Sometimes the busiest seasons produce the quietest blogs.
Dirt Dog’s blog has been a little quiet around here lately; don’t worry—Dirt Dog hasn’t disappeared. In fact, these past few months have been some of the busiest and most exciting since this journey began.
Where I’ve Been
I’ve experienced exciting opportunities, lots of behind-the-scenes work, and more than a few very early morning as the Dirt Dog and Friends family continues to grow.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an author is that writing the books is only the beginning. A published book is the catalyst for new adventures. Suddenly you’re wearing a dozen different hats—updating websites, preparing for conferences, designing promotional materials, scheduling interviews, contacting bookstores and libraries, and finding new ways to connect with readers.
We’ve also been preparing for conferences and author events by designing new displays, bookmarks, posters, and welcome materials. I never imagined how much work happens behind the scenes before a single book ever reaches a child’s hands, but every step is worth it when I hear from families who tell me their children are asking to read “just one more story.”
Joy Between the Busy
Of course, life hasn’t been all work!
Between the conferences, deadlines, and book events, life also made room for something just as important—celebrating the people God has placed in my life. My birthday overflowed with laughter, meaningful conversations, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the candles are blown out. Around the dinner table and on the porch, I spent time with dear friends—some who’ve shared decades of life’s journey with me and others whose friendships are just beginning. Every conversation reminded me that some of God’s greatest blessings come wrapped in the gift of people.
Lessons from the Garden
I’ve also recommitted to a hobby that I abandoned for the last two years due to writing, moving a couple of times, and multiple construction projects—gardening!
What started with two or three trees quickly turned into a little backyard collection. I’ve been learning how to care for olive, avocado, citrus, peach, and pomegranate trees, along with herbs, succulents, and vegetables. Like writing, gardening has taught me that growth takes patience. Sometimes you water faithfully and wait. Other times you prune. And then you celebrate the tiniest signs of new life. And every now and then, you find yourself cheering because a struggling tree surprises you with fresh green leaves.
Those quiet mornings outside have become wonderful reminders that God is always at work, even when we can’t immediately see the results.
Planting Seeds for the Future
As busy as life has been, my heart remains the same. My passion continues to be helping children develop strong literacy skills while encouraging faith, character, kindness, courage, and a love for our country. Every new project, every book, every activity, and every event is simply another opportunity to invest in the next generation.
Looking Ahead
There are still many exciting announcements to come in the months ahead, and I can’t wait to share them with you. Be watching for upcoming events, interviews, new resources, activity books, audiobooks, and a few surprises we’ve been quietly working on behind the scenes.
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
Looking back over the past few months, I’m amazed by all God has done. Here are just a few highlights:
- Interview with Literary Titan and Next Best Reads
- Featured in South Brunswick Magazine
- Book signing at Rourk Library and Barnes & Noble
- Author panels at libraries and even one on the beach!
- Literary Titan review of Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom
- Golden Scroll Finalist for Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom
- Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Dirt Dog Invites Prissy Poodle to the Prom
- Christian Market Finalist AND Golden Scroll Finalist for America’s Birthday Hero!
His Hand Guiding Me
As exciting as awards and new opportunities are, they aren’t what matter most to me.
What fills my heart with gratitude and hope is seeing God’s faithfulness over the years. Looking back, I can see His hand guiding me even through my wrong choices in different seasons of my life that prepared me for the work He’s called me to today. A couple of familiar scriptures come to mind as the tears roll down my face:
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans filled with hope and a future.
Exodus 14:14 encourages us that “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Psalm 139 reminds us that every one of our days was known to God before one of them came to be.
A Hope for the Next Generation
Just as God worked in an individual life, He can work in us all. As America celebrates her 250th birthday, I believe there is still great hope for our nation. My prayer is that we will once again become a unified people who love the Lord, pursue truth, choose goodness, and love one another well.
Seeds don’t become trees overnight, and children don’t become tomorrow’s leaders after reading just one story. Every book we place in a child’s hands is an opportunity to plant seeds of faith, kindness, courage, character, and a love for our country. With God’s help, those tiny seeds will grow into the next generation of parents, teachers, pastors, first responders, military service members, and community leaders who will preserve the freedoms we’ve been blessed to enjoy. That’s why every story matters.
Tiny Tot Tiger Says Happy Birthday, America! – Book 2 of Dirt Dog and Friends – released June 2026. A patriotic book for ages 4-8 that teaches children appreciation for our country and the men and women who protect it.
America’s Birthday Hero – Book 2 of Pets to the Rescue; A Cousin Crew Series – released April 2026. A patriotic book for ages 7-10 that explains our freedom, how we got it, and what protects it.
Until Next Time
Thank you for following along on this wonderful journey and for cheering me on, praying for this ministry, sharing the books with the children in your lives, and becoming part of the Dirt Dog and Friends family. Your encouragement means more than you know. Until next time…
With gratitude,
Lisa M. Pritchard
Author • Former Educator • Literacy Advocate
“If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, I’ve been busy planting seeds—both literally and figuratively.”
Note: I NEED YOUR HELP. If you have read any of my books and find them worthy of a review, please locate the book on Amazon, scroll down to the reviews section, then click leave a review. Thank you. Reviews help new authors more than you know.
You can find links or more information to all of this on www.dirtdogandfriends.com, www.praying-prodigals.com, or www.petstotherescuecc.com
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