A man slaughters a big cow, starts the grill, and says to his daughter, “Daughter, go call our relatives, friends, and neighbors to join us… We’re having a celebration!”
The daughter goes out to the street and shouts, “Please help! My father’s house is on fire!”
After some time, only a few people come out to help, while many others act like they didn’t hear anything. The ones who came stay, eat, and enjoy the food until late.
The father, confused, looks around and says to his daughter, “I don’t know most of these people. Some I’ve never seen before. Where are our friends, family, and neighbors?”
The daughter calmly replies, “The people who came didn’t come for a party. They came because they thought we were in trouble. These are the people who care about us. These are the ones who deserve to celebrate with us.”
Lesson:The ones who don’t show up when you’re struggling don’t deserve to be with you when you succeed.
What do you think? I think it all depends on the intent of a person, really. Some people may WANT to help, but don’t know how. There are times in everyone’s lives when it’s just too hard to stretch and serve another, even though we want to help.
If someone came to our door right now, my husband would do everything he can, but he can’t give money or can’t be gone from the house very long, as people need him here. Those circumstances must be taken into consideration, and not punish those with good intent.
Hello, readers! I’m Shirley Ulbrich, writing under the pen name S.M. Ulbrich, and today I’m diving into the prompt: “In what ways do you communicate online?” As an author of fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, and children’s stories, online communication is my lifeline for connecting with readers, sharing my work, and building a community.
Hard at Work – MakingPlans
From promoting my books like the Discovering Misty series, George and the Eagle, The Covenant Fire (a standalone book), and the Zion series—America’s Great Terrible Storm, a 6-book series exploring themes of prophecy, survival, and faith with elements like Obama-era events, New Jerusalem visions, survival vaults, and culminating in a Survival review in the last book—to preparing to host my Pages Alight Podcast,
Misty the Mermaid of the Emerald Coast
I use a mix of platforms to engage, inspire, and interact. In this post, I’ll break down my methods, sprinkle in insights from key books on digital communication, and highlight how these tools help me spread the word about my projects. Let’s explore!
My Go-To Online Communication Methods
Online communication for me is all about blending creativity with connection. It’s not just about broadcasting—it’s about fostering conversations, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and turning solitary writing into a shared adventure. Here’s how I do it:
My website is the foundation of my online presence. It’s where I post detailed blog entries, book descriptions, and updates. For instance, I recently shared “Got a New Story in the Works for Misty,” teasing expansions to the Discovering Misty series about a young mermaid’s adventures in self-discovery and friendship. I also use it to announce wins, like taking 1st prize in a writing contest, and to promote my standalone book The Covenant Fire, a Christian/LDS YA apocalyptic novel full of adventure, as well as the Zion series, America’s Great Terrible Storm. This 6-book series weaves Latter-day Saint prophecy with dystopian survival stories, incorporating elements like Obama-era collapses, visions of New Jerusalem, and survival vaults in a saga of faith and resilience. The series includes books like Collapse (focusing on early chaos), Runners, Shadows of Zion, Rebuilding, Legacy, and ends with a Survival review in the sixth book, providing a comprehensive look back at survival strategies and themes. The site links everything together, from buy buttons on Amazon to podcast trailers, making it easy for visitors to explore my world.
2. Social Media Platforms: Engaging and Promoting
Social media is where the magic happens in real-time. I use it to share snippets, visuals, and calls to action for my books and podcast.
• Facebook (fb.com/smulbrich): On FB, I post about my multi-genre tales, from the whimsical Discovering Misty to the intense Zion series, America’s Great Terrible Storm, which follows characters navigating faith, chaos, and prophetic storms across six books, ending with a Survival review. I share trailers, reader reviews, and community discussions to build buzz.
• Instagram (@s.m.ulbrich): IG is perfect for visuals. I post book covers, AI-generated art inspired by my stories—like a podcast banner with a glowing antique book for Pages Alight—and reels teasing scenes from George and the Eagle, where young George Washington and his eagle companion face storms and adventures. It’s great for hashtagging #multigenre and connecting with visual storytellers.
