I Write Books: My Journey as an Author

I was nine years old in Mrs. Orr’s fourth-grade class. She gave me a task that changed my life. We were going on a two-week trip to Florida. She asked me to write every day in a diary.

I wrote in that notebook everywhere we went. On the beach, in the car, and at rest stops. That trip made me realize I wanted to write books.

It’s been decades since then. I’ve moved from writing in notebooks to publishing with big names like Pearson Education and Corwin. I went from teaching to being a published author with books on university shelves everywhere.

The journey wasn’t easy. But every turn helped me understand why I write and for whom. Writing books became more than a hobby. It became my purpose.

Key Takeaways

• My writing journey started with a simple fourth-grade diary assignment from my teacher, Mrs. Orr.
• Becoming a published author took decades of growth, learning, and staying open to new chances.
• I transitioned from a career in education to writing books that serve teachers and mentors.
• My author journey includes both traditional publishing with Pearson Education and Corwin, and self-publishing projects.
• Early childhood experiences with writing can spark a lifelong passion for storytelling and sharing ideas.
• Every book I’ve written fills a real need I noticed in my professional work.

My Early Inspiration to Start Writing

Every author has a special start. Mine wasn’t a big moment. It was simple school work and teachers who saw something in me.

These early experiences made me who I am today. I love writing books and helping others find their voice.

That Fourth Grade Assignment That Changed Everything

When I was 10, Mrs. Orr gave us a diary task. I wrote about a family trip to Florida. I shared every detail, from the long drive to the sticky heat.

Mrs. Orr published my diary in our class newsletter. Seeing my words in print was a big deal. It sparked something inside me.

Years later, I found that old article. It brought back memories of pride and struggle.

My English Teacher’s Life-Changing Words

By 12, I was writing about horses, something I loved. My English teacher, Mr. Steeves, read it and talked to me.

“Don’t stop writing. Someday you’ll be a published author. I know it.”

Those words stuck with me for years. Mr. Steeves believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

Finding My Voice Through a Florida Trip Diary

That diary did more than get me a good grade. It showed me that personal stories are important. Writing about real life made me confident.

It taught me that inspiration can be found in everyday moments.

These small moments laid the groundwork for my writing career. They turned childhood dreams into reality.

From Childhood Dreams to Adult Reality

The dream of writing took decades to become a reality for me. I became a published author in my forties. It was a long journey, but every step was important.

From that fourth-grade assignment to my first publication, I wrote constantly. Stories filled notebooks. Ideas were saved on hard drives. Some were lost, but that was part of my growth.

“The desire to write grows with writing.” — Erasmus

My writing journey didn’t start overnight. It took years of trying and learning. I wrote in secret before sharing my work. In 2015, I started posting on Wattpad, a site where millions read new stories.

Those years taught me a lot about writing:

• Lost manuscripts are not wasted—they’re learning tools
• Digital sites like Wattpad give instant feedback
• Writing careers don’t always move forward smoothly
• Being patient and persistent is more important than talent

Being an author is not just one moment. It’s a slow process. My journey was shaped by every note, draft, and shared story. Those childhood dreams didn’t fade. They just needed time to become real.

Discovering My Purpose Through Writing Books

My teaching job showed me a big problem. There were huge gaps in what teachers had to help them. I decided to write books to fill these gaps. I didn’t want fame or money. I wanted to help solve a big problem in schools.

Asking “What’s Missing?” in Education

As I worked, one question kept bothering me: What’s missing? Cooperating teachers had almost no help. They were expected to teach new teachers without any tools. This made me want to write in a way that could really help.

Creating Resources for Cooperating Teachers

I wanted to make something that didn’t exist. I aimed to create a guide for cooperating teachers. This guide would give them a common language and clear steps. I used educational writing to fill this gap. I wrote So You’re Going to Be a Cooperating Teacher: A Guide for Classroom Teachers to help these mentors.

• Established shared vocabulary for mentoring conversations
• Outlined step-by-step protocols for hosting student teachers
• Provided ready-to-use tools for classroom observation and feedback

My First State Grant Proposal Success

I got a state grant to fund my project. This was a big win. It showed me that writing could really change how we prepare new teachers.

This experience taught me a lot. It showed me that writing what people need is more important than writing what you want. This lesson has shaped all my books since then.

