Category Potter Knows Best

Mar 27 2026

Get Freebies Through Cheryl McKay’s New Mailing List & a Christmas Writing Update

Since I started this blog over a decade ago, some of you have signed up for updates by email or through the WordPress subscribe button. I would so appreciate it if you would shift over to subscribing to my brand new mailing list.

I have Two Freebie Options for you, when you sign up.

One related to POTTER KNOWS BEST, the other related to training videos on writing. Choose the one below that interests you most when you sign up:

To Sign Up for 2 Free Writing Training Videos on Plotting and Organizing Script Projects, use this link or click on the graphic below:

For a FREE Discussion Guide and FREE Printable Coloring Pages for Kids for the POTTER KNOWS BEST book series, please click here or click on the graphic below.

I will also send periodic updates about my books, films, TV series, and writing tips.

For those of you with an email like gmail, your freebie Welcome email with links will likely land in your Promotions folder. Please drag this over to your Inbox after arrival if you want to be sure my future emails go to your Inbox as well.

You can unsubscribe anytime, if it’s not for you. Most of the time I enjoy writing scripts and books, far and above newsletters. So I won’t be one of those every day newsletter senders.

And speaking of writing scripts, I had a fantastic time this past month adapting one of my favorite author’s novels into a screenplay. It was Christy Barritt’s novel, Home to Chestnut Grove, now titled Christmas in Chestnut Grove.

Even Socks helped–or interrupted–a lot! Depending on how you look at it.

The novel story is so charming! I also had a blast imagining quite a few of my favorite actors, many of whom I’m worked with, in the roles. Sometimes that helps my writing come to life. Their unique voices chattering away.

For those of you who are writers: Do you also do that when you draft a screenplay?

Drop me a note or a blog comment when you get a chance.

Aug 22 2025

Potter Knows Best – A Dream Becomes a Book

Hello friends,

I can hardly believe I get to write this post: Potter Knows Best: Who Am I? has officially been released into the world!

This little book began as a story tucked into my heart over 10 years ago—a picture of the Potter shaping clay into something beautiful and useful. I wanted to share with children (and the adults who love them) that same truth:

We are each wonderfully and purposefully made by God.

In the story, we meet Daisy, her cat Socks, and the curious Little Bowl who longs to understand her place in the Potter’s shop.

Through whimsical adventures, we discover that every piece of pottery has a purpose, just like every child does. (And when the Potter’s away, the pots will play–and speak!)

One of the things that makes this book extra special to me is that it’s personal.

The artwork is inspired by my own family—Daisy is based on me as a child, the Potter is modeled after my father, and Socks the cat is drawn straight from my real-life pet. Even my mom plays Grandma (the Potter’s wife) and my sister plays Daisy’s older sister, Heather. (I also try to work my sister’s name in to just about every script I write.)

Here’s a peek into a few of the photos used for inspiration:

These familiar faces made the illustrations come alive in a way that felt both intimate and joyful. In fact, over a decade ago, I had this storybook illustrated, but the characters never looked quite right to me. So I shelved the project…for such a time as this.

A time when messages about self-worth, purpose, and value for children are so important.

This is more than just a book release for me. It’s the beginning of a series I hope will encourage families, spark imagination, and open conversations about faith.

I have some free downloadable giveaways on my website: (scroll to the bottom of the site)

Potterknowsbest.com

Books 3 and 4 are coming in October 2025, “The Breakable Crackables,” which is where I get the chance to add my husband to the Potter Knows Best family. And let’s just say Socks has a much bigger (and mischievous) role.

If you’d like to get your own copy, Potter Knows Best: Who Am I? is now available through the series link on Amazon: (The storybook is available on both Kindle and Paperback. The coloring and activity book in paperback only.) (If you click links to Amazon, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.)

Potter Knows Best Series

Coming soon will also be the narrated audio book version with one of my favorite actresses. More news on that to come.

It’s perfect for storytime, bedtime, or gifting to the little ones in your life.

I’d love for you to join me on this journey! This is just the beginning—more books are planned, and even dreams of audio dramas and animation down the road.

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me. I pray that this story brings joy, wonder, and a reminder that the Potter knows best.

With gratitude,

Cheryl

PSALM 139:14

P.S. Here’s a peek into an illustration from early on, when first establishing the settings and styles, that didn’t make the book. But it’s one that I love seeing the likeness of my 3rd grade self hanging out with my mom and dad.