With 2020 now in the rearview mirror, I am looking toward the opportunities 2021 can bring to me personally and professionally. I always love to take a minute to reflect on the past year – what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and where I’d like to go from here. And while 2020 was a year most people would like to forget, it ended up being one of the most exciting years I’ve ever had with the release of SOAR and the signing of a new book deal for my second book.
To finally see my childhood dream come true has been more than overwhelming and better than any dream I ever imagined. I am so humbled by the positive feedback SOAR has been receiving through the many reviews out there. In fact, SOAR was recently highlighted on a “Best Books of 2020” list from Eliana @Kid Lit Is Magic on Instagram! SOAR was also recently featured on an amazing kids show in Australia called “Super Awesome Storytime,” and the host, Crystal, even made up a song to go specifically with my book! Check it out if you get a chance.
It has been an amazing start to 2021, and I am excited to announce I have a few more events in the pipeline. On Monday, January 18 at 7 PM EST I will be participating in an IGTV Live interview with Crystal from Super Awesome Storytime. If you’re interested in watching, just connect with Crystal on Instagram @superawesomestorytime. I am also participating in a book reading and interview with Diann Boehm on February 3 at 3 PM EST on her YouTube Channel. I hope you can join me.
Not only are these opportunities exciting and a new challenge on this author journey, but I am lining up a few more virtual author visits to several schools in my area which is so much fun. I really enjoyed the last one I did and I am looking forward to interacting with the younger kids to see what they think of Ramone and his journey.
It seems SOAR is off and running in 2021 which amazes me on a daily basis. It is a lot of work behind the scenes making all of these things happen, and I still get people who aren’t interested in reviewing the book or don’t absolutely “LOVE” it which is part of the journey. I hope my next picture book is just as well received and makes a positive impact on people who read it.
Speaking of which, Angie is hard at work illustrating the 32 pages of our next book. She is spending tireless hours creating another magical world completely different from Ramone’s but just as amazing. I am so thankful to have her as my partner and my friend to celebrate these milestones in this writing journey that she jumped into without any certainty that we would even get a book deal. I am so excited to see what 2021 has in store for us as we continue on this publishing journey. Best wishes to all of you pursuing your dreams in 2021!