Hello, friends! 💖
When you write a book, there are so many things that inspire you along the way—characters, ideas, and experiences. But for me, the biggest source of inspiration has always been my family. From my parents to my sister and her family, they’ve all played a huge role in helping me create The Princess Pup and the Fire Dog and continue to shape the stories I want to tell. Let me give you a little peek behind the curtain and share just how much they’ve meant to me throughout this journey!
The Ultimate Support System: Mom and Dad
First off, I’m so lucky to have had my parents as my biggest cheerleaders throughout my writing process. Seriously, if there’s one thing I can count on, it’s that Mom and Dad are always there, reading every draft (yes, even the roughest of drafts!) and offering their feedback. And let me tell you, there were a LOT of drafts!
Dad’s background as a high school teacher probably explains my love for education, which I carry with me in everything I do—whether it’s teaching college students or developing educational content for publishers. He instilled in me a respect for learning, and that sense of curiosity and discovery found its way into the themes of my books.
Then there’s Mom. She’s been painting for as long as I can remember, and I think I definitely inherited my creative side from her. One of my favorite memories is when we painted a picture together. It was one of those moments that made me realize how much of my artistic energy comes from the way she’s always expressed herself through art. It’s safe to say that her creativity flows through my writing, especially when it comes to imagining the world around Mowgli and Cleo.
Funny enough, neither of my parents are particularly fond of animals—so I’m still not sure where that love came from! 😆 But I’ll never forget the time Mowgli and I stayed with them after college. Watching my mom try to live with Mowgli, especially given his energetic Dalmatian ways, was hilarious. No matter how hard she tried, she never quite got the hang of him. But it’s those little quirks that make my family my family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Kim: My Best Friend and Inspiration for Mowgli and Cleo
Dan: My Partner and Biggest Champion
Of course, I can’t talk about my biggest supporters without mentioning my husband, Dan. Writing a book isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s a journey filled with self-doubt, endless revisions, and moments of frustration. But Dan was always there to remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
Whether it was listening to me brainstorm plot ideas, reading through drafts, or simply offering a hug and blueberry pancakes on Sunday mornings. There were days when I questioned whether I could pull this off, but Dan never let me give up. His encouragement and patience kept me going, and for that, I am forever grateful. Having him by my side has made this journey all the more meaningful, and I couldn’t have done it without him.
Then there’s my sister, Kim. If you ever meet her, you’ll instantly understand why she’s one of my best friends. She’s funny, outgoing, and completely loyal—all traits I tried to incorporate into the personalities of Mowgli and Cleo. Kim would do anything to help someone, and that heart for others definitely inspired Mowgli’s bravery and Cleo’s eventual growth as a friend.
And let’s not forget her amazing family! My niece and nephew are basically my “kids”—I love them to pieces. When they were younger, we had all sorts of sleepovers (they’re both expert pillow fort builders), and I had the privilege of going to Disney World for each of their first visits. Now, we’re world travelers together, making memories all over the globe. 🌍
Kim’s husband, Billy, has always been a steady presence in my life, supporting me in everything I do. He’s the kind of person who shows up, no questions asked, and makes life a little bit brighter. In many ways, his friendship and loyalty are traits I passed on to Mowgli and Cleo.
A Family Full of Love and Laughter
At the end of the day, my family is the reason I can write stories that are filled with heart. They are the ones who teach me about loyalty, love, and courage every single day. So, when I’m writing about Mowgli and Cleo, I’m really writing about the people who have shaped me, who have been there for me, and who continue to inspire me with their strength and kindness.
It’s no wonder that Mowgli and Cleo’s adventures are filled with humor, heart, and a little bit of mischief—because that’s exactly what life with my family is like! 😆
Thanks for reading about the inspiration behind The Princess Pup and the Fire Dog. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing family by my side.
Until next time, stay adventurous, and always remember: your family—whether they’re furry, human, or both—will always be there to help you along the way. 🐾💖
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