Mild

...and Choppy!

Watch for my latest children's book release, God's Beautiful Creations coming Summer 2022! 

Well it's sort of new. It's actually more like I am on an awesome journey and I decided to bring with a new friend. 

​Here's a little homework for you to do. Go to your child's bookshelf. Look on the back of a dozen books. How many of them state "Made in China"? I'm going to guess...12 out of 12. That drives me bananas. So I made it my mission to have all of my books printed in the United States of America. I am proud to say that I now utilize 2 different printers located right here in my home state of Minnesota! I pulled my titles from the big box stores and formed my own e-commerce site and publishing company. I also started my own consulting business for first time authors and am determined to help others follow their dreams.

Earlier this winter I was praying for God to give me guidance on my career journey. Praying a lot! In 2019 I had an incredible encounter with the Holy Spirit that led me to write and publish my first children's book. It was an uphill battle but I was certain that I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do. Your Angel Army: A Book of Hope came out of the gates as the #1 New Release on Amazon. It was then picked up by Barnes and Noble, Target and Christian Books, among others. I was visiting schools, libraries and bookstores. I was in a whirlwind of opportunities, even speaking to groups of 1000 people at a time. It was incredible and nerve racking. It was everything I dreamed of and more.

Sunshine was created with the help of a focus group compiled of 20 inspiring women who had all been impacted by infertility. Together we gave voice to a delicate subject and brought hope to families around the country. I was given the honor of Key Note Speaker to promote Sunshine at the BoniBall (a fundraiser for a Catholic elementary school here in Minnesota) but just like everything else during that time, the event was converted to a virtual experience. It became blatantly obvious that spreading the word about my latest book during a global shutdown was going to be incredibly challenging. 

I should also mention that right around this time, I became the primary caregiver for my elderly grandparents. We also sold our home in the suburbs and began the process of building our dream home out in the middle of the woods...while I homeschooled our kids. We were living at my dad's "man cave" with 2 big dogs and 3 small children. My husband was commuting an hour each way to his teaching job while coaching multiple seasons and physically building our new home in his "free time". He was gone. A lot. I was acting as mama, author, artist, caregiver, homeschool teacher, general contractor and just basically trying not to cry everyday. The political climate was a total disaster. Everything was weird. 

As the insanity of COVID-19 continued to spread, I continued to pray. The more I prayed, the more I was drawn to Ephesians 6. The more I read Ephesians 6, the more I realized that we were watching a tremendous spiritual battle unfold before our very eyes. So I did what any creative mind does: I started to write and I started to paint. In the fall of 2021, my 3rd book was released. Bulletproof is a patriotic children's book explaining how to put on the full armor of God. It is fierce and powerful. It is everything I wanted to say to my children...to the world in 2021. I am honored to say that since its release, Bulletproof has become built into both Sunday school and homeschooling curriculums. How amazing is that?!? 

So, let's recap. At this stage in the game, I have 3 books circulating out in the world. They are a compilation of my words and my illustrations. As a graphic designer by trade, I have been blessed to do my own branding and page layout as well. I've got all the tools to make this work, however, the world is a total dumpster fire and I am just not sure what my next steps should be. My family has survived the grueling task of building a new home. We've moved in and I've officially retired as a homeschool mama. My kids are enrolled in the cute little school in our cute new little town. I am finally able to come up for air. So I look to God and ask, "Now what?"

​Enter: Eleena Koep.