Day 241

One thing I have always wanted to accomplish is to publish a book. I loved creating stories from an early age and continued writing throughout my school years. After graduating college, I took a break but resumed again when I knew I was going to be a father. This reminded me of my own childhood and  sought to document my adventures (and misadventures) so I could share them with my own children. In that process, I fell in love (again) with the idea of writing for children and started learning and practicing writing picture books. I joined a professional organization, joined a few critique groups, read onion articles, , and most importantly, I wrote, wrote, and wrote some more. I was fortunate to have a literary agent represent me for a short period of time before dabbling with the process of submitting to publishers. While I had a few nibbles, my dream of publishing a picture book is still just a dream.

While that dream is still yet to come true, I am very blessed to say I am a published author. Though it isn’t specifically for children, I was offered the opportunity to write a book about my teaching philosophy and TEACHING OFF TRAIL entered the literary world in November of 2021.

Thank heavens that book was completed before the move. Now, I barely have time to breathe. 

When I am not with my wife and family, I'm probably with the chickens, cats, dog, or turtle.

Or out working with the land.

Or maintaining the trail.

Or working in the garden.

Or attempting to build something.

Or doing school work.

Or running outside.

Or vegging out on the couch.

Or reading a book.

Or working another example of the 365-word daily farm blog you are reading right now.

Working on my picture book dream was not listed. It's not that I don't want to achieve that dream, it’s just that it hasn’t been a priority.

I am hoping that will change. 

While I love that you are reading this blog or TEACHING OFF TRAIL, I hope you will be reading a picture book of mine someday.

If the chickens ever let me take a break.