By Linda Thull
Sometimes life takes us down a road we never expected, and along the way, something beautiful begins.
My journey as an author started during a difficult chapter in my life. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness, I found myself sitting down to write my memoirs. I began putting my life's experiences into words, sharing memories, challenges, and moments that had shaped the person I had become.
When I finished, I took a leap of faith and sent my manuscript to a publishing company.
And then came the waiting.
While waiting to hear what the next step would be, I discovered something about myself that I hadn't expected.
I missed writing.
I missed sitting down with my thoughts, watching words turn into stories, and feeling the excitement of bringing something to life on paper.
That's when a little idea began to grow.
I had a very special little dachshund named Friday. He wasn't just a pet. He was my companion, my little shadow, and a very dear friend. Anyone who has ever loved a dog knows that they have a special way of finding their way into your heart.
I wanted to share that special bond through stories.
At first, I thought about writing adventures featuring Friday and myself. But then I had to smile. I wasn't quite sure children would be as excited about reading adventures starring a little dog and his grown-up best friend!
So I decided to do something a little different.
What if I became a little girl again?
And just like that, Izzy was born!
Izzy would be the little girl version of me, and Friday would be her faithful dachshund and best friend. Together, they could explore the world, discover new things, and share the kind of friendship that makes even an ordinary day feel like an adventure.
But as I began writing, something even more meaningful happened.
I realized these stories could be about so much more than a little girl and her dog.
Through Izzy and Friday, I had an opportunity to reach the hearts of children. I could gently share lessons about kindness, love, friendship, patience, and caring for others, not through lectures, but through adventures children could enjoy and understand.
And with beautiful, colorful illustrations bringing each story to life, children could feel as though they were right there alongside Izzy and Friday.
My hope was that children would fall in love with these two little characters, laugh at their adventures, and perhaps carry a little piece of what they learned into their own lives.
Because sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.
Looking back, I never imagined that sitting down to write my memoirs during a difficult time would lead me to creating a children's book series. What began as a way to share my own life story opened the door to an entirely new adventure.
And that is how The Adventures of Izzy & Friday began.
Today, every story I write holds a little piece of my heart. Friday's special place in my life continues through these books, and Izzy gives me the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a child once again.
If just one child finishes an Izzy and Friday adventure feeling encouraged to be a little kinder, love a little deeper, or be a better friend, then these stories have accomplished something truly wonderful.
What started as my love for writing became my love for sharing something meaningful with children.
And the best part?
Izzy and Friday still have so many adventures waiting to be told.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you'll come back and visit as I share more about the stories, the characters, and the little pieces of my heart tucked inside each book.
With love,
Linda Thull
Author of The Adventures of Izzy & Friday
