Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of local students about what inspired me to write This is Nashville and about the writing process! I thought I’d share a little of the backstory with you all too!
Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and loved children’s books. I collected them for my “one day” classroom. I had meaningful writing experiences along the way too-I won a writing contest at my elementary school, wrote for my high school newspaper and entered other writing competitions. I didn’t realize the impact these opportunities made on me until later.
Fast forward through several years of teaching (I’ve taught 3rd, 4th, 5th grades as well as Math and Reading Intervention), two babies and a lot of life later….our family landed in Nashville, TN. Living in Nashville had been a dream of mine for many years. After lots of prayers and hard work, we finally made it happen! I never anticipated becoming a blogger but it just sort of happened…and I’ve naturally loved sharing about all of my favorite places in and around Nashville.
I wanted to write a book for a few years but kept putting it off. Each January, it would be my goal for the year…and then slowly would fade into the background! However, in January of 2021, I decided to finally made it happen! I took the notes that I had been jotting down for years and put them in a draft, researched illustrators and put together a plan! Once I connected with Candler, we worked on the draft and the images. The process took about 9 months from draft to publish!
It has been such an honor to partner with local businesses, museums and bookstores! I am thrilled to see my books in store, host book signings, school events and ship books all over the country (and one even went to Israel!) I am so thankful for everyone who has purchased a copy, supported my dream and encouraged me in this process! I have also written a children’s coloring book for one of my other favorite towns, Fairhope, Alabama!! Candler and I also have another project in the works for this year!
Order This is Nashville
Order Hello Fairhope
*Where Can You Find This is Nashville Locally*
Music City Shop at Nashville Airport
Music City Shop at Bridgestone Arena
*Upcoming Book Events*
Pop Up with Scraps of Magic x Sweethaven: March 23rd
Drop Everything and Read at Cheekwood: April 15th
Main Street Festival: Signing at Landmark Books, April 22nd