Every year, I enter the Cascade Awards contest, put on by Oregon Christian Writers. Most of the time, my work doesn’t make it to the finals, but I’m always grateful at the end for the detailed feedback about my submissions that the judges provide. It helps me grow as a writer, helping me identify my weak areas, as well as recognize what I’m doing well.

This year I’m very pleased and so very honored to announce that my picture book manuscript, “Can Pirates Celebrate Advent?” has been chosen as a finalist!

While waiting for the Cascade Awards ceremony to take place on the evening of August 14th, I’ve been submitting the manuscript to literary agents and publishing houses. There’s been good feedback so far, so stay tuned – hopefully, there will be more good news to come!