Dear Creative Souls,
- K.M. Cookie
- Dec 2
- 3 min read
Three years ago, as I approached a milestone birthday, I gathered friends around me and declared something terrifying and exhilarating to the world: "I'm going to write a book."
One year later, we celebrated again—this time because the manuscript was complete. Rough, raw, filled with typos and syntax errors, but the work was done.
But today, we celebrate the publishing of that book. 526 pages. Years of cultural research. Reading, re-reading, and reading again. 100+ carefully curated songs. 30 original black-and-white photographs. A 16-page bibliography.
But today—we celebrate something even more profound.
The Story Behind the Name
Song of Hummingbird Highway (originally titled Broken Melody) releases next year on Valentine's Day, 2026. I always wanted to do something to celebrate “loving yourself” for Valentines day, and this feels like the perfect moment.
This celebration isn't really about a book launch. It's about what the journey represents for all of us.
When I first titled this work Broken Melody, I thought I was capturing something essential about Terri's journey. But as the story evolved, I realized I had it wrong. Terri's story isn't about being broken—it's about being adaptable, about loving life, about living each day to the fullest despite betrayal, loss, and impossible choices.
Hummingbird Highway is a real place in Belize, running from Belmopan to Dangriga on the Caribbean coast—one of the world's most scenic drives through rainforest, lush hills, green valleys, and the Maya Mountain range. That highway becomes a metaphoric path through Terri's life. Just as hummingbirds represent optimism, joy, healing, and hope—messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds, embodying swiftness and the ability to embrace life fully—that's Terri's journey. That's our journey.
The Pink Sparkle Companion
Along the way, I picked up a trusted companion: my pink sparkle Chuck Taylor shoes.
For those who don't know the story, here it is. I knew I needed to build social media to reach an audience for my book. But I don't feel comfortable in pictures. I've spent my life being in the moment, not shooting the frame. More often than not, my eyes are closed, my left lip quivers into a crooked smile, or my stringy hair flies haphazardly in all directions.
This is why my shoes became my social media stars.
What PINK Really Stands For
These pink sparkle Chuck Taylors have carried me through early morning writing sessions, through doubt, through celebration. They remind me what PINK represents:
P for Proud, Positive, Passionate, and Present
I for Indestructible
N for Now—being fully present in this moment
K for Kicking ass when it's needed
What Success Really Means
Years ago, a writing teacher gave us an assignment: Write your wildest, most unbelievable dreams. What would you say to someone interviewing you? What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn't just book sales or awards (though I'm working toward both—including my ambitious goal of translations in 17 languages to honor the communities that inspired this story).
Success means celebrating with friends. It's about embracing what makes you vulnerable. It's congratulating yourself for what you've accomplished. It's having the courage to talk about your dreams and keep going even when the path isn't clear.
Success is reading your favorite author, designing your backyard, watching your son step into adulthood, completing that project that's been calling you.
Your Journey Matters
This celebration isn't about my book—it's about your creative journey. Whether you wear five-inch heels or Chuck Taylors, whether your passion is writing, painting, gardening, building, teaching, or simply living more authentically—take the journey.
The story is the courage to follow your dreams. The celebration is recognizing that you're already on that path.
And So I Ask You:
Are you creating?
With appreciation and love, K.M. Cookie
P.S. Song of Hummingbird Highway releases February 14, 2026. It's available now for pre-order, and I'm building toward 500+ advance orders. If this story of maternal love, cultural bridge-building, and spiritual transformation speaks to you, I'd be honored if you'd join me on this journey.
Pre-order now:
Follow the journey: Instagram @kmcookieauthor
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