Growing up, I was the second-oldest of seven children in middle America. I'd always dreamed of moving to New York City and becoming a children's book author. (I even took a college course on children's book writing in seventh grade because I was that determined to make my dreams a reality.)

However, like most childhood dreams, I was convinced they were just that. A dream. Instead of studying writing, I went to college for Fashion Design and got a job as a retail manager. Even though I never stopped writing, I no longer believed it was a real career path.

Sometimes though, what you're meant to become has a way of manifesting itself.

In the summer of 2018, I was miserable. Even though I had a job I was great at and a team of awesome co-workers, I knew I wasn't where I was supposed to be. I was meant to write books for children.

So I created a PowerPoint and explained to my husband all the reasons I needed to quit my job. I wasn't quite 30 and we didn't have any children. If there was ever a time to take a risk, it was now.

Fast forward to today, I'm a 3-time published children's book author, whose first picture book received a 2020 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention and was a finalist for the Nation Indie Excellence Award. I've officially made my childhood dream happen.

Now, I teach other aspiring children's book writers how to write and publish their own books on my site Journey to KidLit. And my publishing house, BiblioKid Publishing, also helps other children's book authors turn their books into a reality.

Every day I get to wake up and do what I love. I make kids smile, tell wacky stories, and help other people live their dreams. And I'd love to share my insight with you! Please reach out if you'd like to learn more or invite me to speak at your next event.