• X (formerly Twitter, @SMUlbrich): On X, I share quick updates, blog links, and engage with trends. For example, I posted about my YouTube milestone for Pages Alight Podcast, which lights up discussions on my books and storytelling. I promote entries like “Narrative Nook Monday” series, tying into my Zion books such as America’s Great Terrible Storm, and even chime in on fun polls to keep interactions lively.
• TikTok and YouTube: These are video-heavy for my Pages Alight Podcast, where I will dive into book themes, read excerpts from the Zion series, and share trailers for The Covenant Fire. Short clips build excitement for upcoming releases.
These platforms help me reach different audiences—FB for in-depth shares, IG for aesthetics, X for quick chats—but they can get noisy, so I focus on authentic engagement to avoid burnout.
3. Email and Newsletters: Direct and Personal
I use email lists via my website to send exclusive updates, like sneak peeks at the Zion series’ Survival review or podcast episode drops. It’s asynchronous, allowing thoughtful responses without the pressure of live chats.
4. Podcasts and Video: Bringing Stories to Life
My Pages Alight Podcast on YouTube is a passion project. I communicate through audio-visual storytelling, discussing themes from my books, interviewing fellow creators, and reading passages. It’s ideal for conveying tone and emotion that text alone misses.
To refine my approach, I’ve drawn from several insightful books:
Lessons from Books on Online Communication
• Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle: This reminds me that while social media expands my reach for promoting Discovering Misty, it can lead to superficial ties. I counter this by encouraging genuine comments and DMs.
• Online Communication: Linking Technology, Identity, & Culture by Andrew F. Wood and Matthew J. Smith: It explores how platforms shape identity, which helps me craft my author persona across FB, IG, and X.
• Smart Online Communication: Protecting Your Digital Footprint by Mary Lindeen: Essential for safe promotion, especially when sharing personal wins like my newsletter awards.
• Future Crimes by Marc Goodman: A warning about digital risks, guiding me to protect my content while sharing Zion series details.
These books emphasize balance—using tech to enhance, not replace, human connection.
The Impact and Future of My Online Efforts
Communicating online has grown my audience, from 25 followers on X to YouTube subscribers celebrating milestones. It’s helped sell books, launch the podcast, and connect over shared loves like fantasy and faith. Challenges? Time management and algorithm changes. But the rewards—reader feedback on George and the Eagle or Zion discussions—make it worthwhile.
How do you communicate online? Drop a comment below, or find me on socials to chat. Check out smulbrichauthor.com for more, and stay tuned for Pages Alight episodes!
Thanks for reading—let’s keep the conversation going!
Below is my Creation Listing for 2025. As you can see, I haven’t been using this tool very long, but I’m certainly enjoying it. The entries in the piece shows some of my books and yet-to-be published books of this year.
You can see Misty, the mermaid of the Emerald Coast, from my 2 children’s books of the same name. She’s chatting with 6-year-old George Washington and his buddy, the brave eagle.
Under that section, you’ll find the book cover for my Washington’s Fantastical Crossing, where he’s being watched by merfolk – I really hadn’t planned to write so many stories about merfolk!
The one at the bottom middle is part of my America’s Great Perfect Storm. The leopard and night-watchers are suggestive of Obama’s dream — more on that later.
The bottom left is from my YA speculative fiction, “The Covenant Fire”, a story about a team asked to locate and activate an ancient artifact, while avoiding the evil cabal chasing them to recover the artifact to use for their purposes. This artifact is meant to bring about the 2nd Resurrection and gather the Lost Ten Tribes.
“Pages Alight” is my forthcoming podcast on YouTube! Coming very soon.
