Your life is your story.
Write well,
Edit often.
Santa and The Sled Dogs: Manifesting Magic
The Author’s Journey
One day, a few weeks before Christmas, I woke up with a story in my head.
In a few short hours, driven by a surge of inspiration, I found myself at my keyboard, channeling the story that would become Santa and the Sled Dogs. This heartwarming “tail” was a culmination of everything I hold dear: the magic of Christmas, my sincere belief in a heartfelt letter to Santa, my sweet family, and our goofy sled dogs.
As many writers attest, the best stories often feel dictated, flowing through you rather than from you. Santa and the Sled Dogs was no exception; writing it felt effortless, a pure act of creation. The real challenge, however, lay in navigating 'the industry.' For several years, I diligently took courses, refined my craft, and pitched the story to countless agents, editors, and publishers. The rejections and silences were disheartening, testing my faith in the process.
However, the book was all about MAGIC, trust, and knowing that what you believe in, will show itself to you.
I believed in the book. I could see myself holding it in my hands, reading it to our family on Christmas Eve, which I faithfully did every year - even while it was just a simple manuscript document.
Despite the initial challenges, my journey took an unexpected turn when I remembered a local publishing house in the Adirondacks. A few initial emails led to connections, and soon, a pivotal meeting was arranged. Over coffee in Keene, NY, I met Dennis Hayes – a fellow dog lover, a true believer in the spirit of Santa Claus, and a well-respected veteran in the publishing and gift industry.
From our very first conversation, Dennis declared Santa and the Sled Dogs to be 'the next Christmas Classic,' a conviction he has passionately advocated for ever since. His belief became the driving force behind the book's journey to publication.
A Magical Collaboration
The next creative hurdle was finding the perfect illustrator. For years, I held a specific artistic style in mind, but when the pieces weren’t coming together, we found ourselves at a crossroads.
It was Dennis Hayes who had the brilliant epiphany: Hetty Easter, a local artist from Skaneateles, NY. Hetty possessed a profound love for painting snow (of all things…) and shared her life with a loyal black lab – a perfect match for the spirit of Santa and the Sled Dogs. Dennis pitched the story to her and Hetty was instantly hooked, seeing the magic and purpose of the book immediately.
It was almost comical how often Hetty would intuitively pick up on the little nuances of my rustic farmhouse, without ever having stepped foot inside. The book itself is now brimming with 'Easter Eggs' – subtle signs and symbols dear to both of us, serving as whimsical reminders that our collaboration is as magical as the story within its pages.
We both sincerely hope the love and magic woven into Santa and the Sled Dogs finds its way into your home this Holiday season.
And don't forget – to trust the magic!
