My younger sister Cindy and I sat on our bean bag chairs in the back of our ranchero’s camper shell as our dad drove the curvy highway to our destination — Alliance Redwood Conference Grounds in Northern California. It was our annual trip to Family Camp, an event organized by our denomination. I loved the times I spent there as a kid, teenager (even when a couple of boys broke my heart), and an adult. Alliance Redwoods has always had a special place in my heart and I would be awfully tempted to live there if I could (well, except for the mosquitoes). 

My memories of Alliance Redwoods and the surrounding area plus the desire to write a story for middle-graders, similar to the ones I grew up reading, were my inspiration for writing the NorCal Girls series (Northern California). Of all my books, this series will be almost autobiographical, meaning that a lot of my life experiences or perspectives will be entwined within the fiction of the story. The town featured in the series, Occidental, is real but as an author, I changed some of the details to fit the narrative.

The main theme for Book 1 is Romans 8:28. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” As I mentioned in previous blog posts, I have circumstances in my life that are very difficult but I have clung to this verse knowing that God will make things good. In these times of uncertainty, I found this theme extremely relevant in our world. We are sheltered at home and things look scary and bleak, but when this is over we will see the good God has done. Just wait and see! 

So, tomorrow is the day which I have been waiting for — my book Melanie on the Move will be released, the first in the NorCal Girls series. Once I receive my delivery of books, I can plan the party! Yes, you are invited to the Melanie on the Move Facebook launch party (date TBD).

Thank you for sharing this journey with me! I’m so excited for you to finally meet my characters.