Mastering Storytelling Techniques: Tips from a Children’s Author
Hello, fellow storytellers and book lovers! Welcome back to Narrative Nook, where we dive into the art of crafting tales that captivate hearts and minds. As a children’s author with theDiscovering Mistyseries under my belt (available on Amazon) and my upcoming picture bookGeorge and the Brave Eagle(set to release soon—stay tuned!), I’ve spent years honing my storytelling craft. Today, I’m excited to share some practical tips on key storytelling methods: character development, plot structure, and theme exploration. I’ll break them down with examples from my own work and timeless classics, so you can apply these techniques to your writing. Whether you’re penning your first story or refining your next manuscript, these insights can elevate your narratives.
Character Development: Breathing Life into Your Heroes and Villains
Character development is the heartbeat of any story—it’s what makes readers care, laugh, cry, or cheer. The key is to create multi-dimensional characters who evolve over time, revealing layers through actions, dialogue, and backstory. Start by giving your characters clear motivations, flaws, and arcs. Avoid flat archetypes; instead, show growth through challenges.
Tip 1: Use “Show, Don’t Tell” for Depth
Rather than stating “Misty is curious,” demonstrate it through her actions. This builds empathy and immersion.
From myDiscovering Mistyseries, Misty, a young explorer, starts as a timid girl afraid of the unknown. In the first book, she hesitates to enter a mysterious forest, but by facing small obstacles—like solving a riddle from a talking animal— she gains confidence. This arc mirrors Harry Potter’s journey in J.K. Rowling’s series, where Harry’s initial insecurity as an orphan evolves into brave leadership through trials at Hogwarts. To make this stick in your writing, jot down a “character bible” with traits, backstories, and pivotal moments before drafting.
Tip 2: Incorporate Internal Conflict
Give characters inner struggles that clash with external events. This adds realism and tension.
InGeorge and the Brave Eagle, George is a boy who dreams of adventure but fears heights. His internal battle—wanting to soar with the eagle but doubting himself—drives the story. Think of Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’sPride and Prejudice, whose prejudice against Mr. Darcy creates delicious internal (and external) conflict, leading to profound growth. Pro tip: Use journal entries or monologues in your drafts to explore a character’s thoughts, then weave them subtly into the narrative.
Plot Structure: Building a Solid Framework for Your Tale
A strong plot structure keeps readers hooked from start to finish. I like to think of it as a rollercoaster: setup the climb, deliver thrilling drops, and end with a satisfying resolution. Classic structures like Freytag’s Pyramid (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement) provide a reliable blueprint, but feel free to twist it for surprise.
Tip 1: Balance Pacing with Stakes
Ramp up tension gradually, raising the stakes to maintain momentum. Too slow, and readers disengage; too fast, and it feels rushed.
In the Discovering Mistybooks, the plot builds from Misty’s everyday life (exposition) to discovering a hidden world (rising action), culminating in a showdown with a mythical guardian (climax). This echoes the structure in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where the Pevensie children’s ordinary world gives way to Narnia’s escalating battles, peaking at the Stone Table confrontation. To apply this, outline your plot points on index cards and rearrange them to ensure escalating conflict—aim for each scene to advance the story or reveal character.
Tip 2: Incorporate Twists and Subplots
Weave in subplots that support the main arc, and add unexpected twists to keep things fresh.
ForGeorge and the Brave Eagle, a subplot involves George’s friendship with a wise old birdwatcher, which provides clues for the main quest and leads to a twist about the eagle’s true identity. A famous example is the revelation in Charlotte Brontë’sJane Eyreabout Mr. Rochester’s secret wife—a twist that reshapes the plot while deepening themes of love and morality. Tip: Plant subtle foreshadowing early to make twists feel earned, not contrived. Read your draft aloud to spot pacing issues.
Theme Exploration: Weaving Deeper Meaning into Your Narrative
Themes are the soul of your story—the underlying messages that linger with readers. Explore them through symbols, motifs, and character choices, but avoid preaching; let themes emerge organically.
Tip 1: Choose Universal Themes with Personal Twists
Pick relatable ideas like courage, friendship, or self-discovery, then infuse them with your unique voice.
