Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the tag “Someday We Will”

14 Aug 2026
6 Comments

A Bubbly August


One of joys of writing for children is researching different topics. I’ve gained greatly from my need to provide verisimilitude to my stories such as life as a homesteader during Idaho’s gold rush days, habits of nocturnal animals, the life and times of dragonflies. My favorite research is for my recent project. I concocted a premise combining a short mystery with simple household science experiments. One of those experiments involves bubbles. I am a huge fan of bubbles.

Whenever I visited my granddaughter, I always brought along bubbles. I included that aspect in my picture book Someday We Will and illustrator Wendy Leach caught the joy of bubble blowing quite well.

Store bought bubbles are handy and dandy, but I have heard of tales that super-duper bubbles are possible. This was undoubtedly going to take some research.

I explored a variety of recipes on a multitude of sites. I discovered there is a definite camp of adding glycerin over sugar to obtain longer-lasting bubbles. I don’t keep glycerin on hand, but enough sugar (for my hummingbird nectar recipe) to concoct a batch of my own super-duper bubbles. While the debate goes on about glycerin versus sugar as an additive, it is fairly much decided that Dawn Dish Soap is the best base for the bubble potion. Not sure why, but it’s our brand of choice for dishes, so that saved a trip to the store.

The results?

Wow!

The bubbles truly do last longer. They are also shinier with an iridescent rainbow sheen.

When I need a quick break from typing up stories, I often go in the backyard and take a bubble break. I’ve tried out a few different wands and my favorite at the moment is the rings off of my bulk mouthwash. It’s a three-ringer and two of the rings fit in my bubble bucket, with the third as a handle. Plump bubbles are a result.

IIIItIMy science sleuth wants to know why bubbles blow out round, even when the wand is a different shape, such as a square. I had to research for that answer as well.

Do you know why? Hint: there is a connection to water bugs.

Hope you find some bubble time. You are never too old to enjoy a bubble session.

Posted in reflections and tagged , , , , , ,
17 Apr 2025
10 Comments

Springing Forth with Writerly Updates


In an effort to match the energy and joy of the season I’m springing into action in terms of my writing.

Book Signing
If you live in or around Spokane Valley, Washington you can catch me at the Barnes and Noble store on Saturday, April 19th from 11 am to 3 pm.

Yes, I will be signing my picture book Someday We Will.

It’s been an amazing five years since it was published in 2020–right when COVID locked down schools, libraries, and bookstores, which kind of kiboshed that whirlwind in person book tour originally hoped for.

Celebrating Five Years!

Since then Barnes and Noble and my local library have provided lovely support. This will be my third signing with Barnes and Noble and I’ve done a few storytime sessions with the library.

And thanks for your support! Readers of this blog have purchased Someday We Will through online sources. I still offer the deal of sending you a personalized bookplate. Just provide some details: where and when you bought the book, your address, and the message and I will send out a bookplate to you.

Projects
The winter months kept me inside writing new stories and revising others. I also discovered a knack for collage and began illustrating some of my picture book manuscripts. Here are a couple of samples:

I also decided to create a separate page that highlighted completed manuscripts–a menu, so to speak–in case agents, editors, or publishers decide to stop by for a visit. Feel free to browse at my new page link:
Project Pitches.

Of course not all my time is spent writing. Spring is here which means I’m outside more than inside. Yardwork, walking, biking, reading, and just plain sitting in the sun dozing in the sunshine. Winter is way too long and I am so enraptured the days are longer and warmer AND sunnier!

How are you springing forth this joyous season?

Posted in authors, reflections and tagged , , , , , , , ,
10 Jun 2024
2 Comments

The Writing Life: Link to Fame (and it’s hoped, fortune)


Our local library has a feature in which it posts interviews with local authors. My thanks to the library for promoting writers, especially local writers. Here is the link.

I’m always hoping to be discovered by more readers. As well as agents, editors, reviewers, and publisher. Hoping for fame, and wouldn’t mind if some fortune came with that.

Posted in reflections and tagged , ,
11 Dec 2023
3 Comments

Stop by Bookstop!


https://www.scbwi.org/bookstop/book/someday-we-will

This is the handy logo blurb SCBWI (Society of Book Writers and Illustrators) provides for those participating in Bookstop and this year I am participating!