The Book Writing Process That Works for Me

I learned not every book project is worth it. This lesson changed my writing life. I now write only when I’m truly passionate and purposeful, not just to meet deadlines.

Writing What Feels Right

My best work comes from topics that burn inside me. When I find a gap in education or mentoring, words flow easily. My work with Pearson Education on Touch the Future Teach! was different. The topics didn’t excite me, and our views didn’t match. Writing felt hard, not natural.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson. Write only what you’re truly passionate about. Forcing yourself can lead to weak writing.

Following My Inner Urgency to Share Ideas

Some ideas won’t leave you alone. They keep you up at night or interrupt your morning coffee. I’ve learned to listen to these ideas. If they keep bothering you, they’re probably important.

The books that changed my career were born from a feeling I couldn’t ignore — a deep need to share what I knew with the world.

Trusting My Gut on Project Selection

Saying “no” is as important as saying “yes.” My writing process now includes a simple gut check before starting any project. Here’s what I ask myself:

This approach keeps me focused on meaningful projects. The best writing tips aren’t about being productive. They’re about choosing the right projects from the start.

Breaking Into Traditional Publishing

Sometimes, the right chance comes to you before you look for it. That’s what happened to me. My self-published guide for cooperating teachers caught the eye of an editor at Allyn & Bacon, a part of Simon & Schuster then. Now, that imprint is under Pearson Education. One small book opened a door I didn’t even know existed.

Getting published through traditional publishing felt surreal. The editor saw real value in my practical resource. She asked if I’d write a full-length book. I said yes without hesitation.

The words seemed to pour out of me. The manuscript came together easily. This was during my doctoral program, studying teacher development and mentoring.

I also accepted a position in my university’s practicum office. These two worlds collided in the best way. My research informed my writing, and my writing shaped my work with student teachers.

“When preparation meets opportunity, everything clicks into place.”

Here’s what I learned about breaking into traditional publishing:

• A strong self-published project can serve as your calling card
• Editors at major houses like Pearson Education actively look for fresh voices
• Getting published often depends on filling a genuine gap in the market
• Real-world expertise gives your manuscript credibility and depth

That first invitation from a traditional publishing house changed my career. It showed that putting your work out there can attract industry attention.

My First Published Book Experience

Seeing your words on a bookshelf is a unique feeling. My first book started as a simple guide. It grew into something amazing, teaching me lessons I never learned in school.

From Self-Published Guide to Pearson Education

I made a guide for cooperating teachers. It was straightforward and practical. Pearson Education saw its value and wanted to make it a university textbook. This change was huge for me.

My guide became a professional publication with Pearson Education’s help. It was a big step up from self-publishing.

Techniques and Strategies for Coaching Student Teachers

The book, Techniques and Strategies for Coaching Student Teachers, offered real tools for mentors. It was practical, not just theory. Pearson asked me to write a second edition.

This led to another book, Strategies for Successful Student Teaching. Together, they formed a complete program. My writing made the content easy to understand and fun to read.

The Excitement of Seeing My Work in Universities

Seeing my textbook in universities was amazing. Students and professors used it every day. It was more than just a college handbook.

My first book showed that creative writing is for more than fiction. It can make any textbook come alive with purpose and passion.

Learning the Art of Manuscript Writing

My journey in writing didn’t start quickly. It began with simple lesson plans and newsletters for parents. These documents grew into something bigger over time. I learned to organize my thoughts and structure my ideas.

Mentoring in Action was a big step for me. It’s a guide for authors published by Pearson. It filled a gap for new teachers who needed mentors and a clear path.

I used my experience to create that path, chapter by chapter. This project was a success, leading to another book called The First Year Matters. It aimed to make new teachers active participants in mentoring.

This book required me to write differently. I had to speak to new teachers, not just about them. It was a new challenge for my writing skills.

“A good manuscript doesn’t just inform — it invites the reader into a conversation.”

The Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing helped shape my approach. They taught me about structure, clarity, and knowing my audience.

Here are key milestones in my writing development:

• Moved from single-page lesson plans to multi-chapter manuscripts
• Learned to write for specific audiences with distinct needs
• Built professional writing skills through repeated revision and feedback
• Created companion books that worked as a unified system

Each manuscript taught me something new. This growth prepared me for the editorial process that followed. It was a new challenge.

Navigating the Editorial Process

Getting a book deal is exciting. But what comes next can feel too much. The editorial process made me see my writing in new ways. It tested my patience, creativity, and willingness to change.