MyDiscovering Mistyseries explores themes of curiosity and environmental stewardship—Misty’s adventures highlight how exploring nature fosters respect for it. Similarly, in George and the Brave Eagle, the theme of overcoming fear is central, symbolized by the eagle’s flight. Draw from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, where themes of love and loss are explored through whimsical encounters, leaving readers pondering human connections. To develop this, brainstorm themes during outlining, then track how they appear in key scenes.
Tip 2: Use Symbolism and Repetition
Repeat motifs to reinforce themes without overt explanation.
InGeorge and the Brave Eagle, feathers symbolize growth, appearing first as a found token and later as a badge of bravery. This technique shines in F. Scott Fitzgerald’sThe Great Gatsby, where the green light represents unattainable dreams, recurring to underscore themes of aspiration and disillusionment. Pro tip: After drafting, highlight thematic elements in different colors to ensure balance—too subtle, and they fade; too heavy, and they overwhelm.
Storytelling is both an art and a craft, and these techniques have been game-changers for me as I bring stories like Discovering MistyandGeorge and the Brave Eagleto life. Experiment with them in your own work, and remember: the best stories come from passion and persistence. What’s your favorite storytelling technique? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you and maybe feature your tips in a future post!
If you’re inspired, check out the Discovering Mistyseries on Amazon for more adventure-filled tales, and keep an eye out for George and the Brave Eagle. Happy writing!
Every writer has a moment when the world tilts, and the stories inside them demand to be told. For me, that moment came on a quiet evening, surrounded by the soft hum of Louisiana’s bayou country, where the air carries whispers of Acadian ancestors and the past feels alive. As S.M. Ulbrich, I’ve always been drawn to history—not just the dates and events, but the heartbeat of people who lived it, their struggles woven with threads of magic and mystery. This is the story of how I became a writer, a path carved by heritage, imagination, and a stubborn love for storytelling.
Growing up, I was captivated by tales of my Acadian roots, stories of resilience like those of Joseph Broussard, my direct ancestor on my paternal grandmother’s side, whose courage against all odds felt like a call to action. I’d pore over genealogy records, like the Drouin Collection, tracing names and imagining the lives behind them. Those names weren’t just ink on a page—they were people who faced exile, built new homes, and carried their culture across oceans. Their strength inspired me, and I wanted to honor them in my writing. But it wasn’t enough to retell history; I wanted to infuse it with the mystical, to let runes glow on the page and hint at deeper truths.
My first leap into authorship came with Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast, a children’s series born from a real-life character actor in Florida who enchanted kids with her tales. Writing for young readers felt like sharing a secret: that stories can spark joy, teach empathy, and build bridges between generations. I’d sit at my desk, petting my cat for calm, music humming in the background, and let Misty’s world unfold. Those books, now on Amazon, are my love letter to the kids who dream big and the families who read together. But they’re also a piece of me—a reminder of the girl who saw magic in the everyday.
Writing isn’t always smooth. There were manuscripts like George and the Brave Eagle and Washington’s Fantastical Crossing, still waiting for illustrations and funding, that tested my patience. There were moments of doubt, like when I rushed to meet deadlines before my husband returned home, or very late at night, as I was doing nurse duty for my foster kids, scribbling words for The Fading Light in a race against time. Yet, every struggle taught me something. The chaos of Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath in my Zion Series reminded me that stories, like life, thrive in the tension between hope and hardship.
What keeps me going is the connection—to my heritage, to readers, to the spark of a new idea. When I got an email from a reader community eager to discuss Misty on Goodreads, I felt the weight of my words landing in someone else’s heart. When I designed a vibrant Canva image for my Amazon author page or crafted a post for my blog, Family Circle 14, or this one, I saw my voice reaching further. Even now, as I weave runes into my historical fiction or dream up blog posts about creativity, I’m reminded that writing is my way of making sense of the world.
