The Making of Hearthrock

The Journey

1. March 2021

   Just a mom with a story

   I am just a mom. I have no writing background — just a story I was trying to tell. In March of 2021, I started writing it down.

2. The first chapters

   The first honest feedback

   I drafted my first few chapters before hiring Lorin Wertheimer, a writer and editor, for feedback. I got some very honest direction and some high-level education on areas of writing I was unfamiliar with.

   I went back to the drawing board — but it was such an important part of my story-writing journey.

3. 2021 – 2025

   Writing in the in-between

   For the next few years, I worked on the manuscript in between busy mom and working life. Whatever time I could find, the story got.

4. 2025

   A first full draft

   In 2025, I had my first complete draft. As AI started to emerge, I was able to use it for quick feedback on pacing and age appropriateness, and to tighten my story before handing it to a professional.

5. Round two

   A game-changing edit

   I then hired Amy Betz, who is an absolutely amazing editor. She reviewed the manuscript and, like the first round, gave me game-changing feedback — this time on the second half of the story. It resulted in a significant rewrite.

6. Rounds three and four

   Ready at last

   After two more rounds of editing with Amy, the story was ready. Now I had to figure out how to get it out there.

7. Second half of 2026

   Learning to publish

   With the story finished, a whole new education began. I learned the ins and outs of book formatting, building a website, Shopify integrations, getting an ISBN, finding a printer, and filing a copyright.

   I worked through all of it with the help of AI and my trusted advisors.

8. 2026

   The illustration decision

   Next, I set out to find an illustrator. By the second half of 2026, though, there simply wasn’t enough time to get the book printed with illustrations before Christmas.

   I opted to include some AI-generated illustrations in this first edition. I am actively working with real artists on illustrations for a new edition next year.

What’s Ahead

• Marketing

  Figuring out how to get the word out, so Hearthrock can find the families who need it.

• A sensitivity reader review

• A child psychologist review

• New illustrations

  Working with real artists on new illustrations for the next edition.

• Gathering feedback

  Listening to readers and gathering feedback to keep improving the story.

An Honest Word About AI

I know that in the industry there are mixed opinions about the use of AI. In my case, it helped me navigate a process I was entirely unfamiliar with — and it did not replace a human.

In fact, it was the real human critical feedback that helped the most.

A Living, Breathing Story

I look forward to feedback from all readers, professionals, and critics — every honest word helps it grow.