During my daughter’s childhood, her best friend, Airlie Anderson, would come to our house and stay for days and sometimes a week or two. She was a welcome part of our family. They both loved to create stories and Airlie was an incredible artist, even at 7 years old! I was extremely supportive of my daughter and my “second daughter”, Airlie , and encouraged them to follow their passions. Today, Airlie is with Little Brown working on her , I believe, sixth children’s book….writing and illustrating. I could not be prouder! And to make things go beyond even better ( I guess that would mean the best!) , Airlie is now my writing coach, first reader, guiding light, as I delve into the first of many books I am writing. We have come full circle. And it is so true what these wonderful best selling authors say, it is so important to have positive and supportive friends and family behind you as you follow your passion journey. I signed up for a writing group about 15 years ago and it was the biggest mistake I could have made. Instead of talking about our books we were writing, it was like being surrounded by human shredding machines! Thank you ladies for your fabulous “paper hugging” books and your super enjoyable Friends and Fiction podcast. It is so much fun and I am learning so much too. Thank you thank you !
