About

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty.
It should be offered as a gift.” – Kate DiCamillo

Storytime with my children will always hold a special place in my heart. While I certainly read a number of the popular classics to my daughters, I also enjoyed sharing stories I created spontaneously. That time spent weaving new stories was a deeply bonding experience for me and my girls.

When my older daughter was almost seven, we moved to a small foothill town located about a three-hour drive away…from her closest friend. The two girls were inseparable, and I can honestly say I do not remember a single argument over those four years as best friends. Needless to say, my daughter was crushed, and I felt the need to do something. Out of that experience, Bun was born. Little did I know at the time that my story about a young bunny – who just happened to be seven years old – would continue for years, finally concluding when Bun was a grandmother!

What became increasingly clear to me was that I really enjoyed telling stories (being an avid fisherman, it probably comes naturally). It was particularly gratifying when one of my daughter’s friends would excitedly ask if she could hear another of my stories the next time she and my daughter had a sleepover.

One of the most useful pieces of advice any author will ever receive is to write about what he/she knows best. Creekside Tales is based upon many unforgettable experiences from my childhood growing up in Ohio, near a tributary of Lake Erie that my friends and I fondly dubbed “the creek”. Life with Lily (Book One), the first in the series, and the sequel, The Adventures at Hillsdale Middle School, were inspired and co-authored by our granddaughter Peyton, who is wise beyond her years.

Peyton Anderson lives in Idaho and is in eighth grade. Her two younger sisters, Rae and Adaline, fondly refer to their big sister as “Sissy”. Peyton’s favorite sports are volleyball and track. She values time with friends and building long-lasting friendships.

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend.” – Groucho Marx

CONNECT WITH ME