Happy Reading Season!

The "ber" months have arrived, which means it is officially reading season! Well, let's be real, for most of us reading this blog it is always reading season. But there is something extra special about cozying up with a good book next to the fireplace, a steaming cup of hot coca nearby. (Or a yummy iced chai latte if the weather is not too chilly!) Something about overcast skies makes me want to reach for the nearest book. Good thing I work at a bookstore!

A lot has happened since I last posted here in July. The big things:

I got my VNS replacement surgery. I now have a brand-new battery inside me that will hopefully help reduce the amount of seizures I am having. Or help shorten the ones I do have. I doubt I will ever be seizure-free, but this small device kind of makes me feel like Iron-Woman, so I'll take that. 😎
I traveled to Australia! It was truly a dream trip. My top three highlights were snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef (shoutout to our boat crew for knowing how to handle seizure first-aid!), visiting the Australia Zoo, and touring the Sydney Opera House. We did lots of other great things too, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was pretty easy to find good, gluten free food!
I started my 3rd year teaching at my favorite little dream school and my second year my local indie bookstore. My teaching career has been a roller coaster and I honestly thought it was over when I went on medical leave from my traditional, public school back in 2018. But I am so grateful to have found my current school who meets me where I am and allows me to work flexible hours. Working while disabled is tough! But not impossible, if needs are met. I am so grateful for both my school and my bookstore who are happy to have me as part of their teams and see me as an asset NOT a burden.
I was the Maid of Honor in my friend's wedding! I've been a bridesmaid many times, and I always feel so honored and special to be included in anybody's wedding. To be honest, I've even been a bridesmaid a few times but have been unable to attend because of my health. (So sorry to those lovely friends, but thank you for including me!) This was my first time being a Maid of Honor, though, and honor is truly the perfect word to describe the role. Luckily this bride was also easy-going and made my job easy-peasy.

So what's happening now?

Right now, I am cheering on my critique partner, Steena Hernandez, on the release of her DEBUT picture book, Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers. This book is so beautiful, y'all, from the prose to the illustrations. Check it out from your libraries or order it from you local independent bookstores! (Or, ya know, B&N or Amazon, too.) Here's the link if you want it from Ruby's. 😉

And my agency sister Kathryn Rammell released her DEBUT picture book Rory the Remarkable Dragon, earlier this month! She wrote AND illustrated it! I mean....look how CUTE! This book is sweet, funny, clever, and had me laughing out loud. You can purchase it here from Ruby's. ☺️

My other agency sister, Julia Pierre Hammond, releases her DEBUT picture book next week! You can PRE-ORDER it here from Ruby's! (Pre-orders are also VERY helpful for authors!) I haven't read it yet, but Julia is an incredible author, so I'm sure this book will be incredible, too! We are both publishing books with the same publisher, as well! Though mine isn't due out until early 2026.

I love cheering for all of my kidlit friends. They are all so talented!

I am out on sub with a picture book that I love and have high hopes for! We have had some interest already so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this leads to good news. 🤞🏻

I am collaborating with an illustrator from my agency on a new picture book project that we both love. I wrote the words and he is illustrating all the photos. His style is so unique and beautiful, I think it is going to be a slam dunk! I can't wait for editors to see!

I joined a 2025 debut promotional group for my picture book that publishes NEXT year! That book has not been announced yet, so look for it soon! ✨👀✨

I also joined a review group called the 2025 PB Review Crew where our goal is to soley provide reviews for each other for our picture books that release in 2025. If you didn't know, one of the biggest ways you can support an author is to simply review their book online! Just one or two sentences is all you need! Nothing fancy.

I am doing my best to just survive the day-to-day. I like to share the highlights on these blog posts, but honestly, my normal is spending most days writing from bed. Or going to work for a few hours, and then spending the rest of the day recovering in bed. And let's not forget the countless doctor appointments. Just keeping it real! Lol. Luckily I have my incredible service dog, Hamilton, who is always more than willing to nap with me.

I'm getting lots of rejections. Or lots of crickets. Non-responses. I mean, who isn't. It's all part of the process right? But it still stings. Sometimes more than others. That's why I keep writing the next thing!

And...light at the end of the tunnel...I just sold my DREAM project! ✨✨✨ I can't wait until I can share more, but for now just know that I am very, very excited!

When I'm not writing, I'm reading. What are you reading right now?

Since it's spooky season, I am reading two spooky/magical books!

I have a hard copy of Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood. Honestly, the cover sold me alone. But also the protagonist just turned 30, like me, so I was intrigued!

And I am listening 🎧 to The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski on Libro.Fm. They both have very similar vibes and I am here for it this reading season.

Up next, I am headed to The Highlights Foundation the first week of November for a working retreat with my literary agency! We are affectionally calling it Camp CAT! I am so thrilled because this will be my first time meeting my agent and many of my writing partners and friends in-person! I can't wait to see what sweetness is in store.

Happy reading friends! Enjoy your "ber" months!

Jenna