Book Birthday Blog with Christina Fecher

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Christina Fecher on the release of Santa's Summer Vacation in Michigan

  

 

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I started working on this book when my daughter was five–she’s now 16! But as any working mom knows, our dreams often take a backseat to our very full, often overflowing daily lives. At the time, my corporate communications career was growing (still is–yay!) and my husband and I were busy raising our two kids. Like many families, our lives were packed and our time rarely felt like our own.
 
Still, I knew I needed to carve out a little time for myself. Writing a book had always been a dream of mine. So while traveling for work – after catching up on emails and finalizing communications – I didn’t turn on the TV to unwind in my hotel room. Instead, I kept my laptop open, tapped into my imagination, and started writing for me. 
 
During those quiet moments, I often thought about people who rarely get a break: small business owners, corporate spokespeople … and Santa. Santa was a huge fixture in our lives back then, and it suddenly struck me: it was time he went on vacation.
 
The proud lifelong Michigan resident in me knew just the place for his first trip.  

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book? 

First of all, can I just say how cool it is to be able to talk about “‘my readers?” I hope they enjoy exploring Michigan through the fun rhymes and beautiful illustrations–and that it inspires them to visit these places with their families. 

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? 

Considering it took me a decade to get across the finish line, I’d say that was the most difficult part! But it also made the journey incredibly meaningful, because I’ve truly treasured – and learned from – every step along the way. 
 
If we’re talking specifically about writing, the biggest challenge was making sure the rhymes flowed naturally while still supporting the storyline. There were numerous stops and starts to get it just right. 

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it? 

Thanks to my lifelong career in communications and publicity – and my deep appreciation for what I now call my #AuthorJourney – I began marketing my book long before I even found my illustrator and publisher. 
 
Last summer, I launched a website that features a blog chronicling both my #AuthorJourney and my life in the corporate communications world. Through the blog, I strategically revealed pieces of the book’s development and shared updates with my audience, which I then promoted on my social channels – where most of my marketing takes place right now.
 
I’ve also leaned on my knowledge of the media landscape to pitch my book’s release to reporters, bloggers, and podcasters. It’s incredibly time-consuming, but I’ve already earned coverage in two separate articles, and I’ll be appearing on a local TV station later this week and have two more interviews planned for the near future. I have more work to do here, but I’m pleased with my gains in this short amount of time.
 
In addition, I’ve tapped into my network to build new relationships and leverage existing ones to create opportunities for book signings and readings tied to larger community events. I just hosted my very first author event at the Muskegon Lumberjacks “Read to Succeed Night” hockey game on March 6. It was incredibly successful – especially considering the fans were there to watch hockey – and many left with a copy of my book! 
 
And the momentum is continuing. I have many more events lined up, including several classroom readings during March is Reading Month thanks to many of my friends who are teachers. It’s exciting, but I’ll admit—this level of outreach, promotion, and event planning takes an enormous amount of time and effort and I definitely didn’t quit my day job! Still, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my book connecting with readers in real life. My friends keep texting me pictures of their children curled up with my book on their lap – and it truly makes my heart soar. That’s what it’s all about!
 
My book is currently available in paperback, hardcover and eBook formats on Amazon, as well as in a few local stores in the Muskegon and Grand Haven area, including Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gifts and The Book Cellar. I’m continuing to put in the work to expand where it’s available, so please visit my website for the latest updates on new locations and upcoming events. 

What's next for you?

Once you start, it feels like you can’t stop. My book is doing really well, and I’m using that enthusiasm to fuel my creativity. 
 
Over the summer, I wrote my second book in only three sittings. It’s still a draft that definitely needs some refinement, but my illustrator and publisher are very excited about the manuscript and are eager to continue working together. I’ve also started a third book and am currently in the “noodling” phase for a fourth.
 
This is just so much fun! Don’t get me wrong – it’s absolutely a lot of work. But it’s also  incredibly rewarding and worth every minute.
 
After the ups and downs of the past year – and, in all honestly, the decade it took me to get here – I’m first and foremost focused on my family. They’re the best set of cheerleaders I’ve ever had in my corner. I’m also still focused on my corporate communications career, but am beginning to share what I’ve learned on this journey to help other authors like me. 
 
I don’t know where all of this will lead, but for the first time in my life, I’m embracing the unknown and truly living in this beautiful moment.

More about the book . . .

Santa has traveled the world – but only from high above, speeding through the sky in his sleigh. He’s never truly visited anywhere … until now.

After tiresome preparations at the North Pole leave Santa and his team feeling glum and in need of a well-earned break, they trade their boots for flip flops and head out on their first-ever vacation in hopes of rekindling their holiday spirit. This whimsical tale of adventure is bursting with fun as Santa and the elves explore the exciting sights and sounds of Michigan, the “Mitten State.”

