Q: First tell us something about yourself?
I am a first-time author, life-long artist, mother, wife, dreamer, and dog lover.
I have spent most of my life designing and creating anything and everything through a wide variety of mediums; from painting to photography to graphic design to interior design. There are so many avenues to explore with art and I like to try it all. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design but presently am working in the digital design field.
I currently reside in Maryland with my husband, son, dogs, and family. When I’m not working or designing, I love traveling, playing with my dogs, and hanging with my family and friends.
With my love and passion for dogs, I have a few more goals that I am determined to work towards. The first is owning my very own dog bakery and the second is owning a non-profit dog shelter.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
This is my first book ever! It’s about two dog pals adventuring around the yard together and the life-lessons to not eat your new wildlife friends. I wanted something light-hearted and fun and I think this rhyming book did just that.
Ever since college, it has been a bucket-list dream of mine to publish a book. I always thought I’d write a book based on some of my life experiences, but I am so glad my first was a children’s book. It has been a very rewarding and fun experience. It is possible that one day I will write and illustrate a second book to the Kona and Loki adventures, but we will just have to wait and see!
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
It was a one year-long ride from start to finish, but I finally self-published “I Woofn’t Do That!” in April 2021, through both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I am very excited to share it! Please check it out!
Q: How and when your journey started as a writer?
I am at the beginning of my journey as a writer. I began writing this story while I was pregnant at home last year, at the very start of the pandemic. I just remember sitting on my back stoop watching the dogs play in the yard when Kona found a toad and Loki just starred from afar. That was exactly how this adventure began. So, you can say I was inspired by both my fur babies and wrote it for my son, Dakota, who is now 6 months old!
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader? Is there a specific reason?
Yes! As a kid, there were specific books that I loved and they stuck with me through the years; whether it was a book that made me laugh, or one that created a special bond between my mother and myself. These are the books that you grow up to cherish and as you grow older you can share it with your own family. I hope for my book to one day be that for someone else.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
“I Woofn’t Do That!” is loosely based on my very own dogs, Kona and Loki. We adopted them from a local rescue in our area, and the two of them and my son are the heart of our family.
As I said before, the story idea began as I watched Kona, from my back stoop, chase after a toad. My dogs, while both super sweet, have very distinct personalities. Kona is very energetic, always wanting to play at every chance she can get, and Loki is more of a gentle soul that loves to lay in the sun. I tried to capture their personalities in the book.
Q: Do you want to give any message for your readers?
Surround yourself by the things and people you most enjoy and love. Those things and people are what will inspire your passions in life to grow and help you achieve your dreams.
Secondly, do not be afraid of your inner child! Play, laugh, frolic, travel, experience; whatever it is that you want to do, DO IT! You are never too old to conquer those dreams!
