A few weeks ago this blog turned seven, and I’ve begun my eighth year as a blogger. I still marvel at how far this journey has taken me since the first time I sat at my computer and said hello to strangers on the internet. Who would have imagined it?
Although the internet and social media have changed dramatically, much of this blog remains the same: it’s still my personal space where I share my home, ideas, and heart. I continue to write in a personal, one-author voice, and that authenticity is important to me.
Over the years I’ve been grateful to include contributions from my daughters Kylee and Courtney, and their friend Michaela, as they launch their own homes and lives. Seeing the world through their eyes has been a reminder to appreciate the simple blessings of home.
This is a family endeavor. My husband supports the work behind the scenes—painting, hanging light fixtures, and encouraging the whole project. My fourteen-year-old son is becoming a dependable helper, pitching in with the heavy lifting and little tasks that keep things moving around here.
Last year, on my sixth anniversary, I mentioned I was writing a book proposal. At the time it felt daunting and I haven’t written much about it since, so it’s likely been forgotten. Writing the proposal was a challenge, but with gentle encouragement from my literary agents, Ruth Samsel and Bill Jensen, and friends like Ann Voskamp and Holly Mathis, I decided to take the plunge and craft something I would want to read myself.
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For years blog writing felt like enough. I didn’t have an inner urgency to publish a book. The idea of a book was intimidating, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to step into that more vulnerable space. Still, I kept working on the proposal, unsure whether it would ever lead to a real book.
I procrastinated and hesitated, then finally handed the proposal to my agent Ruth. In January she sent it to several publishers. I braced myself for polite rejections, but within days offers and encouraging replies began to arrive. I was invited to phone meetings with several houses, and though it was terrifying, it was also exciting to discover interest in the idea.
One publisher went further and invited my husband and me to visit their office. We met with a team who shared their vision for the project. They presented designs and ideas that brought their plans to life, and I left feeling both stunned and encouraged. For seven years I had been writing mostly alone, yet here was a team of professionals who believed in what I had created and wanted to make it reach a wider audience.
The vision they presented was bigger than anything I had imagined. Not only did they want one book, they proposed a series. To my surprise they asked for eight titles. Yes—eight books over time. It felt almost unbelievable. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and thoughtful approach convinced me this was the right fit, so I said yes.
The publisher’s goal was to protect the integrity of my brand while expanding what my blog could become. This isn’t about changing my voice or “selling out”; it’s about sharing the heart behind this space in new forms that can be held and read in print. I’m still the same person behind the words—just stepping into a larger opportunity with a team who shares the vision.
Most of all, I’m grateful to you, the readers who have encouraged me along the way. Your messages over the years nudged me toward this next chapter, and your ongoing support matters more than I can say.
Announcing that I’ll be writing eight books over the next two years felt daunting. I worried that publishing would distract from the blog. After months of planning and balancing both roles, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to continue blogging while working on the books. It’s busy, yes, but it’s been rewarding and energizing. I remain committed to sharing my passion for home with you here.
I still feel the fear of failure—I won’t pretend otherwise—but this feels like a risk worth taking. My original proposal, titled Love The Home You Have, will be published in April next year. It reflects my philosophy about finding contentment and joy in the home you already have, and I’m excited to finally see it in print.
That book will be followed by additional titles in the coming year, and I’ll share more details as they become available. For now, I’m humbled and thankful for the opportunity to expand what began as a small, personal blog into something that can reach more people in new ways. Thank you for being part of this journey.
