February, 2026 Author Update
Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash
Whispers Across the Prairie
I’m so excited about this upcoming book. Here’s where we are so far:
Received comments from Erin Dionne, my editor. So very helpful!
Revised, Revised, Revised, revised, revised, revised…
Received a wonderful review and suggestions from a beta reader.
Revised, Revised, Revised, Revised…
Listening to the last draft. It’s amazing how my ears can find things my eyes don’t! (If you are able, read aloud or listen to your writing before sharing. It helps slow you down and notice details your eyes miss.)
Revising, Revising…
A generous teacher at the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) has offered to be a beta reader. AND she’s asked if she may share it with her 4th grade students as an independent study. I’m honored to do so, yes, absolutely! I’ll be dedicating this book to the school.
I’ve received the cover illustration from Claudia Gadotti. (She is so talented.) She also sent over the sketches for the other six illustrations.
I’ve submitted the illustration to my cover designer, Andrew Ardel.
This week I’ll finally finish the revisions and send it to Rebecca Ardel for interior design. If I need to make changes later, I’ll submit them separately.
Coloring Page
Here’s a coloring page for you. (Click the image to download.)
It’s the sketch of the illustration which will be featured on the cover of my newest book: Whispers Across the Prairie. I’d love to receive some of these back from your children.
Let’s have a contest!
Winners will receive a valuable prize!
Creature Feature: The Cheetah
I watched several videos and you can too, if you like. This month, I’ll just outline a few differences between this smaller cat that lives primarily in eastern and southern Africa.
-
Can you believe it can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 2 seconds? But this burst of power doesn’t last long; usually less than a minute.
-
Powerful heart, extra large lungs, and strong arteries to pump oxygen efficiently.
Oversized liver with stores the glycogen it needs to accelerate.
Wide nostrils for taking in great quantities of air.
An amazing skeletal system more flexible than other animals.
Huge leg muscles with fast-twitch fibers that contact faster than normal muscles.
Small body frame: lightweight and aerodynamic.
Paws have non-retractable claws which gives it amazing grip while running—like soccer cleats.
Long, muscular flat tail about 3’ long (about the length of their body). It’s used like a rudder and counteracts their body weight on quick turns.
You can tell the difference between cheetahs and leopards by the black marks on their face that run from their inner eye to their snout. These stripes help keep the sun’s glare from their eyes. Also, they’re smaller than leopards.
-
It purrs like a house cat when it’s content. It can chirp (much like a bird) if it’s trying to get the attention of another cheetah.
-
After killing its prey (usually gazelles, impalas, zebras, or small wildebeests) it has to rest for about 30 minutes. Then it eats quickly before larger predators come to steal it away. The don’t like to fight.
They only need to drink water every 3-4 days!
Creature Feature is a new addition to my Author Update each month and is inspired by the books by Reasons for Hope. The Cheetah is from the book called A Pocket Guide to the Zoo: Fascinating Facts, Volume 1: Africa. If you’re interested in learning more about God’s design in animals, please check them out. (Next month: the elephant!)
February Chickadee Cheer Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Heather O. You’ve won my giveaway this month. I’ll send you an email. Just respond. One of my softcover books from my shop, or a blank journal (pictured below) to write/doodle in.
Thanks for subscribing and reading my blogs. You’re the reason I write them!
