I’m thrilled with the launch of my first picture book and feeling grateful for all of the support and high praise we received from readers and reviews. Between mail-outs and media requests, social posts and socializing at events, I’ve found myself sitting in disbelief on many occasions over the past eight weeks.
On Tuesday, October 17, the day Dear Diary, It’s Me, Stella was published, I had the absolute pleasure of joining Jeff Douglas in studio at CBC Radio in Halifax for an interview on his radio show, Mainstreet. The entire production team made me feel at ease and watching Jeff work the board was a very cool site to see. We had lots to talk about because of our love for dogs and Jeff’s own story about his two rescues brought us closer together. Click here to listen to our interview.
The following day I was excited to meet up with friends Mike Ryan and Kristen Herrington to record an interview for their podcast, aptly named, the Mike and Kristen Podcast. It was a blast! I had so much fun getting to know them and talking about what it’s like to make art and share it with the world. Click here to listen (episode 83) or search wherever you like to listen to podcasts.. They have an incredible line-up of guests!
The NEXT day (it just keeps getting better), Crystal Gallant and Kevin the cameraman arrived at our house for an interview and recorded a ton of footage for CTV Morning Live Atlantic. Our segment aired on Tuesday, October 24 on the morning show AND on CTV News Atlantic with hosts Maria Panopalis and Jayson Baxter. Needless to say, I’m over the moon to have had the opportunity to reach their audiences and share our story. Click here to see Stella’s TV debut!
In November, we received our first book review from Suzanne Pelham at The Masthead News (pictured above), which is a local paper here in Terence Bay, Nova Scotia, where we live. The piece included a Q&A that I was very happy to be chosen for; I really enjoyed chatting with writer Sharon Jessup Joyce for the interview. Sharon is also a rescue dog mom and Suzanne is as well! Click here to download their November issue to read our review and Q&A.
Our Dear Diary, It’s Me, Stella Book Launch + Fundraiser for Fly With Me Animal Rescue (FWM) in December was a big success. A huge thank you to our sponsors, HFX Dog, who graciously donated their doggy daycare space for the day, plus owners Jill and Tori volunteered their time to set up and supervise Stella while she greeted all her guests. We raided $160 for FWM and donated a large bin of dog-related items for future foster pups.
Also in December, I took part in the Writer’s Federation of Nova Scotia Booktoberfest event at the Central Halifax Library along with over 50 other local authors and publishing outfits. Together we shared our books with guests who attended and mingled among the decorated tables drinking cranberry spritzers. The evening was entirely wholesome and a lovely way to meet so many writers in the community in-person for the first time.
As if that weren’t all, author (I Am A King and I Am Perfectly Me) and musician, Keonté Beals, wrote us a fantastic review that I’m looking forward to sharing before the new year on Facebook and Instagram; I have an upcoming podcast episode with my supremely talented best friend, Christina Martin, for her podcast A Chat with Heart; and a very special present we plan to share on Christmas Day with our followers on social media.
As the year is coming to a close, I’m hoping to reflect on just how lucky we are; spend time with Apollo and Stella and our loved ones; and SLEEP, EAT, and REPEAT (haha). I hope you get to do the things you want to over the holidays, and we’re wishing you all the best for an awesome start to the New Year.