New Picture Book Project

Nothing makes an author more happy than having one or more of their children following in their footsteps. My son, who is graduating this year, wrote a picture in 3rd grade as a class project. The teacher had it published and family members bought the book. I hoped he would follow in my love of writing and sharing stories with others...he didn't. Instead he fell in love with art, computer games and political science.

My middle child however surprised me over this summer. My daughter has been supportive of my writing and loves reading, but she never seemed interested beyond this. She has been my girlie girl, who loves going to plays, watching movies, painting and playing dress-up. Don't get me wrong, she is also the only one who plays a sport (soccer), even though she hates running and P.E. in school.

So what was the surprise? She dropped a few pieces of paper on my writing desk while I was out one day and on it was a short story about a lonely fish. At first, I did what most parents would do...I found her and asked if everything was okay with her friends. "Everything is fine mom," she told me. I raised my eyebrow in that parently look we all get when we think our kids are trying to make light of what they are really feeling.

"Are you sure nothing is wrong?" Concern coursing through me.

"I just wanted to share the story I wrote. Do you like?"

" Love it and think together we can make this a publishable story. Would you like that?"

The joy on my daughter's face was priceless. She threw her arms around my middle, looked up at me with her chin on my belly and said. "I would like that a lot."

I'm excited to say that my 8 year old daughter Ashley and I will be co-authoring some picture books together. I had planned on only writing one or two more picture books starring SugarPaw from my award-winning picture "Babysitting SugarPaw" and then moving my writing efforts into Middle Grade, YA and New Adult works. I still plan to do that, but also plan to help my daughter with her writing as her co-author.

World of Ink Interview with author Judy Snider and Illustrator Cady B. Driver

Judy Snider , Joan’s sister lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, Gil, and two silly cats. She is the author of the CWA award-winning children’s picture book, Goldy’s Baby Socks , and on a team of authors of The Scared Purse . The Writing Mama Interview with author Judy Snider VS: What do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life? Judy: It is easier now that my kids are in their 20’s and out of the home. I get up very early, and some of the best writing I do is in a sunny place with a glass of water or coffee and my silly cats nearby. When my oldest was a baby, I took a write-away-course, and would write when he took his naps. Some of my best writing was at a table while I waited in those days for them at parties, video arcades, etc. I work out of my home on projects, so working with my sister on our latest book, and the phone usually did Cady Driver, our illustrator. VS: How long have you been writing? Judy: I wrote my...

Stories That Awaken the Soul: A Journey with Evan McDermott

What if the stories we tell — and the ones we choose to listen to — could change not just our perspective, but our very path in life? In a world where noise often drowns out meaning, returning to the simplicity and depth of authentic storytelling can reconnect us with what truly matters. This week on Language of the Soul , we sit down with Evan McDermott, poet, tarot reader, and host of the Fifth Dimension podcast, for a conversation that feels like sitting by the fire and remembering what it means to be human. Evan’s life and work remind us that the ancient practice of weaving narrative — through myth, poetry, or spiritual exploration — is more than art. It’s a vital act of self-remembering, of reclaiming our agency in a world that often tries to define us by labels, roles, or distractions. Our discussion with Evan touches on many layers: from the dualities of love and tyranny, to how compassion becomes a compass when the outer world feels divided or uncertain. We reflect on how st...

Redefining Purpose Through Life's Trials

Facing the myriad of challenges that life presents, individuals often find themselves searching for meaning and purpose in the eye of the storm. Our latest podcast episode delves into the heart of this human experience, exploring how adversity does not just challenge but also shapes and molds our sense of purpose. The stories shared in this episode are not just narratives of survival; they are testaments to the power of transformation through trials. The episode begins with a deeply personal account of loss and grief from co-hosts Virginia Grenier and myself. The discussion moves beyond mere catharsis, revealing the podcast's role as a beacon of therapy and connection. This connection is further solidified by the importance of community and listener support, which serves as a lifeline for sustaining the platform. The beauty of shared experiences lies in their universality, and our candid conversation sets the stage for the narratives that follow. Our guest's story is a moving...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

Search This Blog