December 31, 2025

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​What a year. From lost loved ones, to new publishing experiences and wins, to tumultuous and unnerving times within our country—the one word for 2025 we can all agree on is, OVER!

 

Through it all, I'm grateful I made it to the end.

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My 2025 word for the year was intentional. I think I did a pretty good job of sticking to the definition in my personal and professional interactions. My phrase was, fall back, which is exactly what I did. The word I've chosen to guide me through the next 365 days is, thrive. In 2026, my goal is to thrive in every area of my life. 

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While there's no phrase for 2026, I am eliminating the word worry from my vocabulary and writing. This word has been a limiter, distraction, and anchor of fear. In 2026, and beyond, it's time I let worry go. 

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Until next time, Happy New Year!​

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-DHP

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November 28, 2025

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Thanks, gratitude, appreciation. Although this is the Thanksgiving season, I try my best to keep these three words at the forefront of everything I do, permanently. But if I'm being honest, I miss the mark, more often than not.

 

Several times this month I allowed comparison to steal my writer-joy. I won't share specifics, other than thanks, gratitude, and appreciation for all of the memorable book and writer accomplishments I achieved this year were temporarily forgotten. 

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The good thing is, I gave myself grace. And when those negative notions crept back in, I thought of my DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY events and festivities; my book promo travels to NYC, Philly, and TN; the groups of new writer-friends I met. Last but not least, I read all the Amazon book reviews, with a unanimous 5-star rating. That was the biggest positivity boost of all!

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So, as November comes to a close, and we head into this last month of the year, I'd like to express my sincere thanks, gratitude, and appreciation for all of you who have purchased any or all of my books. Thank you for leaving an Amazon review. And thank you for subscribing to, and reading this newsletter. It means more to me than you'll ever know. 

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-DHP​

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October 29, 2025

 

Another month is almost gone. While I didn’t have any writing events in October, I’ve enjoyed reading all the new picture books published by so many of my writing friends. Oh, and the long walks and talks with two writer-friends that totaled 8.2 miles! With all that’s going on in this country and world, making time for what brings peace and joy are of utmost importance. 

 

Speaking of peace and joy, I truly enjoy writing these posts every month. I hope you enjoy reading them. As for my November events, I’ll be at the Gaston Writers Expo on November 8th. Still no word on that Maryland bookstore signing, so, continue to stay tuned.  

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Until next month!

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-DHP

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​September 13, 2025

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Today was officially my last summer book signing of 2025. I say the same thing every year around this time, and every year I mean it. Where has the time gone? 

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While I've thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of this year's DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY publication journey, I'm a little sad that it's coming to a close. Not for good, of course, but for 2025. Releasing a book into the world is reminiscent of childbirth. Just like carrying a baby for nine months, writing a book from idea to publication is also a journey. And once that book baby is out in the world, it too takes on a life of its own. 

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As we wind down to the last three months of this year, I'd love for DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY to make one final storytime / signing in the DMV. I submitted a request at a popular indie bookstore in Maryland, so stay tuned ...

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-DHP​​

 

August 3, 2025​

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August already! While it does feel like the year is flying by, July was definitely a fulfilling month. I paused book promoting to gear up for my cross country road trip I coined, #ontheroadto45! That’s right. In 20 days, I will be 40+5. My goal is to visit all 50 states by 50. After this east to west coast road trip that began in Charlotte and ended in San Francisco, I’ve visited 32 states, including Hawaii. My family and I flew back from SFO, so my next cross country road trip will be west to east. I plan to fly to Seattle, drive back east, and end in Maine. 

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With August three days in, I’m beginning to prep for my September DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY events at Troubadour Booksellers in Charlotte, and the Mossy Creek Literacy Conference at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. Additional details are available on my Contact & Events page. 

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I’m probably alone on this, especially with the recent “heat dome” wreaking havoc around the country, but I’m looking forward to enjoying the August heat, and remaining days of summer fun and sun. 

