What's the name of your book? And who is the publisher?

From a Tree to a Chair
(Available at Belleislebooks.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.)

Give us a short summary of your work.

Starting in an otherwise quiet forest, logging in the Pacific Northwest is described. The tree is followed to the mill where the log is processed and on to a furniture factory to be made into a chair. A documentary for children!

Tell us a bit about your path to publishing, from idea to to submission to publication.

This story was originally an assignment back in 2007 when I was an online student with the Institute of Children’s Literature. Although I had procrastinated for many years, the course planted seeds of confidence and knowledge. Therefore, I kept returning to this project. After submitting to several magazines, I contacted Brandylane Publishers. They accepted my manuscript! It was released in December 2019.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing poems in high school. I am now 66, so that’s been a long time!

What's your favorite genre to write and why?

Realistic fiction. I love developing the personality in a character. I also enjoy the opportunity to send a good message through the story.

Which courses have you taken?

Writing for Children and Teens

How has taking our courses helped your writing and/or career?

Originally, I felt lost at how to start. I had no knowledge of how to submit a manuscript. The course also built my confidence with the positive feedback.

Do you have a favorite writing tip you'd like to share?

If you have an original idea, do not let others discourage you! Have confidence in your voice!

If you could travel back in time and give yourself one piece of writing advice, what would it be?

I would go back to when I first took the course (2005-2007). I would insist that I don’t make excuses to keep procrastinating! I say that if you have an inclination to do something, there is no time like the present! And write down notes or anything that could be of use. I don’t know how many times I said I’d remember something but couldn’t!

What's the most valuable thing you learned from your experience with the Institute of Children's Literature?

Several things from the course were of extreme value: The basic know how of professional looking manuscripts and how to submit them. Also, learning to use all sensory images making the writing more colorful. Most importantly, the confidence to go forward!

Have you ever envisioned your book a success?

Yes! In addition to lots of hard work, I feel it is essential to have faith in the outcome.