Beaverdale Books Signing

{Photo by Gail George, 2011}

With Friends

{Photo by Gail George, 2011}

With my husband, Ken

{Photo by Gail George, 2011}

Signing books!

Last Saturday I got to hang out at Beaverdale Books and sign my two Christmas books during the annual Beaverdale Shop Hop. It was really cool to be able to do my first book signing in my own little neighborhood within Des Moines! I managed to sign a lot of books and it was great to see everyone! Thanks to all the friends that came out to support me! You guys made the night!

Santa's Secret Story on Display

{On Display in Pauline Books & Media in Alexandria, VA, 2011}

{Pauline Books & Media in Alexandria, VA, 2011}

My cousin's wedding was last weekend in Washington DC and my husband and I managed to make it into a little vacation. We visited all the major landmarks and got a really good feel for the city. All in all, we had an incredibly good time and really enjoyed the area! A major highlight of the trip was being able to see my book, "Santa's Secret Story", in an actual Pauline Books and Media store that happened to be in Alexandria. From my house the nearest Pauline stores would probably be Chicago or St. Louis and the 2 hour plane ride is quicker than driving to either one. (not that I would buy a plane ticket just to go to a bookstore... but it was convenient to have one in a place we were going anyways!) The above picture is my book on a shelf display (note the Tomie dePaola right next to mine. Cool, right?!) The below picture is the Pauline storefront on a lovely November day!

Today's Special Delivery

{"Santa's Secret Story" Books, 2011}

{"Santa's Secret Story" Books, 2011}

{Binding Detail, 2011}

I was sitting on my front porch talking to my dad today when the UPS truck pulled up. Every time I see a UPS truck in the neighborhood, I am secretly hoping to receive a box of my books. Well, today was the day for "Santa's Secret Story" published by Pauline Books and Media. I immediately opened the box and held it up to show the delivery man (who was far less excited than I). He shrugged and managed a lackluster "wow" as he walked back to his truck. My neighbor pulled up a few seconds later and was a much better partner to share the excitement with! She and I leafed through the shiny new books. What an excellent day! Holding a book in your hands is a wonderful feeling. Holding a book that you helped to create is downright magical!

"Santa's Secret Story" Trailer on YouTube

{Video by Pauline Books and Media, 2011}

I found a trailer for "Santa's Secret Story" on YouTube this morning. I think this video is so cute! (and I love the idea of trailers for books!) Check it out!

Preview "Santa's Secret Story"

{Screenshot of Preview, 2011}

Click to view larger.

My second children's book is available for preview here on Issue.com. The release date is September 1st and it will be available from Amazon and Pauline Books and Media.

Book Work

{Section of Cover for "Santa's Secret Story", 2011}

This is just a small piece of the cover for "Santa's Secret Story". I'll share more details and show the full cover once the publisher has finished laying it out.