May 24, 2026

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Not sure how three months have passed since my last newsletter, but, here we are. Since it has been so long, and time is precious, this entry will be ~2.5 minutes to read.

 

Now, let’s jump in!

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The end of February and March zipped in and out super fast. April, though, arrived with two unexpected gifts. Thanks to my friend Patrice Gopo's nomination, I received the Arts & Science Council’s Seed Grant which allows me to invest in my creative practice over the next year, as I see fit! To say I was stunned and incredibly grateful, was an understatement. More to come on my plans to utilize these funds over the next few months. 

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As if that gift weren’t enough, I also received word that DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY was selected by the Children’s Defense Fund to be part of their reading curriculum at nationwide Freedom Schools locations. This means my words and Bryan’s illustrations will be in the hands of even more young readers around the country, which is awesome!  

 

And then came May, with back-to-back weeks celebrating my first born’s college graduation! Of all my accomplishments thus far, seeing her shine Summa Cum Laude, with a 4.0 and highest GPA in her major (financial analytics)—this topped them all. 

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Next up, June. And there’s a lot happening. First, I’m co-presenting a Boyds Mills Educational Publishing 101 webinar June 2nd and 4th with my new writer-friend, Anika Aldamuy Denise.

Then, just in time for Father’s Day, I’m at Park Road Books on June 13th for a special DADDY-DAUGHTER DAY story time. To end the month, I’m back with Boyds Mills on June 25th as a guest presenter on Writing for the Educational Market, a six-week online program that ends July 30th. Followed by a definite break in August! 

 

Needless to say, with all that’s happened, and what’s coming up, writing has been slow. But, I am excited to share my latest work-in-progress, which involves a subject many of us are familiar with … guilt. To establish and amplify my platform on this subject, I am actively building a community here, with this newsletter, to share updates, surveys, questions, etc. So please stay tuned, and feel free to share with anyone who may be interested in understanding the triggers, root causes, and behaviors associated with this emotion.

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Until next time.

 

-DHP

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February 15, 2026

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We really are one and a half months into the new year. Which puts us right in the middle of Black History Month. I've been highlighting Black authors who've impacted my writing journey on Instagram. Selecting 28 names for each day of the month brought back such good memories. I love this trend of promoting positive, encouraging, and uplifting moments that center Black joy!

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Other than a few contest submissions, it's been pretty quiet on the writing front. I am happy to share I've been invited back as a guest presenter for Boyds Mills (formerly, Highlights Foundation) this June. If you know anyone interested in learning to write for the educational market, the link is live on my Contact & Events page.

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I have a couple more events I'm working on, and hope to share those soon.

 

Until next time, take good care.

 

-DHP 

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​​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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