This memoir isn’t just about me—it’s about the stories we all carry. Whether it’s a tale of Acadian resilience, a mermaid’s adventure, or a rune glowing in the dark, I write to uncover the magic in the past and share it with you. So, here I am, still typing, still dreaming, still weaving my tapestry of stories.
What’s the story you’re carrying today?
Shirley
P.S. I’m excited to share that today I found 3 more manuscripts I’d written years ago, that I thought I’d never see again — 2 are part of the Misty series!
As the author of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald CoastandGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who recently celebrated 500 visitors, I’ve faced plenty of moments where life’s challenges made me pause and reflect. During tough times—whether juggling foster parenting, coordinating Overpassers for USA rallies, or pouring my heart into my next book—I’ve caught myself wondering, “Do I really need to follow all of God’s commandments?” If you’ve ever asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Let’s explore this question together, one word at a time, with a perspective rooted in hope and my journey of leading with heart.
How I See It
Here’s how I see it: God’s commandments aren’t a rigid checklist or a cosmic test we have to ace. Instead, I like to think of them as a loving guide from a Father who knows way more than we do. Imagine His wisdom as vast as the Emerald Coast’s horizon, stretching far beyond what we can grasp (like Isaiah 55:9 says). As a parent of two girls, five boys, and a foster mom to over 200 kids, I’ve learned that guidance isn’t about control—it’s about helping someone find their way. That’s what God’s doing for us.
Sometimes, we picture God holding back blessings, like they’re locked in a heavenly vault, only handed out if we follow every rule perfectly. But that’s not how it works. Picture this: God’s blessings are like a constant rain, pouring down with love. The problem? Our fears, doubts, or mistakes can act like an umbrella, blocking that rain from soaking into our lives. His commandments are less about restrictions and more about showing us how to lower that umbrella—stepping into the full shower of His grace.
Not Barriers but Paths to Peace and Joy
Take my time as a Cub Scout leader or managing 800 Scouts on our 25-acre LDS church park. Rules like “stay on the trail” weren’t about spoiling fun—they were about keeping everyone safe to enjoy the adventure. God’s commandments work the same way. They’re not barriers; they’re paths to peace, joy, and connection. When I write stories likeGeorge and the Brave Eagle, I weave in themes of courage and hope, reflecting how following divine guidance helps us soar, just like George does.
Overwhelmed?
For my audience—parents, book lovers, and those seeking light in tough times—the challenge is often feeling overwhelmed by expectations, wondering if we’re “doing enough” to earn God’s love. My approach? Start small. Pick one commandment, like kindness or gratitude, and lean into it with intention. In my blog, I share how small acts—like reading to a foster child or waving a flag for unity—build bridges to hope. Try it: reflect on one way you can “lower the umbrella” today, maybe by forgiving someone or taking a moment to pray. You’ll feel the blessings start to flow.
God’s not up there judging our every move—He’s cheering us on, ready to pour out love.
Just like I keep writing, one word at a time, to connect with readers and spread hope, we can follow His guidance, one step at a time, to live fuller lives.
How do you lower your umbrella to let blessings in? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear!
As the author ofDiscovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald CoastandGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who’s thrilled to have recently hit 500 visitors, I’ve come to see writing not just as a craft, but as a bridge to hearts. Writing for my audience—fellow parents, aspiring writers, book lovers, and those seeking a spark of hope—means pouring my soul into words that resonate. In this post, I’ll share my journey of connecting through stories, addressing the common challenge of feeling like your words are echoing in an empty room, and offer my heartfelt approach to building that vital reader bond. Let’s dive in, one word at a time.
I remember the early days of my blog, when visitors were few and far between, and I’d wonder if anyone was truly out there reading. As a parent and leader in my community—from coordinating Overpassers for USA rallies to foster parenting over 200 medically fragile children—I’ve learned that leadership starts with showing up authentically. The same holds true for writing: my unique viewpoint is that every story, whether a children’s book or a blog post, is an act of service, spreading hope and resilience in a world that needs it. It’s not about chasing trends or algorithms; it’s about sharing the light from your own experiences, like the courage of a brave eagle or the wonder of a mermaid’s quest.