 

-DHP​

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July 4, 2025

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June really is over. I guess it's a good thing I posted twice in May, to make up for missing a month. If I had to describe June 2025 in one word, it would absolutely be, magical. First up, my North Carolina author / illustrator book signing on June 7th. Friends and family flowed in and out of That's Novel Books for three hours. Even my DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY editor, Winsome Bingham, surprised me! 

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One week later, I attended the Schomburg Library's Centennial Celebration in Harlem. If you've read my book, you'll know how impactful the Schomburg Library was to my story. Despite the rain and cooler than normal June temperatures, I had a blast reading DDD to children and parents. The storytime was followed by Q&A with fellow kidlit authors, Jamilah Thompkins- Bigelow and Ajuan Mance. I also met other authors and publishing industry folks I follow, including Glory Edim!

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Finally, to end the month, I attended my very first American Library Association conference in Philly. Otherworldly, is the only word I can use to describe how incredible ALA was! I have never experienced a literary event like it. And now I'm truly hooked! Reycraft Publishers coordinated two book signings for me on Sunday and Monday, June 29th and 30th. Y'all, I had lines of people waiting to get a signed copy ... both days!!! 

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I also attended the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast, which I heard so much about. To be in a room surrounded by Black literary and library legends is something I'll never forget. After the breakfast, I met an editor I've been wanting to meet for years, and gave her my contact info. I hung out with friends I've never met in person, met people who are sure to become new friends, and even spoke to my all-time favorite author, Jason Reynolds!

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So, now you know why I missed my monthly post. I was busy making magical moments, just like Avery and her dad in my book. I'm using this day off to catch up on some things, but most importantly, to rest. I know how invaluable that is to my health and wellbeing, as it is to all of us. Until next time, have a wonderful July! 

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-DHP

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May 26, 2025

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Two posts in one month! That's because May has been full of fun highlights and memorable moments. I spent publication day with a former coworker and a small group of boys at Charlotte's Lab School. These high school boys (yes, high school!) had questions prepared, and were genuinely engaged as I shared my author journey and Daddy-Daughter Day backstory. 

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The month continued with two interviews I've added to my Daddy-Daughter Day Books Page. I also shared various tidbits and pictures on social media. My final May event was this past Saturday; a collaborative discussion with artist, Bryan M. Wilson, at the University City Library. 

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To say May was a busy month is an understatement. But I thoroughly enjoyed every part of celebrating this new book. Now, it's off to prep for June, as I have three BIG events. So, stay tuned for my next post. I'll be sure to write and tell you all about it.

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Thank you for your support! 

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-DHP

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May 6, 2025

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DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY is officially in stores!

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For those who pre-ordered copies, thank you, thank you, thank you! For those who plan to purchase a copy, thank you, thank you, thank you! The seeds for this story were planted years before I wrote it in 2017, and now it's finally here. I hope you enjoy reading DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY as much as I enjoyed writing it. I know my dad is smiling. I know I made him proud.

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-DHP

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April 29, 2025

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Goodbye, April. Hello, May! DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY is on the way! 

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If you haven’t pre-ordered a copy, there’s still time; publication day is May 6th. Purchase links are available on my Books page, and wherever your favorite books are sold. You can also request the book from your local library. Both options are greatly appreciated, and I wholeheartedly thank you in advance. 

 

I look forward to seeing you at one of my upcoming events!

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-DHP

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March 26, 2025

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Hello, hello! It’s been a few months, but spring has sprung, and I am happy to share some updates. DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY is on the way, May 6th. This publication, illustrated by the talented Bryan M. Wilson marks my 10th book! 

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While it took five years to sell—and on my own—Reycraft editor Winsome Bingham gave me the one green light I needed. That’s all you ever need as a writer. Pre-order links are available on the ‘Books’ page. 

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I also have some upcoming events posted on the ‘Contact & Events’ page. Since I have drastically reduced my social media presence, this website is the main source for book news and events. So check back often for additional information. I look forward to seeing you this spring and summer!

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-DHP​​​