When people ask where my stories come from, I always think of my mother’s studio.
I started drawing at her knee while she painted landscapes in oils. She would make up stories about her paintings to answer my endless questions—stories about trees that grew in the shape of saddles, or farmers who climbed them to see the sunrise. She gave me a love of color, detail, and imagination. I never stopped seeing stories in the pictures.

Those early lessons stayed with me. They taught me that stories can live anywhere—in a painting, in a child’s question, in the hush of falling snow. That’s still what I write about today.

I’m excited to bring that spirit to the Oregon Public Library Local Author Open House on Saturday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 200 N. Alpine Parkway, Oregon, Wisconsin. The event will feature local writers from across the community, each sharing their work and their journey. I’ll be there with my books from Dreamtime Illustrations, the children’s imprint of Lemery House Press, including Family Nights, Snow Angel, Aimee’s Park, and The MerBabe—stories that celebrate empathy, belonging, and the small wonders that shape childhood.

Many of my books are published in bilingual English–Spanish editions, in honor of my sister Alysse, who was a linguist and believed in connecting people across cultures. Every bilingual story feels like a way to keep her voice close and to share the beauty of language with new generations.

I’m also continuing to build the 365 Bedtime Stories collection—a growing series of gentle, imaginative tales meant to offer “a story for every day.” Each one is written to nurture reflection and connection between children and families at the end of the day.

If you’re nearby, I’d love to meet you at the event.
If you can’t make it, you can still listen to The MerBabe—one of my favorite stories to read aloud—right here: https://lemeryhousepress.com/childrens-literature/

Stories, after all, are meant to be shared—and I’m grateful for every chance to share mine with you.