Intro to me and my 2026 goals

Hello, hello!

My name is Samantha and I am from a small town in eastern Idaho. I'm a Realty Specialist for the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the proud aunt to 5 nieces and 5 nephews, an illustrator making silly stickers under Toad & Crow Designs on Instagram and Etsy, and in my second year in the 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge.

Living with my parents, we coparent 2 chihuahuas (they belong to my apartment-living sister), 2 rat terriers (they're my babies), 2 guinea hens and way too many chickens (all with traditionally male names, because we commit to a bit), 3 horses (we don't always claim Rusty, so sometimes 2), and a bunch of roller pigeons (the horses and pigeons are my dad's, but I'm one of the few trusted chore-doer when he's gone).

Last year in 12x12, I broke down a lot of mental walls that have kept me from writing freely for the first time since I was in my picture book writing course in college. This year I want to keep cranking out new first drafts, but I have also set goals to revise at least 3 manuscripts and share at least one in for critique. I've also been a member of SCBWI on and off since 2020 and, based on the recommendation of other 12x12 members, I'm in my first round of Storystorm as we speak.

I am learning to embrace the title “pre-published.” I'm trying not to limit myself by the fact I haven't been published… yet. So 2026 will be a year to develop and increase my portfolio, practice my illustration skills, and make connections that build me up and help me be part of a writing community.