How Old Is Your Author Photo...?

Where Fleur gets her picture taken and ponders the power of finishing things.

It January 2025—do you know how old your author photo is…?

Mine, as it turns out, was more than eight years old. That’s, like, two presidential terms, just to put it in some current events’ perspective. Too long, even for a camera-shy writer like me.

I really hate getting my picture taken. Most people do, and I think writers like it least of all. We prefer to sit in a corner with our laptops or notebooks, getting lost in the words. I tend to dress for writing, hiking, or DIY, all of which call for overalls or comfortable attire. I own about three respectable author visit outfits. (if you see me wearing the same clothes, this is why. Let’s all pretend we don’t notice.) I usually wear sneakers or hiking boots. A quick survey of my closet reminded me that I don’t own a fancy dress or nice shoes AT ALL, which might be a problem for a scheduled banquet event in a few months.

I am not much of a lady.

All the same, it was time for a new mug shot, and some of you on social media were kind enough to give me feedback on which photos you liked best. The winners were the outtakes, where my daughter (who is an amazing photographer) made me laugh. Pupper George kept trying to jump on my lap, which didn’t help things…

Here are the more respectable ones:

Thank goodness it’s done, because I’m tired of looking at myself…

I’d like to say that I won’t let eight years pass before I update my author photo, but… Yeah. I’m still going to be the same Fleur, who prefers to write a book, wear overalls and fix a fence or take a hike over wearing a nice outfit. Please forgive my wardrobe.

The thing is, I really like to see photos of other people. Sure, your cats and dogs and beautiful views are fun, but I love seeing my friends’ faces. Especially when they’re smiling. I think it’s why everyone loved my laughing photos with the dog the best: I look happy.

I like to see your happy pictures too. It reminds me of what’s important: the people.

I’ll try to be better about the picture taking thing. Let’s take more silly selfies when we meet up.

Good News

After lots of time where I had not much to talk about, this past week brought cover reveals for not one but two anthologies I have a story in.

First, here’s S’more Spooky Stories, a collection of scary campfire stories for kids, all set in various National Parks. My story The Ghost of Bigfoot takes place in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The book is out on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2nd. (How fun, no?)

Next, I have a story in Every Day a Little Death, a crime story inspired by Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. My story has the same title and is surrounded by work by some pretty big names in mystery. I am humbled I got to be a part of this book. Chapeau to master short story editor Josh Pachter.

This anthology is out March 22nd.

Both covers look amazing, I think. It lights my fire to write more short stories, where I really got my start as a writer.

What I’m Writing

I finished edits on my MG mystery! I know, that took entirely too long… I learned a few lessons while writing this one, the least of which is to not set aside a project so often. It makes me lose my train of thought and it takes forever to get back up to speed on my own notes. Next time I’ll try to just focus on one manuscript until it’s done.

Lessons learned. Now I’m getting caught up on postponed admin and this writing craft book I’ve been going back-and-forth with—another project waiting for me to just finish already. It’s close.

Where I’m Going

I’m of to NYC next weekend…! I’ve never been, so this is exciting. If you’re local and want to meet for lunch or something, let me know.

What I’m Listening To

I’m not much of a podcast listener, but my good friends Beth and Lisa always have my ear with their Writers with Wrinkles podcast. The latest episode has an interview with editor Ivan Taurisano who just says the smartest, most inspiring things about the importance of middle-grade and books for kids.

This interview reminded me of why I love to write for kids. Recommended for my fellow writers.

What I’m Reading

I love author friend Lora Senf’s middle-grade (The Clackity) and am excited to delve into her new YA The Losting Fountain. I’ve heard so many great things about this book…

The Floof

Floof and I got our picture taken too. She was very patient, for about thirty seconds. It’s got a slight bad 80s photo vibe, which I thought is cool.

Floof is a queen, clearly.