How is it that I accidentally wrote a book?

The summer of 2020 was strange in so many ways. Frank and I, in all honesty, don't often hang out in crowds, socially. However, as photographers, we have been known to photograph large weddings, and we do like to travel! As we soon realized, we also ate out quite frequently until the pandemic. It has been difficult not to visit with our friends and family, as well.

Keeping in mind our safety and that of our family, we decided to step away from photography. This decision freed up a lot of time for us and influenced some odd choices. As an example, I've thought I could skateboard since I was in my early twenties. With not much else to do, Frank & I started longboarding. At thirty-nine years old, it was an unusual hobby to pick up. That said, I was doing well; until I stepped off my board while traveling at 18mph, down a hill! Luckily, I was wearing a helmet, and (although I was a bloody mess) I landed in such a way, nothing was broken or beyond repair. This accident happened in early August, just a couple of weeks before our 15th wedding anniversary. As you can imagine, we were now even MORE housebound, as I could no longer go on hikes, bike rides, or longboards while I recovered.

Frank (working from home, for his other occupation) looked at me one day and randomly said, "I think you'd be good at writing children's books!" I laughed at his suggestion. I have to admit, though, I had gone from capturing memories and editing throughout the day and night to simply caring for our two pups. After my accident, I couldn't even do much more than sitting on the couch for nearly two months! I felt the creativity draining from me while the days and nights all became one. I started reflecting on our quarantine experience thus far. The next thing I knew, I had written a story, perfect for a children's book! It was easy to write "Fern" because I LIVED the experience - watching Frank (and Fern) in the early spring. On the other hand, it had been many years since I had drawn much of anything. I had NEVER combined my pencil drawings with my Photoshop skills...so, it was the illustrations that took months to create.

I never intended on writing a children's picture book. Upon doing so, I can not put into words how happy I am to have written "Fern." I have found so much joy in receiving gleeful reviews from children and adults alike. There is more to my overall excitement, though. I will leave those thoughts for my next blog!