Lessons from My First Author Panel

I had the privilege of participating in an author panel for the SCBWI Wisconsin Chapter via Zoom in October 2025. Three authors, including me, had the opportunity to spotlight our books and answer questions from the audience. They graciously allowed me to discuss both of my 2025 published books, Hudson's Monarch Nursery and The Day Sweetie Pie Died.

We were given some helpful suggestions ahead of time, which I especially appreciated, as it was my first author panel. It helped me put things into perspective. People, and I am one of them, think – hmmm, I think I'll write a book. And, then, reality hits – the real-time and amount of work required before, during, and after publishing is far more than I ever realized. However, as much as it was an eye-opening experience, I would do it again and again, which I have. I am pleased to share that I have completed the manuscript for my third children's picture book, which my book shepherd, Jackie McFadden, and I will soon submit to publishers for their consideration.

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you some essential tips that I have learned on this journey of writing children's books

- Know your audience
- Share your knowledge and experience with your subject title
- Plan marketing strategies and follow through
- Have a passion for what you write and know your facts. As a children's book author, I need to always remember that children believe what you tell them
- Have patience, more patience, and if you can muster it up, even more patience
- Remember that it takes TIME – This is not the Hallmark Channel. By the way, I am immensely enjoying the Christmas movies on Hallmark right now as I am the biggest Christmas buff!
- Competition can be a motivation and a blessing to get you actively promoting your written brand

Believe in yourself and be grateful! You got this!!!

As a classroom teacher for 37 years, do I miss it? Yes, I miss the children. I miss seeing the awe, wonder, and curiosity they share in their natural environment. Do I miss the daily grind, time constraints, and traffic? No. However, writing children's books that give children and adults tools to be stewards of this precious planet is equally rewarding, just in a different way. Writing stories is another style of teaching and a new journey, and one that I am embracing in my retirement years.

I look forward to sharing as much knowledge, experience, and love that I have to help build young, caring, and loving conservationists and naturalists. I wish for my stories to guide them with facts and solutions, making them an integral part of this precious planet we call Earth.

We are all stewards of this 3rd rock from the sun. May you embrace all She has to give each and every day!