One specific pain point my audience often faces is the struggle to engage readers meaningfully—feeling disconnected, unsure if your message lands, or overwhelmed by the noise of social media. I’ve been there, staring at blank stats after posting about my GoFundMe campaign forGeorge and the Brave Eagle, wondering if my words were making a difference. But here’s the truth I’ve discovered through years of scouting leadership and foster care advocacy: connection comes from vulnerability and purpose. Statistics show that blogs with personal stories see up to 300% more engagement (think of it like a campfire tale drawing everyone closer), and I’ve seen this in my own growth from zero to 500 visitors by weaving in real-life analogies, like comparing writer’s block to a foggy Emerald Coast morning that clears with the sun.
My approach to solving this? Start with heart-centered storytelling. First, know your audience like family—mine includes parents navigating tough times, young readers craving adventure, and folks touched by themes of suicide prevention. I use phrases like “spreading hope one heart at a time” to remind myself and them of our shared journey. Incorporate analogies from life: just as I led BSA campouts with 800 Scouts on our 25-acre park, organizing chaos into joy, structure your posts with clear sections (like this one) to guide readers gently.
Next, infuse expertise without overwhelming—I’m no formal academic, but as a former editor for the California State Foster Parent Association’s newsletter, I know the power of relatable language. Use technical terms sparingly, like “audience segmentation” to mean tailoring content for parents vs. writers, but always tie it back to emotion. Offer value: share free resources, like linking to suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org for those needing support, or tips on promoting books via Amazon.
Finally, end with action—invite comments, share your story, or check outDiscovering Mistyfor a dose of inspiration. This builds community, turning readers into friends.
Writing for my audience has transformed my blog into a space of connection, much like the rallies where flags waved high for patriotism. If you’re facing that echo, remember: lead with your heart, share your truth, and watch the bonds form.
What’s one way you’re connecting with your readers today? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!
As the author ofDiscovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald CoastandGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger celebrating 500 visitors, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about stepping up to make a difference. When asked, “Do you see yourself as a leader?” my answer is clear: as a parent, I’m automatically a leader. But the scope of that leadership, shaped by my history, stretches far beyond my home, touching lives through advocacy, service, and storytelling. Here’s how my journey as a leader has unfolded and how it fuels my writing today.
Parenthood thrust me into leadership from the start, guiding my children with love and purpose. Raising two daughters and five sons, three of whom became Eagle Scouts and two who worked toward it, I took on roles like Cub Scout leader in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Those years taught me to lead by example, fostering resilience and teamwork—qualities I weave into my children’s books, like George’s courage or Misty’s determination. My leadership extended to managing our family’s 25-acre LDS church park, where we hosted 600-800 Boy Scouts each year for six years. Picture a week-long campout on your front lawn—tents, laughter, and chaos! Organizing those events honed my ability to lead with patience and vision, skills I now use to manage my blog and book projects.
Beyond family, I found my voice as a political leader with Overpassers for USA, serving as California’s representative. Coordinating rallies across the state to promote patriotism and free speech was exhilarating. Every weekend, my family and I stood on freeway overpasses, waving flags and signs we kept ready in our van. I helped build the organization’s website, listing rallies nationwide, and watching our movement grow filled me with pride. Those moments of unity and love for American values inspired the hope-filled themes in my stories and blog posts, where I aim to uplift readers young and old.
My leadership also shone in foster care. For over 14 years, my husband and I were medical foster parents in Sacramento County, caring for more than 200 infants and children, many medically fragile. We held the first baby in the county to pass from AIDS, loving him for all eight months of his life. That experience taught me leadership through compassion—a thread that runs throughDiscovering Mistyand my advocacy for hope and suicide prevention. As Vice President of the Sacramento branch of the California State Foster Parent Association for seven years and Editor of its monthly publication for six, I led by amplifying voices and sharing stories, much like I do now through my blog and books.