Bookstop is a platform that specializes in kid lit. It’s a wonderful way for authors to promote their books and it is a perfect way for readers to browse and purchase books for themselves and those on their list.

I hope you check out my page and check out other authors as well.

Happy reading!

Posted in reflections and tagged , ,
05 Sep 2023
2 Comments

Book Signing!


Sunday, September 10th is Grandparents Day. Last year I booked a signing at Barnes and Noble at it was so successful I’m going back this year.

Mmm, I’m a bit younger

If you are in the Spokane Valley, Washington area this Saturday be sure to stop by the Barnes and Noble. After story time at 11 am I will be signing books until 3pm.

If you can’t make it you can purchase a book from your favorite online source and let me know and I will send you an autographed book plate.

Celebrating somedays!

Someday We Will celebrates that special connection between grandparents and grandchildren. The book was inspired by my visits with my granddaughter. I couldn’t wait for all those special somedays we would share together.

My frames are red—but I don’t think the illustrator knew that!

And my second grandchild is due for her debut coming up the end of this month! I can’t wait to read my book with her.

Hoping you have a special day with your grands!

Surprise find on the internet!
Posted in authors, Books, celebrations, children, Family, holidays, Reading, reflections and tagged , ,
27 Jul 2023
6 Comments

Stories in the Garden


I am a huge fan of our local library. Great location, amazing staff, supreme layout, not to mention its splendid collection that even includes telescopes and seeds.

Last year the library increased its coolness factor by adding a garden. Did I mention the library also boasts a shady reading area with a waterfall?

To get right to the point, the library garden is holding local author story time this summer, and yes—I am one of the authors. Below are a few photos from the event. I read my book last year in the garden, but this year was more amazing because of the addition of a pergola (such a nifty word).

Considering the temps were in the mid 80s with only a hint of a breeze, the turnout was encouraging and there were almost more kids than adults, which is always appreciated. After reading my book and going through the process how a book becomes a book we broke out popsicles, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk–all aspects found in the book.

I have yet to do any classroom visits, but now that I am retired that should be more doable. Reading my book in a garden setting is a memorable way to make connections with the community and I look forward to more connection time with other library events.

Posted in reflections and tagged , ,
11 Sep 2022
8 Comments

Grandparents Day!


Today is Grandparents Day. Probably not the most well-known holiday, then again, everyday as a grandparent or being with a grandparent is pretty special.

My debut picture book Someday We Will celebrates the joy of anticipating a visit with the grand folks. I was inspired to write the book based on all the wonderful activities I would someday share with my granddaughter, Zara. So, happy Grandparents Day to you, Zara from your Gigi.

Hoping everyone’s Grandparents Day is special!

What favorite grandparent memories do you have?
Posted in reflections and tagged ,
07 Apr 2022
11 Comments

Book Birthday Two


Two Years Today!

Two years ago on April 7th, Someday We Will debuted ready to greet the world with its message of the joy that comes with anticipating a visit with those we love, especially visits with grandparents.

Two years ago was also the start of the pandemic. Schools, businesses, transportation, borders, so much shut down as the world learned how to cope with Covid.

Not the most advantageous time to promote a debut picture book. Ironically enough (although one librarian deemed it prescient) the book’s focus is on the joy of coming together after being separated.

Covid was not on my mind when I submitted the book for publication to Beaming Books two years earlier.My thoughts were on the joy experienced whenever I visit my granddaughter.

Separation has taken on deeper meaning with Covid. There is more involved, more considerations when planning a visit. “Someday we will…”and “Someday is here!” has more personal meaning these days.

With libraries and bookstores open once again to in-person events, I look forward to making the rounds and promoting Someday We Will.

In these past two years have you had your someday turn into today? I hope so! That moment of being reunited with a loved one is not just for grandparents and grandchildren.

In the meantime I’ve been busy writing and submitting other stories and look forward to sharing more book birthdays with you.

Looking to order the book?

Looking for reviews? Goodreads

Posted in authors, Books, celebrations, children, publishers, reflections and tagged , , , , ,
07 Apr 2021
2 Comments

A Birthday Reflection or What Happens When a Picture Book Debuts During a Pandemic?


Happy Birthday, Book!

