Happy New Year!!
The past year has been a whirlwind of creativity and fulfillment as I achieved many dreams: publishing not one but four books. Each project was a labor of love, born from personal experiences and a passion for storytelling. With 2025 now underway, I’m excited to share my newest publications; Emmy Crosses the Big Pond and Can You Teach Me to Read? are both live on Amazon.com.
The Story Behind Emmy Crosses the Big Pond
The idea for Emmy Crosses the Big Pond took root in the cherished tales of my grandmother’s immigration journey from England to America in the early 1900s. Her courage and determination as a small child crossing the Atlantic alone always fascinated me. I wanted to capture not just the historical backdrop but also the emotional essence of leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown.
Writing this historical middle-school fiction involved meticulous research to bring the era to life. I pored over photographs, and family stories, blending fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative that many readers could relate to. Emmy’s journey is a tribute to my grandmother’s legacy and a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless immigrants throughout history.
The Magical World of Can You Teach Me to Read?
In Can You Teach Me to Read?, readers embark on an enchanting adventure with Zeke, a young dragon with a big dream: to learn how to read! From the forests of the United States to a cozy tea house in Japan and the wild savannas of South Africa, Zeke meets a delightful array of characters—ogres, princesses, fairies, eagles, and wizards—all too busy to help him. Yet, through perseverance and curiosity, Zeke uncovers the joy and power of reading.
This story draws inspiration from my years as a Special Needs teacher, where I witnessed the transformative impact of literacy on young minds. I wanted to create a tale that not only entertains but also encourages children and families to embrace the magic of learning together.
The Ups and Downs of the Creative Process
Writing, like life, is full of both challenges and triumphs. For Emmy Crosses the Big Pond, one of the toughest moments was ensuring historical accuracy while maintaining a narrative pace that would keep young readers engaged. For Can You Teach Me to Read?, balancing an engaging storyline with rich, diverse settings and characters was both rewarding and demanding.
Collaborating with talented beta readers and editors brought the stories to life in ways I could have only dreamed of.
What’s Next: 2025 Goals
This year, I’m embarking on three new projects that promise to challenge and inspire me. First, I’ll be creating a “spin-off” of my Pull of the Sister Moon series, tailored for 18 and over readers. This book will explore new dimensions of the series, offering a fresh yet familiar perspective.
Next, I’ll be completing the third installment of Alasa and Merry’s adventures, continuing their magical journey of discovery and growth, filled with enchanting landscapes and thrilling challenges.
Finally, I plan to write a memoir, a deeply personal reflection on my life, inspirations, and the moments that shaped me as a writer and a person.
Please find the link below where you can see all my books that are available to read!
Closing Reflections
I’m profoundly grateful to everyone who has supported my writing journey—readers, friends, family, and my creative team. Your encouragement fuels my passion and inspires me to keep writing.
To my fellow writers and readers: keep pursuing your dreams. Our stories have the power to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. Here’s a year of creativity, growth, and the joy of storytelling!
Cheers!
Lynda
So proud of you and the work you do!