Leadership, for me, is about impact, not position. Whether rallying for free speech, guiding Scouts, nurturing fragile lives, or writing stories that spark joy, I lead by showing up with heart. My blog, my GoFundMe campaign forGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and my books are extensions of that leadership, inviting readers to find courage and connection.
If you’ve ever stepped up to guide, inspire, or serve, you’re a leader too—shaping the world one moment, one story, at a time.
As the author of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald CoastandGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who recently celebrated 500 visitors, I’ve come to see writing as more than a craft—it’s a way of life, a lens through which the world sparkles with possibility. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re a writer deep down, here are some signs that you’re caught in the magic of storytelling, woven with my own journey of creating books, growing my blog, and spreading hope.
You Find Stories in the Everyday
You might be a writer if a child’s giggle or a sunset over the Emerald Coast—like the one that inspiredDiscovering Misty—spins into a tale of adventure or courage. I’ve paused mid-conversation with my kids to jot down a line for a blog post or a scene where George and the eagle faces a storm. Writers see the world as a canvas, where every moment holds the potential for a story.
You Rewrite Life in Your Head
You might be a writer if you mentally revise real-life moments into better scenes. Stuck in traffic? I’m imagining Misty swimming through a coral maze, outsmarting a tricky current. Writers don’t just live life—they rewrite it, adding dialogue, drama, or a happy ending. My blog often captures these reimagined moments, turning everyday family chaos into stories that resonate with readers.
You’re Addicted to the “What If” Game
You might be a writer if “what if” is your favorite question. What if a mermaid discovered a hidden tiara? What if an eagle carried a message of hope? These questions fuel my books and keep me up at night, scribbling ideas forGeorge and the Brave Eagle. Writers are curious souls, always chasing the next big idea, whether it’s for a children’s book or a blog post about finding light in tough times.
You Feel Like Your Characters Are Real
You might be a writer if your characters feel like old friends—or rivals. When I write about Misty or George, I cheer their victories and ache over their struggles. I’ve even caught myself talking to them while drafting, as if they’re sitting beside me. If you’ve ever mourned a character’s choice or celebrated their growth, you’re living the writer’s life.
You Hoard Ideas Like Treasure
You might be a writer if your phone notes, desk drawers, or even grocery lists are filled with story snippets, character names, or random lines of dialogue. My workspace is a treasure trove of ideas for my next book or blog post, mixed with notes for my George and the Brave Eaglecrowdfunding campaign. Writers collect ideas like seashells, knowing each one could be the start of something extraordinary.
You Love the Grind (Even When You Don’t)
You might be a writer if you keep writing through self-doubt, tight deadlines, or the challenge of promoting your work. Balancing my blog, book revisions, and outreach to bookstores forDiscovering Mistyisn’t always easy, but the thrill of a finished page or a reader’s kind comment—like one praising Misty’s charm—makes it worth it. Writers push through because the story demands to be told.
You Write to Make a Difference
You might be a writer if your words carry a bigger purpose. For me, it’s about crafting stories that spark joy in young readers while weaving in themes of hope and resilience—values tied to my advocacy for suicide prevention. Whether I’m sharing a blog post about family reading or a book about a brave eagle, I write to leave the world a little brighter, encouraging others to find strength in tough moments.
You Celebrate the Small Wins
You might be a writer if a single blog comment or a new book sale feels like a victory parade. Hitting 500 blog visitors was a milestone I celebrated with a big grin, and every step forward withGeorge and the Brave Eagle—like a new supporter on GoFundMe—feels like magic. Writers know that every word, every reader, and every story matters.
If these signs sound familiar, you might be a writer—and that’s a beautiful thing. Grab your pen, open your laptop, or even dictate to your phone. The world needs your stories.
For me, it’s about bringing Misty and George to life, growing my blog, and sharing hope—one magical tale at a time.
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