Hi, I’m Rebecca. I write books and I write here at This Joyful Mess to inspire everyone to find JOY in the everyday messes of life. Here you’ll find inspiration, educational resources, and so much more. Please explore and connect—I’d love to hear from you!
Saying Goodbye: Why I Broke Up With Instagram
I stopped posting to Instagram in November of 2020. And in so doing (or, not doing, I suppose), I noticed some things… First, there’s very little “Social” about Social Media.
When You're Past-Due ... For an Authorly FAQ
An ever-growing collection of interviews. Going forward all will be linked here for your (and my) convenience! Because I’m not much better at keeping track of links than anyone else. This list could easily serve as an FAQ, with some questions appearing in interviews more or less frequently than others. I hope you’ll enjoy pursuing the links and sharing broadly and widely with all your wonderful people!
How Jonathan Merritt Ruined (and Saved) my Blogging Life
For just under an hour I sat in the Calvin College Seminary chapel, captivated by quite possibly the most interesting (and energetic) person ever to be in Calvin College’s Seminary chapel. I took more notes at that session than all the others I attended combined. Good blog headlines? Blogging and social media? Blog-killing mistakes? I scribbled it all down. Like…
Cover Reveal for Little Red Riding Hood Retelling—Violet and the Woof!
My next release, Violet and the Woof, coming soon, has an official cover! And here it is:
My Last Two Events: What Do You Mean it's Over?
My final two events are passed: Books & Mortar and Hopscotch Children's Store Halloween Party. Halloween is officially over!
Another Super Story Time! (Thank you, Schuler Books!)
Saturday marked another release event for my first book, Halloween Good Night, and once again, we had amazing fun. Schuler Books in Grand Rapids set up everything from tables with crafts to treat bags to a cup of water for the visiting author (what, for me?!?).
Three Days, Two Fabulous Events! Robinette's Apple Haus and Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Way back in July I was arranging events to welcome Halloween Good Night into the world, but it didn't occur to me then that all the great plans I made meant I'd actually have to do things and go places. At 32 weeks pregnant, as a homeschooling mama of five already, this doing and going get complicated.
My Very First Fan Art!
My first book release included another first: the first piece of fan art I've received! After the reading and food and crafts, one sweet girl came to get her book signed, and to show me the ADORABLE picture she'd colored and decorated (one of the coloring pages available here). She agreed to allow me to share it (her mom, too), so here it is!
The Best Release Party of All Time
The release party for my first book happened just over a week ago now, and it was crazy! Crazy busy, crazy fun, crazy full of awesome people. A week (and a bit) later, I'm still glowing.
For Immediate Release! Halloween Good Night is HERE!
For Immediate Release (This is my press release!)
Counting With Globsters: Halloween Good Night is A Sweet and Not-So-Scary Educational Picture Book