About Alexandra Heep:

Alexandra Heep is a longtime writer, chronic over-thinker, and recovering content mill survivor. Her work has appeared in literary journals, anthologies, and online platforms where words are still respected. She writes children’s books, health reflections, and the occasional blog post laced with humor and hard-won honesty. After years of illness, detours, and navigating the noise of modern wellness, she returned to writing with the firm belief that stories—like people—don’t have to be perfect to matter. She publishes under multiple pen names and drinks more goat milk than you’d expect.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Fifty Years in the Making (and Counting)



Today is National Book Lovers Day, which feels like the perfect excuse to talk about books… mine, other people’s, and the ridiculous path that got me here.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a successful author. You know—towering stacks of my books in the front window of some quaint little shop, my name in that swirly font, maybe an interview where I look very thoughtful while sipping tea.

Fast forward only five decades, and I’ve made it halfway: I’m officially an author. The “successful” part? Well, that’s apparently on layaway. At this rate, I might get there by my 100th birthday—so if you’re planning to live that long, please keep an eye out.

But honestly? I love this stage. My books are alive in the world, so far being read by three actual humans (and maybe a few cats, but they’re terrible at leaving reviews). So far, I got to write about whimsical gnomes, three times over, and a misunderstood skunk (rebellious bees and health truths that don’t come shrink-wrapped in clickbait are on the way). And when someone messages me to say, “I enjoyed this—that’s its own kind of success.

So, on this National Book Lovers Day, I want to end by recommending a book that isn’t mine at all but absolutely deserves a spot in your hands: Ribbon of Sand by Mike Shannon. It’s the kind of story that lingers like the last line of a poem, both vivid and haunting—and it might just be the perfect way to celebrate today.

Because books aren’t just paper and ink. They’re worlds you get to keep.

📚 Ribbon of Sand by Mike Shannon — available now wherever good books hide.


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