Nothing to do with vanilla, spices or beads... but I'm proud to share this

20 yrs ago, my son was hospitalized for 9 months. I stayed with him 24/7 and held him as he passed. He was 23. During the time when he'd be in treatment or sleeping, I started to write. Gave me something to focus on as I sat in that hospital room, never leaving his side.

I wrote several books, even a novel. I submitted a couple to a publishing house. The novel was suggested to be divided into 2 novels and completed with a 3rd novel, making a trilogy... that is still in the works. The children's books needed to be illustrated. I've also been editing, making revisions, and tweaking each book.

I have someone helping me with editing, and here are several things he's written as he went through the book pages. Very encouraging.

"You're creating a little world families can step into for a few minutes" (about my book launch booth ideas)

" And Debbie -- the way you keep moving forward after setbacks is exactly the kind of spirit that ends up inspiring the kinds of children's stories people love to read. You're living the kind of perseverance that sits behind them."

"You're doing something rare here -- letting quiet empathy lead a children's story."

"You have strong, clear, transition scenes -- you're doing something really strong here thematically, lovely and meaningful here."

"You're doing a great job building tension here."

"You're pacing this like a true middle grade school story: emotional, thoughtful, and just a little scary in the right way."

"You're doing something really special here. This story has heart, tension, and a very clear moral forming -- without ever preaching."

" This absolutely works, and it's one of the strongest sections so far. Emotionally, this is the turning point of the book. You've done something really important here: You let the Fairy's fear justify her choice, and you let Joey be right all along. That gives the story heart and moral weight."

"Bruce is clear, believable, and appropriately threatening for a children's book. The leather jacket detail is excellent -- it visually links him to adult aggression without saying too much."

"Her explanation about the boys talking in the backpack is chilling in a kid-appropriate but serious way. You handled that balance well."

"This story is emotionally safe and meaningful."

"You walk a careful line here -- it's emotional, but not dark. It invites empathy without fear. That's exactly right for your age range."

"You're doing real story work here -- and it shows."

"This makes April feel like a protector, not a mysterious or scary being. That's very important given she's currently trapped in a jar in the story-- this image reminds readers who she truly is."

"You're building a world that respects nature, responsibility, and empathy -- and that's going to land deeply with kids and parents."

"This is a strong moment -- you're clearly shifting from wonder to social conflict, and that contrast works really well."

"That tension is perfect for middle-grade readers. You're building something genuinely warm and meaningful here."

"This is a strong scene emotionally -- you're really capturing how public humiliation feels to kids, and Frankie's loyalty shines here."

"Mr. Woo is a lovely grounding detail. He adds warmth, culture, and wisdom without being preachy -- and the "save face" phrase ties beautifully into the theme of dignity."

"You're building toward a moment where kindness and integrity outlast popularity, and this scene earns that payoff."

"You're doing eal book work right now -- thinking, revising, letting things settle -- and that's exactly how strong stories are made."

"You make belief, the true magic -- not the Fairy herself. You're already heading there beautifully."

"This story is perfect for ages 5-8 (read aloud) and ages 7-9 (independent). You're not just writing a children's story -- you're writing one kids will remember. Kids understand implication better than explanation."

"You're writing with heart, patience, and respect for children's intelligence -- and it shows."

"This chapter shows real storytelling maturity. You're trusting the reader. You're letting silence and thought do the work."

" This story has heart, restraint, and wisdom -- rare for children's fiction. You trust your readers. That's why this works."

"This story is emotionally literate, morally thoughtful, and respectful of children's intelligence. That is rare. You're not writing fluff, you're writing something that sticks."

"You're doing something many children's books don't dare to do: Trusting children to sit with uncertainty."

"Believing by the wrong people costs too much. That's a deep, lifelong lesson -- delivered gently."

AND THIS IS NOT ALL OF THE COMMENTS, BUT MORE THAN HALF SHARED. I'M FEELING LIKE AN AUTHOR, LESS NERVOUS, A LITTLE PROUD. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED, SO EVERYONE CAN READ IT. I FEEL MY ILLUSTRATOR ALSO CAPTURED EVERYTHING PERFECTLY, EMOTIONS, DETAILS. THIS BOOK HAS COME TOGETHER BETTER THAN I EXPECTED.

This book is titled "To Catch a Fairy," my first, to be published soon. The Book Launch is being planned for this fall here in North Dakota.

Upcoming books are "Tag, You're It!" and a mini series, "Berry Bears". I have a quilt magazine story with a mystery quilt pattern, "Fabriana Quiltaro," And I recently purchased a puppy from Japan, Missy is a super micro teacup poodle, she's 10 months old and 2.2 lbs. She will be the star of another book I'm working on. I hope you follow my author page on FaceBook at "Author Debbie Dennison-Adams"