A Season of Quiet Breakthroughs

Some seasons arrive with noise and celebration. Others arrive quietly, like a small light turning on in the dark. This has been a season of quiet breakthroughs for me. Moments that may look simple from the outside but hold deep meaning within the journey of an independent author.

A New Home for Asher

This Christmas, Asher’s Christmas Wish is finding a beautiful home at Layette Children’s Boutique in Turtle Creek, Dallas. Layette is more than a shop. It feels like childhood preserved. With classic storytelling clothing, and whimsical toys that children and adults love. Seeing Asher on their shelves, along with other curated books and toys will feel like watching my dream walk into the world and finding exactly where it belongs.

The Tea Room That Said Yes

In Denton, something surprising and meaningful happened. 3 Roses Tea Room chose to carry my books—the first books they have ever carried. They made room for stories—not because of a publishing label, but because of heart. That kind of yes is rare. It was a reminder that there are still places in this world where connection matters more than credentials.

Storytime Invitations That Mean Something

In the coming weeks, I will have the honor of reading and signing books at three independent bookstores:

Interabang Books (Dallas, Texas) on November 8th. A respected literary bookstore that doesn't often feature independent authors has opened its doors to my work. I will also be joined by award-winning illustrator Bubba Flint, who brought Asher’s Christmas Wish to life through his whimsical art. Sharing that event with him is something I look forward to doing, and what a way to start the holiday season!

Patchouli Joe’s Books & Indulgences (Denton, Texas) on November 29th. I’ll also be at Patchouli Joe’s, a welcoming and character-filled bookstore in the heart of Denton. Their support of creatives and independent authors is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to be on their calendar this season.

Bibliobar Bookstore (Dallas, Texas) on December 20. Closing out the year, I’ll be at Bibliobar in Dallas—a beautiful literary space where books and culture meet. It’s the perfect setting to connect with readers and families before the holidays.

These are not just dates on a calendar. These are places that said, Yes, your stories belong here. As an independent author, that yes is everything to me.

A Big Moment in Tulsa

Another meaningful milestone is just ahead. On the first Saturday in December, I will travel with illustrator Bubba Flint to Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a book signing event featuring Asher’s Christmas Wish.

This event is especially close to Bubba’s heart. His bold, nostalgic, one-of-a-kind artwork lives inside Buck Atom’s, the kind of place where imagination and Americana still breathe. Now, we have the chance to stand together and share this story with the kind people of Oklahoma.

Some events are about promotion, but this one is about heart. It's about going back to a place that believed in Bubba long before a single page of this book existed. It's about gratitude, friendship, and celebrating creative work in a place that feels like home.

Seen by Kirkus

This month, something else happened that I still hold close. Both Asher’s Christmas Wish and Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret received glowing reviews from Kirkus.

For independent authors, Kirkus matters. They're known in the publishing world for honesty, high standards, and respected literary critique. They don't hand out praise carelessly. To have my stories recognized by them is more than a review. It's a quiet voice saying, Keep going. Your work belongs here, too.

Why I Do This

I am not backed by a large publishing house. I don't follow trends. I follow the stories that arrive in the still of the moment. I write with heart because I believe children feel truth inside stories the same way adults do. Books can hold hope. They can heal. They can remind us that we're not alone. That's why I do this.

To every reader, bookseller, boutique owner, librarian, reviewer, and friend who has believed in these stories—I sincerely thank you. You're part of this journey, and I carry your encouragement with me.

With much gratitude,

Cindy J. Vanous