Shelli R. Johannes

Happy New Year friends. Here’s to a great successful, productive, lucky, happy, healthy, prosperous, safe, and love-filled 2024!

Family. A bunch of crazy. A little bit of fun. And a lotta love.

Look what Santa brought early! Get ready for a new cute STEM book series that focuses on the science of agriculture and celebrates sustainable farms. The first 4 books come out Jan 2 to kick off the new year.

I was thinking about how hard it is to stand out in this business with thousands of books coming out then I looked down and saw this. Sometimes I feel lost in the publishing crowd and work so hard to stand out. To all the writers who feel invisible, keep writing, keep moving forward, keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep believing. Your words matter. Your stories matter.

I would title this Thanksgiving photo shoot: Grateful Leaves. ❤️ .exe .grace

I would title this Thanksgiving photo shoot: Grateful Leaves. # ❤️ .exe .grace

Every now and then, there is a book that makes me jelly that I didn’t write it. Meet Maxie’s Amazing Machines by and Nancy Paulson Books , which is the most freakin’ adorable book evah! And the art by is totally sic! I can’t even with this. Cece would LOVE Mazie. Pretty sure they would be besties.

Should I eat cheese dip? My cheese dip lid smiled at me, which I took as a “yes”. I mean it’s be rude to ignore the friendly gesture.

What a bunch of dorks... ❤️

Headed to bed with a new book What am I reading? Oh I’m glad you asked! I’m reading my book club buddy’s .riordan.jarvis gorgeous book that just came out today with one of my favorite people and publisher at !! Yay happy pub day Meghan! 🎊👏🏻🎈🍸Who knew in back in 2020 chatting in zibby’s book club that THIS would happen!!!! We’ll I kinda knew because you’re so brilliant and one of the more genuine people I know. I’m so happy for you that I can’t even show my whole face for fear of revealing happy tears. I hope we finally get in the same city to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Go shine girl!

I am trying to get better at finding the positive side of things even if things feel nagative. Focusing on what I have as opposed to what I don’t have. What I like vs what I don’t like. What I want to do vs what I haven’t yet done. I grew up in a very critical home, so I’m not always good at changing these voices inside my head. And it’s hard for me to stop and make a shift esp when my mental health is low. But I’m much better than I was I’ve come a long way.

I love when my friends’ books come out. I. Can. Not. Wait. To read this new YA book by my friend Court . Last Girl Breathing comes out next week!! This book is so beautiful. The cover. The paper. The story. “Eight years ago, tragedy struck in a river accident. Eight years ago, Lucy Michaels’ life changed forever. 17 years later, tragedy strikes again when 2 of her closest friends have been hunted down in the nature preserve and Lucy realizes she is the next target. But it’s not what it seems. And under the surface of her small town lies a secret that could pull her under.” I looooove suspense and never get tired of it. If you love or or , this book sits right up there with them. books

Yummy homemade onion rings. Onions and cheese baked with tzatziki dip. Nailed it!

This was at my doctor appointment this morning. And it made me laugh.

Great visit at today. The kids drew some friends for . Their art is way better than mine!

Just listened to by and this quote stuck out to me after my post yesterday that seemed to resonate with many writers. So, this is for all the writers who work hard veryday and don’t feel like they are moving forward (no matter what stage you are in your career.”

Some see a leaf- I see a sign. Many (many) days I sit around wondering if I should continue writing or do something else. This industry is hard, but is it worth the rejection, the waiting, the disappointments, and the anxiety I have when I’m not writing. But then on a morning walk, I look down and see a sign - a sign to move forward or up, whichever way you look at it. Publishing is a lot of luck plus timing. There are a lot of good writers, hardworking writers, and it’s so hard to stand out and shout your message into the wind. But sometimes I forget that there is one thing that is critical to keep writing- perseverance. I’ve got grit. I’ve got determination. And I am too stubborn to give up. So when we’re down as writers, remember this: so many people don’t get published because they stop. Don’t stop. Keep going. Keep pushing forward. Keep writing. Keep telling your stories. And most of all keep looking forward. Besides, what else can we writers do? Not writing is not an option.

Dear editors: I know your secrets! This reminds me of when I used to read “Men are from Mars…” or “He’s Just Not that Into You.” Is it possible to figure editors out, what they want, what they need? Stay tuned to see if I have solved the mystery.

Devastated…

Happy son’s day.

I love this girl. .exe

New STEM chapter book series coming Jan 2024! The books will focus on agriculture science and appreciating sustainable like home gardening, goat yoga, making soap, hatching baby chicks and more! Meet Poppy She lives on a farm with her mom, dad, and little sister, Fern. It’s a lot of fun but also a lot of hard work. They grow lots of vegetables, feed the animals, and make jellies from fruit.
Poppy’s best friend is a goat named Vincent van Goat who is also getting into trouble.
Come and see what it’s like to live and play on a real farm!”

Actually I was wrong- they are here and full grown. It’s been one of those days. *tishard

Thanks to everyone here to send messages about restoring my beloved they look amazing! Special thanks to Coming back in with my next week!

My good friend Kendra is opening her second shop of 3 Peaches They serve delicious and healthy coffee, baked goods, and yummy gelato. Today is her soft opening! Btw the GF zucchini bread is delicious. I bought a lot but I left some for you :) So if you’re on the Atlanta Beltline or in Piedmont Park Try and stop by! It’s at the corner of Monroe/10th/Virginia Ave. !

After a “daunting” day where way too much was going on and nothing was going smoothly, I found the perfect wine! Now I’m “undaunting.” Sometimes I wish my brain was quieter.

Holy lightning! It’s like a bad game of dodgeball! has been having some nasty storms. We’re counting on and we’re hoping stays safe tonight! atlantastorm

Welcome Cica! So happy to see the Portuguese edition of . Cece goes international with Portuguese and Chinese rights! eu adoro isso! Thanks to for posting this and tagging me. It made my day.