Understanding Editorial Letters

My first editorial letter was a big wake-up call. These letters tell you the big goals for your book. They say what’s good, what needs work, and where you can grow.

Think of it as a guide for substantive editing. The editor doesn’t just fix spelling. They look at structure, pacing, characters, and themes. It’s a real partnership between writer and editor.

Transforming Serialized Fiction to Published Books

My novel Out of His League started on Wattpad. W by Wattpad Books picked it up, starting the publishing journey. I added scenes, rearranged chapters, and merged or split sections for better flow.

The story needed a big change for print. Going from weekly episodes to a full novel made me rethink everything.

Working with Professional Editing Teams

It took about two years from contract to book release in April 2022. I worked with a professional team on every part of the manuscript. This process changed how I edit books now.

This journey taught me that writing the first draft is just the start. The real magic is in trusting the editing team and being open to change.

Self-Publishing Books vs Traditional Publishing

Not every book fits with a big publisher. I found freedom in self-publishing. I picked my topics and reached new audiences.

My Amazon Self-Publishing Journey

Amazon publishing changed my world. I controlled my projects fully. I set prices, designed covers, and published when I wanted.

After getting my copyright back, I worked with Corwin. We released bestsellers in 2017. This showed self-publishing can be as strong as traditional publishing.

Mindful Living and Mindful Mentoring Projects

I loved working on Mindful Living: Art and Affirmations to Nourish Your Soul and Mindful Mentoring: A Guide For Mentors and Mentees. These books combined my love for wellness with helpful advice. They helped many, not just teachers.

Reaching Beyond Education Audiences

Self-publishing let me reach more people. Through Amazon, I connected with university students, corporate mentors, and community groups. This flexibility was key.

When you publish on your own terms, you write for the readers who need your words most — not just the market a publisher targets.

Creative Writing Techniques I’ve Developed

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about writing. I’ve found that one approach never fits all. Each type of writing has its own special way of being done.

Writing for Wattpad changed my style a lot. There, readers get a chapter at a time. I learned to end each chapter with a big surprise.

Short chapters with lots of twists became my trademark. Readers loved guessing what would happen next. Their comments and votes helped me improve my writing fast.

Writing books is different from Wattpad. Readers dive into a book for hours. I focus on making the story flow smoothly. This keeps readers engaged without needing cliffhangers.

The best lesson I’ve learned is this: write for the way your reader will experience the story, not just the way you want to tell it.

Here’s how my writing changes between formats:

Writing for different places has made me better. My writing keeps getting better with each new project.

Building My Author Platform While Teaching

Teaching full-time and writing books at the same time is a big challenge. For years, I did both. My writing career and teaching work helped each other in many ways. When I retired from teaching, I kept going.

Balancing Academic Career and Writing

My days at the university were busy. I mentored student teachers, led workshops, and wrote grants. Each task gave me ideas for my books. I wrote in small bits of time, like early mornings and weekends.

The secret was consistency over perfection.

“You don’t need to wait until everything is perfect to share your work with the world.”

Creating Online Courses and Content

After retiring, I started creating online content. I made free courses, wrote video scripts, and designed journal prompts. My yoga training helped me focus on mindfulness in my content.

Want to know how to build your author platform? Start sharing your journey early. Use a freebie to capture leads. By launch day, you’ll have readers who care about your work.

Developing My Mentoring in Action Business

My author platform helped start Mentoring in Action. I turned my mentor training into my own business. Here’s what it looked like:

• Free online courses for new mentors
• Downloadable guides and journal prompts
• Video-based training modules
• Email list building through valuable freebies

This business grew because I built my platform while writing. My writing and business became one, helping each other grow.

Fiction Writing Methods That Transform Stories

Starting with fiction was a big change for me. My background in nonfiction gave me structure. But fiction taught me about pacing, emotion, and surprise in new ways. Turning an idea into a published story was thrilling.

Writing for Wattpad’s Serial Format

Posting on Wattpad changed my storytelling. It’s like a TV series, with each chapter a short episode. They all come together to tell a complete story.

My story Out of His League was a hit on Wattpad. It won awards and broke records. It showed me what readers love — a good story that keeps them hooked.

Creating Cliffhangers and Plot Twists

Serialized fiction needs to move fast. Chapters can’t be slow or readers might stop. I learned to end each chapter with a cliffhanger.

