Sixteen years ago, I wrote and published my first book. It was a children's book called Just Batty. I was so proud to hold that book in my hands. The illustrations were dreadful, and it had some spelling and grammar errors, but I was selling it. 

I was also learning my craft. I found a new illustrator, Jackie Gill, who is terrific and would continue to be my illustrator for several more books. I republished minus the errors. But things had begun to change. Technology was changing, and children were no longer reading books the way they had been. Kindle was taking over for paper books. 

Another thing I've noticed over the years. Parents do not buy children's books. Grandparents buy children's books. I take my children's book to the craft fairs, and they sit there. Occasionally, someone will pick one up, say how cute it is, put it down, and walk away. Parents with children in tow do not even glance at the books. A grandparent will come along and buy one for each grandchild. I wonder if that child will even turn a page of that gift.

It seems that many of the new authors I meet want to write a children's book. I question why. The darn thing will not sell unless it is exceptional, and the author can market the hell out of it. I say good luck to them. I had fun writing my children's books and still love them.