(Mary Byrne wrote this description of her writing inspiration in ths summer of 2019 before the unexpected tragedy of a fatal cebreral hemorrhage.)

You have to write the book that wants to be written.  
And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
~ Madeleine L’Engle ~

I write picture books because I like to play. Play with words and images and being a kid and being old and being human and being alive.

Several times a week, I wake up and go play by the beach. I cross my fingers and hope for a parking spot with an ocean view. Never fails. Move over to the passenger seat. Pile my books on the dashboard (careful not to block the view — never know when a dolphin will leap by). Take out my pink “I Love NY” cushion (Voila! A desk!), put my computer on my lap and wait for my friends to appear and tell me a story.

About a year ago or so, Lila showed up with quite a tale about her Grammy! Grammy!

"Grammy, Grammy?" I asked rather skeptically. Tall tales are a dime a dozen.

"Why yes," said Lila, "I call her Grammy! Grammy! because she always says, 'Anything worth doing once is worth doing twice.'"

I was intrigued. "Like what?"

"Oh," said Lila,  “You wouldn’t believe what happens when Grammy! Grammy! and I go for an adventure.”

 ‘Try me,” I said.

 And, as they say, the rest is "our" story called, Grammy! Grammy! and the Magic Hat.

Enjoy! Enjoy!

 P.S. Almost forgot my own tale… I’m a former advertising executive, film producer and teacher who grew up to be a picture book author for the young and young at heart. This summer, my first picture book for children, Grammy! Grammy and the Magic Hat! is being published by Dayton Publications. In the fall, How To Do Old, a whimsical take on the simple joys of being old — in few words and vibrant watercolour illustrations — will be published by Alma House.  The third picture book, Lovebird (2020), tells the poignant story of a little girl who is homeless with only one wish — to see her Mama smile again.

Meanwhile, I continue to write by the sea and wait for a visit from my beach buddies.