004. GIVEAWAY for Substack subscribers!

(That's you! 😊)

Hello, hello, and happy June!

Usually I post on the last Sunday of the month, but today is my birthday (🥳) and I wanted to celebrate by gifting one of YOU something special as a thank you for being here and supporting me in my writerly pursuits.

For real, THANK YOU! ❤️

One of you lucky ducks will receive:

1. A signed copy of Stories by Sea

2. Stickers, bookmarks, and other nifty gifties

3. A simple lighthouse craft (for you or a child in your life!)

How it works:

This giveaway is especially for my Substack subscribers. If you’re subscribed, you’re already entered!

But if you want more chances to win:

1. For one bonus entry: Like this post on Substack

2. For two bonus entries: Comment on this post on Substack and tell me what you’re reading this summer!

3. For five bonus entries: Email or DM me a screenshot showing that you’ve either requested Stories by Sea at your local library or preordered the book

The winner will be announced on July 26th so you’ve got plenty of time for those bonus entries! Good luck!!!

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Write at Home

Summer writing fueled by cookies

Summer has been jam-packed with swimming, trips to the lake, extra time with friends, and LOTS of books. And by the time you’re reading this, we’ll be on an Alaskan cruise!

I’ve been tweaking some picture book manuscripts with my agent’s direction, and we’ve got quite a few things on submission right now with various editors. Today actually marks one year of being on sub, which feels a bit discouraging if I’m being honest.

BUT I’m reminding myself daily how grateful I am just to be here, welcoming a real book into the world in less than three months. Not many people get this chance and I have full faith that if (when) the next book comes, it will be in God’s perfect timing.

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Read at Home

Here are some books we’ve been loving lately…

Picture books: Summer-themed books are some of my FAVORITES. At the top of the list right now is Hot Dog by Doug Salati, Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry and Juana Martinez-Neal, and A Fish Like Me by Jamie Sumner and Devon Holzwarth (this book, you guys, ohhhh my goodness please please read it).

Plus honorable mention goes to All the Ice Cream in the Land by Emmy Kastner which maybe isn’t summer-themed exactly, but is a fantastic modern fairytale! Plus ice cream and summer just go together, right?!

Middle grade: I grabbed each of my big kids a themed book to read on the cruise during downtime. Jameson got the newest Montgomery Bonbon (these books are SO funny), and Nora got Odder by the incomparable Katherine Applegate.

Plus, Claire got the second book in the series she’s working through. 😊

Reading aloud: We’re about halfway through What Happened Then by Erin Soderberg Downing, which is perfect for this time of year (summer family mystery set in a lake house on a private island), and we recently finished the audiobook of Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Hoping to watch the movie adaptation soon!

I’d love to know what you’re reading this summer!

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Stories by Sea has been making waves!

Early reviews have been trickling in for Stories by Sea (check them all out on Goodreads and Barnes & Noble!) and it’s been making my heart SO happy to see that readers are connecting with this story already.

Check out what these kind reviewers have said:

“As a writer, library worker, and lighthouse lover, I anticipated liking this book. But after reading it, I suspect that Jessica Iwanski could write about my least favorite topic and I would fall in love with that book as well. As soon as I finished reading it, I went right back to the beginning and read it again so I could savor every word. … This is a must-read for anyone who loves books and libraries!” — Becky Scharnhorst, award-winning author of Best Buds and How to Get Your Octopus to School

“This lyrical picture book is SO special, and so beautifully executed—every word, every page, every illustration sings with its love of lighthouses, books, and readers. I really enjoyed this fascinating step back into a time when a book was precious and eagerly awaited cargo. A great addition to home, school, and library bookshelves!” — Mona Voelkel, author of Stanley and the Wild Words and Moon Choo-Choo

“There is so much to love about this story, from its beautiful prose that sings off the page to its stunning illustrations filled with tiny details. I have no doubt that this book will capture the hearts and minds of readers everywhere for years to come!” — Kristi Mahoney, award-winning author of Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians and Owls Make Terrible Teachers

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Upcoming Events

If you’re local, please consider joining me at a launch event this fall!

9/23 at 10:00 AM: Storytime at Beyond Words Bookstore in Mesa. This event is geared towards ages 5 and under, but siblings are welcome!

10/3 at 10:00 AM: Storytime at Atticus Books in Fountain Hills.

10/17 from 10am-12pm: Open house BOOK LAUNCH PARTY at Literally, a Bookshop in Gilbert. This is the big shebang, the official celebration, and you’re all invited! There will be freebies, activities, cool lighthouse stuff to look at and try on, a storytime, and book signings! Bring your copy of Stories by Sea or snag one in-store and I’ll personalize it for you.

10/24 from 11:30am-12pm: Storytime at the Dana Park Barnes & Noble.

Can’t wait to see you SOON! 😊