence Littauer because she sheds light on so many ways the words of others impact our lives and dreams. We can all use the "gift of encouragement".
4. "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, M.D. so vividly portrays personalities and attitudes of people affected by unexpected change in their lives, and we are affected at some time or later. I loved this book.
5. "The Spellbinder's Gift" by Og Mandino is a story about finding extraordinary hope, courage and miracles in the midst of a not so special life that seems to be going nowhere.
6. "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances J. Roberts has been an anchoring force for me this past year and a half. A powerful, straightforward devotional written as though God is speaking directly to the reader with love and assurance to draw you to Himself.
7. "Minnie and Moo Go to the Moon" is a delightful book about thinking things through and consequences of imaginative minds. Loved reading this aloud with my granddaughter Ashley.

The photograph at the end of my book was my inspiration and a conversation with some friends over lunch as I shared that photo spawned ideas and a storyline that would come together quickly but take years to finish. That's all I can tell you without giving away the ending.

Everything, they mean the difference between chasing this dream or just writing in secret. Writing is just something that has to come out and when it touches another someone's heart, either to bring joy or tears, I know I have to keep writing and now I write seeking inspiration and direction from the Holy Spirit.

Another children's book and planning something for older readers from a different perspective. I have in mind another book that will be based on a real-life story, hoping to reconnect with some family members I've missed.

If I'm writing a book, I will list all the words related to my topic of inspiration that I can think of - a pencil and a yellow pad are my "creative energy" tools. Roughly outline my storyline and begin to write; it usually comes in quick spurts and then "cooks" a little while. Edit, share it with a trusted friend, edit, say goodbye to the "fluff" even if "I wrote it" and repeat the process until I hear the words . . . I get it!
If I'm writing poetry the words just seem to flow from my pencil or pen and then I edit and edit and edit.. Poetry is sometimes an expression of my own experience and sometimes it is about the way I interpret someone else's experience; sometimes it's pure imagination and silliness.