How The Fly That Won’t Die Came to Be

You know those house flies that somehow seem to live forever? The ones that buzz around your kitchen no matter how many times you swat, shoo, or open the window? That’s where this all started — with one of those flies.

At first, it was just a passing thought: “This fly refuses to give up. It’s kind of impressive, really.” Then that silly idea stuck with me. What if that fly had a story? What if it wasn’t just annoying… what if it had a purpose?

That’s how The Fly That Won’t Die was born.

But I had a few hiccups. I never thought I could actually write or illustrate a book myself. I’ve always loved picture books and illustrating, but creating one felt like something “real authors” or “real illustrators” did — not me. So, for a long time, I did what we all do when something scares us: I procrastinated and wallowed in my self doubt.

But just like the fly, the idea wouldn’t leave either.

A year ago, I decided to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and just go for it. I told myself that the end goal didn’t have to be perfection — it just had to be finished. I wanted to see this little fly come to life somehow, even if it meant learning everything along the way.

So I wrote. I rewrote. I drew, erased, redrew, and I doubted myself many times over. But then I finally started to see this stubborn, funny little character take shape.

Now, after a year of fits and starts, ruminating in my head, mistakes and massive learning curves, The Fly That Won’t Die is finally ready to take flight.

This project started with one (or several) persistent fly — and a reminder that sometimes, the ideas that won’t leave you alone are the ones worth chasing.

I’m so excited you are here and reading about my upcoming children’s book and I can’t wait to share it! Please stay tuned!