Elspeth Lorraine

Hello, Elspeth Army! Elspenators... Lorrainites? ...Little Elves? Let's try to work on a name for the blog readers because these sound dreadful. I wanted to share life-changing news. ABDO Publishing house has bought my 6-book chapter book series, LEWIS AND CLARK AND THEIR FLYING LITTERBOX. This series will focus on two adventurous cats flying around the world, trying new snacks, and eating new snacks. I've got 6 destinations in mind, and I can't wait to share more as I'm able. And I am such a poor secret keeper if you call, I will spill the beans immediately.

A little backstory for those who may not know. Years and years ago, I adopted twin kittens who were absolutely perfect and did not destroy a single thing in my house ever, nor did they jump out of two-story windows, or give me daily heart palpitations. My brother wanted the honor of naming them, and since he was a baby, I let him, which I would never do now because I am obsessed with naming people, places, and things. He named them Lewis and Clark, and thus their adventures began. Now, I always knew I loved children's literature and found myself drawn to picture books. They were and continue to be my favorite art form. But I didn't seriously pursue publishing because it seemed like something only rich people got to do (I was sort of right about that). One night, as I slept the unbothered and peaceful rest I so richly deserved, I was yanked back into the nightmare of wakefulness by Clark leaping on my chest and slapping a wet piece of paper around my face. I was used to such treatment, but I did wonder where he got the paper. When I turned the lamp on, I realized he had brought me 10 Canadian dollars. This puzzled me, because Clark didn't have a passport, but when I mentioned this to my now husband, then boyfriend (scandal!!! don't tell the minister!), he just mumbled that Clark could have easily traveled to Canada and it really wasn't his business what the cats got up to and could I please turn the light off. Well, let me tell you something. I might have turned the light off, but metaphorically I turned the light ON. In my brain. Get it? See how good I am at writing?

The next morning, I immediately wrote the first draft of Lewis and Clark's adventures. And it was a feeling like never before. I can remember smiling the whole time. Lost in the world of two mostly naughty cats who added wings to their litterbox and snuck out at night to fly to exotic locales like Canada. I've gone on to write other manuscripts and taught myself the craft of writing, but this was my first foray into writing and also a love letter to my boys. I can't wait to share this series with you. I can't wait to see pictures of your kids holding my books. If you're still reading this absurdly long blog post, it's because you have been with me on this extremely long publishing journey or maybe you are trying to get out of work. Either way, I truly appreciate it. Thank you.

Lastly, as you may know, I love bragging! And to brag a little early... I'd like to brag on/thank a few people, (don't worry I'll be thanking loads more but right now I am being super profesh and kissing the rings) Tina at the Purcell Agency for making this deal, Melanie Uteg, my critique partner who introduced me to Tina and who also read the very first drafts of Lewis and Clark and probably thought... yikes, but was super nice about it, and Esther Hershenhorn my writing coach, who introduced me to Melanie. See what I did there? I taught us all a lesson about making connections. You're welcome! People LOVE being sneakily taught lessons. And the person I have to thank over and over and kiss the most is my husband, Nathan. He's given me the world and the opportunity to write. Marrying someone for their good looks works out sometimes. Ha!

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