Illustrations!!

My book is moving along through production very quickly.  I can hardly believe that editing is all complete.  My editor, Megan, was a dream to work with.  She was so helpful, positive, and encouraging.  It was a joy to work through the editing process with her.  She enjoyed it so much that she asked me to request her next time if I decided to publish with Tate Publishing Co. again.

This week I was thrilled to discuss the illustration process with my illustrator, Samantha, and I was able to see some of her work.  The best news of course is that they conceded to add a small sketch before each chapter, which I was really hoping for even though they had previously turned my request down due to the length of the book.  The illustration process is moving quickly.  We've already decided on a cover design and all the ideas for each chapter sketch.  I am beyond excited.  Next week I should be receiving the first pictures and character sketches.  Here is the first character sketch she has done of the main character, Barney! Thought you all might enjoy hearing an update on the process and seeing the first picture. 

Illustrations By: Samantha Kickingbird  © 2010 Tate Publishing Co.

"Destination White House" Coming to Stores Fall of 2011!

"Barney? You stole Barney from the president?"

Destination White House: Barney’s Incredible Journey is a fur-raising tale that begins when the president’s plane, Air Force One, is forced to make an emergency landing in the Chicago O’Hare airport because of engine trouble. In the confusion, the president’s Scottish terrier, Barney, is mistakenly left behind. When Barney is snatched up by a young girl and her family, he is forced to make an escape and find his way back to the White House. Along the way, Barney meets a peculiar cat named Snider, with a taste for Swedish Fish. The runaway cat joins the scene to assist Barney in his journey home. During their adventures, the two traveling buddies take on hawks, wolves, and even dump trucks.


Will Barney make it to the White House? Will Snider be able to make the journey without his beloved Swedish Fish?


You can find out when you buy your own copy this fall! Follow the updates here and on FaceBook and be the first in line to get your very own signed copy!