Illustrated by Robin Boyer

Published by: Wilson Lindberg Books, LLC

More about the author . . .

Christina Fecher is a writer, communicator, and proud West Michigander who has always believed in the power of a good story. She graduated from Michigan State University (Go Green!) with a degree in journalism and began her career as a reporter for The Detroit News, where her work earned multiple writing awards. Over the years, she moved into public relations and corporate communications, serving in both state government and the private sector, including Midwest retailer Meijer. In 2025, she embraced a longtime dream to become a children's author and set out to assemble an all-female illustrator and publisher team from the Midwest. Together, they released Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan in February 2026.
  
Michigan has always been Christina’s home. She was born and raised in the Mitten and has lived in each of the regions represented in her debut book. That deep sense of place helped inspire Santa’s Summer Vacation in Michigan, along with everyday adventures with her husband, their two active teenagers, and two lively fur babies. When she’s not working on her computer, you can find her cheering her children on from the sidelines, cuddling their dogs she lovingly calls “The Littles,” traveling whenever possible and spending quality time with family and friends.

https://linktr.ee/christinafecherauthor

  

Hugs and Hurrahs

                            

It's time to celebrate our MichKids friends and colleagues! Welcome to this quarter's edition of Hugs and Hurrahs!

Jessica Dazzo is celebrating self-publising her book Berries for Bruno!

We're celebrating with you, Jessica!

Lisa Wheeler is pleased to announce Nobody Notices Ghost, a humorous book about a lonely ghost, sold to Random House Studios. A Fall 2028 release is expected and the illustrator will be Christopher Thornock.  

Way to go, Lisa!

On September 13th, Carrie Pearson celebrated the launch of her latest authored book, Watch Them Grow: The Fascinating Science of Animal Beginnings, with Marquette-based library and bookstore partners. Watch Them Grow is a Junior Library Guild Gold selection and recently received a strong review from School Library Journal, which clearly 'got' the intention of the book: "VERDICT A great introduction to the science of reproduction in a way that makes animal babies the star of the show."

Well done, Carrie!

Christina Fecher is excited to share the news that her manuscript that she began when her daughter was 5 years old will be released as her debut children's book in the spring of 2026! Her daughter turned 16 last month! She's not ready to reveal the plot or title, only that that it's about Santa in the offseason. 

Congratulations, Christina!

Kristin Bartley Lenz's 2016 YA novel, The Art of Holding On and Letting Go, will be re-released in February 2026 as a 10th Anniversary Edition. Here's the eye-catching, newly re-imagined cover!

Wild Ink Publishing also revealed the cover for her new YA novel, The Door Swings Open, forthcoming in March 2026.

Congratulations times two, Kristin!

Congratulations again to all of you! Please send all your good news to Alison Hodgson at aewhodgson@gmail.com for the next Hugs and Hurrahs post. 

Welcomed into the Kid Lit Community with Open Arms by Christina Fecher

Maybe I’m just cynical, fueled by a career as an inquisitive journalist. Or perhaps it’s just because the writing industry overall – newspapers, magazines, books, you name it – is incredibly competitive.

Regardless of the reason, I’m completely amazed – and admittedly a little overwhelmed – at just how welcome the kid lit community has made me feel so far.

I guess I really shouldn’t be too surprised. I mean, we are a group of individuals striving to inspire, encourage, educate and entertain children. Not to mention foster an early appreciation for reading.

But still …

As a newcomer to the community, I’m so appreciative of how much I’ve been helped by people I’ve only just met at the SCBWI-MI Fall Conference!

My experiences have helped me believe that maybe, just maybe, I can make it as a children’s book author after all. To name a few:

The Michigan Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a great resource that I recommend others check out. There’s a mentorship program, webinars and free monthly meet ups to help you further develop your writing. They also have a blog, The Mitten, that I’ve submitted posts to on occasion. They encouraged members to submit a post, so I reached out to Kristin Lenz and her response was both quick and encouraging. That right there spoke volumes because it made me feel as though what I had to say was relevant. It was great meeting her in person earlier this month.

Every writer needs an editor, and I’m so lucky I found Louise Knott Ahern, a former journalist like myself. Maybe found isn’t the correct term since we’ve been Facebook friends for years but have never actually met. Anyway, she took on my manuscript project and helped embolden my voice. Louise smoothed areas in need of TLC, but also highlighted my strengths. She truly made it better, made me stronger. But it was more than that … her feedback built my confidence, declaring me “well-suited to writing children’s books.” And since then, she’s passed along tips and tidbits to help get me noticed.

Christina with Deborah Diesen at the fall conference.

