My journey into writing children’s stories might seem a little unexpected. Initially, I set out to become a middle school teacher, inspired during my studies at the University of Kansas. In my child development classes, I discovered how critical the middle school years are for kids—a time when positive influences and role models can make a profound difference as children navigate their early steps into adolescence. However, life had other plans, and I ended up teaching high school physics, a subject I genuinely loved.
Teaching older students was incredibly rewarding, but I never forgot the early goal I had of impacting younger kids during those transformative years. Raising my own children reconnected me with that purpose, giving me opportunities to guide, coach, and mentor young kids as they grew. I enjoyed every moment, but there was always a part of me that longed to reach even more young people—by sharing stories that could spark their imaginations and gently impart life lessons.
My first book was inspired by my trips to Ireland, a place I fell in love with and wanted to share through a unique adventure guide. I also saw it as an experiment—a test to see if I could bring a book from idea to publication. While I was passionate about Ireland, it was not a topic I intended to write about extensively. Instead, the book was just the beginning of my journey as a writer. Soon after, I began a story for my granddaughter, which swept me into the world of fantasy and ultimately transformed into The Luminarion Chronicles: Beneath the Crystal Fig, a full-length fantasy novel. What began as a lighthearted children’s tale grew in complexity and depth, evolving into a world of hidden places, dark magic, and rich characters. As the story matured, I realized that playful names like “Popop” and “Nini” wouldn’t fit its tone. These beloved figures became Eldric and Liora, characters with identities that felt at home in a serious fantasy novel rather than a light children’s story.
Once I finished The Luminarion Chronicles: Beneath the Crystal Fig, I felt a hint of guilt, as though I owed my granddaughter a story that would engage her now, while she’s still learning to read and write. This became The Unicorn’s Grand Parade, the first in my Popop’s Magic Garden series, written with her in mind. Crafting stories specifically for her felt natural, inspiring me to create stories that are both magical and meaningful for young readers. This new series includes The Forbidden Adventure and The Scepter, the Serpent, and the Rainbow King, with each book offering new adventures, delightful characters, and positive messages designed to resonate with early readers.
With my granddaughters in mind, I focus on creating stories that empower children, emphasizing qualities like leadership, empathy, and self-belief. My hope is to convey life lessons in an engaging way—wrapped in an adventure that’s fun and imaginative, inviting young readers to see themselves as the heroes. I believe these books can be valuable tools for parents and grandparents seeking to connect meaningfully with their children, bringing warmth and wisdom into their shared reading experiences.
Through each book, I aim to remind kids that they are valued just as they are and that embracing their true selves is one of the most magical things they can do. While I continue to enjoy writing for older audiences and have plans for more novels in The Luminarion Chronicles, my children’s books offer a unique way to connect with young readers. I hope these stories are as enjoyable for families to read together as they are for me to write—and that they spark a bit of joy, wonder, and encouragement with every page turned.
