Self-publishing my picture book, bringing the beach home

In March of 2023, my father died after six months of serious illness. I had already written a picture book manuscript inspired by childhood memories of playing with  dad at the beach. With his passing, this story took on greater meaning. I decided to revise it and self publish - and this page is here to give more information and updates. I will describe the process of self-publishing a picture book.

It’s about a child, Rowen, who has so much fun at the beach, playing keep away with the waves, dancing with the breeze, and getting buried under the sand by Dad. Rowen feels held by the sand, the breeze, the ocean and the beach. When it’s time to go home, Rowen doesn’t want to go. But with some help from Dad, Rowen figures out a way to bring the beach home. I’m calling the book Bringing the Beach Home. It’s a love letter to my dad, to connecting to nature, and to using creativity and heart for resilience - to feel close to places or people we leave or lose. 

I am hoping to publish by May 2024. I found an amazing illustrator, Evgenia Malina, who starts in the beginning of November. It will  cost around $15,000 to produce this book  If you would like to support this project, hit the Donate button below. In gratitude, I will list people who donate over $50 in the back of the book.