If you have young children, then you’ve certainly read The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen time and again. In fact, it’s a favorite in our household! Well, after much consideration, I decided to reach out and email Ms. Diesen to introduce myself earlier this summer before the SCBWI-MI Fall Conference. I had never emailed a New York Times Best Selling Author before, and the interaction was nothing like I expected. First and foremost, I never even expected a response. Let alone a same-day response congratulating me on my leap into the children’s picture book world and offering insight into her publishing journey. After a few emails – and the opportunity to meet her in person at the conference – I’m definitely taking her advice to heart.

I’ve only scratched the surface into the encouragement and kindness within the kid lit community, but I already feel a confidence that I didn’t have 6 months ago. And I sincerely thank those who’ve given me a moment to say hello. It’s these simple acts of kindness that set this genre apart.

So I think I’ll go ahead and stow my skepticism, because you’ve all proven I don’t need it anymore!

Christina Fecher is a former reporter at The Detroit News, who now handles corporate communications and public relations in West Michigan where she lives with her husband and their two children. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Coming up on the Mitten blog: Adding Mystery to Your Writing, Planning a Critique Group Retreat, more Kiddie Litter cartoons, and another Member Spotlight. See you next Friday!

Overcoming Fear by Christina Fecher

When I was 13 I knew exactly what I was going to do when I grew up … become a newspaper journalist. At that ridiculously awkward time in my life (overly large glasses, braces and an untamed mop of curly hair), I was so self-conscious and shy that just thinking about talking to those so-called “popular” kids would cause me to break out in a cold sweat.

So how in the world would I pull off that career? It’s laughable to think about the previous dichotomy between my passion and personality.

Despite all the unfortunate characteristics I possessed in those formative years, I was not lacking in the stubborn department. Lord knows I was determined to be a reporter at a major metropolitan newspaper.

There was just something magnetizing about the written word and sharing stories with others. I’d like to believe it was my timid demeanor that helped me take refuge in my writing, perfecting my voice and style.

I’d like to believe it gave me the confidence to achieve my dreams, ultimately earning me accolades as an award-winning reporter with The Detroit News before switching gears into corporate communications and public relations.

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with you: accomplished and aspiring Michigan children’s book authors. Believe it or not, it does.

Like so many of you, I’ve dreamed of writing a book my entire life. Even though I’ve always been a writer, I just wasn’t sure I had the skills to springboard to that next level. How could I compare to Deborah Diesen, Sherri Duskey Rinker or Kathy-jo Wargin?

That dream always felt unreachable.

Besides, as a mother of two active littles with a loving husband and successful professional career, who had the time to chase grand dreams?

That’s the excuse I’d been telling myself for years. That is, until I took the plunge earlier this year and finished my first children’s picture book manuscript. Inspired by my children, it’s a humorous story that I hope to one day physically hold in my hands and share with others.

I haven’t received any offers … yet. But, I feel very accomplished because I finished my first manuscript. It’s half the battle, right? And now that I’ve done that, I feel like I’ve opened a creative floodgate to see ideas at every turn.

Patience isn’t one of my strong suits, but I can truly say that this process is fun and educational. I may not be as awkward as I once was, but I am certainly still stubborn (just ask my husband!) and willing to do what it takes to see this dream to fruition.

Realistically, fear was the biggest reason I hadn’t put the effort in before.

Fear I didn’t have the time. My schedule is already stretched thin, but whose isn’t? Timing will never be perfect. So, I vowed to make the time, because I deserve this for myself. I’m proud that I’ve taken the time to reach for that next goal.

Fear of the boring idea. I never thought that I was truly special, but I do have a lot to say. I regularly jot down family memories or child-rearing issues we’ve overcome to kick-start the creative writing process.

Fear of rejection. I’ve started pitching my first manuscript, and received a handful of pleasantly-worded “thanks, but no thanks” rejections. I know this is to be expected, but it’s still disappointing. My very supportive husband kindly reminds me that I only need one “yes.” It’s exactly what I need to hear.

Fear of the mommy guilt. This is the big one. As a mother who works full-time outside of our home, I love my family time because they are the other half that makes me whole. It’s not easy to divide my time with work let alone make time for myself to write. I feel selfish and guilty. I want to spend what little time I have with them while they still think I’m the coolest person on the planet. I find time while they’re napping or after bedtime. I don’t need to carve out a huge chunk; I feel satisfied when I can touch a project a few times a week. Deep down I know I shouldn’t feel guilty because doing this for me shows them it’s OK – dare I say it, even healthy – to do things for yourself every now and then.

I can’t say that my fears are fully cured. But, I now have a healthy understanding of them and a manageable way to move forward. I’m relieved that my dream of becoming a children’s book author has nagged me over the years.

Here’s to a great journey!

Christina Fecher is a former reporter at The Detroit News, who now handles corporate communications and public relations in West Michigan where she lives with her husband and their two children. She’s a new member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Thanks, Christina! Coming up on the Mitten blog: Patti Richards is busy preparing another Member Spotlight. Who will it be? Please join us next Friday.