One year ago on April 7th, Someday We Will debuted ready to greet the world with its message of the joy that comes with anticipating a visit with those we love, especially visits with grandparents.

As the book popped out ready to make the rounds of library story hour, school visits, bookstore events, the world closed its doors. Visits of any kind became questionable. One year later visits are still questionable and promotional visits are simply not happening, at least not yet in person.

So–how does a new author promote a debut book when the traditional methods are not readily available?

Well, it takes a bit of creative flair for certain.

For one, since the local library was closed to gatherings, such as story hour (still is) and local schools were on in person hiatus until fall, and the local bookstore was closed to large events (still is,) I hosted a virtual launch party. If you missed it, I’ve decided to have a Relaunch Birthday Party. I must say it is easy to organize. Baking massive amounts of cupcakes has never been easier. Go ahead and click here and grab a cupcake and sign the guest book.

The next steps involved contacting as many publications as possible ranging from the local newspaper and magazines to AARP to my alumni newsletters. I contacted reviewers such as Susanna Leonard Hill. I received some decent promotional splash in that area.

I then moved on to creating a virtual story time on YouTube and discovered other individuals had done the same. Serendipity had its moments.

Social media continued with blog posts and learning Instagram.

Word of mouth, friends, giveaways–yes, all of that.

After a year of watching and waiting and checking and continuing to promote, today I am reflecting on how pleased I am that my debut is holding its own among the other splashier releases. I have received kind and glowing feedback on Goodreads and on Amazon and my publisher, Beaming Books provided support and encouragement along the way.

I remain hopeful of celebrating the transition of “Someday we will…” to the “Someday is here!” moment when all is safe again for visits with loved ones, and traveling is no longer cautionary.

I look forward to story times, and book signings. A book debut during tenuous times has taught me to be even more tenacious and persuasive and creative about sharing my book with others.

I think it’s a great little debut, and I hope you think so too.

Don’t forget to grab a cupcake on the way out.

Colorful happy birthday cupcakes Stock Photo by RuthBlack | PhotoDune

Want a signed copy of the book? Easy. Contact me through my email: cricketmusings@gmail.com and let me know where you purchased your copy of Someday We Will and I will send you a signed bookplate.

Psst–did you sign my guest book?

Posted in reflections and tagged , , ,
29 Dec 2020
8 Comments

Happy Anniversary!


Today marks the 9th anniversary of my blog! | Vincent Loy's Online Journal
Are Blog Years Like Dog Years?

Nine years ago I decided to give blogging a try after attending a writer conference where we were encouraged to create a presence on the internet. Not caring for Facebook (even back then), I stumbled upon WordPress, and it’s been a good fit. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people during my blogging journey, and like many situations, some people have moved on, and some people? I wonder where they have gone. A quick check indicates most blogs last around two years, some not even that long. Good intentions? Lack of perseverance?

My theme is “A Writer’s Journey as a Reader,” and I have definitely read more books than written them. Although this year I did manage to debut with my picture book Someday We Will, a book that is appropriately about separation and the anticipation of being together again. The pandemic was not in sight when I first signed the contract two years ago. It has become a book of encouragement and hope for many people.

Someday We Will Be Together Again Has Taken On A New Meaning

I try to post at least once a week. Here are my regular features:

Reader Roundup: I highlight books read during the month with links to full reviews on my Goodreads page.

Why We Say: Those quirky expressions used in everyday like “Spitting image” or “Steal one’s thunder” often have surprising beginnings.

Word Nerds: What can I say? I relish words and like to post them in batches. If you are a word lover then look for this post around the start of the month.

Bard Bits: Bardolator. Shakespeare aficionado. Ever since I was assigned to teach Romeo and Juliet nearly twenty years, I realized I had been missing out (somehow Shakespeare was never on my public school agenda). I’m making up for lost time by diving into the world of Shakespeare and sharing my finds.

Then there are the observations I’ll post about nature, writing, and etcetera.

Are you having your own blog anniversary? Share your website in the comments.

Just stopping by? Grab a piece of virtual cake and feel free to browse around a bit.

Let there be cake (celebrating 9 years of L&OO!) | Love and Olive Oil
Chocolate, of course…

I’m looking forward to the Big 1 Oh next year!

Posted in Blogging, reflections and tagged , ,

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