For the past eight weeks, my life has been measured in school bells, packed suitcases, and the hum of projectors warming up before a presentation. As a children’s book author, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into classrooms across Michigan, traveling out of state, and even connecting with students virtually—each visit a reminder of why I do this work in the first place.
Every school, every room, every group of students brought something different. From the wide-eyed curiosity of Pre-K classrooms to the thoughtful, sometimes skeptical questions of high school seniors, the experience demanded flexibility, energy, and heart. No two presentations were the same. They couldn’t be. A room full of kindergartners needs movement, imagination, and play. A group of middle schoolers? They need honesty, humor, and a challenge. High school students want authenticity—they want to know the “why” behind the work.
These presentations weren’t just readings—they were conversations. We talked about ideas, about finding your voice, about what it means to tell a story that matters. I shared the ups and downs of writing, the persistence it takes to keep going, and the courage required to put your thoughts into the world. And in return, students shared their ideas, their dreams, and sometimes their doubts.
There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a student realize that their story is worth telling.
Traveling from school to school for eight straight weeks is exhilarating—but it’s also exhausting. Early mornings, long drives, navigating new environments, and constantly being “on” takes a toll. But the moments that stick with me aren’t the miles traveled—they’re the connections made. The student who lingers after a presentation to share a story. The teacher who says, “You reached them.” The laughter, the thoughtful silence, the spark of inspiration in a room.
Now, as this busy season comes to a close, I find myself shifting gears.
While I will always value and continue school visits, my focus is returning to another important part of my work: publishing and sharing books through Cardinal Rule Press. This next chapter is about getting meaningful stories into the hands of children, parents, educators, and communities. It’s about expanding reach—not just one classroom at a time, but through books that can travel far beyond where I physically can.
Being both an author and a publisher gives me a unique perspective. I don’t just create stories—I help bring them to life and into the world. And after eight weeks of seeing firsthand how stories impact young readers, I feel more energized than ever to continue that mission.
The road has been full, fast, and deeply rewarding. And now, it’s time to take everything I’ve gathered—the conversations, the inspiration, the reminders of why this work matters—and pour it back into the books.
Because at the end of the day, whether I’m standing in front of a classroom or sitting quietly at my desk, the goal remains the same:
To create stories that help children feel seen, heard, and empowered to use their own voices.