There's a lot of me in 'Ella's Rain'

I’m often asked how much of what I write comes from personal experience. I don’t think you can be an author and not have what you are be a part of what you create. 

I was recently editing my book “Ella’s Rain,” due out early next year. At the end of the book are 365 letters Grandma wrote to Ella before she died. Grandma instructs her best friend, Maddie, who becomes Ella’s guardian upon her death, to give Ella a new note every day. 

When I wrote the notes, I thought about my sons and what I’d want them to know if I wasn’t able to grow old with them. I also thought about my sister, Wendy, and her husband, Brad, and all of my friends who have passed away and the children they left behind. What would they want their children to know? 

What I discovered while writing the notes is that many of them were born out of actual conversations I’ve had with my sons over the years. When I completed them, I felt not only good about the guidance Grandma had provided Ella, but also a sense of pride in the legacy I’m leaving behind.

Here are some of those notes. 

Believe in yourself: Sometimes it’s hard to believe in yourself. That little monster called Doubt taps you on the shoulder and makes you question if you really have what it takes. Shoo that beast away. You must believe in yourself, even if no one else believes in you. Too many dreams are lost because a person gave up too soon.

The Lion Awakens is on shelves!

The Lion Awakens is now available

I'm super happy to announce that "The Lion Awakens" has been published. *Happy Dance*

Here's the blurb

Two worlds, two teens, two destinies... 

For thirteen years, Annie Lange and David McClure believed their parents were killed in fiery car crashes. They learn the truth about the past when they find hidden messages in anonymous gifts left on their front porches. The notes lead them to a mentor who helps them discover and master their special powers, powers they will need if they have any chance of saving their world from the tyrant Goliath. 

When the lion awakens, their world is forever changed...

And here's the first review: 

Buffy Andrews has done it again! “The Lion Awakens” is adventurous, mysterious, surreal, intriguing and perfectly crafted. Not to mention, the story line is unique and compelling! As with all of her books, Ms. Andrews drags you into the story within the first few pages and keeps you there until the very end. You will want to know how, who and why, and won’t stop reading until all of the questions are answered. Nothing is predictable, and your imagination will run wild with anticipation. I highly recommend this book, and guarantee you will love it! - Sharon Kirchoff