Every chapter ending is a promise to the reader — a reason to come back for more.

Cliffhangers are key. A good twist can make a reader into a fan fast.

Adapting Stories for Different Formats

Writing for Wattpad is different from print. Turning serial chapters into a book needs changes. Here’s how they compare:

Switching between formats improved my writing. It made me better at all genres.

Book Composition Skills Every Author Needs

Book composition skills are key to success. A great book isn’t just about ideas. It’s about turning those ideas into something useful and enjoyable for readers.

Working on On Your Feet Guide to Mentoring Conversations (2020) showed me the power of concise writing. This guide needed every word to count. I cut out unnecessary words to focus on the essential mentoring tips.

With Teaching With Light: Ten Lessons for Finding Wisdom, Balance, and Inspiration (Corwin, 2021), I took a different path. This book mixed personal stories with practical exercises. It needed a structure that was both warm and purposeful. I learned to adapt my writing style for different formats.

The best books don’t just share information — they fill a gap that no one else has addressed yet.

Here are the key book composition skills I use:

• Find out what’s missing in your field before you start writing
• Match your writing structure to your audience’s needs
• Build author expertise by blending research with personal experience
• Edit ruthlessly — cut anything that doesn’t serve the reader

Developing strong book composition skills takes practice. Each project helps you grow as an author. This growth never stops.

The Reality of Writing and Publishing

No one tells you about the emotional ups and downs of sharing your work. Once your book is out, it’s up to readers to decide what they think. Their opinions can be all over the place, and authors must face this head-on.

Dealing with One-Star and Five-Star Reviews

Places like Netgalley and Goodreads let many readers see your work. I’ve seen everything from glowing five-star reviews to harsh one-star ones. It’s hard to handle tough feedback without losing hope.

I’ve learned to pick out the useful parts and let go of the rest.

Understanding “Not Everyone Is Your Reader”

This saying became my guiding light. Writing in a crowded genre like romance taught me it fast. It’s a crowded field.

Your book doesn’t need to please everyone — it needs to reach the people it was meant for. This mindset change was a game-changer for me.

Managing Deadlines and Creative Pressure

There’s a secret nobody talks about: forced deadlines and topics that don’t excite you can make writing hard. I’ve felt both — the joy of writing something meaningful and the struggle of writing on a tight schedule. The difference is huge.

The books that came from urgency in my soul were always easier to write than the ones tied to a calendar.

These challenges have shaped how I start every new project. As I’ll share next, each book I’ve written has its own story and lessons.

Lessons Learned from My Publishing Journey

Looking back, I’ve learned so much from writing and publishing books. Each project had its own surprises and challenges. These lessons have shaped me as a writer and person.

Each Book Has Its Own Story

No two books were the same for me. Each one had its own reasons and needed a unique approach. Some books came quickly, while others took years.

The key lesson I learned is to respect each book’s journey. Don’t try to make one book fit another’s mold.

• Some books grew from personal experiences
• Others were born from gaps I noticed in education
• A few surprised me by taking directions I never planned

Success Comes from Being Ready for Opportunities

I once thought success was just about being in the right place at the right time. But it’s more than that. The real lesson is about preparation. I worked hard, built my skills, and stayed ready.

When opportunities came, I was ready to seize them.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

My work with the State Department of Education was a big success. It showed me that hard work and preparation open doors.

Writing What Fills a Need vs Writing on Demand

One of my biggest insights is the difference between writing to solve a problem and writing because someone asked. The mentoring program was a success because it filled a real need in education.

My best advice is to write books that solve real problems. These books connect with readers on a deeper level because they are authentic.

Conclusion

Looking back, I never thought a simple diary assignment would change my life. I started as a teacher, writing simple plans. Now, I run my own company and have published books in many genres.

The journey from that diary to Pearson Education and Wattpad Books was unexpected. It was wild and very fulfilling.

Every book taught me something new. My work in education helped teachers and mentors across the country. My fiction reached readers on Wattpad.

My self-help books surprised me by connecting with educators and medical professionals. Each project made me grow as a writer and person.

My success didn’t come quickly. It came from saying yes to opportunities and trusting my instincts. The Wattpad Books team and Pearson Education helped me overcome challenges.

If you want to write a book, just start. Write what feels urgent and what’s missing. The world needs your voice and story.